|
|
Today's cup poured by:
|
|
Police review board would restrict use of lethal force by officers
When should a Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer use deadly force? At the invitation of Chief Kerr Putney, Charlotte’s Citizen Review Board has been pondering that question.
The board met yesterday to finalize its work, and later this month members will present a set of recommendations to CMPD’s leadership.
Henry Black, who chairs the board, said the recommendations would add “sweeping restrictions and limitations” to CMPD’s use-of-force policy and would require “significant de-escalation efforts” before an office is deemed justified to use lethal force.
“Drawing a weapon should be an exception for CPMD officers, not the rule,” Black said during the meeting.
For now, just recommendations: CMPD is under no obligation to accept the recommendations, and review board has no power to impose change.
Among the proposed revisions, officers would be required to document every instance in which a service weapon is pointed at a suspect, regardless of whether it’s discharged.
Board member Gabriel Wright, an attorney, said the recommendations were modeled after policies in cities such as Sacramento and Seattle.
Why it matters: The board’s work comes at a time when CMPD has faced renewed scrutiny over the use of deadly force by its officers -- most recently in March, when a CMPD officer shot and killed 27-year-old Danquirs Franklin outside a Burger King restaurant on Beatties Ford Road.
Black, the review board’s chair, said members want to send a message.
“People don’t necessarily feel their voices are being heard,” he said after the meeting. “It’s so important that we make it very clear that not only are we open to change, but we are listening to the concerns and fears of residents.”
|
|
Charlotte is changing: Johnson C. Smith University is working to collect community records in an effort to document the history of housing and gentrification in Charlotte.
At a community meeting yesterday, archivist Brandon Lunsford asked for the public’s help in “preserving the history of Charlotte’s changing neighborhoods.”
The school’s James B. Duke Memorial Library recently got funding from the National Endowment of the Humanities and Lyrasis to create a digital, interactive map of the city’s historic buildings and landmarks.
The mapping project seeks to document the history and stories of the Historic West End, the vibrant 150-year-old Black community that surrounds JCSU.
“It’s important to us that we allow those who experienced the history to shape the narratives around its preservation,” Lunsford said.
This latest initiative is one of several undertaken by the university to tell the story of Charlotte’s history through family, community and anecdotal records.
This weekend, the library will host a community discussion focused on how to tell Charlotte’s history through art, part of its Public Art Project. The forum, which is open to the public, will feature local artists and community leaders. It’s scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
|
|
Efforts to preserve African American historic sites: The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced more than $1.6 million in grants to 22 sites and organizations through its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, including four in the Carolinas. It's the second year of the $25 million multi-year national initiative dedicated to preserving Black historic sites across the country.
The Trust also launched its crowdfunding campaign to help restore and preserve singer/activist Nina Simone’s childhood home in Tryon, NC.
Read the full story.
|
|
Paid training program addresses lack of diversity in tech: Despite the hotbed of job growth in the IT sector, diversity in tech has been disappointing, along with overall recruitment. According to local data, African Americans currently make up 14% of Mecklenburg County's tech industry compared to 73% white and 11% Asian.
Carolina Fintech Hub is hoping that its Workforce Investment Network program will boost diversity in the tech industry and create new pathways for upward mobility. Less than a year ago, Candace Beverly relocated to Charlotte from Chicago with two kids and no job. Next month, she’s set to graduate from the WIN program and transition into a role within Bank of America’s IT department.
Read the full story.
|
|
Blumenthal Open Mic Night (Fri.): This free event features a variety of local talent, from singers and dancers to poets and magicians. (sponsored)
Grow Smart CLT: Charlotte’s Strategic Energy Action Plan, What’s Next (Wed.): Explore the goals and action areas of the city's new Strategic Energy Action Plan, part of its commitment to become a low carbon city by 2050.
“La-Di-Da-Di” In The Park (Sat.): This upscale outdoor garden party is for the 21 and older crowd. Enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks under the stars.
Need more ideas for things to do? Our events calendar has you covered.
|
|
In response to: Bennett College names Suzanne Walsh as its 19th president
"Does Bill Gates keep every private HBCU open?" AJD
Want to share thoughts on a story? Email us.
|
|
|
A message from today's sponsor: Charlotte Works
|
|
Thinking about changing your career path? Want to learn about the hot job industries in Charlotte?
Charlotte Works can help make sure you are connected to your next career move at NO cost! Charlotte Works is the workforce development board for Mecklenburg County. At the NCWorks Career Centers, they match job-seekers with employers to fill open positions, provide training opportunities, and to build a talent pipeline for fast-growing industries in the Charlotte area. Let Charlotte Works help you find your opportunity at charlotteworks.com/MyCareer.
Wanna sponsor an upcoming edition of Morning Brew?
|
|
Sign up for Morning Brew
Poured daily in your inbox
|
|
|
Follow Qcitymetro on social media.
|
|
|
|
|
|
