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North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials

About Us

Since its formation over 30 years ago, North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials, also known as NCBEMO has taken the lead in supporting public service as a way to implement change for citizens of North Carolina. NCBEMO strives to achieve political and community transformation through training, education, collaboration, advocacy and outreach programs that promote the mission of the organization.

NCBEMO represents the vision of dedicated elected officials who gathered in Asheville, North Carolina in 1981 at the annual meeting of the North Carolina League of Municipalities and proclaimed the need for active engagement within the structure of NCLM. The change envisioned was to create an environment for black elected officials to become an integral part of the operations of the League.

NCBEMO is a nonpartisan, nonprofit statewide organization of current black elected officials and supporters of the organization.

2025 NC BEMO Board Nominations

Submit your nomination for the NC BEMO Board of Directors by May 26, 2025

The Board is accepting nominations for three (3) new Directors for the 2025-2027 term, two (2) new Directors for the 2025-2026 term, and the President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President positions.

Executive Board

President
Donatario Hardy
Mayor, ​Kinston

First Vice President
Brian H. Jackson
Councilmember, Jacksonville

Second Vice President
Veronica Carter
Councilmember, Leland

Immediate Past President
Sharon Hightower
Mayor Pro Tem, Greensboro

Treasurer
Bryan Haynes
Commissioner, Fuquay-Varina

Secretary
Sona L. Cooper
Councilmember, Spring Lake

Assistant Secretary
Jessica Harrison
Mayor Pro Tem, Zebulon

Parliamentarian
Rashad Roberts
Councilmember, Chadbourn

Membership & Dues

Our membership year runs annually from July 1 to June 30, and current membership dues are $75.00, which can be paid upon invoicing via credit card, ACH or check. 

NCBEMO welcomes new members of current black elected officials and supporters. To join as a new member, please complete our Member Interest Form

Dr. Larry Womble Scholarship

Scholarship window opens 5/5 - 6/13/25

We're pleased to announce that the organization is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Dr. Larry Womble Scholarship. Every year, NC BEMO, through generous donations, provides scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to eligible high school students with outstanding academic credentials. Interested students must be North Carolina residents with a plan to enroll in a four-year college or university or Community College in the upcoming academic year.

The NC BEMO Scholarship Committee will receive application materials until 5:00pm on June 13, 2025.

Scholarship & Events Gallery