Charlotte's new Interim Mayor, Robert Harrington, says Charlotte's future won't be defined by growth alone, but by how the city manages it. During the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum, Harrington discussed affordable housing, transportation, data centers, small businesses, and the importance of restoring respectful civic dialogue. Here's what we learned about his vision for Charlotte's next chapter.

When the history of women's suffrage and civil rights is told, the spotlight often shines on a handful of familiar names. Yet long before the modern Civil Rights Movement and decades before women secured the right to vote, Black women were laying the foundation for social justice, racial equality, and political empowerment. Among the most influential were Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt.

Christine Edwards Pitkin founded the Civic Impact Academy to bridge the gap between residents and the institutions shaping Charlotte's future. Through civic education, advocacy training, and relationship-building, the 12-week program equips community leaders and public servants to collaborate, influence policy, and drive meaningful change. In a rapidly growing city, the Academy is helping more residents claim their seat at the table.