In describing his racial identity as a black man, he has pointed to his African heritage, as a direct descendant of slaves. G.K. points to his childhood experience growing up in racially segregated North Carolina living in "East Wilson" where he attended black schools. Additionally, he spent his childhood as a firsthand witness to the disenfranchisement of his black community originating as part of a targeted campaign to remove his father from the Board of Alderman. He is the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.