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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee is committed to building community harmony by advocating for diversity, and equity for all.
Willie Ratchford 0:10
If you care about the community, and you care about the future of your children and them having a good place to live and where racial tensions are not an issue of or problem, then you should care about the work of the Community Relations Committee.
Vanessa Clarke 0:24
For me, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee is representative of a community that is definitely moving forward in terms of racial equality and equity, definitely in terms of being able to address the issues that have made some communities more oppressed than others.
Righteous Keitt 0:44
Sadly, we live in a society where not everyone has the same access to the resources, so giving those resources to those who need it. That is something that a lot of people who look like me haven't had and that is a issue that we have suffered not just in Charlotte, but in cities across this country. Equity, unlike equality is simply given those the resources necessary to make sure that everyone is able to achieve the same thing.
Pat Millen 1:08
Equity to me and opportunity in Charlotte is about getting jobs that will allow you to be successful and independent. Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not, this is an intersection here where these talented kids are getting opportunity, and as a result are going to be tremendously successful for the rest of their lives. But where I see the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee helping is to make it to make broader and more widespread introductions for us so that we can interact with all citizens within this county.
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee promotes opportunities to create positive outcomes through dialogue, training and conflict resolutions.
Willie Ratchford 1:52
The need for honest and substantive conversations around difference is going to be important. And so the CRC plays an important role in getting people to talk with one another.
Chuck Boufford 2:04
I think some of the strides that have been taken over the last several years, especially when civil disturbances have occurred, have been gigantic. This is why I enjoy the work I do as a mediator, because people can sit down and exchange ideas and hopefully come to a resolution of their conflict.
Melanie Dunston 2:22
Equity for me is just having everybody treated fairly. As a mediator. I've gone through a lot of race relations between both parties. And it has been very difficult as a mediator to try to resolve them. But at the end, it's been really successful. I'm able to give them information that they can use. They get it they say you know what this, this is okay.
Vanessa Clarke 2:52
I believe that there is great opportunity for the CRC to work within the community to really enhance and be progressive and the groundwork that has already been laid for a more inclusive and diverse society.
Willie Ratchford 3:07
We have a really great future ahead of us. We've got to be intentional about the work that we do. And we've got to get folks to realize over time, that no one of us is as good as all of us. We are one country with one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And that means everybody.
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Join us in this work and stay engaged with the Community Relations Committee by visiting charlottenc.gov/CRC