Mecklenburg County Manager Mike Bryant was honored with the 2026 Growing the Dream Root Award during the 12th annual award luncheon, hosted at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, Jan. 17. In a ceremony that marked Charlotte-Mecklenburg's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's legacy, the Mecklenburg county announced Bryant's recognition for his leadership and efforts to advance the wellbeing of the county's residents.
Bryant, noted for his dedication towards historically marginalized and vulnerable populations, received the accolade specifically for being a foundational leader in impacting the Black community, according to the organizers of the event. The Root Award symbolizes the grounding force of leadership necessary to foster change and growth. In this capacity, Bryant follows in the footsteps of notable figures such as David and Nicole Tepper of Tepper Sports, Advocate Health’s Eugene Woods, Marvin Ellison of Lowes, Kieth Cockrell of Bank of America, and most recently the 2025 honoree, Dena R. Diorio, the former County Manager before her retirement as mentioned by the Mecklenburg county website.
The Growing the Dream Award Committee annually identifies community members and heroes who actively promote unity, diversity, and multiculturalism. Through their awards, they highlight individuals and organizations that not only improve the quality of life for the people of Charlotte-Mecklenburg but also preserve and honor the legacy of social justice embodied by Dr. King. Bryant's inclusion in this distinguished group underscores his contributions towards these communal objectives.
The Root Award recognizes individuals whose work advances equity and social justice within the community. This year’s recipient, Bryant, joins a group of leaders whose actions and decisions have contributed to measurable change in their communities. According to the awarding committee, Bryant’s efforts were selected for their impact on promoting equality and inclusiveness in Mecklenburg County.
