Three influential Black pastors in North Carolina, along with other notable clergy, have publicly criticized Mark Robinson, the state’s lieutenant governor who is campaigning for governor, over his past controversial comments about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Robinson is facing severe backlash following reports by CNN, detailing a series of incendiary remarks he allegedly made on social media, websites, and forums between 2008 and 2012. Among these, he reportedly referred to himself as a “Black Nazi.” He has strongly denied these statements, asserting that they did not originate from him. Robinson stated he would continue his campaign against Democratic challenger Josh Stein, despite pressure from within the Republican Party to withdraw. His spokesperson claimed that the accusations against Robinson were either outright lies or misrepresentations taken out of context.
The lieutenant governor did not comment on his inflammatory remarks from 2011, in which he called King—a celebrated civil rights leader—various derogatory names. An inquiry for comment from NBC News went unanswered. Robinson allegedly suggested that if the Ku Klux Klan allowed Black members, he would use a racist slur to describe King, whom he referred to as “Martin Lucifer Koon!”
Robinson has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who has previously stated that he believes Robinson surpasses King in greatness.
Reacting to Robinson’s controversial comments, Martin Luther King III expressed his dismay, indicating that he was not surprised by the statements made about his father. He emphasized that Robinson’s comments were concerning for all North Carolinians and Americans resisting racism and bigotry, and announced his support for Stein, alongside candidates promoting equality.
The Black faith community, who hold King in high regard, expressed particular outrage at Robinson’s remarks. Some pastors expressed that they would not dignify his comments with a response, while others, like Bishop Sir Walter Mack, encouraged a deeper understanding of King’s message of unity and love. Mack stated the need to preserve and promote the essence of King’s legacy.
Mycal Brickhouse from Baptist Grove Church voiced concerns that Robinson’s statements reveal a troubling embrace of a hateful narrative, arguing for a shift towards learning from historical lessons instead of perpetuating division.
In a past incident on Martin Luther King Day in 2018, Robinson dismissed admiration for King’s legacy, referring to him as an “inferior preacher” and criticizing those who championed his work.
Pastor Robert C. Scott noted that Robinson’s attitude represents an affront not only to King’s legacy but also to the broader mission of the Black church. He criticized the comparison made by Trump, suggesting that neither understands the depth of King’s contributions.
In response to the backlash, the Trump campaign emphasized its focus on national issues rather than the controversies surrounding Robinson.
Pastor Henry P. Davis II described Robinson’s past comments on the Civil Rights Movement as shocking and pointed out the importance of teaching Black history to counter such rhetoric.
Lastly, Eric Vickers from Fairfield Baptist Church highlighted that Robinson exemplifies a moral decline in the country, asserting that his comments are an insult to the sacrifices made by civil rights leaders. Vickers called for greater engagement from the church community in shaping a just society through participation in the electoral process.