History

[tmdivi_timeline labels_position=”15″ story_spacing_top=”-5px” timeline_color=”rgba(242,97,34,0.29)” timeline_line_width=”10px” timeline_fill_setting=”off” icon_background_color=”#006E88″ icon_color=”#006E88″ label_font=”|||on|||||” label_font_color=”#F26122″ label_font_size=”22px” year_label_font=”|600|||||||” year_label_bg_color=”#F26122″ year_label_box_size=”94px” year_label_font_size=”29px” story_background_color=”#006E88″ story_connector_style=”line” heading_font_color=”#FFFFFF” heading_text_size=”22px” description_font_color=”#FFFFFF” description_background_color=”#A09584″ description_text_size=”14px” description_line_height=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” heading_settings_font=”–et_global_heading_font|700|||||||” description_settings_font=”–et_global_body_font|500|||||||” border_style_all_story_settings=”none” global_colors_info=”{}”][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2017″ label_date=”October” story_title=”Prayer Vigil on the Green in Davidson” child_story_background_color=”#6E6455″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Representatives of Mt. Zion UMC and Davidson UMC, along with leaders of local houses of worship, organized a prayer vigil on the Green in Davidson to commemorate those who lost their lives in that violence and to initiate discussions about race in our own community that could lead to positive change. Participants at the vigil signed up to be part of an ongoing effort to strengthen race relations across North Mecklenburg, including Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville.

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At the same time, a small group of individuals in the community came together to form a racially diverse group that would make plans for the first meeting of those from the vigil. These individuals included: Rev. Joel Simpson, Willie and Pam Jones, Ron Potts, Georgia Krueger, and Sue Rankin-White. The first meeting took place on October 14, at the Ada Jenkins Center and included a large group of participants from the prayer vigil. Small groups were formed and they began their journey to build and strengthen relationships across racial lines.

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On January 13, participants came back together in a large group and identified issues for follow-up in the areas of political activities, social justice, and continuing education that resulted in the formation of three action committees: Social Justice, Communications, and Education. At that time, the group agreed to call itself “Unity in Community.”

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”off” label_date=”May” story_title=”(LGM) Judicial & Prison Reform Needed to Bridge the Racial Divide ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Guest speaker: Spencer B. Merriweather III, District Attorney 

This is a public, non-partisan lecture and discussion regarding the current areas of the judicial and prison systems that discriminate against people of color. It is, in part, a reflection of Mr. Merriweather’s 11 years as an assistant district attorney trying cases ranging from habitual offenders to sexual assault to murder. He hopes to raise awareness regarding the systemic inequities that currently exist in our criminal justice system and share his ideas about what might move us forward to equity.

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The North Meck community was invited to join UiC on the Green in Davidson on the first anniversary of the initial prayer vigil in response to racial hate.

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Guest speaker: Rev. Brenda Tapia 

Rev. Tapia answered attendees’ questions in an honest and respectful way.

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2019″ label_date=”January” story_title=”(LGM) Quarterly large group meeting” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

to learn more about UiC and what we’re about

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”off” label_date=”May” story_title=”(LGM) Creating the Other: Women, Race and Slavery in the Atlantic World ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Guest speaker: Dr. Nneka D. Dennie, Davidson College 

Dr. Dennie’s lively presentation will give participants a deeper understanding of black women’s historical challenges and their efforts to overcome them. She is a historian from Leonardtown, Maryland. She is currently a Consortium for Faculty Diversity Postdoctoral Fellow in the Africana Studies Department at Davidson College.

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A peaceful rally for everyone who rejects all forms of hate – featuring: Cultural performers and community members speaking out against hate towards people of color, Jews, Muslims, immigrants and LGBTQ, and against gun violence. In partnership with: Ada Jenkins Center/Davidson Students Demand Action/Mt. Zion United Methodist Church/North Mecklenburg Communities United Racial Equity Initiative/Temple KOL Tikvah/Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church/Union Bethel AME Zion Church

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as a 501(c)(4) social justice organization.

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Guest Speaker: Dr.  Gerardo Marti, L. Richardson Professor of Sociology at Davidson College

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2020″ label_date=”July” story_title=”(RAL) TAKE DOWN THE MONUMENT!!! Rally” child_story_background_color=”#F26122″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

A peaceful protest to urge the Mt. Zion Monumental Association to take down the Confederate Monument located in front of Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Cornelius, NC.

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2021″ label_date=”January” story_title=”(LGM) – Virtual: Despite Covid-19, UiC has achieved numerous successes” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Participate in small groups to provide your input on UiC priorities for 2021!

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”off” label_date=”March” story_title=”(RAL) Stop Asian Hate Peaceful Rally” child_story_background_color=”#F26122″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

UiC Denounces the Attack on Asian Americans in Atlanta and Anti-Asian Violence Wherever and Whenever It Occurs. UiC invites you to stand in solidarity and support of our AAPI brothers and sisters and urges others in the North Mecklenburg community to stand with us and show your support. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

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Guest Speakers: Wayne Herron, Cornelius Deputy Town Manager; Eugene Bradley, Davidson Housing & Equity Director; Stacy Phillips, Huntersville Commissioner 

Acknowledge the verdict in George Floyd’s death with an opportunity to express your feelings, share UiC opportunities to get involved in, and guest speakers will discuss affordable housing.

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Join Unity in Community, along with our local partners, in this dynamic virtual rally! Be energized by local talent! Learn about voting issues!! Be empowered to take action!!! Speakers! Performers! Teach-in! In partnership with: Ada Jenkins Center/Charlotte Mecklenburg NAACP/Davidson College Presbyterian Church/Gethsemane Baptist Church of Lake Norman/Inclusion Community/N. Mecklenburg Communities United/N. Mecklenburg Economic Mobility Collaborative/Smithville Community Coalition/Torrence Chapel AMEZ Church/Union Bethel AMEZ

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TABLE TALK – small group discussions on big topics: You’ve probably heard discussions about CRT – learn what Critical Race Theory is and what all the fuss is about. You’ll have an opportunity to discuss this topic within a small group and each group will have an opportunity to share a significant take-away to the large group.

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”off” label_date=”August” story_title=”(RAL) TAKE DOWN THE MONUMENT!!! Rally” child_story_background_color=”#F26122″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

A peaceful protest to urge the Mt. Zion Monumental Association to take down the Confederate Monument located in front of Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Cornelius, NC. Speakers!

Performances! Including a mock debate between AME Zion minister and abolitionist Bishop James Walker Hood and Judge Armistead Burwell, Confederate soldier, associate justice on the NC Supreme Court, and key speaker at the dedication of the monument on August 4, 1910. Rally ends with a march to the monument.

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Guest speakers include: Senator Natasha Marcus, School Board Member Jennifer De La Jara, and CMS Asst. Superintendent Academics Beth Thompson

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Moderated by Dr. Brandy Nelson, Executive Director; Secondary Panelists include curriculum experts, teachers, and students.

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The Color of Law Book Study & Discussion; Smithville Revitalization Plan Update; Status of the Confederate Monument Campaign; UiC Board of Director Call for Nominations; UiC T-shirts for Sale

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”off” label_date=”December” story_title=”(CM) No Common Ground – Confederal Monuments and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice ” child_story_background_color=”#9E600C” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Guest speaker: Dr. Karen L. Cox, author of No Common Ground – Confederal Monuments and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2022″ label_date=”January” story_title=”(LGM) Topics include: 2021 UiC Impact Report and The Color of Law Study” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Guest Speakers: Ms. Staisha Hamilton, social worker, trauma specialist, and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and a Children’s Defense Team Social Worker at Perry Counseling Healing and Recovery in Charlotte. Rev. Dr. Joseph J. Clifford, Pastor of the Myers Park Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Ms. Hamilton and Dr. Clifford share their knowledge and perspectives on the effects of housing segregation on us as individuals and on our communities, and help us to acknowledge, understand and deal with the trauma and emotions that we may be feeling as we read The Color of Law.

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UiC 2022 election activities; UiC Board retreat report; Planning for UiC’s 5th anniversary; Smithville Community Coalition Revitalization Plan Update with Q & A; UiC Collaboration with Freedom School Partners in memory of Lenzy Wallace

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”off” label_date=”July” story_title=”(LGM) Are we losing our democracy?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Guest Speakers: Janice Robinson, Red, Wine and Blue; Sara Smith, North Carolinians Against Gun Violence: Tara Ewald, Democratic Precinct 127; Timer Colen, UNCC Senior

We’ve lined up an exciting panel of speakers who are involved in standing up against these issues that threaten our democracy and we can’t wait to hear your questions and comments and to learn from this knowledgeable panel.

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Guest Speaker: Ridgely Chapman, Founder and CEO of Global Minds United. Jessica Bryant from Davidson College was also a presenter at this LGM.

Race and Identity: An Intergenerational Conversation is a presentation that invites any and everyone from all generations to participate in an informative discussion about this topic. All generations of people are welcome as there are lessons and values that we can each learn from each other and come out of this conversation with a new perspective.

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Meet the candidates and ask questions. In partnership with: Ada Jenkins Center; Charlotte Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; League of Women Voters Charlotte Mecklenburg; New North Carolina Project; North Mecklenburg Communities United – Pottstown; North Mecklenburg Economic Mobility Collaborative; Smithville Community Coalition

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2023″ label_date=”January” story_title=”(LGM) 5 Year Anniversary Celebration!” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

​​Please join Unity in Community North Mecklenburg (UIC) in celebrating 5 Years of:

• Fellowship and friendship!
• Social Justice Protests and community support!
• Education and action! Many local stores provided free or discounted food as well as gift certificates for prizes, we had entertainment and games, and great fellowship.

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The life of Nannie Houston Potts, the first and only Black mayor of Cornelius, will be celebrated. Featuring The Strollers, food, music, and speakers. In partnership with: Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church & Davidson Presbyterian Church

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Guest Speaker: Dr. Hilary N. Green, Davidson College, Professor of Africana Studies

What was the catalyst for the Civil War, what was the aftermath, what was the purpose of monuments and what is their legacy? Learning accurate history helps inform our opinions and shapes our responses. There will be time for Q&A following Dr. Green’s presentation, and an opportunity for conversation in round table discussions.

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Guest Panelists: Rabbi Becca Diamond, Temple Kol Tikvah; Imam John Ederer, Muslim Community Center, Charlotte; Reverend Anita Harvell, Union Bethel AME Zion Church; and Reverend Peter Henry, Davidson College Presbyterian Church

Join us as we seek to better understand why we must respond to the call to love our neighbor, especially in this time of unprecedented attacks on marginalized communities.

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Guest Speakers: Rev. Sonja Lee, founder/executive director of Lionel Lee Jr. Center for Wellness, along with Troy and Tre.

In these times of increasing attacks on the LGBTQ+ community – through both local, state and federal policies targeting the LGBTQ+ community and violence and hate directed towards LGBTQ+ individuals, how can we show love for our neighbors, help build greater support for the LGBTQ+ community, and advance racial equity?

[/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2024″ label_date=”January” story_title=”(LGM) Bring your enthusiasm, your suggestions, and a friend! ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

Review of UiC’s impact in N. Mecklenburg and celebrate our accomplishments. Share your ideas about opportunities UiC can play a role in. After enthusiastic table discussions were followed by the first Lenzy R. Wallace, Jr. PhD Excellence Awards. Individual award was given to UiC supporter Michelle Goglia and Organizational award was given to Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson.

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The life of Nannie Houston Potts, the first and only Black mayor of Cornelius, will be celebrated. Featuring The Strollers, food, music, and speakers. Donations toward TCC’s education committee college scholarships are welcomed. In partnership with: Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church & Davidson Presbyterian Church

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Guest Speakers: Rev. Lisa Garcia-Sampson and Jennifer Roberts

Our nation’s history tells the story of a people striving to be more fair and just. It’s the story of generations standing up and pushing against the status quo. It’s the story of individuals who believed that all citizens had a responsibility to guide the direction of this fine nation. And it’s the story of a hard-fought-for right that, even today, deserves and requires our attention. That right is the right to vote. Local organizations, including League of WomenVoters and Red, Wine, and Blue will share their efforts to promote democracy and to further voting participation. UiC’s Social Justice Committee will fill us in on the efforts we have been taking as well.

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Guest Speakers include DemocracyNC, NAACP, VoteRiders, and Rev. Jordan Boyd, as well as music and spoken word.

In this turbulent time, it is critical that we come together in a peaceful manner with open hearts and mutual respect regardless of political party. The intention of this rally is to inform and inspire, giving each of us the knowledge while renewing our hearts and our drive to work towards achieving a democracy that is inclusive, robust, just and multi-racial for future generations. UiC will come together to host a John Lewis Day of Action Rally, along with organizations across the country, to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the death of the late Congressman John Lewis and more importantly, his life’s work to secure voting rights for all people.

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Guest speakers: Dr. Chloe Poston, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Davidson College followed by Guest Speaker, Dr. Ryan O’Leary, MD

Dr. Poston: DEI is something to be celebrated and understood. For those who may feel uncertain about DEI, those who feel slighted by DEI policies in their workplace, and those who have benefited from DEI by gaining a seat at the table—this is an invitation to join the conversation. And for those with youth and young adults in your circle, this will be a great opportunity to bring them along. 

Dr. Ryan O’Leary, MD: led attendees in exercises to bring a clearer understanding of privilege. By identifying areas in our lives that are not made harder by our sex or skin color or other factors, we were able to acknowledge that some of us must work harder than others for the same outcome, if the same outcome is even an option.

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