Feb. 1, 2021 For many years, the Forum marked Black History Month by scheduling speakers and panelists who could offer a perspective on the history of Charlotte-Mecklenburg's African-American community. In the name of upholding that tradition in these pandemic times: The following graphics were ... Continue Reading →
‘I plan to use my constitutional right’
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote SHALL NOT be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” – The 15th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. By Arthur Griffin ... Continue Reading →
Griffin, Dawkins challenge all to lead from the front
July 17, 2018 The question on the floor was civic engagement. But the real question was: How does the black community stop electing people who proceed to ignore the black community’s interests? These were some of the answers laid out by Black Political Caucus chair and longtime education ... Continue Reading →
Superintendent assesses reading issues, other CMS challenges
Sept. 26, 2017 There were many headlines from Dr. Clayton Wilcox's visit to the Forum this morning. He's looking for ways to reduce testing. He sees value in integrated classrooms. He won't budge on leaving it mostly to teachers to decide where they choose to work, no matter that they might be ... Continue Reading →
Observer editor Fannie Flono retires
Charlotte Observer editorial writer Fannie Flono would periodically attend the Forum, drawn by the subject of the day. She would generally sit in the back and listen, writing on a yellow pad. The Forum was one of those dozens of places where Flono "gathered string," as journalists say, collecting ... Continue Reading →
Forum session unearths disappointments with both charters, districts
In a packed house with more than a dozen elected officials or candidates present, Tuesday's session on public education in Mecklenburg unearthed deep disappointment over how all public schools in Mecklenburg are not meeting the N.C. constitutional mandate to afford every child a sound basic ... Continue Reading →
The Long Struggle for Equity in Education in North Carolina
For Black History Month, Forum participants suggested a session on some of the history of K-12 education in Mecklenburg County. Speakers were Arthur Griffin, longtime education advocate and former chair of the CMS Board of Education; Richard McElrath, former District 2 member of the board; and Sarah ... Continue Reading →
Reflections of Some Who Lived Black History
When the Forum gathered at the Wallace Pruitt Rec Center for the "Highlighting African-American Achievers" exhibit, participants saw reminders of the inventive genius of African-Americans, and saw a riviting skit about the Underground Railroad. When the skit concluded, they met in a room and ... Continue Reading →
Griffin warns of two-tiered school system
Arthur Griffin today pressed Forum participants to take ownership of improving CMS public education. That's a message he has been making during more than 40 years of active engagement in the work of his native county's public school system. Today, the message is laced with the national and ... Continue Reading →