Predominately black church in North Carolina targeted by arsonist


An early morning fire at the Briar Creek Road Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, is being investigated as arson, officials report. Although there is not yet an indication the alleged crime was motivated by hate, the church's 85-member congregation is predominately black and racist motivations have not been ruled out.
More than 75 firefighters responded to the fire; damages are estimated at a quarter of a million dollars.
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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
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