Anthony "Tony" Emanuel Foriest was a Democratic member of the North Carolina Senate, representing the 24th district, where he served two terms. Early life, education, and early career Foriest was born in Ahoskie N.C. and raised in Alamance County. He was a member of the United States Army for three years then attended The University of North Carolina where he attained a bachelor's degree. He later attended Elon University and earned a master's degree. He worked for the Xerox Corporation for 24 years in a number of management positions. Political career Foriest has been actively involved with the Democratic Party over a number of years, including, " ... [the] North Carolina Democratic Party .. served as chairman of the N.C. Senior Democrats, was a member of the N.C. Democratic Party executive committee and spent two terms as chairman of the Alamance County Democratic Party. During his time in office he voted for the North Carolina 2009 Racial Justice Act which opposed the imposition of the death penalty on the basis of race. In 2012 the law was rolled back. Life after politics Foriest is retired and has continued his interest in improving race relations. In 2015 he took part in a Community Connections forum at Elon University' His advice was, “Read. Study. Get involved. And challenge the status quo.” Most people find it very, very difficult to even talk about race, much less trying to solve some of the problems ... You have to understand it takes a tremendous amount of effort if we’re going to dispel some of the myths that have been perpetuated for several hundred years. People have to understand when you talk about race, it brings up some raw emotions because you’re dispelling things you have been taught, you have seen, you have learned to live with over the years.The forum was so well attended that extra seating was brought in. He has become involved in helping the community with his membership of boards and charitable organizations. Personal life Foriest is married to Clara Foriest, a member of the Board of Visitors at Elon University, He has two children, Pamela and Brian, and one grandson, Trey. He lives in Graham, NC. North Carolina Senate Elections 2004 Challenged incumbent Republican State Senator Hugh Webster and lost 58%-42%. 2006 Filed for rematch against Webster and defeated him 51%-49%, a difference of just 460 votes. 2008 Won re-election to