Established in 2011, the CBI Bus Tour has provided a unique, insightful tour of the eastern and western areas of Charlotte. Narrated by historian Tom Hanchett, and Community Leader John Howard, the 90 minute bus ride tells the story of how our great city provided monumental contributions to the nationwide civil rights movement. From the hidden gems of Andrill Terrace to the untold tales of local heroeslike Dorothy Counts, Community Building Initiative has developed an eye-opening, thought-provoking look into Charlotte’s upbringing.
As a part of their initiative to explore our local history, CBI concludes its tour with an open discussion over lunch, led by local personalities, such as Community Relations Committee Executive Director, Willie Ratchford. During these luncheons, tourists are encouraged to reflect on their journey and asked provocative questions, engaging in riveting discussions, which always seem to carry on well after the session has concluded. Here, those who were strangers a mere few hours earlier, now share a rootedconnection and are determined to, together, assist the CBI community in embracing and promoting our diverse culture.
The CBI Bus Tour is one of several initiatives provided by CBI. Additionally, this organization, founded to promote equality and inclusion within our community, facilitates programs that join and develop the leaders of our region. Through the efforts of CBI, public discussions are had that evoke communityinvolvement, development and inclusion. To learn more about CBI and the Bus Tour, visit www.communitybuildinginitiative.com, and discover how you too can be a part of revitalizing our great city, and for Pete’s sake, GET ON THE BUS!
