The City of Charlotte's non-discrimination ordinance (NDO) team was awarded the prestigious WFAE EQUALibrium Award, as per a recent announcement on the city's official website. Recognized for their exemplary efforts in fostering an environment of opportunity and transformative change, the team stood out among over 70 nominations across the board in the government category. The award ceremony, which took place in June, spotlighted various changemakers in the community, with the City's NDO team earning accolades for its dual role in education and enforcement against discrimination.
Representing a commitment to equality and accessibility, Charlotte's NDO makes it clear that all residents and visitors are to be treated with respect. Alicia Emmons, a member of the NDO team, spoke to the significance of this ordinance, saying, "The nondiscrimination ordinance is vital to Charlotte because it reinforces our city’s commitment to dignity and respect for all residents and visitors." She added, "Behind our city’s NDO is a dedicated team that wears two important hats as both protectors and educators in our community." Since 1968, the city has been actively working against discrimination, with the most recent expansion in 2021 incorporating protections for a vast array of identities and experiences.
Proactive in their approach, the NDO team initiates community outreach to educate and prevent discrimination before it can take root. Workshops and training sessions are tailored to various groups within the community, from local businesses to social groups, to elevate understanding and foster an inclusive atmosphere. Emmons highlighted an example of this proactive stance where they'd "met with staff members from a local business to share information on the rights and responsibilities of guests with service animals," which positively shifted the perspective of the staff involved.
As a city that aspires to be a welcoming space for everyone, the importance of the NDO and the corresponding team cannot be overstated. Emmons stressed that when residents turn to the NDO team, it is often with the hope of creating systemic change, "It’s not just about explaining what the ordinance says — it’s about showing why it matters." Emphasizing that community presence is about more than being seen, it's about forming a city where residents feel that they genuinely belong. Through the NDO's work, the city aims to continue building upon the legacy of community harmony and justice, reinforced by a 100% success rate in resolving cases with cause findings through conciliation agreements.
The nod to the NDO team's impact was further sweetened by the shared recognition with historical figures such as Dorothy Counts-Scoggins, noted for her pivotal role in desegregating Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. Emmons expressed heartfelt appreciation, stating, "Receiving the WFAE EQUALibrium Award was a tremendous honor — one made even more meaningful by being recognized alongside some of the most inspiring changemakers in our community."
