1977 - Charlotte's New District System

1977 - The Black Caucus helps establish district representation in Charlotte.

• Charlotte's new district system opens city council to minorities. 
• Since the 1950s, white businessmen, mostly from southeast Charlotte, have dominated city politics. The city council is made up of seven at-large members. 
• Three groups come together to push for a change: the Black Political Caucus, the Woman's Political Caucus, and the neighborhood movement led by white republican Sam Smith. 
• Their referendum, calling for a seven-district / four at-large city council, passes by 80 votes, less than one vote per precinct. The new system will mean that more minorities will be voted into the city council. 
• Photos show Bob Davis, Sarah Stevenson, and Elizabeth Randolph from the Black Political Caucus.