SMITHFIELD – Craig Olive, Johnston County Register of Deeds, responded Friday to NAACP’s letter requesting statements concerning the recent death of George Floyd and their solutions for equality and justice.
“As a young boy, our family embraced all races. My parents taught me to treat all people the way that I would like to be treated. They also showed me, by example, to love all people, just as Jesus taught us to love one another. Throughout my school years and my career to this day, I have friends and colleagues from all walks of life and all races. I know that I can count on many of them at any time and they know that I will be there for them, as well.”
“For far too long, there have been injustices toward my African American friends as well as other races in the United States. With the recent violence against George Floyd and others, now is time to examine ourselves and determine how we can come together as Americans for the common good of all. The time for action is NOW! There needs to be conversations and actions to make this happen. We all serve the same God and we all will answer to Him for our actions. It is my hope that these recent tragic events will force these conversations and change will be a result. We must remember that we are all created by the same Creator and everyone should be treated fairly and equally.”
“Since being in public service to the citizens of Johnston County, first as a driver license examiner to my current role as Register of Deeds, I have always strived to put others before myself. As Dr. Martin Luther King stated “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others.” This quote is special to me as I strive live a life of service to others, no matter who that might be.”
“It is my hope that all the citizens of Johnston County know that my doors are always open to everyone at any time.”
