Community Leaders and Peace Keepers Recognized at 31St
Community Leaders and Peace Keepers Recognized at Inside this issue: 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration - Dr. Martin Luther King, By Mark Boone: city last September: Dr. Peter travelled down Tryon Street from Jr. Holiday Celebration Wherry, Reverend Steve Knight, 9th Street to Stonewall Street. The September 2016 protests Dr. Rodney Sadler and Minister Immediately following the and demonstrations in Uptown - Fair Housing Month Corrine Mack. parade, the annual Growing the Charlotte following the fatal Dream Awards were presented police shooting of Keith Lamont “The parade was an ideal venue - CRC Staff Spotlight at a luncheon held on the Scott prompted new ideas in which we could pay tribute to campus of Johnson C. Smith among the planning committee those who led the community’s - Documentary Screening University. The award is given to behind Charlotte’s annual response to the September people and organizations who celebration of the life and legacy demonstrations,” said Delores - CMS Arts & Writing work tirelessly for the of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Reid-Smith, co-chair of the Contest Winners betterment of Charlotte- Celebration organizing Three days of events had already Mecklenburg neighborhoods. committee. “It was wonderful to been scheduled for the following watch the spectators show their The 2017 honorees are: January as part of the 2017 appreciation for the guidance of Charlotte City Council Carolinas HealthCare System our faith leaders as everyone Member Al Austin MLK National Holiday joined in the spirit of the Celebration, but organizers saw King Holiday.” Derek Webber, founder of an opportunity to recognize the Webber Marketing grassroots organizers who had More than 100 marching bands, & Consulting met with many of the protest step teams and other groups during a difficult time organizations followed the Grand Charles Assenco, a for Charlotte. Marshals in the 31st year for the community leader in Hyde Individual Highlights: MLK holiday parade, which Park Estates “Our community continues to The Y Achievers program of Fair Housing - Page 3 heal after last September’s protests and demonstrations” the YMCA of Greater said LaWana Mayfield, Charlotte Charlotte Staff Spotlight- Page 3 City Council member and co- Cheryl Emanuel, Senior CMS Art - Page 4 chair of the MLK organizing Health Manager at the committee. “We saw the MLK Mecklenburg County Health Documentary - Page 4 weekend as an opportunity to Department recognize those who are working Debbie Gibbs of LifeShare CMS Writing- Pages 5 - 7 every day to address the frustration expressed by the of the Carolinas
demonstrators, while we also Reggie Singleton, Executive celebrate the growing diversity Director of The Males of our city and county.” Place, Inc.
An estimated 10,000 people who Artie Collins, PNC Bank, lined Tryon Street on the Vice President and morning of January 14 saw two Community Consultant convertibles driving near the front of the MLK holiday parade. Retired Charlotte- Perched above the back seat of Mecklenburg Police each vehicle were the parade’s Minister Corine Mack (top) and Detective Garry McFadden 2017 Grand Marshals, four faith Dr. Rodney Sadler were two of the four leaders who were instrumental Grand Marshalls in the 2017 MLK (continued on page 2) in brokering peace during the Holiday Parade. (photo by Tom Schellin) most challenging days for the Link March 2017 Page 2 of 7
King Holiday Celebration (continued from page 1)
Also at presented at the luncheon, the Seed Award went to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney and the Root Award went to Harry Jones, who served as Mecklenburg County Manager from 2000 to 2013. Jones, who was the first black person to hold the manager job in Mecklenburg, died in February following a five-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Later in the King holiday weekend, students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools honored the legacy of Dr. King’s advocacy of nonviolent protests through poetry, dance and works of art. The MLK National Observance program Dr. Peter Wherry (center) receives the Medallion Award at the Carolinas HealthCare System MLK National held in the Halton Theater at Observance on January 16, 2017. Also pictured are LaWana Mayfield (left) and Delores Reid-Smith (right). Central Piedmont Community (photo by Tom Schellin) College allowed students to connect Dr. King’s legacy with benefit Charlotte- No taxpayer dollars are Dr. Peter Wherry, pastor of current events and conversations Mecklenburg nonprofits. Mayfield Memorial Missionary used for the MLK around race and equality. (see MLK March of Commitment, Baptist Church, received the pages 4 -7 for the winning a walk from First Ward weekend events. Medallion Award, the highest entries in the CMS Arts & Elementary School to honor presented by the Writing Contest.) Marshal Park in which Charlotte-Mecklenburg Organizing partners of participants chanted and Three community leaders who Community Relations sung the themes and ideas the Charlotte- embody the nonviolent and Committee, for his “focus on the they view as important to Mecklenburg MLK inclusive values of Dr. King were welfare of marginalized Charlotte's move toward a also recognized at the National individuals of our community National Holiday more just community. Observance: Rev. Clifford through programs that meet Celebration include Matthews, Jr., the Senior Pastor their basic needs such as: food, The annual wreath-laying Charlotte-Mecklenburg at St. Luke Missionary Baptist clothing, and housing. He ceremony at the Dr. Martin Church received the Keeper of confronts social injustice with a Luther King statue in Schools, Mecklenburg the Dream award for his work in peaceful yet stern approach such Marshall Park Park and Recreation, “leading social change by helping as facilitating town halls with Johnson C. Smith disenfranchised and police and African American The Charlotte-Mecklenburg MLK disadvantaged people in Druid communities to address issues National Holiday Celebration is University, Hands On Hills and other Charlotte and discuss possible solutions planned entirely by the Charlotte and members neighborhoods”. while attempting to ease committee comprised of of the faith community. tensions among all parties”. Community Relations Committee Claire Tate, founder of (CRC) members and other Lakewood Preschool in West The 2017 Carolinas HealthCare volunteers. CRC members who 2017 events were Charlotte and Charlotte Bilingual System MLK National Holiday led the 2017 events include Preschool in East Charlotte, Celebration also included: Delores Reid-Smith, co-chair of sponsored by Carolinas received the Keeper of the the organizing committee; Mark Hands On Charlotte’s MLK HealthCare System. Dream Award. She was Boone, chair of the Call to Service, a drop-in Additional support was recognized for her work in communications committee; community service event in “creating an equal playing field Dana Sidberry and Mike Tanck. provided by WBTV, Food which more than 700 for all children, particularly those Lion and McDonalds. from immigrant and low-income individuals worked on a The CRC staff liaison for the MLK families, on entry to variety of projects which organizing committee is Kindergarten. Terry Bradley. Link March 2017 Page 3 of 7
April is Fair Housing Month!
By: Melissa Baker concern for civil rights. On and ameliorate the effects of September 13, 1988, President discrimination in our community. The Fair Housing Act, also known Ronald Reagan signed the Fair We accept formal complaints as the Title VIII of the Civil Rights Housing Amendments Act. The from citizens who feel they have Act of 1968, is the result of three amended Fair Housing Act now been discriminated against in a years of congressional includes protections based on public place or in housing consideration of housing one’s family status (having because of their race, color, discrimination and how housing children under the age of 18) and religion, national origin, gender, discrimination should be protections for persons with family status or disability. addressed. This debate occurred disabilities, including accessibility Our staff members document at the time our country was standards for new multi-family for the enforcement of the law. and investigate citizens' experiencing the rise of the civil housing. Additionally, in 2012, complaints and conduct rights movement under the Sex was added as a prohibited HUD published new regulations standardized testing of alleged leadership of Dr. Martin Luther basis of discrimination in housing to ensure that the Department's violators' facilities. We also King, Jr., increasing public in 1974. The Fair Housing Act core housing programs are open provide referrals to the Advocacy awareness of social injustices, was amended in 1988 to include to all eligible persons, regardless Council for People with and more strident voices calling additional protections. Attorney of their sexual orientation or Disabilities, which advises local for violent responses to those and author Robert G. Schwemm gender identity. In addition, 12 government officials about injustices. On April 4, 1968, Dr. likens the passage of the Fair states and the District of accommodations in programs, Martin Luther King, Jr. was Housing Amendments Act of Columbia, as well as several assassinated. It was a time of 1988 to passage of the original services and facilities. counties and municipalities great upheaval, and Congress Fair Housing Act in 1968, when protect persons against housing These intake, investigation, worked quickly to pass legislation societal changes forced Congress discrimination based upon enforcement, education and which would help settle the to address civil rights issues for source of income. outreach services are provided in unrest following Dr. King’s additional groups in our society. conjunction with the Federal Fair Do you feel as though you have assassination. One week after Dr. Influencing factors included: Housing Assistance Program and been a victim of discrimination? King’s assassination, on April 11, Democrats regaining control of the U.S. Department of Housing 1968, President Lyndon B. the Senate in the 100th Call us! and Urban Development (HUD). Johnson signed the Civil Rights Congress, enactment of the Civil Equal access in public For more information about Act into law. The Fair Housing Rights Restoration Act of 1987, accommodations and housing is fairness in housing and public Act of 1968 prohibited housing and the 1988 presidential a right, not a privilege. The places or to file a complaint, discrimination based on race, campaigns of George H. W. Bush Community Relations Committee please call 704-336-5160. color, religion, and national and Jesse Jackson, both of which (CRC) works tirelessly to prevent origin. It also included provisions demonstrated a renewed
CRC Staff Spotlight: Luis Matta
Staff Title: Community Relations Hobbies: Studying music “If not us, Specialist and French CRC Staff Tenure: 10 years Family: Two bilingual and then who? Birthplace: Columbia, South bicultural children,
America ages 14 and 12 Professional Motivation: Quote: “I am very proud of how If not now, Promoting inclusion among the CRC has adapted to different cultures Charlotte’s explosive growth. then when?” Professional Background: Thanks to our committee’s Executive Editor and City Editor volunteers work we are ready to for Spanish language face new challenges.” - John Lewis, newspapers; B.A. in Mass Media Civil Rights Activist and Communications and Journalism U.S. Representative Link March 2017 Page 4 of 7
Documentary “13th” Presented at Charlotte Screening Students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools honored the legacy of Dr. King’s advocacy of The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations nonviolent protests through poetry, dance and Committee’s Crisis Response works of art in the 2017 CMS Arts & subcommittee hosted a screening a screening of the Writing contest (see writing entry winners on acclaimed documentary 13th pages 5-7). on Thursday, January 19th.
13th delves into the The 1st place winners for art were: constitutional amendment that Grades K-2: Allison Cardoza Garcia, a student at banned slavery and involuntary servitude “except as a Joseph W. Greir Academy punishment for crime.” It traces Grades 3-5: Massa Sheriff, a student at the history of the amendment and the consequences of that Lawrence Orr Elementary exception from its passage to the present day. Grades 6-8: Aaron Solar, a student at Quail Directed by Ava DeVernay, who Hollow Middle School The screening, held in honor of also directed the award-winning Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, film Selma, 13th has earned Grades 9-12: Alajah Artis, a student at Phillip O. was also an opportunity to share praise from several critics. Berry Academy of Technology with the community the initiatives of the Crisis Response The New York Times has called subcommittee, including the movie “a powerful cinematic Expungement workshops and call to conscience,” Know Your Rights training. and Entertainment Weekly wrote it is “a titanic statement by a Attorneys from the public major American voice. Viewing— defenders office led a discussion right now—should be following the screening. The mandatory.” dialogue the themes and The documentary is currently questions raised by the available on Netflix. documentary.
Art by Aaron Solar (above)
Art by Massa Sheriff (left)
The documentary “13th” is projected onto a screen at the Belmont Community Center on January 19, 2017. (photo by Maria Macon) Link March 2017 Page 5 of 7
First Place Writing Winners in 2017
CMS Arts & Writing Contest
Category: Grades K-2 Quame Smith-Dye, Druid Hills Academy
America has failed to hear the rioters are sad about the shootings. Men of America need healing from the shootings and violence.
All the shootings means that a lot of fathers are dead. God loves all people in the world. The United States of America needs all people to follow Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s standards of nonviolence, equity, fairness and justice in every community.
We can be more like God and follow His standards of peace. We can also help many people by following God and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s thoughts of peace, equity, fairness and justice for people all over the world. We can do this by throwing guns away, so we can stop shooting people. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s standards can help kids by keeping them from getting hurt.
Category: Grades 3-5 Makayla Brown, 5th Grade, Rama Road Elementary
“Silent Mouths”
Voices cannot be heard because of pain, struggle and violence. We stand here with silent mouths, with no tiny voices to be heard.
A cricket can overcome our voices. We riot because we are in pain.
We try to overcome our voices. But, we can’t because ya’ll attack our voices again, again, and again.
Violence is not the answer and listening is a problem for everybody. We don’t stop because they don’t listen to our harmless voices.
The Bradley Middle School Dance Team, under the direction of Debra Gresham, performs at the 2017 Carolinas HealthCare System MLK National Observance. (photo by Tom Schellin) (continued on page 6) Link March 2017 Page 6 of 7
CMS Writing Winners continued
Category: Grades 6-8 Jahmicah Miller, Ridge Road Middle School
“Language of the Unheard: Spoken Word”
The wise man Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. once said “A riot is the language of the unheard.” But the time to which he referred was 1966. 50 years later, has the problem been fixed? 50 years later, and we add ‘Black Lives Matter’ to the mix? 50 years later and as time still ticks We struggle to find our voice in peaceful protest as we march in honor of our black men Oh so young, oh so blessed. Yet still had to suffer with 8 bullets in their chest. Society left shakened as the community reacts. How is peace an option when our race is under attack? Some suggest that only through riots they will hear our cry. That because we don’t have a platform to speak on violence is the only way we qualify As Equal. Looking back at the civil rights movement comparing today as its sequel. America needs to learn how to listen For our violence seems to be the only way to get their attention. We need to find a peaceful solution now because on the future our actions impact. On the next generation when we leave bullets as artifacts. On our grandchildren when we fail to leave this country intact. On America when we left this country on the track To separation. Ask yourselves, where are we going as a nation? Will riots really lead us to salvation? Looking back at our foundation, have we failed to not living up to the obligation of not repeating our past? The scene of this world is changing fast. There's a voice to all the unheard Given the example of this spoken word. Category: Grades 9-12 Gylana Jones, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology
“Unheard Voices”
I cannot speak, because I am not heard Even if I do speak they will not hear me Even when my hands are up yelling don't shoot When I’m using my last breath to tell them I cannot breathe They will act like they do not hear. Like you are a mute. Like the words you speak don't ring out in a plea Our voices are not heard because they seep into the cold concrete And the concrete is cold against our hot bodies, and the hot metal that still rings after it has been shot through our bodies And the concrete is cold against our now cold dead bodies. And they say that the dead speak but they still don't hear. (continued on page 7) Link March 2017 Page 7 of 7
CMS Writing Winners continued
They say you shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but their souls still live Which explains why the media coverage will not die. Why every black man is a thug who just slings drugs. CRC Staff And every time I cry another one dies.
And every time one dies I can't help but cry. Executive Director But my cries are stifled. Willie Ratchford I am choking on their blood I am breathing the air they suffocated on. Community Relations Managers Mary Williams - Dispute Settlement Program Terry Bradley - City of Charlotte ADA Sometimes I believe that my voice is unheard because I’m not screaming loud enough Coordinator But my screaming can only be heard if it wants to be. Donna Murrell - Community Relations You can't speak on deaf ears and expect them to respond. Specialist/ Supervisor Just like you can lead a horse to water but can't make it drink. Community Relations Specialists Terry Stokes I cannot make you listen but I will continue to speak Lezlie Briggs My voice has power and I hope it resonates inside of you Luis Matta Rhonda Jackson I hope you hear it ring in your ear like an alarm Melissa Baker I hope it shakes you and wakes you and pulls you out of bed Tenya Coleman I hope you lose sleep, and you dream, and you can't stop thinking about it Administrative Officers
Renee Thompson Our voices will be heard Sue Green This is not your grandmothers movement This is our revolution We have been silenced too long CRC Members We spoke and were not heard CRC Chair We talked and our words fell on deaf ears. Patricia Albritton We tried to tell you what was wrong and you shot us down at every turn So now like a two year old we throw tantrums. Anthony Abbinante Kwesi Nichols We scream, we claw, we bite, we fight Jeanette Ayeni Rhonda Odom Because apparently our words weren't enough. Demario Baker Aaron Orr, Sr. We need attention even if it's the wrong kind Mark Boone Beth Pickering Because we have to act out in order to be heard. Crystal Brooks Colin Pinkney
Matthew Comer Joseph Raines
We have had enough of our communities turning into your burial grounds. Kawana Davis Valarie Reed We are done playing by your rules. Larry Edwards Delores Reid-Smith We are done shrinking ourselves for your liking Avery Faucett Jacqlin Robinson-Ross We will be loud and proud Passion Graham Omar Saxton We will no longer serve in your Hunger Games Erin Hamrick Dana Sidberry But i will volunteer to be the tribute that will be heard Mel Hartsell Michael Smalenberger Because the pen is mightier than the sword Jibril Hough Jennifer Styczen Gary Leake And in this case my tongue is mightier than the gun Michael Tanck Angela Lindsay I am like a dragon and the words that I speak and spit are fire Carrie Taylor Maria Macon Felicia Thompkins So if you no longer want to hear me then stop, drop and roll David McIntyre II Hector Vaca, Jr. But this fire will continue to flow Jason Mitchel Michael Whitener
Vivian Mitchell Gary Young II The more you silence me the louder I will roar Shhhh listen to the silence……. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community We love to hear from CRC Link readers! If you have a suggestion, feedback, or great Relations Committee story idea, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] 700 Parkwood Avenue Charlotte, NC 28205 The CRC Link is a publication of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee.
Editor: Mark Boone; Staff Liaison: Melissa Baker Email: [email protected] Phone: 704.336.2424 Editorial Board: Crystal Brooks, Kawana Davis, Passion Graham, Angela Lindsay, Michael Tanck, Website: www.charlottenc.gov/crc Carrie Taylor