Sept. 9, 2025

The Belmont Center conference room was eerily quiet for a Tuesday morning. It was primary election day, one of the few Tuesdays when the Forum’s facilitators could sleep in or jog off to a quiet park.

But coffee was brewing, and an agenda was on the table. As facilitators trickled in, co-conveners Laura McClettie and Jackie Edwards Walton laid out the reason for the meeting. McClettie read the following:

“Thank you all for being here today, especially on one of our rare Tuesdays off. This shows real dedication,

“It has and hopefully will continue to be a pleasure working with each one of you. We are all dedicated to continuing the Forum in years to come.

“We have mastered several tasks from the list provided. Some are more committed than others. But we have never missed a beat….

“Think about what you contribute weekly and if you are willing to contribute more.
I am hopeful that we will continue what began by many of our outstanding Black leaders over 40 years ago.

“The Forum distinguishes itself in several respects from other groups and organizations in Charlotte. We are not 501(c)(3). We are not governed by a board of directors. We aim to support the Charlotte community by delivering essential information on a weekly basis.  We are all committed and continue to show up.

“We divide the work, but some contribute more. We have created friendships. We support each other. Lots of good stuff and more. Good people to be around.
We now need to take a more serious approach towards a succession plan for the Forum.

“Sarah simply continued what was started by her and a group of other Black leaders years ago. She named the individuals she felt would continue and carry the torch once she went to the other side. That is why we are still here and do what we do.

“We need to put in a serious succession plan in place. I believe if you plan anything well and in the right way it will come to fruition. We need a succession plan to ensure the forum continues in the future.

“We are showing up, creating friendships, learning a lot, supporting each other away from the Forum, sharing tasks, some more than others. Lots of good stuff. My request and my ask is that we create a comprehensive succession plan for the Forum.  That being said. I Love this group. I love the service we provide for our community.

“I am 76 years old and very close to 80 and I don’t plan to spend my later years being a facilitator, co-convener, coffee maker or coffee pot cleaner in my last days.
My request is to proceed with this.”

The average age of facilitators. is 65. Half of the facilitators are over 70. In the era of Gen Z, Forum leadership is decidedly Boomer.

McClettie’s handouts included the agenda, a list of SSTF Duties and a broader list of separable Tasks performed (most of them weekly) by a number of the facilitators that could be combined or not to suit new volunteers’ skills and interests. No decisions were made. But the issue was broached.

The Forum’s present is assured by the successful leadership transition after the death of longtime convenor Sarah Stevenson 24 months ago at the age of nearly 98. Ensuring the Forum’s future….

If you would like more information on how you can volunteer, e-mail Laura McClettie.