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1977 - Charlotte's New District System

Elizabeth Randolph, Black Political Caucus
Event Date: 
1977
Event Type: 
Turbulent Times 1960-1979

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.