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 [1], Sarah Stevenson [2], and Elizabeth Randolph [3] from the Black Political Caucus.
Event Date:
1977
Event Type:
Turbulent Times 1960-1979
Exhibit & Section:
Main Image:
Node Order:
1340
Event Date Field:
Friday, December 29, 2017