The following letter-to-the-editor was published in the News and Observer on June 25, 2023.
The Raleigh City Council’s decision to rezone Shaw University’s properties was a massive disappointment for Black, Brown, Muslim, and working-class community members. Opposition to rezoning brought together a diverse coalition, ranging from Shaw students and alums who want to maintain the historic character of their campus, Muslim community members who want to save a mosque on the campus, and Raleigh community members who are opposed to gentrification in downtown Raleigh neighborhoods. Opponents of rezoning organized multiple protests against it and expressed their opposition to it during city council meetings. After the divided vote favoring the rezoning, coalition members will redouble grassroots organizing against policies and elected officials who value development over people.
Protest in defense of King Khalid Masjid in Raleigh on April 1, 2023
