Nov. 1, 2021

Mayor Vi Lyles said her father did not have the opportunities she has had. Is it not time now to ensure that others have such opportunities? she mused to reporters.

Monday’s gathering at Johnson C. Smith University launched Charlotte’s effort to fulfill commitments, made after the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, to address vestiges of racial discrimination that have left Charlotte one of the toughest cities in the U.S. to escape poverty.

Monday’s four-part plan covers Internet access, increasing minority access to business loans in the city’s most struggling commercial corridors, boosting Johnson C. Smith with additional academic programs and top-tier students, and nudging area companies to place minorities in their top management tiers.

A website for the “Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative” is here. A press release is here.

The announcement prompted a bit of breathless reporting about blockbuster change, but also some comments from activists, including Restorative Justice Charlotte, who have felt shut out of planning for the initiative.

Among the initial sources of reportage:

Axios Charlotte
“Charlotte’s pledge to raise $250 million for racial justice.” More.

WFAE
“Charlotte’s new $250 million initiative aims to address racial inequities, mayor says.” More.

WCNC
“Charlotte officials make $250 million pledge to make city more equitable.” More.

Charlotte Observer
“Charlotte corporate leaders announce $250 million investment in racial equity pledge.” More.

WBTV
“Mayor announces $250M initiative to address racial inequities, boost opportunity in Charlotte.” More.

WSOC
“Charlotte announces $250M investment in education, housing, jobs in step toward racial equity.” More.

QCityMetro
“Charlotte’s corporate and philanthropic leaders launch $250 million initiative to promote racial equity.” More.