top of page
Search

February is out like a lion. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

  • Writer: Marilyn Carter
    Marilyn Carter
  • Feb 28
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 2


As March approaches, the saying, "in like a lion and out like a lamb" comes to mind.

 

This morning, we awoke to the news of military strikes on Iran.

 

Many within the Persian diaspora have shared with me their deep fears and hopes for the future of the Iranian people. At the same time, we must recognize that a war of choice such as this one will have significant repercussions here at home - even if the effects are hard to predict.


What remains certain is that the right to vote in free and fair elections has been enshrined in our constitution, distinguishing the United States from autocratic nations. It is a right we must cherish, fiercely defend (like a lion!) and exercise.


In our region of North Carolina, primary elections often determine the outcome of the general election. Now is the time to make our voices heard by voting. Vote on Tuesday, March 3.


-Marilyn

If you have already voted - thank you!


If not, vote on Election Day Tuesday, March 3. 

Details:

orangecountync.gov/1216/Sample-Ballots-Maps-Voting-Location-Info 




FEBRUARY IN PICTURES:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH, THE LUNAR NEW YEAR AND THE 48th LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST ON MENTAL HEALTH.



On Feb. 19, Friends of the Library and James Williams hosted a memorial to the 1901 farewell address of US Congressman George H White.


Dr. Sonny Kelly re-enacted the speech and brought the house to its feet.

Following a period in which the Red Shirts terrorized black voters in the southeast, redistricting in North Carolina decreased the number of African Americans in White's district, and he lost his election.


Speakers included former Congressman G.K. Butterfield, Commissioner Sally Greene, UNC historian Jim Leloudis and attorney Hilary Klein. 

- with Commissioners Phyllis Portie-Ascott and Jamezetta Bedford.



At the invitation of Chapel Hillian Xia Zhou Mullen, I was pleased to attend a Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 12 with Commissioner Phyllis Portie-Ascott, where we had an opportunity to chat with NC Senator Jay Chaudhuri.



On February 7, I attended the 48th Legislative Breakfast on Mental Health in Chapel Hill. Panelists included NC Rep. Allen Buansi and NC Rep. Renée Price, in bipartisan discussions about the need for continued investment and recurring state funding for programs supporting mental health in North Carolina.

 

This includes expanding access to behavioral health crisis care and mental health services in schools.

 

As always, I welcome your questions and comments at marilyncarterforoc@gmail.com.





Marilyn Carter

Orange County Commissioner



Paid for by Friends of Marilyn Carter

 
 
bottom of page