LDI Program Closes Out After LDI21 in August Octavia Seawell, who created and led CBI’s Leadership Development Initiative (LDI), has announced her intention to step down from that role following LDI 21 in August of this year. “As CBI and I bring nearly 23 years of LDI to a close, the resounding word […]
Charlotte Equity Fellows are excited to build a future inclusive Charlotte where our communities make decisions about our communities at all levels. To begin this work, they have created a survey to capture the community’s insights and experiences to help inform plans for collective learning and solutions that can serve the larger movement. CBI […]
Whereas the achievements of Black Americans can and should be celebrated year-round, Black History Month encourages us to take some time to intentionally recognize and pay tribute to Black Americans and their contributions to life as we know it today. We invite you to learn more about these Black Charlotteans who have made/are making history in recent times! […]
CBI is deeply saddened by the recent killing of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers. Like many of you, we are tired of reading these headlines. It is no secret that the relationship between law enforcement and people of color has historically been problematic, and this incident only serves to further traumatize communities that are […]
CBI is known for bringing people together. The holidays are also known for bringing people together. We’ve learned a few things over the years about how best to navigate the conversations and varied points of view that may occur in these instances. This information has now been compiled in our CBI Holiday Guide. Consider it […]
Press Release: Janeen Bryant Selected as CBI Executive Director
CHARLOTTE, NC (June 16, 2022): After a competitive search process with significant interest, the Board of Directors is proud to announce Janeen Bryant has been hired as the next Executive Director of Community Building Initiative (CBI). Bryant succeeds founding Executive Director Dianne English, who retired at the end of last year. “I have taken […]
CBI is excited to present our first collaborative podcast, entitled Human Together! The podcast is produced in partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, with whom CBI has convened multiple Equity Impact Circles. The Human Together podcast developed from an idea that arose during one of these Equity Impact Circles, which took place during CML’s Community […]
CBI Mural Artist Selected to Paint in Charlotte’s Historic West End
Jamil Dyair Steele, one of five local artists who will collaborate to create CBI’s upcoming Aftershocks mural, has also been selected to create two new murals in Charlotte’s historic West End.
Press Release: Community Building Initiative Executive Director Dianne English to Retire
CHARLOTTE, NC (November 17, 2021) – Community Building Initiative (CBI) Founding Executive Director Dianne English announced earlier this year that she will retire at the end of 2021 after 24 years of service. “The people of CBI have enriched my life beyond measure, and the work has allowed me to find a place of service within this community,” said English in a letter to stakeholders. “With deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of challenging, transformational and spirit-filled work, I know that now is the time for me to step aside.”
A Statement In Support of the AAPI Community, from Partners for Racial Equity
This joint statement is offered in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations, City of Charlotte Office of Equity, Mobility and Immigrant Integration, Mecklenburg County Office of Equity and Inclusion, Community Building Initiative, and Race Matters for Juvenile Justice.
A tradition we have come to treasure at CBI is that of reaching out to our family and friends to remember Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as the nation commemorates his birthday. Especially this year, we hope that a piece of his wisdom might bring light into this current dark moment.
Remembering John Lewis: The Struggle of a Lifetime
During this week as our nation honors the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis, we invite you to reflect on some of the words and wisdom he offered at different points in his life. In tribute and gratitude let us find courage and support as we continue to live, work and witness in these times.
This Joint Statement is offered in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations, City of Charlotte Office of Equity, Mobility and Immigrant Integration, Mecklenburg County Office of Equity and Inclusion, Community Building Initiative, and Race Matters for Juvenile Justice.
CBI joins countless others across Charlotte-Mecklenburg and the nation in mourning the murder of George Floyd, along with Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and others. We stand alongside those who recognize this as an inflection point, after which the disproportionate impacts of systemic racism can no longer go back into the ground of our […]
