Barbara and Braxton Foushee's love story spans decades of public service

Barbara and Braxton Foushee are recognized in Carrboro for their contributions to the Town and active roles in local government. Barbara Foushee is the current mayor of Carrboro, and Braxton Foushee, a longtime civil rights activist, was the first Black member of Carrboro’s Town Council. 

But their love story started 25 years ago at church, with Braxton sitting on the front row. 

“When I first noticed [Braxton], he always sat on the front pew — always dressed really neat, his beard trimmed up nice — a very distinguished, stoic-looking gentleman, and just always really nice and very polite,” Barbara said. 

Braxton said Barbara was quiet before they got to know each other, so he would see her at church, but that was the extent of their relationship — or at least that was the extent of it then. 

According to Barbara, the pair began dating in 2003 when, after a church service, Braxton offered to help her with some car troubles. 

Barbara said when Braxton asked her out for their first date, he simply asked where she wanted to eat, and they ended up at Squid’s. 

She said Braxton still always lets her pick where they go to dinner, which she thinks is just because he doesn’t like to decide. He still holds the door open for her, too. 

“I always try to defer to her for what she wants to eat, because I can eat anything,” Braxton said. 

Barbara said when she first started dating Braxton, he would cook for her — something he still does over 20 years later. 

“We’re apart more than we’re together, because I still work and he’s retired,” Barbara said. “So we try to find time to be together.”

While Barbara now knows the significance of Braxton's impact in the community, she said she only discovered Braxton's involvement in Carrboro politics after they began dating. 

Barbara said she’s learned a lot about Carrboro's history from Braxton, who has been involved in civil service in the area since he was a teenager. 

“Anytime anybody sees Braxton, they’re automatically catapulted back to the Civil Rights Movement, his work in the community, his service on the Board of Aldermen — and he’s a great source of stability in my life,” Barbara said. 

Braxton has been the catalyst for the most growth in her life because he pushes her to be the best person she can be, Barbara said.

She said Braxton often watches or attends council meetings and gives her advice on issues in the community. 

“He certainly understands the role of an elected official, the time committed to that, and he’s often able to temper me and help me see where I might not be seeing something,” Barbara said. 

But Braxton said his advice for Barbara is simple.

“I just tell her to be herself all the time,” Braxton said. 

Lewis Atwater, Braxton's longtime friend, attends the same church as the Foushees and was a witness at their wedding. He said Braxton and Barbara spend a lot of time together and are always willing to lend a helping hand. 

“It’s one of a kind,” Atwater said. “I see them lean on each other for their different strengths in life.”

Barbara said Braxton travels with her to conferences and events, and they’ll be visiting Washington, D.C. next month together for her work. 

Atwater said Braxton is always right there to support Barbara with anything she needs. And, while Braxton supports Barbara, he said she has supported him just as much over the years.

“She’s somebody I depend on,” Braxton said. “If I need her, I know she’ll be right there.” 

Barbara said they enjoy watching plays at PlayMakers Repertory Company, attending Durham Bulls games and traveling. They plan to vacation in New York City together this year.  

Barbara said the couple will visit her hometown in Duplin County this Valentine’s Day.

“No matter what day it is — Valentine’s or another — as long as we’re together, that is what matters to both of us the most,” Barbara said. 

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