CRC Newsletter | July 2024

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Retreat, Refocus, Regroup!

By Cheryl Tuning, CRC Member

Earlier this year, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee (CRC) came together for its annual retreat. Since last year’s retreat, the CRC has welcomed new leadership, several new members and introduced new strategies for its work. The 2024 annual retreat focused on team building, outlining roles and responsibilities, and understanding the CRC’s priorities. Each subcommittee also had the opportunity to share updates on their work. As part of the welcome, CRC Executive Director Willie Ratchford shared a heartwarming video that highlighted the committee’s history, accomplishments and its value to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. The retreat was off to a great start!

Mayor Pro Tem and District 1 Representative Danté Anderson attended to share City Council’s strategic initiatives which are safe and secure housing, economic development and upward mobility, and public safety. The CRC will use these strategic initiatives to align our priorities and guide us in our areas of focus.

Following Council Member Anderson’s call to action, CRC members heard from John Stephens, associate professor of Public Administration & Government at the University of North Carolina’s School of Government. Professor Stephens shared the following best practices for CRC members to be successful:

• Advise and assist in the city’s policy making and oversight.
• Maintain clarity of purpose to lead the chosen scope of work effectively.
• Consider a healthy balance of agreeing and opposing views in CRC decision-making.
• Understand the expectations and desired outcomes to drive the work effectively.

CRC members were strongly encouraged to be engaged beyond just attending events and this was reiterated as the CRC Chair, Sam Smith Jr., shared his three-year vision for the committee.

• Year One — Disruptive: Focused on review, assessment, and rebuilding.
• Year Two — Growth: Focused on increased engagement, partnerships and community talk series.
• Year Three — Stabilization: Focused on 100 percent retention and leadership transition (CRC members are appointed to three-year terms).

The retreat ended with a brief subcommittee work session and report outs. The group connected over lunch and seemed energized and ready to roll up our sleeves to help support the success of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community!

CRC Restructures Subcommittees to Build Stronger Engagement

By Joi Mayo, CRC Member

In addition to laying out a three-year vision for the committee, CRC Chair Sam Smith Jr. and the leadership team recently outlined a bold move to reduce the number of subcommittees from seven to three. The CRC’s new subcommittees are Community and Cultural Engagement, Community Liaison Representative and Public Relations. The subcommittee restructure aims to manage positive outcomes better, increase accountability and broaden the CRC’s opportunities for success.

“We feel our engagement is vital to a healthy community in promoting harmony, facilitating resolution and celebrating diversity,” said Smith.

Each subcommittee has developed a set of goals to guide their work.

Community and Cultural Engagement

Goals:

• Seek out and share opportunities for the CRC and department to host events, educational sessions, and other community dialogues and other activities.
• Foster a vibrant and inclusive community through diverse cultural engagements.
• Promote dialogue and activities that enhance police-community relations.
• Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through meaningful events and discussions.

Community Liaison Representative

Goals:

• Align and engage with the Community Relations Department’s four divisions: Community Affairs, Fair Housing/NDO, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program, and the Dispute Settlement Program.
• Ensure that the CRC’s activities and goals are integrated with these divisions for a cohesive approach to community relations.

Public Relations

Goals:

• Keep the CRC and the community updated on the issues the CRC works to address.
• Assist with the promotion of CRC-hosted events.
• Emphasize youth violence prevention and empowerment.
• Enhance police relations to build trust and understanding between law enforcement and the community.

How to Get Involved

Those who are interested in joining the CRC can apply online through the City of Charlotte Boards and Commissions or Mecklenburg County Advisory Board websites. Here are some additional ways you can get involved:

• Attend Meetings: Each subcommittee holds regular meetings where you can share your ideas and contribute to ongoing projects.
• Volunteer: Sign up to volunteer for specific events or projects that align with your interests and expertise.
• Spread the Word: Use your networks to promote CRC events and initiatives, ensuring a wider reach and greater community involvement.
• Participate in Events: Join us at our events to learn, engage, and support our community-building efforts.

Officers Honored at the 44th Annual Police-Community Relations Awards

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers were celebrated at the 44th annual Police-Community Relations Awards. Ten officers received special recognition at the awards ceremony.

The 2024 winners are:

• Captain Joan Gallant, Quality Assurance Division.
• Officer Doug Gallant Jr., North Tryon Division.
• Officer Rafael Garcia, Freedom Division.
• Officer Jody Harkey, Aviation Unit.
• Officer Amanda Huffman, University City Division.
• Officer Jason Humphreys, Hickory Grove Division.
• Sergeant Jeffrey Joseph, Central Division.
• Officer GF Ritter Jr., Hickory Grove Division.
• Officer Marcus Thompson, North Tryon Division.
• Officer Daniel Youngblood, ABC Unit.

The annual awards recognize officers and work teams from CMPD who are building positive, problem-solving relationships with individual residents and neighborhood groups. Their contributions have meaningful impacts on lives across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. This year, Chief Johnny Jennings was presented with a special award on behalf of the CRC in recognition of the dedicated service that he and his team of officers provide to keep Charlotte-Mecklenburg safe. Two youth were also honored during the ceremony for their engagement and successful participation in CMPD programs designed to help youth thrive.

Officers were nominated by community members, and winners were selected by a group made up of members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee. Two youth were also honored during the ceremony for their engagement and successful participation in CMPD programs designed to help youth thrive. Nominations for next year’s Police-Community Relations Awards can be submitted using the Police Nomination online form or by mail, addressed to:

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee
Belmont Regional Center
700 Parkwood Ave.
Charlotte, N.C. 28205

The CRC was a proud sponsor of For the Struggle, Inc.’s 2024 Juneteenth Festival that took place on Saturday, June 22. This wonderful community event was well-attended by residents of all ages. From raffles, to games, to local artist performances, the festival was fun and uplifting. As one of the event’s sponsors, the CRC was able to engage with attendees and share more about the services and programs provided by Community Relations. It was a great day for attendees to celebrate freedom and the CRC was pleased to have participated in making this impactful event a huge success!

Stay in the loop about the CRC’s key initiatives, programs, community events and more.

Celebrating ADA Pride Month: July is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Pride Month and is a time to honor the transformative impact of the ADA since its enactment in 1990. For 34 years, the ADA has been a beacon of hope and progress, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are granted the rights and opportunities they deserve. It has also been a cornerstone in promoting equal opportunity, accessibility and inclusion for millions of Americans. Countless barriers have been broken down in employment, education, transportation and public accommodations, ensuring that people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of life. As we celebrate ADA Pride Month, let us recognize the achievements made and continue to strive for a future where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and succeed. Learn more about the city’s ADA Program.

Better Bus Community Meetings: As part of an ongoing community engagement process, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will host several pop-up style meetings at various locations to gather public feedback for the Better Bus project. View the July meeting schedule. The Better Bus project is an initiative aimed at enhancing the public transit experience for riders across the greater Charlotte region. Learn about how CATS is aiming to make a Better Bus network and take the survey on RideTransit.org.

Summer Break with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: This summer, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers exceptional events and programs for all ages. The featured Summer Break program encourages participants to read 20 minutes per day and engage in additional learning activities such as writing, creating, playing, exploring and giving. Learn more about the Summer Break program and other Library offerings.

ABOUT THE CRC

Mission: To empower, collaborate, engage and promote opportunities to create positive outcomes.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee (CRC) is committed to addressing discrimination in the community, focusing on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. The CRC actively seeks community input and openly shares information that promotes transparency, equitable access to resources and opportunities for all. Members of the CRC assemble regularly to discuss and suggest solutions for various situations that transpire within the community, especially those involving perceived discrimination. Recommendations are made to relevant parties to address these concerns in a proactive way. Learn more about the CRC.