Willie Ratchford grew up in public housing almost within sight of Charlotte’s imposing City Hall. Now, he holds a pivotal position in local government, influencing the lives of people throughout Mecklenburg County as Executive Director of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee (CRC).

After college, he took a job with the City and has spent the last 31 years working in City Hall, including 27 years in various positions in the CRC. Since 1994, he has been Executive Director.

Charlotte has changed dramatically, and while there are still race relations issues, the CRC has been credited with enhancing opportunities for all citizens; promoting understanding, respect, and goodwill, and providing channels of communication among various racial, religious, and ethnic groups.

He is known for his tact and diplomacy, as well as his toughness. Ratchford is rarely, if ever, intimidated, even when dealing with emotional citizens arguing over whether a Confederate flag should be flown in a public cemetery or confronting an elected official who, in a public forum, made a sweeping racial generalization.

Ratchford addresses both obvious and subtle racism. Without the use of testers in situations such as housing discrimination, for example, many people would not be aware of racism because the external treatment is pleasant. In reality, however, behind closed doors, racist behavior may occur. As Ratchford says, “Unfortunately, sometimes you cannot change the racist attitude, but you can use the law to change the racist behavior so it does not manifest into action.”