Wayne Week — Dec. 15, 2024

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Wayne

WEEK

Winter Wonderland The Goldsboro Ballet continued a Wayne County tradition by performing "The Nutcracker" at the Paramount Theatre, but if you did not get the chance to attend, there are plenty of holiday events on the horizon. page 20

CITY ASKS JUDGE TO MAKE ANTONIO WILLIAMS PAY AFTER LAWSUIT FAILS p. 4

ESTRADA HONORED IN NYC FOR COURAGE

p. 12

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CONTENTS DECEMBER 15, 2024 Volume 2, Issue 16

NEWOLDNORT H .CO M

EDITORIAL EDITOR Ken Fine EDITOR Renee Carey DESIGN DIRECTOR Shan Stumpf PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Casey Mozingo

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Hallie Hulse Evans ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE McKayla Alves ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lara Landers

PUBLISHER

New Old North Media LLC

CONTACTS EDITORS

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES hevans@newoldnorth.com llanders@newoldnorth.com malves@newoldnorth.com

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WAYNE WEEK (ISSN 2993-9666) is published weekly — except the week of Christmas, Easter, and July 4 — for $125 per year by New Old North Media, LLC, 219 N. John Street, Goldsboro, NC, 27530. Periodicals postage paid at at Goldsboro, NC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to WAYNE WEEK, 219 N. John Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

4 City seeks money from Williams The attorney that represented the city of Goldsboro and one of its former department heads after former City Council member Antonio Williams sued them is asking a judge, now that Williams' grievance was dismissed, to make him pay nearly $5,000 in legal costs associated with the defense.

6 WCPS gets clean financial audit Not quite five years after a $5 million budget deficit resulted in the resignation of Wayne County Public Schools' superintendent and finance officer, the district's General Fund balance is at its highest level in a decade.

8 Davis talks SJAFB, F-15Es

Congressman Don Davis is not ready to stop fighting for the future of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base — or the F-15E Strike Eagles commanded by men and women stationed at the Goldsboro installation.

12 Estrada wins at Patriot Awards

A Wayne School of Engineering graduate turned Morehead Scholar was honored in New York City for ensuring an American flag targeted by anti-Israel protestors on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus was protected.

18 Spectator

Members of the Goldsboro Ballet continued a Wayne County tradition last week by putting on several memorable performances of "The Nutcracker."

20 Holiday calendar

There are plenty of opportunities to engage in some holiday cheer as local businesses, churches, and other organizations gear up for Christmas.

COVER PHOTO BY ABIDING IMAGES

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NEWS +VIEWS

City to judge: Make Williams pay

An attorney who represented Goldsboro and one of the city’s former department heads after they were unsuccessfully sued by former City Councilman Antonio Williams has asked the court to force him to pay them back for some of their legal expenses.

BY KEN FINE AND RENEE CAREY

T

he lawsuit might have been dismissed by a federal judge earlier this year, but the saga that began when former Goldsboro City Councilman Antonio Williams sued the city and one of its former department heads is not quite over.

Now, the city wants some of its money back.

In a court filing obtained by Wayne Week, attorney Elizabeth Stephens asked the judge to force Williams to pay nearly $5,000 in legal costs associated with three depositions taken in October 2023.

“Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d)(1) provides that costs other than attorney’s fees should be awarded to the prevailing party,” Stephens wrote in the “Memorandum of Law In Support Of Defendants’ Bill of Costs” filed in late November. “A prevailing party may be awarded costs for fees incurred incident to the taking of depositions including the reporter’s fee and charge for one transcript of the deposition.”

Last week, Williams, now a representative on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, responded — claiming that Goldsboro’s attorney missed the deadline for filing the memorandum and, thus, should receive nothing.

“According to the L.R. 54.1(a)(1), the Bill of Costs was required to be filed within 30 days after the judgment, or no later than October 30, 2024,” his attorney, James Hairston Jr., wrote. “The Bill of Costs sub judice was filed on November 21, 2024 … or otherwise Twenty-two days late. Thus, according to L.R. 54.1(a)(3), the Defendants’ failure to timely file the Bill of Costs ‘shall constitute a waiver of any claim for costs.’ Clearly, according to the applicable local rule, the Defendants have waived their claim for costs.”

But Stephens fired back.

The 30-day time limit, she argued, did not begin until “after the expiration of time allowed for appeal of a final judgment or decree” — which would have been Oct. 30 — making the city’s request both early and legally sound.

“Defendants filed their Bill of Costs on November 21, 2024, 21 days after the expiration of time allowed for Plaintiff to appeal the final judgment,” she wrote to the court Dec. 6. “Accordingly, Defendants Bill of Costs was timely 4

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Antonio Williams

filed because it was submitted within 30 days after the expiration of time allowed for Plaintiff to appeal the final judgment.”

•

•

•

Should Williams ultimately be forced to pay the city, it would mark an ironic ending to litigation the former commissioner believed, just a few months ago, would see him on the receiving end of tens of thousands of dollars.

In fact, when he first filed the lawsuit Sept. 20, 2022, he demanded a minimum of $125,000 in damages for allegations including “defamation,” “abuse of process,” and “malicious prosecution.”

The money, he argued, was due because

the city and former Community Relations Director Shycole Simpson-Carter “acted in concert” to “publicly humiliate” him and “undermine his integrity.”

He alleged he had suffered “severe emotional distress and mental anguish” and accused them of discriminating against him “on the basis of his race” — despite the fact that Simpson-Carter is also black.

The commissioner also said he had lost — “and may continue to lose” — what he characterized as “substantial wages, future earnings, and the enjoyment of life.”

And as recently as Aug. 5, Williams had reason to believe he might be the recipient of a $45,000 settlement that would have put an end to the matter, after an agreement was reached Aug. 5 during a “settlement conference” conducted before Magistrate Judge James Gates that was attended by Interim City Manager Matthew Livingston.

A transcript of the hearing — which was obtained by Wayne Week — revealed that Stephens, the attorney representing the defense, told Gates a deal had been made.

“The parties have agreed to a settlement of all claims in this matter for a total sum of $45,000. Additional settlement terms will include the release of all claims by the plaintiff,” she said. “The dismissal will be filed by plaintiff with prejudice within five days after receipt of the settlement funds, which shall be disbursed within approximately seven days after a settlement agreement is executed. There will be no admission of liability by the parties. There shall be a mutual non-disparagement clause. There shall also be standard clauses with respect to taxation and other ancillary matters included in any settlement agreement. And as noted, it’s the anticipation of the parties that we will have drafted and executed a settlement agreement within the next couple of days.”

But that settlement was subject to approval by the City Council, and when its members got wind, later that evening, of the proposed deal, the majority adamantly rejected the prospect of paying Williams anything — opting instead, via a 5-2 vote, to allow the legal process to play out.

And while the council’s vote to reject the proposed payout to Williams was conducted in closed session, a confidential source who was in the room during the vote told Wayne Week that the commissioner and his legal team were “shocked” and “angered” by the turn of events — despite the fact that based on the discussion held between council members, “there was never any doubt (Williams) wasn’t going to get a dime.”

United States Magistrate Judge Brian Meyers made sure of that more than a month later — throwing out the lawsuit Sept. 30 because, in his opinion, it contained “no material facts” to support Williams’ claims.

He said Williams’ “malicious prosecution and abuse of process claims fail,” and that he had “not pointed to any legal authority indicating that he was deprived of protected ‘liberty’ or ‘property’ interest when he was investigated by or called to a censure proceeding before a quasi-judicial government body in the context of his elected office.”

He wrote that “no rational jury” could find that Williams had “suffered special damages.”

And in the case of several of the claims, Meyers wrote that “even viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to plaintiff,” Williams had failed “to defeat the evidence that defendants present.”

Now, the judge will likely be called upon again to rule on whether the former councilman will be forced to cut a check to the very government he unsuccessfully sued.

Simpson-Carter hopes he will rule in the city’s favor — if for no other reason than to send a message.

“Regrettably, Mr. Williams chose to pursue a frivolous lawsuit, apparently believing that the fear mongering might pressure us into a settlement for his personal gain,” she told Wayne Week. “Therefore, to encourage him to cease such behaviors and act in good faith, I consider it appropriate to seek reimbursement for our legal fees, regardless of the amount, as a means to redirect any of his misguided future urges. There’s a wise saying my elementary teachers would say to bullies in the sandbox. ‘Don’t choose the wrong target.

You might not enjoy the consequences.’” n

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Less than five years after a $5 million budget deficit had Wayne County Public Schools reeling, the district's General Fund balance is at a 10-year high.

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ess than five years after a $5 million budget deficit resulted in the resignation of Wayne County Public Schools’ superintendent and finance officer, the district’s financial house is thriving.

And according to an audit report submitted

by Anderson Smith & Wike PLLC Nov. 29, much of the credit belongs to members of the Board of Education.

In fact, the accountants noted that the board had “implemented significant cost savings” over the past three years that “allowed the General Fund to add fund balance in an attempt to improve the financial stability” of WCPS as a whole.

The following are among the highlights noted by Anderson Smith & Wike PLLC: • The Board’s General Fund reported an increase of $80,000 in fund balance to $9.5 million and the Restricted Grants fund reported an increase of $2.4 million in fund balance to $10.3 million.

• The General Fund’s $9.5 million balance puts it at its highest level in more than 10 years.

• The firm noted that during the audit, it did not identify “any deficiencies in internal control” that it would consider “material weaknesses.”

• No findings were noted that would have required the firm to report WCPS under government auditing standards.

The audit report comes as the district continues to push for additional funding from the Wayne County Board of Commissioners — an effort that went public earlier this year when Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard hosted a public meeting at the Maxwell Center where he, among other things, called for more financial support for WCPS to increase teacher stipends and complete much-needed upgrades and improvements at several campuses.

And while Anderson Smith & Wike PLLC noted that the district’s student population had decreased by 187 students

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from 2023 to 2024, the board said it “anticipates an increased enrollment over the next several years” — adding that should that happen, WCPS would need “continued increases in classroom space, teachers, and equipment.”

“County funding is a major source of income for the Board,” the report reads.

Back in March, Whichard and members of the School Board met with commissioners and county staff in the hopes of charting a path toward additional funding for the district.

Since then, WCPS has been removed from the state’s “Low-Performing District” list, has shuttered the Edgewood Community Developmental School campus, and moved several school populations in a “facility utilization” effort the superintendent said would save taxpayers some $750,000 a year.

And now, with a clean audit in hand and a General Fund that is at its healthiest point in a decade, district leaders feel strongly that they are proving themselves to be good stewards of the money given to them by the county.

Whichard told Wayne Week he hopes the findings will “strengthen trust” as he continues to push for increased support of the district.

And he applauded everyone from board members to WCPS staff for ensuring a “strong and firm financial foundation” exists.

“I am very pleased with the preliminary audit findings. They are a direct result of the ongoing efforts by staff, along with the Wayne County Board of Education, to help our school district have a strong and firm financial foundation, which ultimately supports the critical work that is happening daily in our schools and in our classrooms,” he said. “We are hopeful the findings further strengthen trust with regards to the school district’s fiscal management and oversight, both now and moving forward, as we continue to advocate to public leaders and the greater community for increased support of our schools.”n

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25 minutes with Congressman Don Davis Coming off a November Election Night victory, Congressman Don Davis says he remains motivated to protect Goldsboro's Air Force base — and its fleet of F-15E Strike Eagles.

BY KEN FINE

W

you still should consider the impact that it would have on any community. And when you then begin to look at everything that’s been presented, how do you land then on a decision where you go into one of the most economically-distressed areas of the country, in Eastern North Carolina, and begin to divest? I must be very candid that I was just really upset. That’s why I got into the fight.

ednesday, recently re-elected Congressman Don Davis spoke with Wayne Week to talk about the future of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, its fleet of F-15E Strike Eagles, and his role in the fight to ensure the Goldsboro installation — and its airmen — are protected from a future divestment announced in 2024.

The following responses from Davis have not been edited:

ON WHY THE F-15E IS SO IMPORTANT:

ON HOW HE WILL ADDRESS THE ISSUE IN 2025:

When we talk specifically about F-15Es, you’re talking about the ability to establish air superiority. It’s the speed of this aircraft. I mean, the firepower that it brings to the fight. It’s just enormous. And that’s why it’s no surprise, you know, when we look, for instance, at conflicts that have been taking place in the Middle East, that you see that … we’re playing a major role in all of this. We also saw with the threat of Iran — as drones and rockets began to fire (at Israel) — that the F15Es capabilities was something that was called on by the commander in chief to actually go up and help with knocking these rockets and drones down. We play, without any doubt, a very critical role in our nation’s national security.

We are fighting the fight right now. We’re pushing back and we will continue to push back against the Air Force and stand with Seymour Johnson, Wayne County, and Eastern North Carolina. At the end of the day, I believe that’s what is most important — not only protecting the American people by delivering an aircraft that just has amazing capabilities … (but also) our local economy. That’s huge. So, we’re gonna stay in this. It’s the right fight for the right reason.

ON HOW HE FEELS ABOUT WORKING WITH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION:

ON THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT COMES WITH REPRESENTING A MILITARY COMMUNITY:

We can be proud of that when we hear the sounds of those jets going by, because it really is the sound of freedom.

Because it’s more than just people that we may know on the ground and their families that we see around the community. These are servicemembers — airmen — who have been deployed and sent into some very often dangerous areas of the world.

ON HOW HE FELT WHEN HE HEARD ABOUT THE PLANNED DIVESTMENT OF F-15Es AND DEACTIVATION OF THE 333RD LANCERS:

To be clear, one squadron is equal to about approximately 520 jobs that will be cut and lost out of the community, and some of the conversations I was engaged in, that was just the beginning of it. There was even some communication of a second divestment or cut of a second squadron at Seymour that would be forthcoming and you know, for me, that’s when I joined the fight. I said, ‘There is just no way.’

I’m from Eastern North Carolina. I understand the impact that this would have not only on Wayne County, but on Eastern North Carolina. Someone raised to me a point of just how much their business relies on serving families that are stationed at Seymour Johnson. So, this is a rippling effect when we talk about — or start talking about — cutting jobs. … I’m saying all this to say that we understand the economic impact of this base on the community. You’re talking almost $1 billion of impact each year. That’s huge.

It’s major. So, we had to get in the fight. Because, for me, we can never set the stage for … closure. The pathway toward gently moving toward closing the base is realigning 8

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U.S. Representative Don Davis its mission. And that was part of the conversations. So, for me, we need to be clear. We bring a lot to the fight. And we have to continue to stand with the Air Force base in realizing the vital role it provides — not only for our local economy, but for our nation.

ON WHETHER HE FOUND IT STRANGE THAT DIVESTMENTS WERE BEING PLANNED AS F-15Es WERE BEING CALLED UPON TO LEAD STRIKES IN DEFENSE OF ISRAEL:

I’m not going to say it’s only odd. I’m going to say it’s unacceptable. Based on my experience in engaging on this issue — this whole issue with the Air Force — our office, we’ve received mixed messages. At the end of the day, that’s why I called to task the (Secretary of the Air Force) on this. That’s why we’ve been all in on this fight. At the end of the day, especially as a member of the Armed Services Committee, that’s the role we play as a member of Congress, to now intervene and set the stage for where we’re trying to go. Ultimately, in all of this conversation, it’s about protecting the safety of the American people and the people of Eastern North Carolina. … I brought these issues up and there were a litany of concerns. One was moving forward with making these decisions and not engaging in a real way with the community. That’s just so disappointing. Even with divestment decisions,

You don’t protect the base as we have done without working in a bipartisan way. So, I remain very optimistic.

This is not about who is in office, per se. It’s about the issues that we’re fighting for. So, for me, I welcome working with the Trump Administration to make sure that we’re protecting the F-15Es at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base … and building a stronger economy in the east. That is so important. There was no mandate, per se. I mean, when you look at the election, Trump won the First Congressional District and Davis won the First Congressional District. That says to me that the people expect us to try to work together and get things done for them. They expect us to save this Air Force base and I’m going to do everything I can to. This is the commander in chief. This is the commander in chief. I come from a military background. When I was serving our country, we didn’t get to ask the question, ‘Well, I don’t know if I’m gonna do this because it’s a Democrat or Republican commander in chief.’ No. That’s not how it works.

It’s the commander in chief. When the order comes down, you execute.

ON HOW THE WAYNE COUNTY COMMUNITY CAN JOIN THE FIGHT:

Share your voices to engage with the process … because if you ever get caught sleeping, that’s when you find yourself on the chopping block and then we’re going to be stuck trying to figure out how we regroup. I just think it’s important for members of community — residents — to understand that their voices matter and as they speak up, not only am I more informed as a member of Congress, but their voices are instrumental in the process of governing.n

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{ our TAKE }

PROFILE IN COURAGE W

hen Guillermo Estrada stood in front of a crowd in New York City to accept the “Award of Courage” at the 6th Annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards, he thought about lessons learned and examples set.

He knew what he was going to say — but more importantly, what needed to be said.

And in the next minutes, in front of the crowd of famous faces and fellow honorees — including President-elect Donald Trump — and millions more on television, he made his hometown proud.

Again.

If you have been a part of the Wayne Week family for a while now, you likely remember Guillermo’s story — how he and his fraternity brothers joined forces, surrounded a flagpole, and stood their ground as angry rioters 10

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hurled insults at them, assaulted them, and tried to get to an American flag to desecrate it on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus.

The protestors thought the young men would give up and succumb to the peer pressure — the shaming reserved for those who did not share their disdain and anger.

They did not.

In fact, those gathered around that flagpole, instead, sang the National Anthem.

It wasn’t easy to stand that ground — not then, during anti-Israel rioting as protests were engulfing campuses all over the United States.

Few stood up to the masked mobs — or had the courage to stop the disrespect of their country or their flag.

But Guillermo did — steadfast, strong,

and proud.

And in his mind, it was easy because it was the right thing to do.

It wasn’t necessarily about the issues.

There was room, Guillermo said, for discussion about the concerns the protestors raised.

But this son of Wayne County entered the fray around that flagpole because he understood something that many people his age take for granted.

That flag, he told that New York City crowd, means something to his family.

So, there was no way he could sit by and let anyone disrespect it — no matter the cost.

It was a lesson, Guillermo added, that he learned as the son of immigrants growing up in Goldsboro, near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

He knows about the blood, the sacrifice,

and the service of not only the members of the U.S. Air Force, but of the veterans and the men and women who are serving and have served in all branches of the U.S. military.

He has seen what happens when warriors leave their families and their homes to put on a uniform and fight for the freedom so many of us take for granted.

For Guillermo, it is about remembering the number of times that flag has been draped over a coffin or decorated the grave of a fallen soldier.

And now, the millions who watched the Patriot Awards broadcast know how we raise our children here in Wayne County.

We teach them that without the courage of those who have defended that flag, there would be no United States — that feedom would be just something we talk about.

We explain that those who served did so because it mattered, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, their lives were lost standing for something.

Guillermo is not ever going to forget that, or let anyone diminish that sacrifice.

Wow. How proud we should be of this young man.

How proud his parents must be of the human being they raised.

And, perhaps most importantly, how resolved we should be to follow Guillermo’s lead.

Because, you see, he is absolutely right.

That flag those young men protected that day represents the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have served this country — and the thousands who have passed through the gates of Seymour Johnson.

And no, freedom is not free.

But Guillermo learned something else, too — something we should all carry with us.

Anyone with integrity must stand up when there is something to stand up for.

Guillermo’s story is not just about a young man who did his community proud.

It is not about an award or a speech at a fancy ceremony in the big city.

It is the story of our community.

Goldsboro and Wayne County have always understood how much service matters, and how important Seymour Johnson is to this county and to this country.

For generations, local residents have welcomed the men and women who have served here and wrapped their arms around their families.

We know that supporting the military is not just about signs and words, but deeds.

So, we lend a hand — in every way.

It is a responsibility this community takes seriously.

And while we help keep the home fires burning, our lawmakers — local, state, and federal — have worked to ensure Washington bureaucrats and Air Force brass know that this community will do what it takes to keep this base right where it is.

They have fought for Seymour Johnson and the personnel who serve there — making sure that support is expressed loudly and regularly.

Because, you see, that base and its airmen are family.

We have celebrated the victories and the homecomings, and we have mourned the losses.

We understand that war and policing the world are not without risk and sacrifice.

And we are grateful — and proud to be the adopted hometown of generations of service members.

So, we were not surprised to learn over the years of the important contributions made by those who fly F-15Es and those who maintain and refuel them.

And we found that the story, of course, is the same — over and over again.

When the chips are down and when the battles are critical to the mission, the call comes for Strike Eagles, and they get the job done.

So, it was shocking earlier this year to learn that the 4th Fighter Wing’s mission might be about to change as the Air Force looks toward the future.

Frankly, it seemed like an illogical shift in ideology.

So, now, we have another fight on our hands.

And this community that has supported this base for generations, which has taken care of thousands of service members and their families, should be ready.

There is a new administration coming into office — and that means that decisions that were made by others might be back on the table.

So, Wayne County officials and its hired advocates need to speak up now, when it counts.

They need to take Guillermo’s lead and say, “Not now. Not ever.”

We have to make sure that our leaders and those charged with lobbying for the continued presence of the base in Wayne County are taking advantage of every successful mission and every talking point.

They need to note that 4th Fighter Wing F-15Es played a critical role in the defense of Israel when Iran launched an aerial assault on the nation earlier this year — and that Strike Eagle crews who completed their training right here in Goldsboro were involved in recent strikes against ISIS in Syria after Bashar al-Assad’s regime was toppled.

We have to talk about the relationships formed and the connections made.

And we have to be ready to ask those who have been here and experienced that support to speak up for us, too.

We have to unwrap why it matters that this community understands not only the mission, but the costs of keeping this nation free.

Because it does matter.

It matters a lot.

And, while they are at, they can remind a few people of the role that the F-15E has played in keeping this country safe and why its squadrons are so critical and worth keeping around.

There are plenty of veterans and state and local leaders who can speak to that, including retired Air Force officer and Congressman Don Davis.

In our view, they should tell those stories over and over again to anyone who will listen.

And we can also talk about the role we want to play as a community in the future of the Air Force, and why our generations of proven support are invaluable as warfare changes and evolves.

But the time to speak up is now.

If we do, we could very well change the trajectory of this community simply by refusing to sit back and wait for someone else to make the decision.

It is one of those lessons that Guillermo talked about — one of those simple moments of honor and commitment that only someone who has watched an F-15E streak across the Wayne County sky can understand.

It’s a feeling of responsibility that has been passed on from generation to generation of those for whom that flag means a whole lot more than just a national symbol.

We have fought this battle for our community before.

It is time to do it again.

And maybe, just maybe, our lobbyists should roll the footage of a young son of Wayne County accepting that award in New York City.

Perhaps, seeing Guillermo — and the kind of young man this military community can raise — will inspire the decision-makers in Washington the way it has inspired us.

So, as we put a bow on 2024 and look ahead to the future, the Wayne Week team will be reflecting on the biggest headlines of the past 365 days — and offering our thoughts on how to move forward and tackle the issues we feel will define this community in the weeks and months ahead.

We could think of no better way to kick off that “Year in Review” than by updating Guillermo’s story.

Because the truth is, the courage he displayed that day in April — and the perspective and wisdom he possesses at such a young age — are qualities anyone seeking to point this community toward a brighter star must have if we are to succeed.

And yes, we must succeed. n

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LOOKING BACK. FORGING AHEAD. 2024 Year in Review

A GREAT

honor Wayne School of Engineering graduate Guillermo Estrada received the “Award for Courage” at the 6th Annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards ceremony in New York City.

By KEN FINE

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H

is story has been celebrated across his hometown since a lateApril afternoon — the day he and his fraternity brothers felt a calling to protect an American flag on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus during an anti-war protest that quickly spun “out of control.”

Former classmates and teachers have stood behind what they characterized as a “courageous” act — with many saying it did not surprise them when they heard Guillermo Estrada entered the fray.

Local politicians applauded the fact that a son of the military community they serve had represented Wayne County with “honor.”

But Guillermo did not spring to action that afternoon for recognition.

For the Wayne School of Engineering graduate turned Morehead Scholar, he was simply doing what he felt was right.

So, when he walked across a New York City stage earlier this month to accept the “Award for Courage” at the 6th Annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards ceremony — an event that also featured President-elect Donald Trump — Guillermo handled the experience with the same poise he demonstrated that April day on the UNC campus.

And with millions watching, he shared, in a matter of seconds, what he learned growing up in Eastern North Carolina.

“We didn’t hesitate when we saw our flag being torn back down because this flag represents the beacon of hope that called my parents to this great country 20 years ago,” he said. “The promise of liberty and prosperity that makes America a light to the world, that is what that flag represents and to those — to those that still for some reason question the meaning and importance of the flag — I invite you to sit down with families like mine from Goldsboro, North Carolina … and to listen to truly what the red white and blue truly means to us.”

Editor’s Note: The following story was published in the May 19 edition of Wayne Week.

Given the gravity of the award Guillermo received, we felt it was important to run it in full to kick off our 2024 Year in Review rather than present a watered-down version to include as background for this week’s piece: He could feel the weight of his saturated T-shirt on his shoulders.

He could see, out of the corner of his eye, people his own age hurling plates of food, water bottles, and debris toward him and his fraternity brothers.

He could sense the unpredictability of the “chaos” and hear the expletives being shouted his way.

But there was no way Guillermo Estrada was going to let an American flag touch the ground.

Not that day. Not any day.

For the Wayne School of Engineering graduate turned Morehead Scholar, the stars and stripes are more than symbols stitched onto a piece of cloth.

They are a part of his family’s — and his hometown’s — legacy.

So, when, April 30, a son of Wayne County ran to protect a flag on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus, it was not about the conflict raging in the Middle East.

It had nothing to do with a political position.

It was about a second-grader who heard a talk about patriotism delivered by the 4th Fighter Wing commander.

It was about a fourth-grader who wrote a letter to the Wayne County Public Schools superintendent because the flagpole at Meadow Lane Elementary was broken.

It was about growing up with children who were forced to cope when a parent was deployed to a war zone.

It was about a high school senior who watched a community wrap its arms around the family of a lawman who was shot to death in the line of duty.

And, perhaps most importantly, it was about being the son of immigrants who realized the American dream.

T

he story of what unfolded on the UNC campus April 30 began before Guillermo was born.

It started with a young woman from Mexico who traveled to Wayne County for a “quick visit” with her sister that turned into the pursuit of American citizenship and a career spent advocating for the Latino community.

It continued when that same woman loaded her infant son into a stroller each and every time she attended the various community

events she volunteered to assist with.

The seeds of the importance of service to a community were planted when, as a little boy, her son was expected to give his time everywhere from the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair to play groups organized by the county Cooperative Extension.

And the responsibility of leadership was a lesson Michelle Estrada taught Guillermo over and over again — not by showing him the latest viral video on social media, but by setting an example of the kind of person those less fortunate could look to for guidance and an outstretched hand.

“I think it’s been part of our lives since my parents got (to this country) and since I was born,” Guillermo said. “But we don’t see it as service. We see it as what we have always done.”

So, it came as no surprise to those teachers and community leaders who watched Michelle’s son come of age that he would become the first Latino to hold the state’s 4-H presidency.

Nobody was shocked when he advocated for non-English-speaking voters during election cycles.

And when he received UNC’s prestigious Continued on page 14

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Continued from page 13

Morehead Scholarship, that, too, made perfect sense.

But then, after that same young man posted about what he experienced April 30, something happened that no one who knows Guillermo could ever have imagined.

He was called a “fascist,” a “pig,” a “Zionist,” and other words he declined to share.

“I honestly don’t think you would be able to print them in your newspaper,” Guillermo said.

H

e could hear the chanting from Franklin Street and knew that the protests erupting on college campuses across the country had found their way to Chapel Hill.

And when his fraternity group chat “started blowing up” — and someone said one of UNC’s American flags had been replaced with a Palestinian one — Guillermo knew he had to take action.

“I was like, ‘There is no way. I have to go

see this,’” he said.

When he arrived, he found that the claim was, in fact, true.

“All the barricades they had tried to put up were completely torn down,” Guillermo said. “People were all chanting around the flagpole.”

Moments later, he and his friends saw Chancellor Lee Roberts walking toward them.

He was flanked by campus security officers — one of them, holding an American flag.

So, Guillermo and other members of the Greek community decided to give them an escort.

That is when the crowd turned.

“A lot of people will tell you that the protest was mostly peaceful and when the officers came, it started out that way,” Guillermo said. “But then, people started throwing water at them, shoving officers, coming up to them and yelling in their faces. They were screaming at the chancellor. Everything just turned into chaos Continued on page 16

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Continued from page 14

at that point.”

And when Roberts took down the Palestinian flag and replaced it with Old Glory, the violence escalated.

“There was a point where I saw multiple officers have food thrown at them. I mean, anything that they could find, they threw,” Guillermo said. “You know, the way I was raised, there is a certain amount of respect that you have for authority figures — no matter what. People can get upset with law enforcement and administration.

It happens all the time. But I don’t think I have ever, in my life, felt compelled to hurt someone on purpose. That’s what (the protestors) were doing.”

Just then, a wave of emotion hit the young man.

“It was such a weird feeling,” Guillermo said. “I’ve been upset before. I’ve been scared before. But never to the point where I was physically shaking. It was so infuriating.”

Infuriating because he remembered how, earlier that year, campus police had calmed the fears of the UNC student body during a school shooting.

Infuriating because he comes from a community where a deputy was gunned down in the line of duty.

“All that and now, when they are just trying to put up a flag, people are abusing these offi-

cers,” Guillermo said. “I think coming from Goldsboro, you know, we have seen officers shot and killed in the line of duty. I remember very vividly my senior year when (Sgt. Matthew Fishman) passed away and how the community came together to make sure his family was supported. And to just see the campus officers who were first on the line of duty when we had that school shooting be abused like that, I mean, it makes you mad. It makes you really mad.”

And when, moments after the American flag was flying again, he saw the “hate and anger” on the faces of some of his peers, he thought about his experiences at Meadow Lane Elementary and being raised in the community that houses Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

He remembered the letter he and his fourth-grade classmates wrote to the WCPS superintendent when his school’s flagpole broke and sat, unused, for more than a month.

“And it wasn’t just, ‘Oh, you know, we’re a military school so we need to put our flag up again.’ We wrote why we were so passionate about the flag,” Guillermo said. “So, when you grow up in a military community — when you watch your best friends in middle school who are basically all military children sacrifice — that’s when you realize what that flag means.”

And that is why, moments after the

chancellor left the scene and the protestors took aim, again, at the flagpole, Guillermo took a stand.

“I looked at my fraternity brother and just said, ‘Run,’ and we ran all the way to the flagpole and other members of Greek life, we all started getting under the flag to hold it back up. That’s when the chaos started again,” he said. “I was completely drenched. I’m holding the flag and at the same time, I’m trying to email my teacher because I had, at this point, missed class.

It was crazy. But I looked at my fraternity brother and said, ‘How long are we staying here?’ He said, ‘The whole time.’ I said, ‘Damn straight.’”

The flagpole would end up being destroyed by the protestors, but thanks to Guillermo and other members of UNC’s Greek community, that American flag never touched the ground.

And after they took it inside a building to ensure it remained unscathed, the “chaos died down” and the young men left the scene.

But Guillermo would find this chapter of his story was just beginning.

L of

ater that evening, while getting ready for a party meant as a celebration of the end the semester, Guillermo typed

SEND US YOUR THOUGHTS Want to sound off on the issues we’re covering? Send your thoughts to letters@newoldnorth.com and we just might publish them in a future edition of Wayne Week. Word count is not overly important, but please identify yourself by name and the city or town you reside in.

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out his thoughts on what had transpired hours earlier.

“I sat and thought about it, and I was like, ‘My Twitter feed right now is all about Columbia and UCLA. There is no one that is saying anything positive. There is no one who is defending our country,’” he said.

So, he decided to put his thoughts on social media — with no expectation that “anyone would really see it.”

“I thought, ‘Surely this is not going to get that much attention,’” Guillermo said. “So, I posted a thread and got dressed for the party.”

Here is what he wrote (Note: Punctuation, spelling, and grammar issues have not been corrected.): “Today was a sad yet empowering day at Chapel Hill. When I walked to class, I saw the Palestinian flag raised on our quad flag pole, and was immediately upset at the act that these “protestors” had made. I cannot say I am fully educated on the Israel/ Palestine conflict but it upset me that my country’s flag was disrespected in order to advocate for another.

Shortly after, Chancellor Roberts came with police officers to hang the flag once again.

They were met with profanity, middle fingers, thrown bottles, rocks, and water.

When the flag was raised once again, the greek community began singing the Nation-

al anthem. As the Chancellor left, the quad erupted into chaos as protestors began removing the flag once again, preparing to destroy it.

My fraternity brother and others ran over to hold it up, in order for it not to touch the ground. People began throwing water bottles at us, rocks, sticks, calling us profane names.

We stood for an hour defending the flag so many fight to protect.

My parents started a new life in the United States, a country that has helped them flourish and raise two kids. I grew up in a Military community and saw first hand the sacrifices they make. I will not stand for the disrespect these “protestors” cause for the sake of another country.

My LDOC will be memorable in knowing that my fraternity brothers and others fought to keep the flag up. But it was also be memorable in knowing that so many yearn to disrespect it.”

Within an hour, his phone started vibrating.

His thoughts had been retweeted by Rep. Richard Hudson and Rep. Lauren Boebert and were on their way to viral status.

“I said, ‘Oh, here we go,’” Guillermo said.

And when he looked back at his phone after the party, he had more than 15,000 X notifications.

“I’m like, ‘Oh crap,’” Guillermo said.

“But then, I said to myself, this is a problem

for tomorrow.”

So, he went to bed — not knowing that he would awake to missed calls from everywhere from Washington D.C. to New York and a steady flow of “hate” from people he thought were his friends.

But the young man found a silver lining.

Back in Wayne County, the community that raised him was rallying behind his act of patriotism.

“That’s Wayne County for you. As soon as everything started happening, I had people reaching out. It was, ‘What do you need?’ and, ‘Are you OK,’” Guillermo said. “And it was, ‘Thank you.’”

And despite the profanity that has been hurled his way in the weeks since, he has let most of it roll off his back.

But Guillermo felt one incident was worth sharing.

A few days after his actions went viral, he was approached by two girls as he and his friends prepared to leave a restaurant.

They “grilled” him on what was transpiring in the Middle East and why he felt compelled to post his thoughts on social media.

“One of the girls, she started throwing a bunch of questions at me and I tried to be reasonable with her. But then, she said, ‘I just don’t understand how a piece of fabric can symbolize so much to you because

it means nothing in this country now,’” Guillermo said. “Well, I told her, ‘You know, that’s where we can agree to disagree. I come from a family of immigrants and yes, it was hard. Yes, there were some tough patches. But no other country would have given my dad, you know, he went from working at Pizza Inn and working at Five Star to owning a house. So, for me, a piece of fabric can symbolize that much. For me, it does.’”

And thanks to his village in Wayne County, he would gladly throw himself back into the same situation were it to unfold again — no matter how many bomb and arson threats are made to his fraternity; no matter how many times he is called a pig or a fascist; no matter how many so-called “friends” try to convince him he is on the wrong side of history.

“You know, Wayne County built me up when I was feeling a little down because some of my peers had turned on me. So, you know, knowing that I could come back home and feel safe and supported, that means the world to me,” Guillermo said.

“And it is empowering. But you know, I think that even without that support, I would feel like what we did was worth it.

It was simply about doing what we thought was right. Don’t ever tear down my flag.” n

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Holiday Magic

Members of the Goldsboro Ballet continued a Wayne County tradition last week by performing "The Nutcracker" at the Paramount Theatre.

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Winter Wonderland HOLIDAY CALENDAR

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CENTER STAGE THEATRE: “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” DEC. 15, 3 p.m.

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Location: 200 South Center Street CREATE — AND DONATE — HANDMADE CARDS DEC. 17, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Instructor: Donna Moerie Location: Peggy M. Seegars Senior Center

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CLASSIC MOVIE NIGHT — “MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET” DEC. 18, 6 p.m.

Location: Wayne County Public Library (Goldsboro) COOKIES & COCOA WITH SANTA DEC. 20, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Location: N.C. Community Credit Union UGLY SWEATER PARTY DEC. 20, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Location: Church Spirits & Cocktails CHILD OF THE PROMISE DEC. 20 — DEC. 22 Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 3 p.m.

Location: The Paramount Theatre

PARAMOUNT MOVIE EVENT SERIES — “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” DEC. 23, 7 p.m.

Location: The Paramount Theatre NEW YEAR’S EVE PICKLE DROP Dec. 31, 5 p.m.

University of Mount Olive Cost: FREE 2025 NEW YEAR CELEBRATION DEC. 31, 8 p.m.

Location: The Firehouse

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If the Goldsboro City Council adopts the 2024-25 budget recommended by Interim City Manager Matthew Livington, local residents will be forced to absorb a 15-cent property tax increase and a 7-percent water and sewer rate hike, as leaders look for a way to finance police and fire raises.

WEEK

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A unanimous decision to move Goldsboro High School to a new building has drawn the ire of community leaders, former students, and teachers who fear the school will soon close for good.

SPECIES? ENDANGERED

Dozens have graduated from the University of Mount Olive’s Master's in Counseling Psychology program, but because it is still not accredited, most are unable to find employment as therapists in North Carolina.

BY KEN FINE p. 1 4

Budget Buffet

BY KEN FINE

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NEWS: Court documents filed last week seem to indicate former WCSO deputy has reached a plea deal . p.6

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Local leaders say it’s time to fight back after community was “blindsided” by news of cuts coming to 4th Fighter Wing. / by KEN FINE p. 16

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M AY 12, 2024

THE PROBLEM WITHIN

Two Wayne County public school teachers have been charged with taking indecent liberties with students since Gov. Roy Cooper signed a harsher set of penalties for the crime into law in late 2023.

But those two individuals are only part of a problem the local education community has been dealing with for the last several years.

BY KEN FINE p.12

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