Charlotte task force works to find solution to racial, economic disparities

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte's gleaming skyscrapers rise up from streets filled with high-powered businessmen and businesswomen in expensive suits. The fast-paced, cosmopolitan city appears to be a place where anyone can succeed, but perception may be different than reality.

"The biggest issue we have to address in Charlotte is segregation by race and by income. Every map you look at tells you we are a highly segregated community," executive Vice President of the Foundation for the Carolinas Brian Collier said.

A 30-year study by researchers at Harvard found it's harder to climb out of poverty in Charlotte than any other big city in the nation.

"What they want to know is that the playing field is level," Collier said.

Channel 9’s Mark Barber asked, "Is it level right now?"

"No, no it's not," Collier replied.

Collier is a part of the city's Upward Mobility Task Force. He's working with a team of 19 city leaders to find solutions for the city's racial and economic disparity.

"There are people who believe the American dream no longer applies to them; that no matter how hard they work no matter what they do," Collier said.

Tensions around issues such as inequality, fear and distrust have existed in Charlotte for decades. The issues date back to a time when the city spent more of its resources on high-performing white schools. Charlotte also has a history of keeping affordable housing out of wealthier neighborhoods.

For years, frustrations have been building in African American communities and the police killing of Keith Lamont Scott was the catalyst that sparked the protests that have been rocking the city.

"The shooting was just a small part. It lit a spark that lit a fire that was burning underground," Collier said.

He told Channel 9 the task force doesn't know how to solve the city's deep-rooted problems yet, but he says they think they know right where to begin.

They're starting by listening to hurting people in the community, such as 9-year-old Zianna Oliphant, who cried out to council members on Monday.

"We shouldn't have to protest because you all are treating us wrong," she said through tears.

Collier told Channel 9 how he would respond to her by saying, "I'm hoping that the fact that I'm even talking about this issue with her to you that she will believe things will be different going forward and that we will allocate resources differently and that we will make policy decisions that are different to show her that we do care."

While the task force is still trying to figure out how it will help, Collier said members are already talking about how the city can start mixing affordable housing to reduce segregation.

“We might look at things like allowing affordable housing to be spread more evenly across our community, we might look at creating mentors for kids who show them pathways to careers. It is difficult work, but we have to do something. We can’t sit around wait,” Collier said.

Cox Media Group