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Volumn 35 No. 3 January 31, 2025 Edition * (910) 323-3120-Office Fayetteville, NC

I’m More Than an Overcomer:

Charles Evans’ Redemption Story - A Fayetteville Press Exclusive

By Tracey C. Morrison Attorney, Bill West, to bring an
While staying attentive to the news, the expungement clinic into the commu-
writer came across a breaking story last month nity. Other initiatives Evans spear-
about President Joe Biden pardoning the prison headed include taking legal action
sentences of approximately 1,500 individuals, against Chemours Factory regard-
including his son, Hunter Biden. ing the water pollution in Grays
Creek and voting for the county to
This historic act of mercy, the most signifi- move forward in building a new
cant single-day event in the history of criminal Crown Coliseum in downtown
justice reform, offered a glimmer of hope and a Fayetteville.
fresh start to the incarcerated individuals. During that period, he did all
this while obtaining an associate de-
Many lawmakers have always sought to give gree from Fayetteville Technical
people with criminal records a chance through Community College (FTCC) and a
proposed and/or enacted laws in hopes of them bachelor’s degree from UNC-Pem-
redeeming themselves. Charles Evans is an ex- broke.
ample of a man who became the narrator of his After serving as county com-
redemption story as he reintegrated back into missioner in 2022, he ran for North
society. Let’s dive in to learn more about Evans’ Carolina Congressional District 7 in
story. 2022 and mayor of Fayetteville in
2023 but was unsuccessful in both
The exceptional leaders who surrounded primaries.
Evans later influenced his career trajectory. His Charles Evans’ work is far
childhood pastor, the Reverend Dr. M.F. Ward, from over. His unwavering commit-
at Mattock Memorial AME Zion Church, was ment to serving the community is a
highly engaged in his community, supporting the source of reassurance and confi-
union and inviting community-driven individuals dence. As the director of Life is
to the church. Worth Living—Project Fresh Start,
he continues to assist those in need,
Among those who visited the church was demonstrating his dedication to mak-
Sylvia Ximines Allen, a civil rights activist, at- ing a difference.
torney, and public servant. Allen was the first
Black woman to serve as assistant district at- In addition to his busy work,
torney in North Carolina and Cumberland he recently started his podcast,
County, whom Evans enjoyed helping with her Conversations with Charles Evans,
campaign when she ran for judge. was elected as the 1st Vice Presi-
dent for the Cumberland County
From there, politics became more impor- Senior Democrats, and pledged to
tant to him as he ran for student body govern- Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He
ment in junior and high school. He also volun- also has another upcoming
teered at the voting polls and held positions as journeyed his heart back to his first love for servitude, which had always been his true expungement clinic in partnership
the sophomore class black representative at identity. He stepped into the political field, running for office in 2003. He lost his first with District Attorney West. When
Terry Sanford High School, vice president and election but won the seat in 2005. asked if he plans on running for poli-
president of the local youth NAACP, and sec- tics, Evans said he plans to get back
ond vice president of the state youth NAACP. Critics questioned his decision to run, but Evans delivered a powerful message in the ring to run for County Com-
about the true meaning of servitude. missioner at-large.
LIFE’S SETBACK “Anyone can represent if they possess the heart of a servant. God will pro-
Despite Evans’ passion for helping others, vide [to those with the] heart [of service],” he said. Evans’ inspirational story is his
he encountered life’s obstacles, such as being determination to not give up on him-
homeless in Washington, DC, and his battle with POLITICAL CAREER AND ACHIEVEMENTS self and his faith in God. He details
substances. After serving two terms on the Fayetteville City Council (2005-2009), he served that the key to his success is remain-
as Cumberland County commissioner for three terms, including a position as County ing resolute in his prayer life and
Over 30 years ago, his addiction led to Chairman. trusting that support exists beyond
three felony convictions (two embezzlement his immediate surroundings. Accord-
counts and one count of cocaine possession) at As a politician, Evans has an impressive track record. He supports the introduc- ing to Evans, support can guide you
his job at one of the airlines at the Fayetteville tion of new city buses, advocates for the unhoused community, and spearheads an ini- from point A to point B, but perse-
Regional Airport to pay for his habit, according tiative to remove poorly conditioned mobile homes on Sapona Road and Bunce Road verance is essential.
to the Fayetteville Observer. and replace them with newly improved affordable homes. He has also led initiatives to
name local parks and recreation centers after prominent African Americans in the com- His story serves as a reminder
“There was a time when I couldn’t repre- munity, such as Geraldine B. Myers, Mable C. Smith, Jesse A. Brayboy, and Christina of a man who embraced the narra-
sent [in his community] due to my struggles S. Smith. tive that often plagues many formerly
with addiction and embezzlement, but God incarcerated individuals seeking re-
opened a path for me to do so,” he stated. As the county commissioner chairman, he sought funding for the county to build a demption and reintegration into so-
After paying his dues for his conviction, he homeless shelter, which broke ground last year. He approached the county’s District ciety.