Black Political Caucus votes in favor of leader's resignation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The year is ending in controversy for Charlotte's most influential group in local politics.

Outgoing Black Political Caucus Chair Colette Forrest previously announced her plans to step down as leader effective Dec. 31. In a special meeting Thursday night, Forrest said 40 members voted to accept her resignation effective immediately.

"It was out of order in an unofficial meeting," Forrest said. "So you end the year, so shall you begin the next. Ending in such controversy and turmoil is not a good look."

BPC member Dondhi Burrell made the motion to accept Forrest's resignation immediately. In an email to Channel 9, Burrell called Forrest's leadership "abrasive and dictatorial."

"A lot of damage can be done in three days. Personally, it was my way of saying, ‘Bye Felicia,’" Burrell said.

BPC member Darrell Bonapart said that despite the controversy, the Black Political Caucus will rebound from the infighting.

"I really do believe the organization will be united," Bonapart said. "You can sometimes expect these things to happen, but it is going to get itself worked out."

In response to her leadership being called "abrasive," Forrest pointed to her results. Among the results, all candidates endorsed by the BPC for the general election won their races for Charlotte City Council, and membership during her leadership increased.

[RELATED: Charlotte mayoral race heats up as candidates begin filing]

Despite the vote, Forrest said she doesn't have any hard feelings against the BPC.

"We have just got to realize it is a blood sport, and as long as you know what you are getting into, you will never be surprised," Forrest said.

A new chair will be elected Jan. 11.

Eric Erickson is now serving as acting chair of the Black Political Caucus. Erickson told Channel 9 that he did not attend Thursday's meeting because, in his opinion, it was not a valid meeting per the BPC's bylaws and constitution.

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