The 2012 Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Committe announced President Barack Obama's choice of Charlotte, North Carolina as the location to host the 46th Democratic National Convention in 2012. Receipt of the news has been mixed among its residents. Some politicians weigh the decision as an attempt to secure a Democratic foothold among a large and growing Republican population here in the South.

Residents, on the other hand, are hoping the added attention to the City of Charlotte will shine a light on the racial struggles that seem to simply get swept under the rug. One resident stated when asked about her feelings on the Democratic National Convention coming to Charlotte, that a "...change may soon be coming for this city. We will not continue to be silent".

Charlotte was recently added to the spotlight as a location for "First 48", a national television series on A&E, focused on law enforcement's struggle to solve homicide cases within the first 48 hours. Not a good look for a city that was proclaimed some years ago as the "Banking Capital of the South". Will racial tensions sour the Democratic celebration? Only time will tell.