Mel Watt honored as Charlotte Post Luminary

CHARLOTTE, NC — From the halls of the White House to the streets of Charlotte, Mel  Watt’s impact can be felt — as a respected lawyer, civil rights champion, legislator and federal housing chief. 

“We were doing civil rights work, employment discrimination and school cases all over the state.  Then I kind of segued into politics and started to have some influence there,” Former congressman Mel Watt said. 

 A man who has accomplished so much  came from small beginnings growing up in a home with no running water or electricity. 

He went on to earn  a law degree from Yale, becoming a civil rights  attorney and  the first black president of the Mecklenburg County Bar Association. 

“I think the law firm had major impacts on the city that we experience now.”

He went on to serve North Carolina’s 12th district as a congressman  for 21 years. 

“I think the most important part of it was just being able to help shape Charlotte and the surrounding community and the whole state of North Carolina.”

In his time as a state representative he said he’s proud of the work he did in his district.

“To be part of it was just, invigorating and  it was fun to be up early in the morning,” Watt said. 

 However, his work didn’t stop there.

He was  appointed by President Barack Obama to lead the federal housing finance agency, which he did for five years.  

 His most recent accomplishment is being honored by the Charlotte Post as this year’s Luminary — an achievement he hopes will inspire others. 

“I feel excited that this program will help the foundation help young kids and hopefully use some of my experiences  to facilitate them following in similar footsteps.”