Commentary

Our education crisis and the start of a new school year

We need to double down on our efforts to both mitigate climate impacts and ensure our education system is meeting the needs of all our future workers.
By Jennifer Watson Roberts | August 30, 2021
Commentary

Charlotte’s NDO is a great beginning, but work remains

It is heartening to see society moving forward in accepting our LGBTQ+ neighbors and valuing a group that has long lived in fear of exclusion and violence.
By Jennifer Watson Roberts | August 13, 2021
Commentary

Thank you, Nikole Hannah-Jones

Hannah-Jones has given us all one more reason to acknowledge and work to end systemic racism in North Carolina.
By Jennifer Watson Roberts | July 21, 2021
Commentary

Our schools need resources to reduce racial disparities

Racial disparities have continued since the 1999 judicial decision that ended busing, and reducing school funding would only make things worse.
By Jennifer Watson Roberts | June 30, 2021
Commentary

Truth, reconciliation and atonement: Time to re-imagine (a post-racist) America

On this one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, many are assessing where we have come on racial disparities […]
By Jennifer Watson Roberts | June 1, 2021
Commentary

It’s time for some bold ideas for local government

The expected delay in this year's local elections presents an opportunity to rethink the relationship between city and county government.
By Jennifer Watson Roberts | April 13, 2021
Commentary

Duke Energy must do more to address climate change

The impact of a warming planet is affecting North Carolina residents in ways already visible, and BIPOC communities are especially vulnerable.
By Jennifer Roberts, Tiffany Fant and Nakisa Glover | March 11, 2021
Commentary

Our homeless problem is not just a housing issue; it’s a systemic issue

It is not accidental that most – not all -- of Charlotte's homeless residents are people of color.
By Jennifer Watson Roberts | February 21, 2021
Commentary

Mecklenburg County Should Pass a Restorative Justice Resolution

With awareness of racial disparities growing in White communities, and with a new federal administration, the time has come for bold action.
By Jennifer Watson Roberts | February 2, 2021
Commentary

America’s original wound still bleeds

After four years of backsliding on issues relating to racial justice and climate change, we have a rare opportunity to make deep progress.
By Jennifer Watson Roberts | January 18, 2021