06/10/2026
My heart is broken for both families in the Metcalf-Anthony case because both families have paid the ultimate price. Both should have made different decisions.
However, the deeper issue was hearing his mother repeatedly explain that their family moved in search of a better life and better educational opportunities for their children. As a result they moved to a county that was overwhelmingly White and only 11% Black.
Think about that for a moment.
No parent should feel that they must leave their community, their culture, or their support systems behind in order to access a quality education. Yet across America, including here in Mecklenburg County, many families continue to make decisions about where to live based on disparities in schools, resources, opportunities, safety and outcomes.
This is not about criticizing families for wanting the best for their children and to enjoy an equitable quality of life. Every parent should pursue every opportunity available to help their child succeed.
The real question is why these disparities still exist.
When families believe they must move to certain neighborhoods or enroll in certain schools to receive a quality education or live in a thriving community, it is a sign that we have not yet fulfilled our obligation to provide equitable communities. Too often, when families move away this creates a disconnect from culture, community, and the relationships that help shape identity and belonging. I’ve witnessed this with my nephew who lives in a community with very few children who look like him which as a result has made it difficult for him to find children to play with who are relatable. I remember one time one of the children came running to the door, accusing my nephew of playing too rough which in his mind he’s a football player in training. In other communities his behavior wouldn’t have been different but in his community it was.
In Mecklenburg County, we continue to see significant differences in educational outcomes, economic mobility, health outcomes, and access to opportunity based on ZIP codes, with District 2 being among the bottom. Compare Ballantyne to Beatties Ford and this is a glaring example of disinvestment. These disparities did not happen overnight, and they will not disappear overnight.
As a community, I hope that we see the Anthony case more deeply as it is bigger than the incident. It is an inequitable system in which we must commit to closing these gaps. Every child deserves excellent teachers, rigorous academics, safe learning environments, enrichment opportunities, technology, and pathways to success—regardless of race, income, or address.
The goal is not to tell families where they should live. The goal is to create a Mecklenburg County where every family knows their child can receive an excellent education in every community.
A better life should not require leaving your community behind. It should be available in every neighborhood.
….and this is why I made the decision to run. I can no longer talk about the problem but I have to be apart of finding a solution. Equitable communities save lives.
