City’s NDO Team Wins WFAE EQUALibrium Award
Published on July 03, 2025
Debbie Nash, Alicia Emmons and Antonio Osborne (from left to right) from Community Relations pose with their award. (Jeff Cravotta, WFAE)
In June, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Department was proud to receive a WFAE EQUALibrium award in the government category. This honor highlights exceptional efforts to advance opportunity and transformative change in Charlotte.
From over 70 nominations across seven categories, the community relations department was selected after a thorough review process by a panel of judges to be one of the 2025 distinguished winners.
Specifically, the nondiscrimination ordinance (NDO) team from the community relations department was recognized for its relentless and valuable work, from hosting free training sessions to investigating cases of discrimination at a 100% success rate. Since 1968, discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion and national origin has been prohibited, and in 2021, the City of Charlotte expanded protections through the NDO. The ordinance now includes protections for familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy, natural hairstyle, disability, age and ethnicity.
Hear from Alicia Emmons on the NDO team about the city's work and what this award meant to the team.
Why is the nondiscrimination ordinance and the city’s NDO team so important to Charlotte?
The nondiscrimination ordinance is vital to Charlotte because it reinforces our city’s commitment to dignity and respect for all residents and visitors. It ensures that everyone has equal access to public accommodations and employment. This ordinance reflects who we are and who we strive to be — a vibrant, welcoming community where every person is seen, valued and celebrated. Behind our city’s NDO is a dedicated team that wears two important hats as both protectors and educators in our community. We not only investigate discrimination complaints and help parties find fair and meaningful resolutions, but we also work proactively to prevent discrimination before it happens. Through outreach, education and support, we empower community members and businesses to understand their rights and responsibilities under the ordinance. It’s not just about explaining what the ordinance says — it’s about showing why it matters.
How does the NDO team work proactively to prevent discrimination?
A core part of our work is proactive community outreach. We provide information sessions to a wide range of audiences, including residents, local businesses, libraries, nonprofits, social groups, and conference attendees to raise awareness and prevent discrimination before it happens. To give a brief example, we met with staff members from a local business to share information on the rights and responsibilities of guests with service animals. After walking through real-world scenarios and protections under the law, staff members felt more knowledgeable and comfortable when welcoming guests with service animals. It’s in these conversations where increased understanding leads to a shift in perspective and meaningful changes that create a true impact in our community.
What do you wish residents knew about the NDO and the city’s NDO team?
No one wants to be treated unfairly simply for being who they are. And the truth is, many people don’t have the time or resources for costly litigation when it happens. That’s why the NDO matters and why our team exists. We want people to know that this is an accessible, approachable resource. We’re here to listen and act with fairness. When people come to us, they often say it’s not just about what happened to them, it’s about making sure it doesn’t happen to the next person. It’s about building a city where everyone feels like they truly belong. That is why we are intentional with our outreach efforts to ensure all communities feel seen and valued.
How did it feel to receive the recognition of the WFAE EQUALibrium Award?
Receiving the WFAE EQUALibrium Award was a tremendous honor — one made even more meaningful by being recognized alongside some of the most inspiring changemakers in our community. Among them was Dorothy Counts-Scoggins, who received the Luminary Award for her lifelong leadership and historic role as one of the first Black students to integrate a Charlotte-Mecklenburg high school in 1957. Standing in a room filled with people who are actively and boldly shaping our city was both humbling and deeply energizing. It was a night that really showed why this work matters.
I also felt thankful for all of the support and collaborations with community partners and city departments. Community-based organizations play a critical role in this work. They help connect us to residents, build trust and ensure that voices from every corner of our city are heard.
Is there anything else you wanted to share?
I want our residents to know and understand the powerful legacy of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations, which has been a driving force for community harmony and justice for over 60 years. Our story began in 1960, when groups of courageous students led sit-ins at segregated lunch counters right here in Charlotte, sparking a local movement that gave rise to the Mayor’s Friendly Relations Committee, the foundation of what is now the community relations department. One of our first major actions was responding to protests over discriminatory practices in public facilities.
The echoes of those who bravely ignited a movement still resonate today, reminding us of our enduring commitment. Through Charlotte’s nondiscrimination ordinance, we’re still working to ensure that public spaces are truly open, fair and welcoming to all. We’re proud to share that we've achieved a 100% success rate in conciliation agreements for all cases with cause findings. That’s not just a statistic, it’s a testament to what’s possible when accountability, collaboration and compassion come together to move our city forward.
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If you want to learn more, you can take a deeper dive into the history of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations.
Erin Gillespie of the Charlotte Planning, Design & Development Department also received a WFAE EQUALibrium award in the government category. She was honored as an Emerging Leader.
Congratulations, NDO team and Erin!