Welcome to Better Together 4NC
Based in Raleigh, Better Together 4 NC is committed to confronting racial injustice and creating lasting change in Wake County and beyond. We envision a diverse, compassionate community where all people are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect. Through advocacy, education, guest speakers, and community engagement, we work to uplift those most impacted by inequality. With urgency and heart, we take action to raise awareness and drive meaningful progress. Join us in our mission to build a more inclusive, equitable future for everyone. . We believe in taking action with urgency in order to raise public awareness about some of the most pressing issues facing today’s society. Please join our efforts to make a measurable difference in the lives of others.
Resources
Support Services
At Better Together 4NC, we connect individuals and families with the critical resources they need to thrive. Our support services are designed to meet people where they are and walk alongside them with care, dignity, and respect. We believe that when communities have access to the right tools and compassionate guidance, they can overcome barriers and build a better future. Reach out to our team to learn how we can support you or someone you know today.
Community Development
At Better Together 4NC , we believe true change begins at the community level. Our work goes beyond raising awareness, we are actively engaged in building stronger, more informed, and more inclusive communities. Through partnership with faith-based organizations, and local leaders, we offer educational programming, anti-racism healing racial circles and resources that equip people to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. Our goal is to plant seeds of equity and hope in every corner of our community, helping it grow into a place where everyone can thrive. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to this cause.
Education & Outreach
Education is at the heart of everything we do. At Better Together, we believe that knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against racism and injustice. Our outreach efforts include community forums, public workshops, and collaborative events that spark meaningful conversations and challenge harmful systems. We are committed to making anti-racist education accessible, relevant, and action-oriented—ensuring that people of all backgrounds are equipped to recognize inequality and stand up against it. Through intentional outreach, we aim to awaken minds, shift perspectives, and build a more just Wake County.
In-depth Interview with Better Together 4NC Founders
Melvin and Jim speak to a meeting of Better Together 4NC at St. Michael’ Episcopal Church
in Raleigh NC.
Media
The Evolution of Better Together 4NC
From Jim Ward:
“My Better Together goal is to decrease the distance physically and socially between cultures. When people live on the opposite side of the river and don't have a bridge, they start thinking unkindly about each other. Those thoughts often become negative stereotypes that last. I want BT to be a bridge between our two cultures. I know that we are a small bridge but for each of us who have participated the result has been significant.”
From Crissty Martin:
BT4NC started with a small group of Black and White people brought together by our co-founders, Melvin Lee (Black) and Jim Ward (White). The original purpose was to share personal experiences of how race and racism had impacted the participants’ lives. At one of the first meetings, we watched a film about Jane Elliott’s Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes Exercise and then discussed how we were affected. At another meeting we were given a list of White privileges which was very eye opening for those of us who were white. Eventually education was added to our goals. We read books about redlining and systemic racism in government, schools, law enforcement and even churches. Jim Ward said, the goal of BT4NC is to make members feel comfortable with each other at all levels.” Jim and Melvin wanted us to go out as a group so people could see us together enjoying each other’s company.
BT4NC has grown from a small group to a “membership” contact list of 190. We started having speakers most months but still have an open discussion gathering once a year and 2 potluck dinner social events. Our goal has shifted to primarily educating White people, exposing the truth and history we were shielded from. We have speakers from many different backgrounds talk about many subjects. But the underlying theme at all meetings is how systemic racism throughout history and through the present has harmed all of us. We also disseminate information that celebrates Black culture, acknowledges Black achievements in all areas, advertises Black owned restaurants and businesses, shares facts about voting and changes to voting legislation, makes people aware of ongoing racism in our community. This is still where we are today.
I would like for us to do community service projects in addition to our monthly meetings. We also need to really focus on fundraising. I feel that we need to continue reaching as many white congregations and individuals as we can to increase awareness. Maybe we can join with similar organizations in the process.
Get Involved
Change doesn’t happen alone, it takes all of us. At Better Together, we welcome individuals from all walks of life who are ready to take a stand against racial injustice and help build stronger, more united communities. Whether you're interested in volunteering, partnering with us, donating resources, or attending events to gain more knowledge on these topics, there’s a place for you in this movement. Your voice, your time, and your presence matter. Join us in creating real change across Wake County, one step, one conversation, and one act of love at a time.
Have questions, ideas, or want to learn more about how you can support our work? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you're a community member, local leader, educator, or simply passionate about justice, your engagement makes a difference. Reach out to us today—we’re here to connect, collaborate, and keep moving forward, together.
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