"Speak Out" is an expression of opinion from the Editorial Board of WBTV, and is presented by General Manager, Nick Simonette.
For more than 20 years, Queen Charlotte has greeted travelers at Charlotte Douglas International.
But have you ever REALLY noticed her?
Many people are now seeing this 16-foot tall statue -- along with her royal crown -- because expansion is forcing her to find a new home somewhere else in the airport.
For those who don't know, this lady is not just a piece of art.
She's a big part of our history.
You see, the city of Charlotte was named after Queen Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in Germany.
Charlotte married King George III...and is the grandmother fourth-removed of England's current Queen, Elizabeth II.
She was also a woman of color -- a direct descendant from a black branch of the Portuguese Royal House.
In honor of Queen Charlotte, our city is "Charlotte"...
Our county is "Mecklenburg"...
We're known as "The Queen City."
Charlotte has to hold on to the little history we still have.
So we're interested to hear where this Queen Charlotte statue will be moved.
It has already generated discussion.
Many feel if she's placed on the inside of the airport, more travelers will see her.
Others feel the statue should move towards the main entrance...to give you a "Royal Welcome."
Either way, this lady's history is our history.
She's a legacy worth discussing.
Tell us what YOU think. SpeakOut@wbtv.com.
