Mason Weaver, well-known author, personal development trainer, and motivational speaker is the latest to join what is shaping up to be an all-star lineup at the “Black Republicans: Reclaiming Our Place” event to be held on Saturday, August 23rd, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at 47 Eagle Street. A continental breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30a.m. with the main event from 9a.m. until noon. There is no charge for admission and it is open to everyone.

This forum, which will be held during the weekend of Goombay Festival just around the corner from the YMI Cultural Center, is a joint effort between the Buncome County Republican Party, chaired by Dr. Timothy Johnson, and the Minority Affairs Committee, chaired by Pastor Jimmy Bention who is also Vice Chairman of the Union County Republican Party.

“We are excited to have such a distinguished group of speakers coming to Buncombe County,” says Johnson. “Black Republicans across the country are making it known that we are actively engaged in the political discourse, and Western North Carolina is playing a prominent role in this national discussion.”

Dr. Ada M. Fisher, North Carolina’s first black National Committeewoman, was the first speaker to agree to participate earlier this month. Dr. Fisher’s impassioned nominating speech at the state GOP convention in June won her several standing ovations and even more laughs from the audience. Dr. Ada M. Fisher is a licensed teacher for secondary education in mathematics and science, previously elected school board member, physician, and is the Republican candidate for the NC House 77th District.

Also participating, is William Owens, Jr., author of the soon-to-be released book, Obama: Why Black America Should Have Doubts, which challenges the assumption that all black Americans should and will vote for presumptive Democratic Party nominee, Barack Obama. Owens is president and founder of Higher Standard Enterprises, Inc., a multi-media company focusing on publishing books and developing productions that speak to the issues of country and community. He has been featured on radio and TV shows throughout the country regarding numerous issues within the scope of politics and religion. Owens and his wife, Selena, have been married for twenty-three years. They are the proud parents of four children and reside in North Carolina.