Three notable African American pastors in North Carolina, along with other respected religious leaders, have criticized Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson for his controversial remarks regarding the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Robinson is currently facing backlash after CNN reported on a series of incendiary comments he purportedly made on social media and other platforms between 2008 and 2012, including calling himself a “Black Nazi.” He denied these remarks and asserted he would continue his campaign for governor against Democrat Josh Stein, despite pressure from some within the Republican Party to withdraw. His spokesperson stated that claims made by Democrats about Robinson are either completely false or taken out of context.
Robinson has not addressed his derogatory 2011 comments where he referred to King, a revered civil rights figure, as a “commie bastard,” “worst than a maggot,” and a “huckster.” Requests for comment from NBC News were not answered. Additionally, he allegedly stated, “I’m not in the KKK. They don’t let Blacks join,” and suggested he would use a racial slur for King if Black people could join the KKK, referring to him as “Martin Lucifer Koon.”
Robinson has received an endorsement from Donald Trump, who described him as “Martin Luther King on steroids,” further stating, “I think you’re better than Martin Luther King. I think you are Martin Luther King times two.”
Martin Luther King III, the oldest son of the civil rights leader, expressed that he was not surprised by the alleged comments about his father, calling them deeply concerning for North Carolinians and Americans against racism and bigotry. He announced that he and his wife would support Stein and local candidates who prioritize the rights of women and marginalized communities.
Black clergy members, who hold King in high regard, have denounced Robinson’s comments. Some have chosen not to dignify his remarks with responses, while others believe he needs a better understanding of King’s message of unity and love. Bishop Sir Walter Mack emphasized the importance of educating others about King’s legacy and the need for compassion and togetherness in today’s society.
Mycal Brickhouse from Baptist Grove Church remarked that Robinson’s comments reflect a leader who promotes a narrative of hatred and supremacy, warning against the consequences of devaluing others. In a past Facebook post in 2018, Robinson criticized those who admire King, calling him an inferior preacher.
Pastor Robert C. Scott lamented that Robinson’s disrespect toward King insults not only the civil rights leader but also the Black church and humanity. He expressed that both Robinson and Trump misappropriated King’s work through their comparisons.
In response to Robinson’s remarks, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign emphasized their focus on upcoming elections and the significance of North Carolina in their strategy.
In 2017, Robinson described the Civil Rights Movement as “crap,” a statement that shocked Pastor Henry P. Davis II, who stressed that understanding history is crucial to avoid perpetuating harmful rhetoric. Davis pointed out the importance of teaching Black history in schools to ensure that future generations recognize the contributions of figures like King.
Pastor Eric Vickers from Georgia highlighted the moral decline reflected in Robinson’s comments, asserting that they disqualify him from public office. He condemned Robinson’s disrespect for the struggles of King and civil rights activists, labeling him a “bigot in blackface” and calling for increased engagement from the church in the electoral process to shape a just society.