CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte branch of the NAACP is calling for the city to work more with minority owned small businesses.

Tuesday, the group issued a report that examined whether minorities have fair access to economic inclusion and looked at housing, education, unemployment and healthcare.

Council member Smuggie Mitchell said the city needs to take action.

"There's no doubt in our mind that when you look at the disparity study, African-American business owners are still suffering and we need to make sure we can increase their participation in city contracts," he said.

Mitchell encouraged business owners to attend the Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Summit that starts on June 6. To register, dial 704-576-0429 or visit http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurssummit.

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