Greear Webb
Photo by Chris Facey
When Vice President Kamala Harris invited Black leaders from across the country to discuss policy at the White House earlier this year, Greear Webb was THE youth selected from the Triangle area. Turns out this young man keeps himself busy. If he isn’t organizing civil rights marches, he’s mentoring Durham’s youth, all the while maintaining honor student status at UNC. Put this aspiring public servant on top of your short list of local movers and shakers! We asked him:
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
The first thing I do in the morning is a Christian devotion, followed by a quick read-through of the news updates I receive on my phone.
Rumor has it you might be a future Presidential candidate. What do you think about the rise of A.I. and the possibility of a sentient cyber-candidate one day?
Haha, I'm humbled that that is one of the rumors going around! They could be much worse! I think the rise of A.I. is something we should all continue to closely monitor. While I do believe A.I. to be helpful in certain situations, I am worried that its rapid rise might lead to a reduction in authenticity and human connection—vital components of a connected society. Now, "a sentient cyber-candidate one day?" I don't think I'm ready for that possibility yet, but I like to think I keep an open mind!
What happened recently that you are still thinking about?
The expulsion and then reinstatement of the Tennessee "Justins" remains on my mind. The blatant racism of the Tennessee state house leadership and their disdain for democracy on display not only served to elevate the progressive ideals and policy solutions of the two young Black representatives, but legitimized their already righteous protest against mass gun violence in America.
What makes you feel unstoppable?
Seeing those younger than I, like the youth we serve through SIDEKICKS Academy: Durham, take pride in learning in the classroom. Their power and agency as "students with a story" (as we like to say at SIDEKICKS) gives me hope and energizes me to continue working for justice and liberation for those around me.
Who is one politician you think you could work best with to get things done?
A politician I think I could work well with to realize people-centered progress is North Carolina State Representative Zack Hawkins (D-31).
Greear Webb (front and center) during march against police violence and in support of justice following the brutal murder of Tyre Nichols, Raleigh, NC. Photo by Chris Facey.
