Mo Drayton for County Commission

This weeks Monday MOmentum Report is out! This week we’re talking about dogs, a village, what’s sexy and more!

EDITION 4: Welcome to The D2 Momentum Report—your source for what’s happening in District 2 and the work we're doing to move us forward. Leadership begins with transparency—grounded in the needs of the entire district. That means keeping you... It May Not Be Sexy But it's Critical!

DAY 183 OF CAMPAIGNING 😁😁

Thank you to Rockwell AME Zion Church for hosting an incredible community event today displaying classic cars from everywhere! It felt like a family reunion with fellowship, service, and celebration.

Today also marks Day 183 of this campaign journey and over 60 meetings, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. Every conversation, hug and opportunity to connect with our community reminds me why I chose to run.

My heart is broken for both families in the Metcalf-Anthony case because both families have paid the ultimate price. Both should have made different decisions.

However, the deeper issue was hearing his mother repeatedly explain that their family moved in search of a better life and better educational opportunities for their children. As a result they moved to a county that was overwhelmingly White and only 11% Black.

Think about that for a moment.

No parent should feel that they must leave their community, their culture, or their support systems behind in order to access a quality education. Yet across America, including here in Mecklenburg County, many families continue to make decisions about where to live based on disparities in schools, resources, opportunities, safety and outcomes.

This is not about criticizing families for wanting the best for their children and to enjoy an equitable quality of life. Every parent should pursue every opportunity available to help their child succeed.

The real question is why these disparities still exist.

When families believe they must move to certain neighborhoods or enroll in certain schools to receive a quality education or live in a thriving community, it is a sign that we have not yet fulfilled our obligation to provide equitable communities. Too often, when families move away this creates a disconnect from culture, community, and the relationships that help shape identity and belonging. I’ve witnessed this with my nephew who lives in a community with very few children who look like him which as a result has made it difficult for him to find children to play with who are relatable. I remember one time one of the children came running to the door, accusing my nephew of playing too rough which in his mind he’s a football player in training. In other communities his behavior wouldn’t have been different but in his community it was.

In Mecklenburg County, we continue to see significant differences in educational outcomes, economic mobility, health outcomes, and access to opportunity based on ZIP codes, with District 2 being among the bottom. Compare Ballantyne to Beatties Ford and this is a glaring example of disinvestment. These disparities did not happen overnight, and they will not disappear overnight.

As a community, I hope that we see the Anthony case more deeply as it is bigger than the incident. It is an inequitable system in which we must commit to closing these gaps. Every child deserves excellent teachers, rigorous academics, safe learning environments, enrichment opportunities, technology, and pathways to success—regardless of race, income, or address.

The goal is not to tell families where they should live. The goal is to create a Mecklenburg County where every family knows their child can receive an excellent education in every community.

A better life should not require leaving your community behind. It should be available in every neighborhood.

….and this is why I made the decision to run. I can no longer talk about the problem but I have to be apart of finding a solution. Equitable communities save lives.

EDITION 3: Show me the money, Elote Dip and E.T.

Click here for a quick read to know what’s going on in District 2.

Welcome to The D2 Momentum Report—your source for what’s happening in District 2 and the work I’m doing to move us forward. Leadership begins with transparency—grounded in the needs of the entire district. That means keeping you informed,... Need a Little Peace? D2 Has the Perfect Place!

My detention teacher Mrs. Conway would always tell me, “Behave like where you’re trying to be,” so that’s what I’m doing.

I’m trying to be a County Commissioner so when you see me out, I’m not campaigning but I’m behaving like where I’m trying to be.

Thank you to everyone who has met with me, walked me through their business so that I can understand impact, history lessons, kitchen table conversations with seniors that start like, “Now baby, let me tell you what I need you to do,” mothers who lost their children, CMPD officers who explained crime mapping, young men who have a vision, code enforcement who taught me more about what they do, quiet investors who are looking to help but have never been asked (BUT I’M ASKING!), elected officials and so many more.

My sister Tene Drayton laughs everyday because she can’t understand why I’m in so many meetings everyday.

However, I’ve been waiting 10 years to get here and the more people that I meet, the more I can connect the dots.

So again, thank you to everyone for your support because we’re going to get this done!

www.MoDraytonforCountyCommission.com

MEETING IS ON!! 💰💰💰💰💰📺📺

The county budget “straw vote,” meeting is about to start which is basically a preliminary, non-binding vote used to see where commissioners stand before the official final vote.

You’ll be able to see what’s important to who.

Below are a few organizations slated for the discussion but see the full worksheet by clicking here. https://mecklenburg.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15506437&GUID=752D1284-8F8D-49B0-8F71-B7661392A691

Watch the meeting by clicking here: https://mecklenburg.ravnur.com

As a taxpayer, where do you think your money should go?

Today on Memorial Day, I honor the lives of women who wore the uniform and never made it home — including LaVena Johnson and Denisha Montgomery-Smith. Sadly, the alleged circumstances surrounding their deaths are horrific, leaving behind families and communities seeking answers and carrying their memory forward. Their stories continue to spark conversations about service, accountability, and the cost of sacrifice.

May we remember not only those lost in combat, but all who put on the uniform and gave their lives in service to something larger than themselves. May we honor their names, respect their humanity, and never allow their stories to be forgotten.

The second edition of the MOmentum Report is out now covering moms, tragedy and the county budget.

Welcome to The D2 Momentum Report—your source for what’s happening in District 2 and the work I’m doing to move us forward. Leadership begins with transparency—grounded in the needs of the entire district. That means keeping you informed,... Who's On First Base?

The SECOND EDITION of the Monday MOmentum Report is in so check it out! In this second edition, I’m discussing mom’s, a heartbreaking tragedy and resilience and more!

Welcome to The D2 Momentum Report—your source for what’s happening in District 2 and the work I’m doing to move us forward. Leadership begins with transparency—grounded in the needs of the entire district. That means keeping you informed,... Who's On First Base?