NHCS BOE member Tim Merrick responds to social media post made by David Perry

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A day after New Hanover Board of Education member David Perry met with the leader of a youth organization he voted against last week, another board member is responding to comments made by Perry.

Last week, the Board of Education renewed a memorandum of understanding with an organization called 100 Black Men of Coastal North Carolina, who assist at-risk African American and other minority students, with Perry the one dissenting vote.

The next day, Perry made a Facebook post wondering what would happen if an organization called 100 White Men wanted to work with at-risk students.

The post called out both parents and fellow board member Tim Merrick.

Merrick said Perry may not understand that not every student has the same opportunities available to them.

“I don’t believe that he is trying to deny opportunities,” Merrick said. “I think he doesn’t understand perhaps that there is real need in certain populations that are different than others.”

Merrick adds that DEI programs ensure everyone has opportunities to further and improve their lives.

Perry met with Angelo Williams, the president of 100 Black Men of Coastal North Carolina, on Tuesday and said he would like to find ways to help all at-risk students, while getting 100 Black Men involved as well.