Charlotte’s lack of economic mobility for its poorest residents was part of a forum at Johnson C. Smith University.

The school hosted the Community Symposium and Luncheon to address economic mobility challenges in the city’s most-challenged communities. Among the difficulties addressed were single-parent homes to affordable afterschool opportunities for youth.

The symposium was part of the activities surrounding the inauguration of JCSU President Clarence Armbrister.

The panelists were Lara Clark, president and CEO of United Way of the Central Carolinas; Dr. Alisahah Cole, chief community impact officer at Atrium Health; Malcomb Coley, Charlotte Office Managing Partner of Ernst & Young and Stephanie Cooper-Lewter, executive director at Leading on Opportunity. Each spoke on homelessness, supporting youth and education reform.

“We need to rebuild families, rebuild lives and communities,” Clark said.

 
Said Cole: “Individuals can get informed, get uncomfortable, get inspired and get activated.”

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