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A Statement on the Passing of James E. Ferguson II

  Community Building Initiative is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James E. Ferguson II. Beginning with his young adulthood in Asheville, NC and throughout his long life as a practicing attorney here in Charlotte, James Ferguson has been a powerful force in the pursuit of civil rights, restorative justice and racial equality. […]

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The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Remembrance Project

  In 1913, a white mob dragged Joe McNeely from a Charlotte hospital and shot him to death.  In 1929, Wilie McDaniel was found dead after aguing with his white landlord.  Here are their stories, told like never before.  The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Remembrance Project invites you to learn, share, and face the truth about our history, […]

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LDI Program Closes Out After LDI21 in August

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 […]

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Charlotte History Makers

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! […]

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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 […]

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Moving from Midnight to Daybreak

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.

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Leaders Under 40 Alum Michael Zytkow Creates Game to Help People Understand City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Michael Zytkow received a call in May from the City of Charlotte about an opportunity he couldn't turn down. “I was immediately excited," he says.... Zytkow spent the following month creating a city building game called "Charlotte Future".

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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.

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Standing Together for Justice

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.

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A Vision Of Our Community

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 […]

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