NAACP Chapter President Warns White People Not to Seek Interim Mayor Position | WATCH

*A North Carolina NAACP chapter president is facing intense backlash after warning white people not to lobby for the interim mayor position in Charlotte. Corine Mack, president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Branch of the NAACP, posted a controversial statement on the branch’s Facebook page following the resignation of Mayor Vi Lyles, who is Black. What Corine […] The post NAACP Chapter President Warns White People Not to Seek Interim Mayor Position | WATCH appeared first on EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More.

May 18, 2026 - 13:16

NAACP Chapter President Warns White People Not to Seek Interim Mayor Position | WATCH

*A North Carolina NAACP chapter president is facing intense backlash after warning white people not to lobby for the interim mayor position in Charlotte. Corine Mack, president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Branch of the NAACP, posted a controversial statement on the branch’s Facebook page following the resignation of Mayor Vi Lyles, who is Black.

What Corine Mack Said

Mayor Vi Lyles, a Black woman and Democrat, announced her early resignation effective June 30, 2026, halfway through her term. The City Council must now appoint an interim mayor to serve until the next election. In response to news that several white politicians, including former Mayor Jennifer Roberts, have expressed interest in the position, Mack wrote:

“It is seriously disturbing for white folks to be lobbying to be the interim Mayor in Charlotte. Our mayor, who recently resigned, is a Black woman who is a registered Democrat. While Black representation is being undermined and stripped nationwide, White folks are either tone deaf or worse… self-centered! It’s not about YOU!”

Mack continued: “In Charlotte, Black Voters have been intentional about having Black representation. What is the consensus after several discussions? If the City Council votes a non-Black person in as interim Mayor again … voters will hold you accountable next year.”

Corine Mack - via screenshot — Corine Mack – via screenshot

Mack Doubles Down on Her Position

Mack has since doubled down on her comments in multiple interviews. She told Queen City News: “Why would we replace the Black outgoing mayor with a white person? That simple.”

She later added, “My question for the white folks who are up in arms and outraged, are they outraged about the fact that Black representation is under attack?”

On her personal Facebook page, Mack defended the original post, arguing that outrage comes from those who cannot accept any Black person having an independent thought and opinion. She wrote: “On our NAACP Charlotte-Mecklenburg Branch page, white people are losing their minds in defense of Charlotte having the right to have a white Mayor. Anyone can run next year! This year the City Council will elect the interim Mayor.”

She also wrote: “It is very interesting to watch some white people in a frenzy about Black people loving and supporting Black people. Meanwhile, they create movements and spaces solely for white people all of the time.”

The Context of Mayor Vi Lyles Resignation

Lyles announced her resignation last week, saying her term has been “the honor of my life.” Her departure comes halfway through her term, puzzling some observers. Lyles has faced intense scrutiny on the national stage following the stabbing death of Ukrainian national Iryna Zarutska. Despite that controversy, Lyles won landslide reelection.

Charlotte has a Black-majority City Council. Several white politicians, including former Mayor Jennifer Roberts, have expressed interest in the interim position. Mack argues that this moment requires maintaining Black representation amid national debates over voting rights, redistricting, and DEI rollbacks.

Public and Political Reactions to Corine Mack

Reactions to Corine Mack comments have been intense and deeply polarized. The overwhelming public response has been negative, with many calling her statements racist, divisive, and hypocritical. Common criticisms on social media include phrases like “This is textbook racism” and “The NAACP is supposed to fight racism, not practice it.” Many commenters noted that if a white leader had said similar words about Black candidates, the backlash would be immediate and severe.

Conservative media outlets including Fox News and the Daily Wire have strongly condemned Mack, framing her comments as proof of reverse racism and identity politics run amok. Many have called for the national NAACP to condemn or remove her from her position.

However, Mack has received institutional support as well. The North Carolina NAACP issued a statement defending its local branch president. Some progressive and Black activist voices have supported Mack, arguing that maintaining Black representation matters amid national attacks on DEI and voting rights.

Notably, even some former NAACP leaders have criticized Mack. Terry Belk, a former local NAACP leader, publicly called her post “unnecessarily divisive” and urged her to dial back the rhetoric. Hundreds of comments on the NAACP Facebook post were negative, and many Charlotte residents, including Black residents, said the focus should be on qualifications, not race.

What Happens Next in Charlotte

The Charlotte City Council must now appoint an interim mayor to serve until the next election. Mack has made clear that she believes voters will hold council members accountable if they choose a non-Black candidate. Whether the council follows Mack warning or prioritizes other factors remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the national NAACP has not yet issued a formal statement on whether it will take action against its local branch president.