Justin Lewter for Kannapolis

About Justin

"Independent Mind, Community Heart"

Meet Justin Lewter— a devoted father, loving husband, neighbor, friend, and community advocate who has proudly called Kannapolis home for nearly 20 years. Since graduating from Lincoln University in 1993, Justin has dedicated his life to working with youth and families in marginalized communities, from NY to Durham, Greensboro and Charlotte he has consistently shown up to educate, mentor and inspire.

Since moving here in 2006, Justin has immersed himself in his community. His children are all graduates of A L Brown HS. He attends Bethel Baptist Church and actively participates in local politics as a member of the Black Political Caucus of Cabarrus County, Down Home North Carolina, and as co-founder of the Black Men Vote Coalition. Justin has taught in the NY public school system, organized youth on economic justice issues, chaperoned youth for national and international travel, and raised millions of dollars for nonprofits and institutions of higher education. He was recognized for his outstanding community work in 2007 with a joint fellowship from the Carolina Panthers and the Foundation of the Carolinas, to the Hugh McColl School of Business at Queens University, where he earned his MBA. He left his final role in the BSA national office as Director of Exploring Programs for the Southern Region to serve in University Advancement for North Carolina A&T State University in 2016.

Born and raised in Queens, NY, Justin is the son of a police officer and probation officer. His journey has not been without challenges; as a cancer survivor, he understands the importance of resilience and community support. A proud member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Justin has volunteered as a mentor of the Sigma Beta Club, worked with children of incarcerated parents and provides free Health and Safety classes for children and families. Justin is an entrepreneur. He is a nonprofit consultant and Grant Writer; and owns and operates Just in Case ADI: a firearms sales and personal defense instruction company. An amateur gardener, Justin finds joy in simple pleasures like morning coffee, a good book and weekend gatherings with family and friends.

Justin’s vision for Kannapolis is rooted in collaboration and neighborliness. He believes that we don’t need superheroes or wealthy elites to dictate our lives. Instead, we can come together as a community to solve 99% of our problems, embracing our shared values and experiences. He believes that our city government should work for the people rather than a privileged few. Kannapolis is ready for leadership that focuses on what is possible and what prioritizes the needs of the city's nearly 60,000 residents and businesses, small and large.

Reimagining the City of Looms

Empowering Kannapolis through transparency, engagement, and dedicated service to all residents.

Housing Accessibility

Building new homes will only solve half the problem. Housing is an economic development issue. We want housing accessible to all of our residents not just a wealthy few. As we work with developers to insure adequate housing at all income levels we must create employment opportunities that offer wages commensurate with the cost of renting an apartment or owning a home.

Infrastructure

Kannapolis is experiencing unprecedented growth. We need an infrastructure that sustains our quality of life while meeting the new demand of our residents and the businesses that serve them. Public transportation, sidewalks and water and sewer systems are key to that development and will require open conversations that lead to smart solutions.

Economic Development

Our greatest asset is our community members, the people that make up our city. Our residents can provide the skills and meet the talent demands of any industry when given the chance. Let's be strategic about what industries we welcome into the city. Let's make sure we don't offer unnecessary benefits that aren't reciprocated. Hiring, training and paying a wage that offers a good quality of life have to be cornerstones to any successful business partnerships.

Justin's vision for Kannapolis is inspiring; he truly cares about our community's future and well-being. He is a true agent for positive change.

Steven B.

★★★★★