Let me begin by thanking all of the individuals that supported me for this public office of County Commissioner.

I really am appreciative of your constant support and encouragement. It means a lot that there are genuine individuals that are kind and true.

Jesus said in the gospel of John 8:32 (KJV) "and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

It is with these words, that I write this letter in response to accusations that have been spoken of me.

I was singled out by J. Rives Manning, Jr. in reference to a report card printed and published by the Halifax County Branch of the NAACP, which was shared during the recent 2018 primary election.

Anyone that can read and comprehend can easily see that the report card says, "Prepared by the Halifax County NAACP for educational purposes only."

That report card does not say prepared by Rev. O. D. Sykes!

John 3:11(NIV) says, "we speak of what we know, and testify to what we have seen."

The truth is that I am a proud member of the NAACP, which is a national organization that has been thriving for 109 years.

I was not responsible for the planning, preparing or printing of the NAACP's report card.

My race was clean unlike some other candidates which were seeking office.

My Father and Mother taught me to be a MAN and always stand your ground for what's right.

I was surprised at Manning's, narrow, cognitive appropriations of so-called truth, especially when neither he nor any incumbents were in attendance of any forums sponsored by the Halifax County Black Caucus.

The truth is forums were not hostile at the Caucus or at any other forums held in Halifax County. It is amazing that you want to serve in an office, but don't want the constituency to ask you about your voting record or actions taken while in office.

Furthermore, to my knowledge, Manning has never attended an NAACP meeting.

I and Manning have always had conversations and we have not always agreed.

With all the work that needs to be done in Halifax County, Manning has time to sit back and bash Preachers and community organizations that advocate for all people regardless of race, sex, color or belief. "Wow."

Manning proceeded to single me out here on rrspin by saying "For a preacher, that's as low as it goes."

I want the community to know the truth.

If you want to talk about low, here are a couple of examples that have taken place in our community: To give false truths to citizens about taxes decreasing, when everyone knows that when at-large commissioners took office four years ago, county taxes were 68 cents per $100 of property value and today they are 78 cents. That's LOW!

Revelation 21:8(KJV) says, "All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone."

Elementary School Children in Hodgestown that have to get up every morning and be at a bus stop by 6:30 AM; only to be bussed to Aurelian Springs Elementary School miles and miles from their homes regardless of inclement weather and there are two Elementary Schools in the City in which they live. That's extremely LOW! Matthew 19:14(KJV) says, "But Jesus said, suffer little children and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

A Pastor/Preacher, a leader, a voice not afraid to stand for right and righteous and will not be hushed by accusations, lies or any antagonistic words from someone that doesn't know the truth.

A husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle and a member of Weldon School Board is what I am.

I have the respect and confidence of nearly 500,000 Missionary Baptists in the State of North Carolina as a Vice President of the General Baptist State Convention, two Associations with over 100 member churches locally which I serve as Vice Moderator and this community that I reside in. All of this is what the Lord chose and called me to be for such a time as this.

The truth is, Jesus encountered Scribes and Pharisees during his ministry and he was accused when all he did was good.

Today we have modern day Scribes and Pharisees doing the same thing.

They know the law, but use it for their own benefit and gain.

Anyone that is a student of God's word knows that Jesus spoke out against the status quo in his day and I will do the same!

I am pleased that Manning has given me the wonderful complement of recognizing who I am.

It is a joy and humbling delight to know that the name, "Sykes," is constantly on his mind and in his mouth!

I close with words penned in Galatians 6:7 (KJV) "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

Because of God, I am who I am.

Rev. O. D. Sykes

Pastor/Preacher and one of the Community's Voices