News and Opinions
What is critical race theory?
Critical Race Theory is an academic analysis of how race and the legal system in the United States are used to create social, economic, and political inequalities between white people and nonwhite people. The central thought behind this theory is white people are the oppressors and the oppressed are non-whites, especially blacks. (Excerpt from the book Critical Race Theory by Roosevelt McPherson to be published November 2023.)
What are the principles of CRT?
The major principles or components of Critical Race Theory are: (1) that the idea of racism is systemic in society; (2) that race is a social division of groups of people based on distinct physical and behavioral traits; (3) that laws favor whites over non-whites; (4) that personal storytelling and counter-storytelling provide historical perspective on race; and (5) that the primary goal is to learn from the past to improve. (Excerpt from the book Critical Race Theory by Roosevelt McPherson to be published November 2023.)
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What is the debate over CRT?
Critical Race Theory in recent years has caused public and private concerns about its definition and its overall effects in several segments of society, especially in the field of education. Some critics believe that the theory promotes discrimination against white people. Proponents of the theory claim that the purpose is to seek justice for non-whites who have experienced inequalities due to systemic racism. (Excerpt from the book Critical Race Theory by Roosevelt McPherson to be published November 2023.)
What is Black Lives Matter?
Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a social movement. It started in the United States in 2013 and has grown nationally. Black Lives Matter claims its primary aim is to fight white racism and anti-black violence, especially police brutality.4 However, its tactics and strategies are highly questionable. It appears many, if not most of its participants, are white people. Excerpt from the book Critical Race Theory by Roosevelt McPherson to be published November 2023.)
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What is Antifa?
Antifa is a political movement in the United States. It claims its primary aim is to stand against white racists and fascists.5 It uses violent and so-called non-violent tactics and strategies.6 Many, if not most, of its participants are white anarchists, communists, and socialists. Also a majority of these individuals hold anit-authoritarian and anti-capitalist views. Excerpt from the book Critical Race Theory by Roosevelt McPherson to be published November 2023.)
About The Founder
Roosevelt McPherson Dr. Roosevelt McPherson is a long-time resident of Hoke County (1977-present) and was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina to the late Clara Mae Hill McPherson and Arthur Roe McPherson. He attended and graduated from Anne Chesnutt High School. Following graduation, he went on to attend and graduate from Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He took a leave of absence from his studies at Fayetteville State University in 1969 to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served a tour of duty at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia and in West Germany before returning to Fayetteville State University to graduate in 1974. It was there where he became editor-in-chief of the student newspaper called The Voice and where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature. Years later, he would return to Fayetteville State to earn his Master of Arts Degree in Education Administration and Supervision while still employed as an assistant principal in Hoke County Schools. In addition to his duty as a soldier during the Vietnam War-era, he enlisted in the North Carolina Army National Guard in 1988 and retired in 2005 after serving an 18-month mobilization and deployment to Iraq. In 2007, Dr. McPherson received his doctorate degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while also employed as an associate principal in Cumberland County Schools. In 2010, he retired from the field of public education, and after retiring, in 2012, he went on to earn another degree in education, an associate degree, from Fayetteville Technical Community.
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Prior to employment with the public school systems in Hoke and Cumberland counties, he also worked as an adult education instructor at Sandhills Community College and Fayetteville Technical Community College. Dr. McPherson is a born-again Christian. In the year 2000, founded Faith Christian Temple of North Carolina in Fayetteville, where he presently serves as pastor and presiding bishop. He conducted weekly rest home and nursing home pastoral visitations from 2005 to 210 in Cumberland County. Dr. McPherson also conducted annual seminars, Raising a Black Child, from 2013 to 2015. He presently hosts weekly teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on social media platforms—Facebook and Youtube. He served as a volunteer chaplain for Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville; for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10 in Hoke County, and for the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 17 in Hoke County. He is also a life-time member of the American Legion. In 1981 he founded a weekly newspaper, The Public Post (initially named Black News Digest), where he was the publisher and editor-in-chief, from 1981 to 1990. In 1987 he became a licensed real estate agent for ERA Fowler Realtor in Fayetteville, NC. He is currently a member of the North Carolina Writers’ Network. He is also the author of several published books. His upcoming book, Survival Guide for Black Boys Growing up in America, is slated to be released in the fall of 2022. Dr. McPherson is presently working on another book titled A Guide to Understanding the Implications of Critical Race Theory. Dr. McPherson also serves on the Planning Board for the City of Raeford in Hoke County, NC. Dr. McPherson espouses a Four-point Philosophy of Public School Education. Those beliefs are: (1) All students deserve a high quality education in a maximum safe and secure school environment; (2) All teachers and support staff deserves maximum and appropriate support from school administrators; (3) All school administrators and community stakeholders deserve maximum support from appropriate local, state and federal agencies; and (4) All parents deserve the right and privilege to be involved in every aspect of their children’s education at home and at school. Dr. McPherson is married to Carrie Ratliff McPherson and is a father, grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoys helping young people to realize their potential and to understand their God-given purpose in life.