Charlotte Rallies for Racial Justice: The Redress Movement Gains Momentum
In the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, a spark of hope and justice is igniting as community members rally together to address the long-standing impacts of racial segregation. The Redress Movement, driven by a mission to confront the injustices of housing policies past and present, is making its presence known in several U.S. cities, including Denver, Omaha, Milwaukee, and now, Charlotte.
Understanding Redress
When most people hear the term reparations, they immediately think about slavery and its lingering effects. Yet, the conversation stretches far beyond just that historical context. The Redress Movement strives to tackle a more comprehensive view of rural and urban racial injustice, encompassing the Jim Crow era and the impacts of redlining and urban renewal policies that have kept Black Americans from striking true wealth and power.
A Change in Narratives
Inspired by Richard Rothstein’s pivotal book, The Color of Law, which outlines the systemic laws that enforced housing segregation across America, this movement aims to localize the struggle against displacement and remind the community that segregationist policies aren’t just bygone relics—they’re still very much alive today.
Charlotte’s Local Leadership
In spring, Greg Jarrell stepped into the role of senior campaign organizer for the Charlotte chapter of The Redress Movement. He is passionate about amplifying community efforts and strengthening the fight against gentrification. On September 10th, they will host an event titled Lineages of Displacement & Legacies of Power to bring together personal stories that highlight Charlotte’s rich and often challenging history with displacement and segregation.
A Gathering of Voices
Sitting with Jarrell at Enderly Coffee on Tuckaseegee Road, he passionately shared, “This is a city of two tales.” He pointed to the parallel tracks of displacement and resistance throughout the city’s story, pointing out that the same families are often pushed around from neighborhood to neighborhood due to rising property values. “Here in Enderly Park, I could point you towards families with roots in Brooklyn or Third Ward who are now facing eviction due to gentrification,” he added.
But there’s a second narrative, one of power and defiance against that displacement—a narrative they aim to uplift at the upcoming event.
A Dive into History
To enrich this gathering, Charlotte historian Tom Hanchett will discuss the Fusion Movement of the 1890s that united Black Republicans with White Populists to combat corporate domination of politics. Unfortunately, this coalition faced harsh suppression from powerful interests, but their legacy of resistance remains a cornerstone for present-day activism.
Connecting to Contemporary Actions
Ismaail Qaiyim from the Housing Justice Coalition will bridge the past with present struggles, emphasizing that resistance continues against modern housing injustices. “There are alternatives to our current trajectory,” Jarrell said, hopeful that shared pasts could lead to collective action.
Facing Housing Challenges
Statistics tell a staggering story: from 2013 to 2019, less than 20% of Charlotte areas had rental rates affordable for the median Black household. That’s compounded by corporate investors purchasing jewels of the community—Black and brown neighborhoods—making it hard for families to find a stable home.
Personal Stories Fuel the Movement
Angelia James, another leader in the Charlotte chapter, has seen the effects of these policies first-hand. Growing up in Huntersville’s Pottstown neighborhood and now residing in West Charlotte, her experiences drive her passion for community education and organizing. “It’s about connecting with people, asking them about their history, and finding ways to move forward together,” she emphasized.
Building Coalitions for Change
The Redress Movement is also engaging in coalition-building, recently collaborating with the People’s Budget Coalition to push for a more equitable city budget focused on housing. Their efforts were successful in persuading city council to allocate $100 million into the Housing Trust Fund, but Jarrell stresses the work doesn’t end there. “We need to ensure that funding leads not only to rental properties but affordable homeownership as well,” he noted.
Looking Forward
As the September gathering approaches, there’s a palpable excitement in the air. “I believe when folks leave that room, they’ll leave more connected to their neighbors than ever before,” Jarrell said, highlighting the importance of relationships in creating powerful community movements.
The Lineages of Displacement & Legacies of Power event will take place at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, on Beatties Ford Road from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Together, residents hope to forge a new path toward shared understanding and community resilience.
