Endorse the following recommendations for the City of Charlotte to remove state sanctioned violence within our city government while we have the window to change community safety, environment, neighborhood and housing development, and economic and global development:
1. Dismantle all forms of systemic violence and oppression, including but not limited to racism and economic oppression.
2. Hear and be directed by the community vision for a peaceful and thriving city, centered by those at most risk.
3. Center the wisdom of those at risk in all decision-making.
4. Center health and wellness, neighborhood-based leadership.
5. Bring transparency and accessibility to all communications with the public.
6. Take action on community-created recommendations in the areas of Community Safety, Economic and Global Development, Housing and Neighborhood Development, Transportation and Planning, and Environment.
7. Prioritize engagement and employment among those who live the realities of systemic oppression in every step from research to implementation.
(Click the external link for specific actions)
Why is this important?
“I must remind you that starving a child is violence. Neglecting school children is violence. Punishing a mother and her family is violence. Discrimination against a working man is violence. Ghetto housing is violence. Ignoring medical need is violence. Contempt for poverty is violence.”
-Corretta Scott King
In the aftermath of the CMPD Officer Randall Kerrick's mistrial for the killing of Jonathan Ferrell, Charlotte community members and organizations have met regularly under the shared banner of the disparities we face because of systemic racism and economic injustice. Like Coretta Scott King, we believe that all forms of violence must be eliminated in order to create communities that are truly healthy and well.
From accessible, affordable housing to redevelopment, living wages to stimulating the economy, health and wellness to protection, there are opportunities today that honor each of us as critical to this city.
We ALL have a right to thrive in a city that recognizes our right to health, wellness and freedom, and which eliminates the systemic barriers that limit our livelihoods, quality of life and threaten our lives..
How it will be delivered
Your signatures will be delivered to Charlotte City Council before or on November 7, 2016.
