CHARLOTTEANS OF THE YEAR

By MICHELLE BOUDIN, TAYLOR BOWLER, ALLISON BRADEN, GREG LACOUR, and ANDY SMITH

Lettering by MARIBETH KISER

More than any year before it, 2020 made demands of us. Our nine Charlotteans of the Year responded by breaking through boundaries. A doctor informed a confused, frightened public. A globally recognized superstar stepped out, nally, on racial injustice. Here are their stories, and ours.

Black Lives Matter Mural 45 Taiwo Jaiyeoba 46 Dr. Katie Passaretti 48 Sam Diminich 50 Michael Jordan 52 Bubba Wallace 54 Jeff Jackson 56 Molly Grantham 58 Kass Ottley 60