Honoring Black Leadership

February is a time to reflect on the rich history and enduring contributions of Black communities across North Carolina. At Prosperity North Carolina, we recognize that Black leadership, especially in rural areas, has been a cornerstone of progress, resilience, and justice. This month, we spotlight the leaders shaping our present and future, and examine how historical inequities continue to impact housing and economic opportunities.

Emerging Leaders: Shanetta Burris and the Next Generation

One such leader is Shanetta Burris, a Durham native and double graduate of North Carolina Central University. With a decade of experience in community organizing and civic engagement, Shanetta has served in various roles, including as the Training Manager for Supermajority, an organization dedicated to empowering women voters. She is also running for Durham City Council in 2025, aiming to bring a responsive and inclusive voice to city leadership.

Shanetta's platform focuses on accountability, transparency, and community involvement. She advocates for policies that prioritize housing affordability, environmental stewardship, and public safety, all while ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and respected.

Rural Black Leadership: A Legacy of Advocacy

In rural North Carolina, Black leaders have long been at the forefront of advocating for justice and equity. From the Reconstruction era to the Civil Rights Movement, Black communities have fought against systemic racism and for their right to participate fully in civic life. Despite facing challenges such as voter suppression and limited access to resources, these leaders have built strong networks of mutual aid and community support.

Organizations like the NC Rural Center continue to empower rural communities by providing leadership development, advocacy training, and resources to address local challenges. Their work underscores the importance of grassroots leadership in driving systemic change.

Intersecting Inequities: Housing and Economic Opportunity

The legacy of systemic racism manifests in various ways, particularly in housing and economic opportunities. Historical practices like redlining and discriminatory lending have led to disparities in homeownership and wealth accumulation for Black families. For instance, a study found that 20% of Black mortgage applicants in North Carolina were denied loans, nearly twice the rate of white applicants.

Additionally, the Fair Housing Project of Legal Aid of North Carolina works to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equal housing opportunities for all people through education, outreach, public policy initiatives, advocacy, and enforcement.

These inequities are not just historical—they continue to affect communities today, influencing access to quality housing, education, and employment opportunities.

A Call to Action

As we honor Black History Month, let us also commit to creating a future where Black leadership is celebrated and supported. This means advocating for policies that address the root causes of inequality, supporting leaders like Shanetta Burris who are dedicated to community empowerment, and working together to dismantle the systems that perpetuate injustice.

At Prosperity North Carolina, we believe in the power of community-led change. By uplifting Black voices and leadership, we can build a more equitable and prosperous state for all.