Charlotte King is Named One of Delaware’s Most Influential People Impacting the Community in 2025
In 2015, philanthropist Charlotte King, a New York native, founded the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice to address the underrepresentation of Black residents in Sussex County’s public and private sectors. Although SDARJ primarily focuses on issues impacting Black Americans facing systemic barriers, its membership, volunteers and governing board reflect the broader Sussex community.
Under King’s leadership, SDARJ expanded its mission to tackle racial disparities in education, health care and housing, while also addressing inequities within Delaware’s criminal justice system and offering support to individuals recently released from incarceration. The nonprofit has become a forum for fostering a deeper understanding of American society through the experiences and perspectives of Black communities.
SDARJ hosts public education forums, engages with policymakers and collaborates with groups like the ACLU, the United Way and local historical societies. The nonprofit also organizes the annual African American Film Festival; publishes Black Voices, a quarterly news magazine, and has awarded nearly $50,000 in scholarships to Sussex County students. Not relying on state or federal grants, the organization is funded entirely through donor contributions.
Although she has stepped down as a board member of SDARJ, 82-year-old King remains active in her community, serving on the boards of the First State Community Action Agency, the Community Minority Liaison Committee for the Cape Henlopen School District and The Sunshine Circle Club, which provides support services for the elderly and youth.
