Local News

Leadership crisis threatens decades‑long vision for MLK Park

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Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Written by Rachel Heimann Mercader, CityView Today

Accusations of secrecy, mismanagement, and withheld documents have fractured the nonprofit Fayetteville‑Cumberland County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, putting the future of the taxpayer‑funded MLK Park project in jeopardy.
Some civic leaders are even calling for committee chair Stanley Ford to resign.
“I’m hurt and embarrassed by him because of the way that he’s handling this situation,” former committee member Elmer Floyd told Cityview. “All he has to do is show the information that people are requesting.”
City and county officials warned Friday that unless Ford turns over financial records, bylaws, and membership lists, the MLK Park project could collapse, and millions of taxpayer dollars would have to be accounted for and returned to the state.
A meeting, called by Fayetteville City Council member D.J. Haire, brought together representatives from the city, county, and the MLK committee. Attendees at Friday’s meeting included council member Malik Davis and Cumberland County commissioners Kirk deViere and Veronica Jones.
Haire told Ford he expects a full accounting before the city council’s February 2 work session, where the council is scheduled to receive its next update on the park.
He also urged Ford to provide the same documents to the committee. Several members have said they’ve been left in the dark about the project.
The MLK committee has a board of directors and a committee of about 30 members led by President Tawanna Branch.
MLK Park Project Decades in the Making
The MLK Park project centers on a 120‑foot spire first proposed in the mid‑1990s. The monument would be lit on key dates honoring the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Over the years, the project has faced repeated setbacks, including the deaths of key advocates and disagreements over where the spire should be built.
Ford became chair in 2022 after the death of longtime committee leader Wilson Lacy. At that time, the project had secured $2.5 million in state funding. Since then, both the city and county pledged additional support, bringing the total funds for the project to $7.2 million. Once the committee produces bid‑ready construction documents, the county plans to transfer its funds to the city, which will oversee construction.
In a December article in the Fayetteville Press, Ford said he has spent $352,212 so far.
Several former and current members said Ford has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars without proper oversight.
“One of my major concerns is a possibility that some fraud may be taking place,” committee member Rev. Floyd W. Johnson Jr. told CityView.
In August 2025, Johnson, Floyd, committee treasurer Elison L. Elison, and former county commissioner Charles Evans sent Ford a cease‑and‑desist letter accusing him of:
• Failing to conduct financial audits.
• Failing to maintain required officers, including a treasurer.
• Failing to give proper notice of meetings.
• Failing to provide timely financial and committee reports.
• Failing to administer grant funds with transparency.
Evans, who helped secure county funding for the project, said Ford’s leadership has undermined years of work.
“It was hell getting the money … For this guy to come along and give such hardship to this community. He needs to go,” Evans said. “If there’s legal action that needs to be taken, so be it, because that’s taxpayers’ dollars.”
Evans said many committee members are senior citizens and that Ford “has taken advantage” of them.
“To humiliate the community and to humiliate the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., by carrying this through this turmoil, it’s a shame,” Evans said.
The letter demanded Ford resign, that a new election be held, and that all financial and operational records be released to the committee. It also warned that Ford’s actions were jeopardizing the spire project and public confidence in the organization.
While Branch was not part of the group that sent the letter, she told CityView she has repeatedly asked Ford to be transparent about how he has been spending the committee’s funds, and that he has refused to do so.
Ford denied all of the allegations in response to the letter and to CityView.
“They are fabricating these stories to you,” he told CityView.
Ford has accused committee members of holding meetings without him, not returning his calls, and withholding information.
Ford also said that Floyd and Evans are angry that he turned down their request to pay them as consultants on the project, though he declined to share email records supporting the allegation. Both Evans and Floyd deny they ever asked to be paid and said email records do not exist.
County Funding on Hold for MLK Park
County Manager Clarence Grier said the county’s contribution will not be released until Ford provides all requested financial records. The deadline is January 31. The county extended its funding timeline from October 2025 to January to give the group time to produce the documents.
Ford told CityView he can’t provide certain financial records because he claims they are “confidential” and “a government spreadsheet” that “cannot be copied.”
DeViere, who wrote the legislation that secured the committee’s original $2.5 million in state funding, disputed Ford’s claim. So did Jones. “That is a lie,” Jones told CityView.
“Those records are public records,” deViere said. “This committee and the leadership of this committee has to do the things they need to do to bring this project to the city in a bid‑ready package so that it can be built.”
Jones also questioned Ford’s explanation for postponing the MLK parade, which was scheduled for January 17. Board member Charlissa Davis signed a press release, distributed by Ford, that the parade was indefinitely postponed due to “safety issues.”
The Fayetteville Police Department said it was unaware of any safety concerns about the parade.
“What Ford said [about why the parade had to be postponed] was dishonesty,” Jones said.
Other committee members, including Branch, said they were unaware of any safety concerns and were “blindsided” by the announcement.

(The MLK Jr. Memorial Park in Fayetteville is located at 700 Blue St. Photo courtesy of City of Fayetteville)

Government Watch: City authorizes bonds, discusses housing; County to expand Cape Fear River Trail; National Civics Bee applications open

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Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Written by Jami McLaughlin

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber kicked off its first Chamber Coffee Club on Jan. 15 with former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory discussing North Carolina’s economic competitiveness and workforce development trends through a Q&A session with Chamber President and CEO Nat Robertson. McCrory and Robertson met when Robertson was the mayor of Fayetteville, and Robertson partnered to get bridges repaired after Hurricane Matthew.
The Government Relations committee of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber also held a reception on Jan. 13 for the Fayetteville City Council, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and the Cumberland County state delegation.

City of Fayetteville
On Jan. 12, the Fayetteville City Council authorized up to $40 million in bonds for infrastructure and public safety projects and the acceptance of a $354,000 grant from the International City/County Management Association for economic opportunity initiatives. Amendments for the Aubrey Hills Apartments loan were approved, and a site on Distribution Drive was rezoned to Light Industrial. Three new subdivision streets were added to the city system for Powell Bill eligibility.
On Jan. 5, the Fayetteville City Council received a presentation from the Economic and Community Development regarding the redevelopment of the Blount and Gillespie Street site. They were presented with three distinct concepts for the city-owned property, which varied in their mix of public green space, retail and multifamily housing density. Outreach efforts indicated that 61% of residents preferred dense, mixed-use buildings (3–6 stories) while 40% prioritized shaded lounge areas and ADA-accessible natural play spaces. The consensus was to proceed with drafting a Request for Qualifications to vet potential vendors.
The council will hold its Strategic Planning Retreat on Feb. 3-4.

Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners reviewed a proposed interlocal agreement for Parks and Recreation with the City of Fayetteville. This agreement aims to address financial transparency, fee structures and cost redistribution for shared parks. A formal proposal is expected at their Feb. 12 meeting.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Director Michael Gibson presented a funding request for regional trail expansion to extend the Cape Fear River Trail from the current Fayetteville city limits to Arnette Park. He informed the board that a $1,096,000 FAMPO grant had been awarded for the design of this extension. The project requires a 20% local match of $274,000, bringing the total project cost to $1.37 million. The board unanimously approved the support request.
Preliminary survey results were also shared regarding a potential joint 911 center with Fayetteville. The joint 911 operations center is one of several options being discussed to address emergency call handling and coordination across the county. The community survey is designed to gather resident feedback on experiences, priorities and considerations related to emergency response and 911 communications, according to county officials. The public comment period remains open through Jan. 25. Residents are encouraged to participate by visiting: www.surveymonkey.com/r/joint911communityinput.
The board will hold its Strategic Planning Retreat on Jan. 23.

National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee®, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will allow middle school students (6th, 7th, and 8th grades) to participate in North Carolina for the first time this year. Through the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, Fayetteville has been chosen as a regional site. Applications for students are officially open, and students have until Feb. 3 to submit.
For more information about the program, including educator resources and how to participate in the 2026 competition, visit www.faybiz.com/civicsbee.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

Learning faith lessons from unlikely objects: GPS

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Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Written by Dan DeBruler

To grasp the beauty of a solution, sometimes we have to reverse-engineer the problem that led us to it. And when it comes to learning things the hard way, I’m what you might call a frequent flyer. On this occasion, though, I wasn’t flying—I was driving. To Florida. One way in, one way out. My trip began and ended within a mile of I 95, yet I still had my GPS on—Google Maps on my phone.
I first learned to navigate by watching my dad unfold those big paper maps you bought at the gas station before a road trip. Lots of red, black, and blue squiggly lines to show you where you were—or at least where you should’ve turned left twenty miles earlier. Later came those spiral-bound atlas books. They felt tidier, and they helped calm my inner traveler (and maybe the family, too).
Then came the GPS. Those little gadgets had one job, but they did it well. Who can forget, “Make a U-turn when it’s safe to do so”? But now everything’s on the phone. It not only tells us what to do—it asks for our input. “Slow traffic ahead.” “Police reported.” “Left lane closed.”
Honestly, if it weren’t for all that cool data, I could’ve just asked someone how to get to Florida and been fine: “Head south.”
I was riding along, content with each update, when a new alert appeared: “Object in road reported ahead.”
“What kind of object? Which lane?” I scanned the road. Nothing. So I tuned it out.
Until the truck in front of me swerved.
And there it was—a three-foot traffic cone dead ahead. Before I could react—bam! Too late.
Here’s the point: We usually know the difference between right and wrong. We even get warnings along the way—small nudges, gentle alerts. But when no trouble follows, we start ignoring them. We tune them out… until we can’t. Then we replay what we should’ve done differently.
Maybe the real point here isn’t to fear the warnings—but to thank God for them. He’s not trying to ruin the trip; He’s trying to make sure we arrive safely. So before the crash, before the regret, maybe the wisest move we can make is to simply listen—and steer.

Editor’s note: Dan DeBruler is a Pastor and teacher, and has served Fayetteville and the surrounding area through Christian radio for more than 25 years.

Dry January is worth trying

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Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Dry January has become a widely recognized annual challenge, where participants voluntarily give up alcohol for the entire month. What started as a grassroots movement in the UK in 2013 has gained significant traction globally. With its focus on promoting better health, increasing mindfulness, and recalibrating habits, Dry January is more than just an alcohol-free month—it's a chance to reset your body and mind.
The most immediate benefits of participating in Dry January are physical. Cutting out alcohol for a month allows your body to recover from its effects. Alcohol is known to disrupt sleep, dehydrate the body, and contribute to inflammation. After just a few weeks without alcohol, most participants report feeling more rested, having clearer skin, and experiencing better digestion. Your liver, in particular, gets a chance to regenerate, as it doesn't have to work overtime to process alcohol.
Moreover, Dry January can have significant long-term health benefits. Studies show that giving up alcohol, even temporarily, can reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and decrease the risk of liver disease. The challenge can also help individuals lose weight, as alcoholic drinks are high in empty calories. Many people find that after a month of no alcohol, they develop a greater awareness of their drinking habits and may choose to reduce their alcohol intake in the future.
While the physical health benefits are clear, Dry January also offers a mental and emotional reset. For many, alcohol is closely tied to social gatherings, relaxation, or stress relief. Taking a month off provides the opportunity to assess how alcohol fits into your life and whether it's being used as a coping mechanism. This can lead to greater self-awareness and mindfulness about one's relationship with alcohol.
Additionally, individuals who complete Dry January often report a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. Abstaining from alcohol, especially when surrounded by social pressure to drink, can boost confidence and build resilience. It’s a personal challenge that reinforces the idea of control over one’s choices and health.
Fayetteville offers several welcoming spots for those participating in Dry January, ranging from specialized kava and tea bars to breweries and cocktail lounges with creative non-alcoholic programs.
Wana Navu Kava Bar provides a dedicated alcohol-free environment focused on kava and botanical beverages, making it a natural choice for those looking to avoid traditional bars entirely. They feature a variety of kava shells and kratom teas. This venue offers a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere with lounge seating and board games. Wana Navu Kava Bar is located at 500 N Reilly Rd., #106. https://www.wananavukava.com/
In downtown Fayetteville, visit Winterbloom Tea, a sophisticated tea bar that specializes in tea-based "mocktails" and sparkling tea infusions. A great alternative to the bar scene. Winterbloom is located at 238 Hay St. https://winterbloomtea.wixsite.com/wbtea
Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar in Hope Mills is well-regarded for its mixology, and their skilled bartenders are known for crafting bespoke non-alcoholic drinks that mirror the complexity of their standard menu. Their high-quality mocktails feature house-made syrups and fresh botanicals. Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktail Bar is located at 5431 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills. https://tinyurl.com/43xu44fa
While they are primarily known for their craft beers, North South Brewing Company offers non-alcoholic options like canned options from Athletic Brewing Co (non-alcoholic beer) and a new, fun and exciting house mocktail line-up. North South Brewing Company is located at 304 Williams St. https://tinyurl.com/48xzs3kz
If you don’t see your favorite spot listed above, don’t be shy-just ask. Most venues now offer non-alcoholic options year-round, including non-alcoholic beers and mocktails.