January-February 2020
The Men’s Issue
Charlotte’s African-American Magazine
Life After Pro Football
From Athlete To Entrepreneur
Fergie’s Still Fighting Catching Up with Civil Rights Attorney James Ferguson
Back to Our Roots Farming the Land
CIAA Tournament
Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence
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January – February 2019
Departments 10 From the Publisher 12 Notable Names 13 By Faith 14 The Mindful Parent 16 Book Review 45 Scene and Seen
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50 Events Calendar
23
Health 43 M en and Depression
Understanding the cause
44 C BD Oil
Facts you should know
Business 46 F YI
News & Notes
47 L ife
Insurance Why it’s important for Millennials
48 L ife
After Football Meet Charles Johnson
43
48 Log on to pridemagazineonline.com for more features including our weekly calendar of events.
Features 17 Catching
Up With Attorney James Ferguson
21 Pride
Awards Honoring living legends
23 Thornhill
Rites of Passage Foundation Program guides boys into manhood
24 Charlotte
Housing Authority New brand, same helping hand
29 CIAA
Celebrating 75 Years of black excellence
37 Charlotte
Area Fund Confronting the problem of poverty
On the Cover
39 Synchrony
Attorney James Ferguson on location at his office in Uptown Charlotte. Photo by T. Ortega Gaines Photography
39 Reclaiming
Executive shares her passion for success the Farm One crop at a time
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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The most important
lessons in life are learned at home…
So Don’t Just Recycle…Recycle Right! Please just recycle the basic materials listed here in your curbside bin. Nothing else! Just because you wish it to be recycled, does not make it recyclable.
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Charlotte’s African-American Magazine
CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon
Editor-in-Chief
Lashawnda Becoats
Copy Editor Polly Paddock
Lead Writer Angela Lindsay
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Design & Production SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com
Distribution Watch Dog Entertainment®
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Public Relations Nepherterra Estrada
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Copyright© 2019 Pride Magazine All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited. Pride Magazine reserves the right to deny any advertisement, listing or feature that does not meet Pride Magazine standards or that is outside the scope or mission of our magazine. Pride Magazine assumes no responsibility for information, products, services, or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.
Pride Magazine prints with soy ink. Vol. 28 No. 1 January-February 2020 All rights reserved for PRIDE Communications Inc. Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PrideMagazineNC
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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FromTheEditor
Affirming the New Decade By Lashawnda Becoats
F
or months, I’ve asked as many people as I could about their feelings on starting a new decade. Some have shared my enthusiasm (I’m hyped about it), but plenty have looked at me wearily and with little hope in their eyes. I get it. Sometimes, it’s tough to look back over a decade and think about all the things in your life that have or have not changed. Often, regret will creep in, especially if you thought you’d be in a different place, mentally, physically, spiritually or financially. Time has a way of doing that, and as it slips by, you start to really understand and appreciate the things that matter. Here’s a life hack I’ve had success with: Before my feet hit the floor, I start the day with the simple empowerment phrase, “I am ________.” I fill in the blanks with positive things I want to affirm in my life, such as I am healthy, prosperous, intelligent, kind --- you get the point. I’ve learned that what you tell yourself first is more important than what other people tell you. Speaking to yourself positively has a way of trickling into all areas of your life and can shift your life’s experiences. I hope that as the days turn, you’ll be encouraged to give that life hack a try, too. Please send me an email to let me know how it works for you. In this issue, I’m loving our cover feature (on page 17) with living legend James Ferguson. It’s a thoughtful reflection from a man who has seen a lot of change in the community over the years. Also as a reminder, our annual Pride Luncheon has moved to a new month --February. Turn to page 21 to get the scoop on what’s new and how we are choosing to celebrate Charlotte’s rich African American history. I hope to see you there. Until the next time, Lashawnda
Lashawnda Becoats “Fergie” and I always share a good laugh when we see each other. It was a joy to visit his office during the cover photo shoot. 10
Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
@Runtowardyourlife
Sharp skills. Extensive training. And no limit to what comes
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NotableNames By Ryan Kouame
JOHN HAM
John Ham has been named the new community engagement director for the Urban League of the Central Carolinas (ULCC). He previously served as the director of development for the Urban League, where he was responsible for planning, organizing and directing all fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual fund, special events and capital campaigns. Ham is a marketing and fundraising executive with extensive experience in sales, strategic planning and business development. He has worked with major corporations, nonprofit organizations and the federal government to develop strategic marketing and sales plans that help cultivate increased brand visibility, market share and community engagements. Ham holds a bachelor of science in marketing from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. “This is an exciting opportunity that will allow me to develop, market and enhance relationships in the community, while assessing community capacity and competence to resolve issues linked to poverty and other social ills impacting the Central Carolinas,” says Ham.
LAVONNE MCLEAN
Lavonne McLean is the director of programs and pro bono partnerships at Apparo, a nonprofit organization that helps local nonprofits leverage technology and improve business processes, to expand their ability to create positive social change in Charlotte. McLean brings more than 15 years of financial services and project management experience to her empowering nonprofits in the Charlotte community. Throughout her career, McLean has helped food banks serve more families in crisis, preschools open more classrooms and arts organizations expand their reach into underserved neighborhoods. McLean recently reached a meaningful milestone by leading the delivery of more than $2 million in pro bono technology and business process consulting service to nonprofits. She is a native of Hershey, Pa., Pennsylvania and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Liberty University.
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DEIDRA SHEPPARDCALLOWAY
Deidra Sheppard-Calloway is the vice president of programs for the Urban League of the Central Carolinas (ULCC). She began serving as vice president in September 2018, and is responsible for the overall strategic planning and operations for all ULCC program areas. Sheppard-Calloway spent the last 20 years working in the nonprofit sector of the Omaha metropolitan area. She has held several executive level positions, including director of programs for the Urban League of Nebraska, director of development for the University of Nebraska Medical Center and she was the first executive director for the Neighborhood Center for Greater Omaha (NCGO). Sheppard-Calloway holds a master’s degree in business administration from Bellevue University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is engaged in community activities, and has served on several boards and committees, including Susan G. Komen Foundation, Women Investing in Nebraska and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
RHONDA ANDERSON
Rhonda Anderson is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. Anderson has a passion for teaching personal finance, and has taught several sessions of the highly acclaimed “Financial Peace University.” She also developed a financial literacy course for teens called "Making it Count!” Prior to her tenure at the YGC, Anderson served as president of the Community YMCA in Red Bank, N.J., chief operating officer at Cathedral International and held several management positions in Fortune 500 companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Simon & Schuster and GTE (now Verizon). Anderson received her MBA from Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor of science from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., where was inducted into the Cornell University Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball. She currently serves as a Cornell University Alumni Ambassador and is a recent graduate of Leadership Charlotte. P
ByFaith
Hope for the Angry Heart By Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond
I
s the father who can’t control his temper with his teenage son hopelessly paralyzed in the quick sand of his own emotional immaturity? Can the woman whose father left her and her mother when the woman was six have nonexplosive interactions with men when she’s disappointed? Is there a future for the angry man who can’t seem to maintain a steady job because of his quick temper? The answer is yes. Anger is a natural emotion that God has built within the human experience in order to allow an opportunity for an expression of displeasure. But why do so many people hurt one another with their anger if it’s such a natural and Godgiven emotion? Why does anger lead to senseless violence, bitter divorce, fractured relationships, wounded hearts, bruised egos, cold-hearted murder, heart-wrenching suicides and verbal, emotional and physical abuse? The truth is that anger is not a problem unless it causes us to sin against someone or God. Tragedy stems from sinful anger gone wild In order to understand this powerful emotion, we must take a moment and turn away from popular self-help resources, psychological empirical research and the latest episode of Oprah or Dr. Phil, and instead search the Scriptures for understanding. Scripture teaches us that we were created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). We were created to have a perfect relationship of worship, devotion and affection to the God of the Bible. In Genesis 1:31, it says, “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very
good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” In the beginning of time, everything was “all good.” In other words, we were good – relationally, rationally, volitionally, emotionally and physically. Is your heart angry? If so, refuse to allow your anger to master you. Take a personal inventory of your heart and the triggers in your life that cause you to demonstrate anger. What is it about those people or situations that evoke such strong and often sinful responses?
10 common sources of anger:
1 Not feeling accepted 2 Failure to have our way 3 Being mistreated 4 Past neglect or abuse 5 A defense mechanism 6 Fear of being attacked 7 Lack of emotional maturity 8 Anxiety out of control 9 Poor familial modeling 10 Keeping company with angry people P The Rev. Dwayne Bond is the lead pastor of Wellspring Church.
Here are several broad categories and helpful tips from Scripture that will help you deal with anger: Refrain from anger
The Scriptures teach us not to “manage anger” but instead “refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil” (Psalm 37:8).
Choose what to overlook
Proverbs 12:16 says, “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Determine what are the things in your life that annoy you that can simply be overlooked.
Avoid being quickly provoked and angry
Ecclesiastes 7:9 says, “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit for anger resides in the laps of fools.” Proverbs 14:17 says, “A quick tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.” Identify those things that provoke you to respond with a quick temper and cease to allow them to control your responses.
Preventing anger in conversation
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” James 1:19-20 says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Get rid of anger
Colossians 3:8 says, “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” Eliminating anger means to stop responding in anger to people and situations.
Brace yourself for consequences
Proverbs 19:19 says, “A hot tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you have to do it again. “ There are consequences for sinful anger that demand restitution. If you need help dealing with your anger, invest in yourself by making an appointment with a reputable counselor for further assistance. Always remember, anger is a heart issue, shows up in relationships and is known by God. Our wise God always gives us opportunities to deal with it so that we may bypass anger’s mastery and severe consequences.
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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TheMindfulParent
Childhood Curiosity
I
f your child has access to technology, chances are he or she has been exposed to inappropriate sexual material and even pornography. Sometimes it starts by searching an overheard word or topic out of curiosity, and problems can begin once an image is viewed. Several families seek professional therapy for their child after learning he or she is viewing inappropriate material, and the parents have been unsuccessful at stopping the behavior with discipline and limiting access to technology. Understanding the child and adolescent brain sheds light on the problem. Dopamine, oxytocin, norepinephrine and serotonin are organic chemicals and neurotransmitters that are involved with the natural experiences of joy, motivation and pleasure. When these chemicals are activated, they are key factors in how we respond during and after a gratifying experience; they help form memories of that experience and are involved in bonding and forming relationships. This reward system is highly active during puberty. Viewing sexual material can activate natural reward systems in the body, making the experience one a child will seek repeatedly. Equally important is what we know about the prefrontal cortex of the brain and its involvement in behavior moderation. For the child and adolescent brain, the prefrontal cortex is not yet fully developed, resulting in less restraint, increased impulsivity and limited decision-making. Since the developing brain responds strongly to pleasure and impulse control is weak, exposure to sexual material creates a challenging conflict between making the decision to follow a parent’s rules or deciding to seek the reward of pleasure. The rewards system is often over-firing, and can make it difficult for the child to consider the consequences you’ve discussed. Here are a few pointers to help with addressing these concerns before and after they arise: • Research generally supports the notion that pornography is not just lying around on the internet; people search for it. Sex is one of the most common search topics on the internet, and males are more likely
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to view porn, but girls do, too. Therefore, it is extremely important to install multiple barriers and firewalls to minimize your child’s access to inappropriate material. Supervise internet time, and communicate expectations and limits clearly. Websites such as internetmatters. org and commonsensemedia.org give step-by-step instructions for installing parental controls. • There is a difference between a behavioral addiction and occasionally engaging in inappropriate behavior. Research by Dana Volkow shows that in some cases, the brain exposed to obsessive amounts of pornography responds in a manner similar to that of those with behavioral addictions such as addictions to food, technology and gambling. Often those with behavioral addictions are seeking methods to cope with stress. Your child could be susceptible to unhealthy coping mechanisms if he or she experiences low self-esteem, excessive academic stress, emotional strain, anxiety or depression. Consider addressing these issues professionally to develop healthy coping mechanisms. • Consider your child’s general level of
impulse control when planning how you can help him or her regulate behavior. This will help you understand the challenges your child could face with stopping the behavior even after you’ve implemented consequences. Changing behavior takes time and patience. • Keep in mind that your child’s behavior and repetitive viewing of inappropriate material is partly rooted in the brain and body’s natural response system, and complicated by the immaturity of his or her brains. Respond without overreacting or employing guilt or shame; children often already feel guilty. Educate your children about your family’s beliefs about sex and the inappropriateness of viewing this material, similarly to how they could be impacted by early exposure to alcohol, substances or activities limited by age requirements. Continue to treat your children with love, and partner with them on overcoming habits they don’t want to keep. P Shavonda Bean is a licensed psychological associate and owner of Essential Assessments & Behavioral Health. Visit Essentialhealthnc.com for more information.
Black Men Rising 2020 "Success is not measured in the eyes of others, but within yoursel ." DR. KENDRICK CARROLL
CEO, BSI Solutions
Author, Shatterproof: The Art of Perseverance
What sets me apart: I truly believe that opportunities are created and it is persistence that drives success. What I’ve learned throughout my journey is success is not measured in the eyes of others, but within yourself. Instead of competing with others, I’ve made it a top priority professionally and personally to serve as a bridge builder in connecting others to their desired success. Personal philosophy: Never ask something of someone else that you are not willing to do yourself. As a leader, I believe wholeheartedly in leading from the front, side and back if needed. I join my team members at any level that I’m needed at. I’m never too proud or high to serve those who give their all for me daily. I believe everyone has the ability to perform, but it re�uires genuine leadership to motivate them to reach their full potential. So I invest in the people and not the product.
I am proud of: My wife who provides me with encouragement and persistence as I continuously overcome barriers that have been created for years. She is truly my cornerstone and I’m eternally grateful for her. I’m also proud of my son for helping me grow as a father. The secret to doing good business in Charlotte: The beautiful ueen City is full of innovators and great thought leaders who are looking for those who want to make an impact in the growth of the city. The primary key to succeeding with the city is building a solid network. However, the network should be mutually bene�icial; not just one way. What’s your greatest achievement to date: I recently published a hybrid in�luential autobiography about my life, titled Shatterproof “The Art of Perseverance”. It took 21 plus years after the murder of my mom for me to open up to the general public and share the journey of overcoming the odds as a product of domestic violence, victim of child abuse, and literally written off by majority of all who came in contact with me.
It is my hope and goal that my story deposits encouragement into the readers to continue the ight for their goals. Face all forms of adversity with open arms and persevere until you have reached your goal and help someone else accomplish theirs. - Dr. Kendrick Carroll
BookReview
By Angela Haigler
Books to Put on Your New Year’s Reading List Children’s Book:
“A Long Time Comin’”
“The Water Dancer”
by Robin Pearson
by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“A Long Time Comin’” by Robin W. Pearson introduces us to Granny B. The stalwart matriarch of the Agnew family has secrets, but she won’t be the one to spill them. Even when gripped with her own personal tragedy, she refuses to change. A surprise visitor provides the catalyst that shatters the peace Granny B tried so hard to preserve. A dynamic debut by Pearson, “A Long Time Comin’” feels as familiar as home.
Should anything really surprise us about Ta-Nehisi Coates? Coates spent a decade wielding his pen at The Atlantic as a warrior essay writer, ripping open our truths for the world to see. He’s the recipient of numerous awards and the author of “Between the World and Me,” a New York Times bestseller. Coates’ first fiction work, “The Water Dancer” has enjoyed a critically acclaimed debut. No surprise; it’s a strong work, riveting and with an original perspective and a strong voice.
“Africaville” by Jeffrey Colvin A true epic novel, “Africaville” is based on the story of Africaville, a Canadian community founded by freed slaves from the Caribbean in the 1800s. The book traces the lives of the fictional Sebolt and Platt families from 1918 to 1992. Starting with their beginnings as Black pioneers, moving into painful forays in the deep South and back again to in Canada, this is a fresh take on a not frequently discussed Black experience.
“Freedom Soup” by Tami Charles, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara A Haitian grandmother and granddaughter share the kitchen, a special soup and the history behind it. In this book, brought to life with bold, colorful illustrations, Ti Gran and Belle cook up a meal and a story of Haitian pride and the ingredients that birthed both a delightful picture book and a delicious meal. “Freedom Soup” is the perfect selection for the New Year.
“Cornbread, Fish’n Collard Greens: Inside the Music” by Anthony Hamilton Charlotte has a treasure in Anthony Hamilton, who is known for his soulful singing and community philanthropy. Now there’s even more to love with his book, “Cornbread, Fish’n Collard Greens: Inside the Music.” The book is part musical history, part cookbook and part memoir. In it, he gives us a glimpse into the inspiration of some of his most popular music, as well as a peek into his family life and history. P
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Catching Up With
James Ferguson By Tonya Jameson
I
t’s 3 p.m. on a Wednesday, and James Ferguson, affectionately called Fergie, is rushing out of his Morehead Street office to grab a sandwich. It’s 3 p.m., and he’s just now grabbing lunch between appointments. At 77, Ferguson shows no signs of slowing down. Sitting in a nearby sandwich shop, he explains that despite his hopes that dismantling segregation one lawsuit at a time would end the wretched institution, it hasn’t. “You look at almost any measure, and you find that African Americans are still coming out on the short end of the stick. I don’t delude myself into thinking although we
have made tremendous strides in changing the law that the effects of slavery and the effects of Jim Crows remain with us today,” Ferguson said. “They’re not going to just go away. We have to continue to fight for racial justice and racial equality.” Ferguson’s storied career as a civil rights attorney is the stuff of movies. Over five decades, his law firm has argued cases that led to landmark U.S. Supreme Court rulings, and he’s defended civil rights activists targeted by local police and the FBI, as well as Black men accused of crimes they didn’t commit. His law offices have been bombed and burned to the ground. Yes, Ferguson’s career and life could be a movie, but it’s one that is still being written.
James Ferguson
Notable Dates 1940
1950
1942 James “Fergie” Ferguson born on Oct. 10 in Asheville. Late 1950s – Early 1960s Ferguson emerges a student activist in high school. He led students to protest for more improvements to the school. The students’ threat to attend the all-white school led the superintendent to eventually build a new Black school. Ferguson went on to help start the Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality, which successfully negotiated the peaceful desegregation of Asheville’s public facilities. Early 1960s – Mid 1960s Ferguson attends North Carolina Central University.
1960
1964 – 1967 Ferguson attends Columbia University, where he would meet the late Julius Chambers while at the legal defense fund offices in New York. 1968 Opened Chambers, Stein, Ferguson & Lanning, reportedly the state’s first integrated law firm.
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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James Ferguson
Notable Dates
1960
1970
1968 Ferguson supports Chambers’ motion for relief from school desegregation in the ongoing Swann v. Board of Education lawsuit. The case would eventually make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court and lead to busing to desegregate schools nationwide. 1970 Appointed as a “private prosecutor” to assist in the murder trial against Robert and Larry Teel, who allegedly killed Henry Marrow, a 23-year Black veteran in Oxford, N.C. The all-white jury acquitted the Teels, but the case and Ferguson’s legal prowess were chronicled in Timothy Tyson’s book, “Blood Done Sign My Name.” 1971 Ferguson represents “Wilmington 10,” nine African-American men and one white woman accused of arson and conspiracy in the wake of Wilmington school desegregation. They were convicted and served a decade before they won their appeal and were released. Former Gov. Bev Perdue pardoned them in 2013. 1972 Ferguson represents the “Charlotte Three” – T.J. Reddy, Jim Grant and Charles Parker, convicted of burning
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Attorney Geraldine Sumter and Ferguson having a brief discussion in the main conference room.
Ferguson is legendary because of his work as a Charlotte-based civil rights attorney, but his penchant for justice started when he was a high schooler in Asheville. His interest in becoming a lawyer started his freshman year when friends were wrongly accused of rape. His foray into civil rights a few years later cemented the career for him. “Every event that I saw from the time I was growing up, and became aware of things around me, said to me that I was inferior and all Black people were inferior,” he said. “Fortunately for me, I never believed that.” He had plenty of reason not to. He watched as Martin Luther King Jr. led protests throughout the deep South, and sitins took place to desegregate lunch counters in the Greensboro area. He was only in high school, but Ferguson saw a blueprint to fight for change in Asheville. As a senior, Ferguson organized students at his all-Black high school to protest for more improvements to the school. The students’ threat to attend the all-white high school unless improvements were made led the superintendent to build a new Black high school. That taste of success made Ferguson set bigger goals. He helped start the Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality, which successfully negotiated the desegregation of Asheville’s public facilities.
Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
In the Q&A below, Ferguson discusses how things have (and have not) changed since he began his fight for equality. Pride: Do you feel like we’ve made progress? Ferguson: Yes. If I just look at Charlotte, I came to Charlotte in 1967. We had one Black elected official, and that was Fred Alexander on city council. That was it. Now, you look at Charlotte and you have African Americans in almost every position of leadership and virtually every elected office. You have a Black mayor, Black sheriff, Black police chief, Black school board chair, Black county commission chair. Look across the whole spectrum. I’m not one to say we’ve made no progress. Pride: But? Ferguson: This whole effort toward equality has been more difficult than we knew, and every time we made a little bit of progress in one place, there’s setback in others. Pride: What would you say the challenge is now? Ferguson: The success we have had has resulted in more racism, in the sense that those who have been in control feel threatened by Black people and as a result of that has led to more racism. More and more
whites are feeling comfortable appealing to racism. We see these organizations rising up. They call them ‘alt-right,’ so that has become more acceptable over time. That makes it more difficult, but it doesn’t make it impossible. We find that racism manifests itself in ways we hadn’t even thought about. Pride: Is this something that you thought would’ve been solved in your lifetime? Ferguson: Yeah, I thought it would’ve been solved a long time ago. When I was in high school, I thought by the time I grew up, went to college and went to law school, I thought most of it would’ve have changed and we wouldn’t have to fight the same battle over and over. Pride: With your cases, does it feel like you’re still fighting the same battles over and over, or does the face of it change? Ferguson: It changes, but it doesn’t change in the sense that you deal with this race issue here and then it goes away. It just manifests in different ways. A lot of what I’ve done over the years has been in criminal justice, and I saw how the criminal justice system worked against African Americans. We thought we could change that. And there have been some changes, but when you look at the criminal justice system right now and you see who’s been victimized by that system. It’s the African American community. It’s folks who are Black and poor and people who have been victimized in other ways. Pride: What other examples do you see? Ferguson: Virtually any measure of society, you find that African Americans are coming out on the short end of the stick. It’s hard to explain it other than by race. Look at who’s in need of health care. Who’s in need of housing? Who’s in need of better jobs? Although the laws have changed, not much has changed.
“Every event that I saw from the time I was growing up, and became aware of things around me, said to me that I was inferior and all Black people were inferior. Fortunately for me, I never believed that.” —James Ferguson
Pride: But as you said, in Charlotte, it seems like one set of African Americans can move up. Ferguson: That’s the point. We make progress, but when we look at what’s happening to the mass number of African Americans, we still come out on the short end of the stick. You’ve got a Black city council, you’ve got a Black sheriff, you’ve got a Black district attorney, but the complexion of jails and prisons hasn’t changed. Pride: You don’t do as much criminal law now, do you? Ferguson: No, I do less and less. When I first started, African Americans didn’t get to serve on juries, particularly in cases that had racial overtones, whether it be the Charlotte Three or Wilmington 10 (See sidebar). But now, you see with all of the laws changed and African Americans can’t be denied to serve on juries, you see a disproportionate number of African Americans who are shot and killed by police officers. The numbers demonstrate a system that still heavily discriminates against African Americans. Pride: Is it just the criminal justice system? Ferguson: You look at the school system. We fought school desegregation beginning with the Brown case. The Swann case said the schools are supposed to be desegregated so that African American children would get an opportunity. Right now, one of the biggest issues that we face in our education system is the lack of opportunity for African Americans to succeed in the system. Charlotte at one time was built up as a shining example of school desegregation and how it benefits society as a whole and African Americans in particular. Now Charlotte-Mecklenburg is one of the most, if not the most, racially segregated school systems in North Carolina, in the country as well. Despite having multiple Supreme Court announcements saying that school segregation would no longer be tolerated, we find that Charlotte is as segregated now as it ever was. Pride: How do you see Black Lives Matter and other movements fitting into the fight for equality? Ferguson: It’s important for all of us to understand that when we see movements like Black Lives Matter, and other movements where people are organizing to try to achieve racial equality, that all these are in ways part of a continuum of the effort to achieve racial equality. And, it doesn’t come easy and it doesn’t come quick. We have to continue to work to bring about true racial equality in every aspect of our lives. P
James Ferguson
Notable Dates 1970
the Lazy B Stables, a horse stable. The burning took place on September 24, 1968, one year after Lazy B Stables was integrated.
1980
1986 Ferguson cofounded South Africa's first Trial Advocacy Program, offering the program to black and white lawyers, even during the apartheid era.
1990
1997 Ferguson chaired the Community Building Initiative following a series of shooting deaths of two Black women and one Black man by white Charlotte police officers.
2000
2004 Ferguson won the exoneration of Darryl Hunt, who was wrongly convicted of the rape and murder of a young white woman and served nearly 20 years in prison. Ferguson worked for 15,000 hours on that case over the years.
2010
October 2018 Ferguson, Chambers & Sumter, as the firm is now called, celebrates 50 years. Former Mayor Anthony Foxx and other city leaders attended the celebrations.
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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Charlotte Latin School Young Alumni Spotlight
Michelle Charles �17, Villanova University �21 Michelle embodies Latin’s vision to educate students in the importance of learning, citizenship, service to others, hard work, and Honor Above All. Michelle is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Spanish and a minor in Peace and Justice Studies. Some of Michelle’s noteworthy accomplishments at Villanova include: • Receiving the Presidential Scholarship • Serving as an Executive Board Member of the Blue Key Society • Earning a Summer Legal Internship with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania • Serving as Outreach and Logistics Director of Get Woke Nova • Studying abroad in Spain While at Charlotte Latin School, Michelle was a stellar student. She earned the Headmaster’s Award, was inducted into the Edward Jordan Fox, Jr. chapter of the Cum Laude Society, served as a MOSAIC leader, and co-founded the Black Student Alliance. We are Hawk Proud and celebrate Michelle’s continued personal and professional success.
Interested in learning what Charlotte Latin School can do for your child? Call today to learn more and to schedule a tour: 704.846.7207.
Pride Awards 2020 Will Honor Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown
C
harlotte’s African American history is often understated, undervalued and underexposed. Yet, our city continues to draw attention nationally as being one of the best places for Blacks to live and work. That’s one of the reasons we have chosen to enlighten our Pride Awards 2020 attendees about the historical significance of and some of the outstanding contributions African Americans have made to make Charlotte the great city that it is today. For example, did you know that our Mecklenburg County seal was designed by an African American named Harvey Boyd, who worked for The Charlotte Observer? The Pride Awards luncheon, during Black History Month on Friday, February 14, in many regards will be an extension of our November Living with Pride issue, which was a special edition on “Remarkable Black Charlotte,” sponsored by Novant Health. This unique publication gives the reader a synopsis of Charlotte’s Black history from slavery onward, spotlighting the struggle, resilience and fortitude of a people who have continued to press on.
The luncheon will also be a unique experience aimed at motivating us individually, corporately and as a community. We will celebrate some of our “wins,” as we strive to move the socioeconomic needle upward, while drawing inspiration from this year’s prestigious honoree, Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown. Dr. OGB, as she is fondly called at Novant Health, was a leading catalyst in mobilizing our city’s efforts to create pathways of opportunity for all of Charlotte’s citizens. In addition, we will shine the spotlight on and draw inspiration from some of our other “living” legends, including Harvey Gantt, Rolfe Neill, Mayor Vi Lyles, Thereasea Elder, Dorothy Counts and a few more. And of course, as in previous years, we’ll honor an outstanding nonprofit. Underwritten by Wells Fargo, Aspire Community Capital will receive our 2020 monetary donation, for its invaluable commitment to empowering underserved individuals through entrepreneurial training, programming and access to capital. Our theme, “PEP RALLY,” is about people empowering people. It’s about sharing our victories as a community. It’s about showcasing some of our successes, as we continue our efforts to provide more positive socioeconomic outcomes for everyone in the areas of affordable housing, health care, education, entrepreneurship and more. We want a diverse audience to join us at the luncheon for a celebratory, cultural experience that will inform, enlighten and motivate us all. Game on! P
Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown, a leading catalyst in mobilizing our city’s efforts to create pathways of opportunity for all of Charlotte’s citizens
Pride Awards 2020 PEP RALLY Luncheon Friday, February 14
Westin Charlotte
11:15 am – networking 12 noon – Program
Dress Casually
Seating: prideawards.net or 704-375-9553
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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30 Free tax assistance that might be more help than you think. If you haven’t filed taxes, you may be entitled to refunds that can help you get on your feet, assist with housing, or build wealth. If your income was $55,000 or less last year you could qualify to have your taxes prepared and submitted by our VITA program, offered in conjunction with Goodwill and other organizations in the Carolinas. Learn where and when you can take advantage of this service on our website. CommunityLinkNC.org
Community Link 601 East 5th Street, Suite 220, Charlotte, NC 28202 704.943.9490 | 1.800.977.1969
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Local Program
Guides Boys Into Manhood
Visit to famed NC A&T University and F.W. Woolworth Birthplace to Civil Rights lunch counter sit in.
By Angela Lindsay
R
ites of passage—they exist in many cultures all over the world, are usually signified by a ceremony or ritual which occurs when an individual leaves one group to enter another. It involves a significant change of status in society and has come to mean the journey a young person takes as he or she transitions from adolescence into adulthood. Charlotte’s Thornhill Rites of Passage Foundation (TROPF) seeks to empower and prepare seventh grade boys of color for the next critical stages of their lives. “Seventh grade is a critical transition year for boys. They transition mentally, physically, emotionally and socially,” said TROPF founder Wayne L. Thornhill, an attorney. “Sociologists, teachers, practitioners, along with studies conducted by the Department of Education and Duke University, confirm the criticality of seventh grade . . . This transition is significant, as the Rites of Passage acknowledges the need for community, awareness, support and accountability for this transition into manhood, as boys face a plethora of challenges.” Founded in 2016, TROPF is a private foundation whose purpose is to empower seventh grade African American boys from diverse economic backgrounds through its “Core4” tenets—character, competitiveness, competence and citizenship. TROPF offers two programs: the HuMan Rites of Passage Program (HuROP), a yearlong program targeted to seventh grade boys that focuses on the Core4, with monthly sessions to teach and apply these skills; and the HuMan Rites of Passage Leadership Institute (HLI), which is offered to young men in grades eight–11 and builds off the Core4 principles through four sessions focusing on: financial education, legal awareness, public speaking and college preparedness. Thornhill says, “The program is important for Charlotte, as the latest study, ‘The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force Report,’ confirms that there are still significant gaps, disparities and challenges associated with access, social
Wayne Thornhill
HuROP participants on legal day in courtroom.
capital, housing and college preparedness. Notwithstanding, there is a need for the HuMan Rites of Passage program, an initiative anchored in building social capital, access and opportunities. We are cognizant of the challenges, yet we see opportunities for growth, expansion and empowerment of seventh graders at a critical year that can shift the trajectory for boys.” HuROP has graduated 10 boys, while 14 boys are currently involved in the HLI program. Both the HuROP and HLI programs require an application for selection, which Thornhill says will include a competitive process for participation as the program grows. Over the course of the year, there are 12 monthly interactive workshop sessions covering topics and activities such as: health and wellness/eating better (including plant-based fuel for the body); math and standardized test-taking strategies; social etiquette (including owning the conversation and dressing for success); legal awareness and surviving police stops; money matters and budgeted living within your means to develop wealth; giving back (including engaging in a community service project); teaching the concept that “you are a brand;” a CEOs panel followed by student presentation of ideas for potential investors; a college campus tour to meet professors, as well as admissions and guidance personnel; leadership development skills; resume writing; and “telling your story”— powerful public speaking. During each workshop, the participants
are engaged by mentors. Each session is immediately followed up by an application of the skills obtained, through channels such as an escape room activity, chess, applying to an Ivy League school, writing thank-you notes, life skills, visiting businesses, an obstacle course for collaboration, mock trials and courthouse visits. HuROP participants begin the program with $250 in seed money and must double the amount by the program’s end. Thornhill says the community has fully embraced the program, which has gained the support of many notable partners, including: Ilios Noche restaurant, Charlotte Latin School, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, Wells Fargo, the Mecklenburg Courthouse, Attorney Katie Clary, Levine Medical Center/ Atrium Health, Dr. Rohit Mehta, Webber Dentistry, Charlotte Preparatory School, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, the Duke University Talent Identification Program and others. Thornhill hopes to expand HuROP in Charlotte to include 25 boys from the south and north sides. “We are not victims of anyone; rather, we can choose to be victors in anything. The Rites of Passage [program] is a reminder that confidence is a game changer, and we are restoring the breach, placing young men in their rightful mind-set. We can create anything we want. We simply have to imagine it. We are changing the way boys think, via character, competitiveness, competence and citizenship.” P
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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The Charlotte Housing Authority
New Brand, Same Helping Hand By Angela Lindsay
O
ne of the most effective ways to alter an identity is to change something’s name. After 80 years of providing quality, affordable housing to low-income families in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, the Charlotte Housing Authority (CHA) has evolved and rebranded itself, which includes adopting a new name. Inspired by the word “enliven,” meaning to restore life, the CHA’s new name, INLIVIAN, became official last November and reflects the organization’s mission to help people live successful lives. “Our business model changed. It was our 80th anniversary this year, and it gave us a chance to reflect on . . . how we started basically as a public housing authority, and I would define it as we were really just warehousing families,” said A. Fulton Meachem, president and CEO of INLIVIAN. “We’ve moved from that now to really putting our residents in better areas of opportunity, as well as supports around them to help them move up and out of subsidized housing. That message, even though it was prevalent throughout the nation, . . . it was a little difficult to get traction here, simply because of some of the stigmas associated with public housing and housing authorities in general.” Nationally, INLIVIAN is looked at as one of the most aggressive housing authorities in the country, according to Meachem, who explained that the organization has participated in every program that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has released, such as the Hope VI program, which has been implemented in Piedmont Courts, Earle Village and Boulevard Homes— transitioning them into mixed-income
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“What we’ve seen over the years, and what studies are saying now, is that (for) children growing up in these high-poverty areas, it really does stunt their ability to be able to move up that economic ladder.” —A. Fulton Meachem, president and CEO of INLIVIAN
communities. Such initiatives, he said, have really changed the landscape of what Charlotte used to be and provides more opportunity for residents. However, the agency doesn’t just manage property. “I think we manage people, by providing them opportunities to move up and out and become independent, and in
Mission To develop, operate, and provide quality housing in sustainable communities of choice for residents of diverse incomes. the past we didn’t do that,” said Shirley Fulton, chair of the board of INLIVIAN. “We had generational poverty, and now we’re looking at things in a different way, because we have to move people to the next level, so that we can make room for those who need what we’re providing to the ones who are moving out.” The rebranding effort took more than a year, with the assistance of a marketing firm, and involved extensive research, including studying existing industry research and trends, surveys, in-depth interviews and focus groups with residents, community leaders, elected officials and employees, to share their feedback about their name and overall brand. The information collected confirmed that the words “housing” and “authority” have a great deal of stigma and negative connotations associated with them, and ignite undeserved negative stereotypes about residents. The board ultimately adopted the new name, which was chosen by its residents. “As an agency, we really pride ourselves with working with the greater community in making things happen with them versus to them . . . What we’ve seen over the years, and what studies are saying now, is that (for) children growing up in these high-poverty areas, it really does stunt their ability to be able to move up that economic ladder,” Meachem said. “More than just the bricks and sticks, we started investing back into our families, which, as the chair has said, is extremely important to us, because, again, it is important for us to have quality
housing but at the same time, it’s not an unlimited asset.” While the agency provides housing and support to more than 10,000 households in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, there are currently 13,000 people on its waiting list. Therefore, Meachem said it is imperative to move people up and out, by investing back in them to help them along their journeys and thereby still fulfill what has been the agency’s mission all along: “Changing the name gives us a new lease on life, to start to shape this new perception of the new vision that INLIVIAN has to keep moving us forward. So, the name change is a platform for us, not really to change a lot of what we’re doing, because the name change is a manifestation of what we’ve been doing . . .” INLIVIAN’s full rebranding process will entail a continued and constant educational campaign, from the commercials it produces to speaking to neighborhood organizations. “This rebranding will be an annual everyday effort,” Meachem said, “to make sure that the public knows what we do and that we’re a public asset for them—that we’re here, and we will always be here, to serve those that need us the most . . . but the way we do it is going to be different now than in the past, from a standpoint of we’re going to make sure that it’s an inclusive community that we’re building, not isolations of poverty . . . We’re trying to build inclusive communities where people from all walks of life can live, work and play. So, that rebranding and that message will be something that we just live and breathe every single day.” P
“I think we manage people, by providing them opportunities to move up and out and become independent, and in the past we didn’t do that.” —Shirley Fulton, chair of the board of INLIVIAN
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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SUCCESS ON THE COURT AND IN THE CLASSROOM As one of Maryland’s fastest-growing universities, Bowie State is producing the next generation of leaders in cybersecurity, entrepreneurship and STEM. Build the confidence to dream out loud and gain the skills to make an impact.
bowiestate.edu
Growth • Expansion • Adaptability • Readiness
2020 Annual Meeting
New for 2020!
Our annual meeting also includes a special workshop “geared” toward college students interested in learning about entrepreneurship.
January 28-29, 2020
Johnson C. Smith University
Charlotte, NC
www.CVMSDC.org
Celebrating 75 Years
of Black Excellence On and Off the Court
E
ach year, for the past 15 years, more than 150,000 fans head to Charlotte for one of the biggest celebrations of sport in the NCAA. In fact, the letters C-I-A-A -- or the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association -- have become synonymous with a winter celebration of Black excellence on and off the basketball court. The basketball tournament, for the conference made up of 12 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has helped to redefine the look and feel of Charlotte every winter since it moved to the Queen City in 2006. With community and business
Top: On March 17, 1967 the Winston Salem State University's Rams, (WSSU) became the first historically black college in the nation to win a national championship. Bottom: Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) CEO Thomas Murray presents a check to the CIAA during the 2019 Basketball Championship Tournament. From Left to Right - CRVA CEO Tom Murray, CIAA Board Chair Dr. Adbullah, CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams, Mayor Vi Lyles, CIAA Board Chairman Chancellor Anderson, Charlotte City Council Member-at-large James Mitchell, and Julius Grant, General Manager Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE Livingstone College Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr., President
@livingstone1879
networking events to college recruiting fairs, to step-shows, day parties, a free Fan Fest (and of course, 22 action-packed men’s and women’s basketball games), the tournament has become a staple on Charlotte‘s calendar. Earlier this year, the conference announced that it will be moving the men's and women's basketball tournaments to Baltimore starting in 2021, so fans will have to travel fartherfurther north to get their CIAA fix. The three-year move will allow CIAA schools to showcase their brand of athletic excellence, as well as break new ground in overall recruiting for each respective university. The CIAA brand will continue to move forward and grow as it takes its talents to Maryland. The CIAA Tournament has roots that extend far beyond the I-277 corridor. The tournament was birthed out of necessity in the mid-1940s, when Black colleges were not recognized by the NCAA for championships and post-season play. The then “Colored Intercollegiate Athletic Association” devised a plan for a championship playoff that would bring the top eight teams in the conference to the tournament. The conference included current Division I schools such as North Carolina A&T, Hampton and North Carolina Central as well as Virginia Union, Winston-Salem State and Shaw, so competition to get down to the final eight was tough. Talmadge Hill of Morgan State College, John McLendon of North Carolina College, John Burr of Howard University and Harry Jefferson of Virginia State College each contributed $100 to reach the $500 budget to run that first tournament in 1946. When the doors opened, more than 3,000 fans crowded through the turnstiles at Washington, D.C.’s Turner Arena to witness Lincoln (Pa.), Virginia Union, Morgan State, West Virginia State, North
Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) CEO Tom Murray and CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams share a laugh.
CIAA’s legacy is one “The of tradition, leadership and community.” —Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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Carolina, Winston-Salem Teachers, Johnson C. Smith and Virginia State participate in the CIAA’s first championship tournament. It is said that fans were literally hanging from the rafters of the 2,000-seat arena. North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central) claimed the championship after three overtime periods, upsetting Virginia Union 64 to 56. From the CIAA’sits historic beginnings, the basketball games were “march madness” before that term even existed, as legendary players such as Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, Bobby Dandridge, Sam Jones and more competed fiercely for their respective universities before going on to storied pro basketball careers. The event served as a winter homecoming for alumni of many of the HBCU schools as it began to travel south to North Carolina (Winston-Salem and Greensboro hosted the event in the ‘50s and ‘60s) and Virginia (Hampton, Norfolk and Richmond have all hosted the event several times) over the following decades. It rapidly became one of the most successful annual college events in the country, adding the women’s championship in 1975 and providing scholarships to numerous student-athletes. With basketball as its centerpiece, the CIAA Basketball Tournament
Virginia Union Lady Panthers Shameka McNeill and Shareka McNeill cut the net to celebrate their 2019 CIAA Basketball Tournament Championship win.
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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Pride Ad CIAA-Building_Fix.pdf
1
12/9/19
1:15 PM
It has been a pleasure being the hometown team for the CIAA Basketball Tournament for the past 15 years. C
Thank you so much for all of the amazing memories you have given the Golden Bull family!
M
Y
CM
MY
Player of the Year
CY
CMY
K
CIAA Hall Of Fame
JCSU Highlights
CIAA in Charlotte 2006-2020
Kermit Blount Stephen Joyner, Sr Mark Sherrill John D. Marshall Dr. Dorothy Cower Yancy
CIAA Men’s Champs 2008 2009
CIAA Women’s Champs
Trevin Parks 2011 Stedmon Lemon 2016
Coach of the Year Vanessa Taylor 2011
2009 2017
It’s been a great run!
JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSI
DREAM BIG! There is no ceiling to what you can do at Winston-Salem State University. Graduate ready to get a good job, continue your education, start your own business, make a difference in the world, have an interesting and exciting life.
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evolved into a full-out community event as it marched through WinstonSalem, Raleigh and eventually to Charlotte. Today, many alumni and fans have the CIAA tournament penciled in on their schedules for the last weekend in February every year. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) and the conference are ready for the action. Since 2006, they have joined forces to create a phenomenal experience for the influx of fans and student-athletes who flock to the city. Along with the crowds, the tournament brings intellectual, cultural, social and recreational options to the community. Events include A-list entertainers, Ebony fashion shows, fundraising events and major sponsorship endorsements. The Division II conference has helped the city flex its economic muscle and drive revenue. The CIAA’s financial contributions include job creation,
increased employment of womenand minority-owned businesses, as well as a boost in business for hotels, restaurants and other establishments in proximity to the tournament. Last year, the CRVA estimates the CIAA tournament had an economic impact of $50.5 million. It has contributed more than $500 million to the city’s economy over the past 14 years. “The CIAA’s legacy is one of tradition, leadership and community,” said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “This year, we are pleased to celebrate 75 years of tournament history and 15 years in the city of Charlotte. The tournament draws generations of fans and families who come for the games, a chance to see old friends and to participate in our community events. With the support of the city and our corporate partners, we’ve secured over $20 million
in scholarships for our member institutions and our studentathletes. We thank the city and our partners for helping us fulfill our mission to assist our studentathletes in their quest for success.” So the upcoming tournament is the last dance between Charlotte and the CIAA. With that in mind, as well as the 75th anniversary of its signature event, the conference will push forward full-throttle to give CIAA fans something that they'll never forget, from the basketball courts to the Charlotte Convention Center ballrooms and everywhere in between. You don’t want to miss out, so get your tickets via Ticketmaster, through the CIAA office and member institutions. For more information visit CIAAtournament.org. Content provided by the CIAA.
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January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT AT CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY
Our commitment to excellence supports us as being recognized as a leading 21st Century institution of higher education that develops a diverse and inclusive community of globally engaged visionary leaders.
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400 Magnolia St | Orangeburg, SC 29115 1-800-922-1276 | www.claflin.edu Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, President
Confronting the Problem
OF POVERTY
By Angela Lindsay
T
he state of poverty often transcends economics. It can also be an emotional, intellectual and social mind-set. When facing such an all-consuming issue, how do people even begin to go about improving their situations? It is one of the many dilemmas that the Charlotte Area Fund (CAF) has been helping deal with since 1963. CAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established to do such things as are necessary or desirable for advancing the general welfare of the people in the area of Charlotte, or for educational, scientific or charitable purposes in this area. Its mission is to identify and address poverty causes, by providing programs and services that assist economically disadvantaged citizens with gaining the skills and abilities necessary to achieve self sufficiency. “The stress of making financial ends meet for the working poor is an enormously difficult juggling act, with severe economic consequences if not managed well,” says Nicholas V. Wharton, president of the Charlotte Area Fund, Inc. “Top of mind for many is the benefits cliff which can result in the loss of subsidized childcare if earnings rise above strict income eligibility guidelines. For instance, current eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), in effect, discourages parents from accepting that job promotion, working additional hours or taking a high-paying job.” In 2017, the poverty rate in Mecklenburg County was 13.4 percent, with the largest demographic living in poverty being females ages 25 – 34 (datausa.io). The living wage for a family of four (with both adults working) in Mecklenburg County is $15.67. The poverty rate for that same family is $6.03 (livingwage.mit.edu). As one of North Carolina’s oldest nonprofit agencies, primarily funded through the federal
Nicholas V. Wharton, president of the Charlotte Area Fund, Inc.
Community Service Block Grant, community action agencies such as CAF promote self-sufficiency initiatives, and seek to empower the poor through maximum feasible participation involving the poor themselves in identifying problems and developing solutions. “Charlotte is rated least favorable among 50 major cities for economic mobility of the poor, according to the Harvard/Berkley Mobility report,” Wharton says. “Far too many working poor families can’t obtain affordable housing, a livable wage career, quality education or adequate health care. The social determinants of health provide new insights into how the intersectionality of these factors reduces opportunities, limits choices and threatens health and mortality. Simply put, poverty and poor health are inextricably linked and have January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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By the numbers POVERTY IN CHARLOTTE
13.4% The poverty rate in Mecklenburg County in 2017, with the largest demographic living in poverty being females ages 25-30
$15.06 The living wage for a family of four (with both adults working) in Mecklenburg County
$6.03 The poverty rate for that same family
metastasized in our region, not unlike a dreadful diagnosis of cancer. Intergenerational poverty has become a malignant condition in targeted communities, leaving families on life support. These factors and the intractable effects of an unforgiving criminal justice system all conspire to undermine the self-sufficiency of families to thrive in Charlotte’s serviceoriented, high tech economy.” CAF's legacy of developing and coordinating poverty solutions, he says, is credited with the genesis of initiatives such as the Food Bank of Metrolina (now Second Harvest Food Bank), Legal Services of Southern Piedmont, Head Start, Employment and Training (now Workforce Investment Opportunity Act), Manpower Training, Energy Conservation (Weatherization) and numerous other social sector initiatives. CAF is one of 34 agencies in North Carolina and one of 1,000 nationwide operating Head Start, Low Income Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance Programs (WAP). Additionally, the CAF Self Sufficiency Project and Senior Assistance programs provide vital support to families living at or below 125 percent of the federal income poverty level, with free workforce development training for in-demand jobs, paid internships, education support, success coaches and health and nutrition services, as well as essential wraparound support services such as emergency assistance, financial education, child care support, free prescription drug program, expungement and other services. Wharton says the demand in our region to fill 60,000 middle-skill jobs, which require only specialized shortterm training to obtain an above-living wage position, presents an opportunity to train underutilized talent in careers such as HVAC, broadband fiber optics, customer service, property/lease management, medical technician and other fields. CFA has also incorporated the Leading on Opportunity Task Force recommendations with its needs assessment, and launched Community Action Accelerator Partnerships to leverage funding to achieve
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shared outcomes with nonprofit agencies across the region. Wharton’s immediate vision is to revitalize CFA as a trusted social sector agency that targets barriers and solutions to poverty across the Mecklenburg County, through improved coordination, collaboration and communication. In a short period of time, CFA has already renovated its offices, introduced new workforce development and senior assistance programs and established new partnerships that support its clients. “It’s an extraordinary honor to represent, defend and advance this agency’s legacy supporting the economic needs of the poor and disenfranchised,” Wharton says. “This work is hard and not for the faint at heart. Each day, driving to the CAF offices at 901 North Tryon, I witness scores of neglected human capital walking the streets experiencing various levels of brokenness, which serves as a constant reminder of the perilous decades of intentional public policy that marginalized and neglected those not deemed worthy of a quality a life. My personal journey -- growing up poor in NYC, and professional experience, leading organizational change and developing diverse, underutilized talent in broad educational, corporate and community advocacy roles -inspires me to empower low-income individuals and families to acquire essential skills and knowledge, to gain access to new opportunities and to achieve economic self-sufficiency.” P
Synchrony Executive Has a Passion for Success By Sonja Whitemon
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eirdre Allen knows what it takes to succeed. Her path to Charlotte proves it. She was director of workforce planning and capacity planning for American Express, vice president of operations for GE Capital and is now senior vice president in charge of the Charlotte operation for Synchrony Financial, a $24 billion international financial services company headquartered in Stamford, CT. She has certainly found her own success, and now makes it her mission to help employees at Synchrony find theirs. This longtime corporate executive is known for being a champion for her Deirdre Allen, employees, spending senior vice president, Synchrony Financial time coaching, advising and mentoring, preparing them for new opportunities. If you ask her what drives her, she will tell you it changed over time: “Growing up in rural North Carolina, I was the smart girl, the bookworm. I knew I was given the gift of intellect, and in my home, I always heard, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected,’ so I knew I was expected to achieve, so that’s what I did. I excelled.” After a 19-year stint at American Express, Allen took a planned career break and re-emerged with a different purpose. She discovered what she now believes is a better way to use her gift.
“ I was meeting all of the expectations of me,” she said, “but it occurred to me that there was a better way: ‘How do I pour back into other people?’ Today, I can honestly say that I am driven by reaching back and helping others succeed.” And that she has done. Among Allen’s protégés is Jermaine Crosby. Crosby joined Synchrony in 2013 as a customer service representative, one of hundreds of employees taking incoming calls from credit card customers. He was recently promoted to assistant vice president Jermaine Crosby, in Synchrony’s assistant vice operations division, president, Synchrony Financial reporting directly to Allen. He is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in business at Strayer University. “Deirdre gave me direction, and was my cheerleader all the way. Even when giving me constructive criticism, she was kind,” he said. “She is supportive of me being in school. She gave me a chance when others didn’t.”
Crosby’s new position puts him in charge of management and nonmanagement employees along with operations in parts of the United States and the Philippines. He says his experience with Allen is not unique. Others also have benefited from her senior executive’s benevolence. And her desire to influence others reaches beyond Charlotte. She founded a group called Sister Circle that provides networking, exposure and career enrichment opportunities to women at Synchrony locations around the world. This focused yet soft-spoken leader is clear about what is important to her, and helping people get ahead is it. Allen works in an environment that embraces her desire to be supportive, and the company’s employees recognize her efforts. Their votes landed Synchrony Financial as number one on The Charlotte Observer’s list of the “Best Companies to Work For” in Charlotte. The company also is ranked number 42 on Fortune magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” Synchrony flies slightly below the radar of most Charlotteans, but its list of clients is well known. It includes retail giants such as Belk, Lowe’s, HSN, QVC, Stein Mart, Sam’s Club and JC Penney. Synchrony provides credit card financing to these familiar brands and many more. Synchrony Bank is a subsidiary. P
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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Reclaiming the Farm,
One Crop at a Time By Tonya Jameson
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ernard Singleton wants to remove the shame from farming, and to help more African Americans reconnect with the land that was once a place of life and death for African Americans, especially in the South. Singleton, 55, is the founder of Nebedaye Farms and the Bennu Gardens Project. He has farms in Indian Trail and on Turner Avenue in west Charlotte. Along with traditional produce, Singleton is banking on cash crops such as indigo and the Moringa tree, which can be used as a plant-based protein, as well as ground for tea and spices. Singleton sees his farm projects as a way to address food insecurity in local communities. “We’re growing a lot of the crops that were major cash crops during our dark times. We’re dealing with a lot of crops that were culturally significant from here and from Africa,” he said. “The whole theme of the place is to deal with a lot of the trauma surrounding farming for our people. All of us are scared to go back to the dirt, because of the negative history around farming. If we deal with the trauma and go back to the land, we can deal with a lot of those issues like food insecurity. Something we always had was food, no matter where we lived.” For decades, African Americans were forced to work on plantations as slaves under torturous conditions, and later as sharecroppers. Millions of African Americans escaped the rural South for more lucrative opportunities in factories in the Midwest, West and Northeast. Singleton started farming in Charleston with his late son, Ceasar, with less than an acre of land. The family grew fruit, vegetables and herbs. Since leaving Charleston, Singleton has traveled extensively, dabbling in art and farming, even if it was only a garden. He started in Charlotte in 2016 with two six by 12-foot raised beds in uptown Charlotte. He now has two locations on Tuckaseegee Road, which are production and medicinal herb gardens, and a half-acre on South Turner
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1 Bernard Singleton founder of Nebedaye Farms and the Bennu Gardens Project. 2 Fresh cantaloupe is rich in Vitamin C. 3 Fresh blueberries grown on the farm. 4 The Moringa tree is indigenous to Africa and parts of Asia. 5 Farm grown peepers, squash and onions.
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Avenue, which is a teaching garden. Last year, he acquired 11 acres in Indian Trail. The Indian Trail location is where he is plotting his agricultural revolution. Along with the well-known plant indigo, used to make dyes, Singleton grows the lesser known Moringa tree, which is indigenous to Africa and parts of Asia. Singleton calls the tree nutritionally dense, and says the leaves can be processed to make protein powder, tea, medicines and a variety of other things. He -said he already has contracts with a few local restaurants, and hopes to expand to more this year. His goal is to collaborate with other organizations to harvest, market and distribute food grown on the farms. He’s creating an “agri-hood,” which will include the tiny houses that are already on the Indian Trail site. Another element to his master plan is “agri-tourism,” and that is where farmto-table is literally farm to table. Organizations can schedule tours of the farm, pick produce and have it prepared in a meal onsite. In October, about 20 youths, ages 11-14, from the Queen City Chapter of Jack and Jill spent nearly four hours on the Indian Trail farm. They spread mulch, planted collards and discussed the history of farming. At the end of the day, the youths ate roasted sweet potatoes, collards and grilled vegetables harvested from the farm. Trip organizer April McDonald said they chose the farm experience because the theme for October was healthy living. “It was a really great event for us,” McDonald said. “We were glad to have not just the healthy living component, but to be able to add the historical component.” McDonald said the trip gave her daughter a better appreciation of what her ancestors survived to provide for their families. McDonald was surprised that several of the youths said that they worked in their grandmothers’ gardens. If the Jack and Jill participants are any indication of the broader African American community, Singleton may not need to help people get past the blood-soaked history associated with farming. His challenge will be to get more African Americans to embrace growing, instead of buying the food they eat. P
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January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, you just need a little help.
Cardinal Innovations Healthcare: Medicaid and public health services and supports to help people live their best lives. For help, call us at 1.800.939.5911 or visit us online at cardinalinnovations.org Mental Health | Substance Use Disorders | Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
PrideHealth
Men and Depression
T
he opening line in Scott Peck’s “The Road Less Traveled” says, “Life is difficult.” The difficulties of life can produce times when we feel sad, irritable, tired, and hopeless. For many, this may result in symptoms associated with depression. The National Institute of Mental Health found that in 2017, seven percent of adults suffered with depression. Depression is characterized by a persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. Symptoms of persistent sadness, feeling “empty,” hopelessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, impaired sleep, physical aches or pain and thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts are some of the classic symptoms. Depression is a risk factor for suicide. According to the Office of Minority Health, in 2017, the suicide rate for African American men was more than four times greater than for African American women. The signs and symptoms of depression in men may present differently, particularly as they relate to physical symptoms, substance use, loss of focus and anger. Physical symptoms: Common complaints include stomach problems,
headaches, an increase in physical pain and sexual dysfunction. Substance use: Can be used as a coping mechanism to “numb” the pain; alcohol is a depressant that can worsen depression. Loss of focus: Loss of interest in work or activities the person once enjoyed. Anger: Men may manifest hostility and aggressiveness when depressed. Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. Depression can co-occur with other serious medical illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and Parkinson’s disease. Data compiled by National Alliance on Mental Illness says that people with depression have a 40 percent higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. Depression may present as mild, moderate or severe. Treatment options range from psychotherapy to a combination of psychotherapy and medication. One of the most significant barriers to treatment is the stigma associated with depression and seeking help. “Be strong! Don’t cry! Don’t act weak!”
These are phrases that many men have heard over their lifetime. Being depressed is not a character flaw. Seeking help is a sign of strength and courage. It’s the recognition that something is not right, and an opportunity to be well emotionally. If someone you love is showing signs and/or symptoms of depression: • Offer support, understanding and encouragement • Be patient – a person with depression cannot “snap out of it” • Listen carefully and talk with the person • Never ignore comments about suicide • Help him or her find a health care professional who can assist • Remind the person that with time and treatment, depression will lift If you are showing signs and/or symptoms of depression: • Don’t wait. Find a health care professional – a physician or mental health professional who can help • Increase your physical activity, including exercise • Be kind to yourself – life is difficult – there are people who can help you through this time • Keep stable daily routines, such as eating and going to bed at the same time every day • Know that getting treatment sooner rather than later can help to relieve symptoms P Content provided by Cardinal Innovations
Resources And Organizations That Can Help Cardinal Innovations Healthcare 24/7 Crisis Assistance: 800-939-5911 Behavioral Health Help Line 24/7 Crisis Assistance: 800-418-2065 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255) NAMI Charlotte: www.namicharlotte.org
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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Let’s Talk About
CBD Oil By Katrice Bryant
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BD oil is one of the latest health trends to hit the market, with dispensaries and products popping up everywhere. Whether you’ve dismissed it as an illegal concoction you’d never try, or you’re curious about what it is, here are a few quick facts:
What exactly is CBD oil?
CBD, which stands for cannabidoil, is one of two main natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are more than 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that fall under the umbrella of cannabinoids.
How is CBD oil made?
CBD oil is made by extracting the CBD compound from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with carrier oil, such as coconut oil.
What are the benefits?
CBD has the potential to help with anxiety, inflammation, diabetes, chronic pain, sleeplessness and more.
How do you use CBD oil?
CDB oil can be found in a number of over-the-counter products, such as capsules, tinctures, edibles and products for vaping (smoking it).
Can CBD Oil get you “high”?
CBD and THC are cannabinoids with separate properties that come from the same plant. CBD itself is nonpsychoactive, which means the compounds will not make you high. THC is psychoactive and causes the feeling of getting high.
What if I want to try CBD oil but don’t want to feel high? What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are natural-occurring chemicals found in the cannabis plant. What is THC? Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the second main psychoactive chemical compound found in the cannabis plant.
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Look for CBD products that contain zero THC.
Can my cat or dog take CBD?
Yes, CBD can be given to pets. THC is not recommended for pets, due to possible side effects.
What are the side effects?
CBD oil is considered safe in most cases, but may cause diarrhea, fatigue or interfere with some medications.
Did You Know?
• CBD is a $1 billion dollar industry, with sales expected to grow to $22 billion by 2020. • CBD is considered a herbal supplement, and is not approved by the FDA. P The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes. Before you start using CBD oil, discuss it with your doctor to ensure your safety.
SceneandSeen
Odyssey of A Woman Awards Gala at Crown Plaza Charlotte Executive Park. Photos by Rene Diane Photography.
National African American Male Wellness Walk at Friendship Baptist Church. Photos by Kevin Douglas of CapturedbyKevin.
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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PrideBusiness FYI News & Notes Compiled by Katrice Bryant
North Carolina Hires Its First Dog Travel Agent
Aviation Institute Opens Charlotte Campus
An All-American dog named Mo who lives in Charlotte has joined the Visit North Carolina team in the newly created position of Dog Travel Agent. Mo will provide expert travel advice from a canine perspective. A tourism pioneer with over 40 years of experience in the field, Mo will deliver firsthand reports on DogTravelAgent.com, which will also feature trip ideas, an adventure generator and usergenerated content. Mo will also post on Visit NC’s Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube accounts to further lead travelers through the scent-laced terrain from mountains to sea. “Visit North Carolina is thrilled to welcome Mo to our pack,” said Wit Tuttell, executive director of Visit North Carolina. “Nearly half of all dog owners now travel with their pets, and Mo will be an effective resource for finding the most welcoming hotels, campgrounds, parks and trails, breweries, restaurants, bakeries and other places that cater to tail-waggers. Our goal is to make North Carolina the first place that comes to mind for travel with dogs, and we’re confident Mo is the key to making this happen.” Mo was selected after a review of videos and written applications from more than 500 candidates.
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) has opened a 51,000 square foot location at 7421 E. Independence Blvd. as part of its continued effort to address growing workforce demand for global, commercial, cargo, corporate and private aviation employers. The facility has a learning resource center, computer lab and 17 classrooms with audiovisual technology installation. AIM is currently enrolling in a Manufacturing, Fabrication, and Repair program to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians. The training provides students with the skills needed to enter the manufacturing and fabrication industry. After completion of the program, graduates can accept entry-level positions as millwrights, industrial maintenance mechanics or machinery workers. Standard job duties include machine assemblage and repair; testing, adjustment and calibration of equipment and the cleaning, lubrication and movement of machinery. “As the Queen City continues its exponential growth, AIM is proud to develop the workforce for current and future needs of the manufacturing industry,” says Campus Executive Director, Alex Diaz. For more information regarding AIM Charlotte’s Manufacturing, Fabrication, and Repair program, visit www.aviationMaintenance.edu or call (980) 785-0700.
Foundation For The Carolinas Raises $6.2 million for Universal Pre-K In Mecklenburg County The Foundation For The Carolinas recently reached its $6.2 million fundraising goal from the private sector to support Mecklenburg County’s MECK Pre-K initiative, which aims to provide universal pre-k education for all 4-year-olds in Mecklenburg County by FY24. The $6.2 million will be used to fund scholarships and other support for future pre-k teachers studying at local colleges and universities. Pledges include commitments from Albemarle Corporation; Atrium Health; Bank of America; Barings, LLC; John M. Belk Endowment; Brighthouse Financial; Charlotte Merchants Foundation; Coca-Cola Consolidated; Duke Energy; Foundation For The Carolinas; Ingersoll Rand; Howard R. Levine Foundation; Leon Levine Foundation; Merancas Foundation; Novant Health; PwC; C.D. Spangler Foundation and Wells Fargo. The increased number of students served will require additional pre-k teachers, which is what the private sector is well-suited to support. Under the plan, Mecklenburg pre-k teacher salaries will match their Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools counterparts. “We know that if we want to achieve universal pre-k, we need to increase our pool of qualified pre-k teachers,” said Foundation For The Carolinas President & CEO Michael Marsicano. “I’m pleased the private sector understood this need and stepped up in just a matter of days to support this initiative. Universal pre-k is essential to improving upward mobility in our community, because it ensures ALL students start their primary education with the same academic advantages, and it positively impacts a parent’s ability to work. Thanks to the generosity of our private sector, we’re one step closer to living in a more equitable community.” P
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PrideBusiness by Nicole McConico
Why Life Insurance Should Be a Priority for Millennials
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aving a conversation about planning for the unknown or a death occurring is hard for most people. It is definitely easier to discuss a recent travel destination or trending sports topic with a millennial than life insurance. According to a recent T. Rowe Price survey, only about one in five millennials is currently saving more than 15 percent of his or her income. The question is: If a person is not financially prepared, who will be left with the financial burden? More than likely, it will be a loved one, who may have to take care of final arrangements, as well as any dependents or debt left behind. Here are some tips to consider for getting life insurance:
payments, your coverage will continue even if you develop a condition/illness later on in life.
your coverage. It’s ideal to purchase your own policy outside, in the event you have a job loss or a career change.
Student Loan Debt is a Huge Expense
What Kind of Life Insurance Should You Buy?
Your Health is a Big Factor
Having an Outside Policy is the Best Strategy
The cost is much lower for a person who is in excellent health. You are seen as a lower risk, and that means you’ll qualify for better rates. Waiting to get coverage may cost you later on, with you even getting denied by some companies if your health does not met their underwriting requirements. One of the great things about getting life insurance while you are healthy and young is that as long as you continue to keep your policy in force by making your premium
The majority of millennials have student loan debt. According to Experian data, student loan debt in the United States reached an all-time high of $1.4 trillion in the first quarter of 2019. That’s an increase of 116 percent in 10 years, and represents one of the country’s most significant and widespread financial burdens to date. Having adequate life insurance can prevent your loved ones from having to worry about covering the cost of your student loan debt.
Depending on your employer’s insurance may not be a good idea. If you become unable to work or change jobs, most employers will not allow you to continue
There are two main types of life insurance: term and permanent (whole life). Term is basically like leasing a car, and permanent is like owning a car. Term covers you for specific time period, usually 10, 20 or 30 years. It is usually much cheaper than permanent insurance, but it may not be a fit for every individual. Permanent life insurance includes universal life, variable life and whole life, all which will cover you throughout your life. Permanent life insurance has fixed premiums that will never increase over the years. It will build cash value that accumulates on a tax-deferred basis and may be borrowed against or even used to cover your premiums. For some, permanent life insurance is the best solution, and in some cases, having both may be the best solution. Besides age, the cost will vary depending on gender and health. On average, men will pay 24 percent more for life insurance than women. This is because men tend to have a shorter life expectancy. It is imperative that millenniums become more proactive about investing in a policy. Life insurance is one of the best ways to show the ones you love the most how much you really care. P Nicole Danielle McConico is a licensed agent. www.healthmarkets.com/nmcconico 704-777-3181
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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PrideBusiness by Hope Yancey | photos by Hope Yancey
Charles Johnson:
Life After Football
F
ormer Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson announced his retirement from professional football in August 2018, after spending his entire NFL career with the team in Charlotte, from 2007 to 2017. When he takes to an athletic field these days, it’s in a different role. Johnson volunteers as a coach for his son’s baseball and youth football teams, where the goal isn’t all about winning. It’s also about improvement. “Just get these kids better,” he says. Watching them improve is a reward in itself, but seeing his son grow and develop is “icing on the cake,” he adds. The 8-year-old, nicknamed Prince, is a secondgrader who attends Charlotte Country Day School. Johnson, 33, played college football at the University of Georgia, where he studied child and family development. In addition to his current coaching, Johnson has taken an interest in the well-being of young people in other ways, such as awarding college scholarships to students from his hometown of Hawkinsville, Ga. The scholarships are based on academic and athletic achievement, and go to students
planning to play a college sport. After he first transitioned from playing for the Panthers, Johnson, who lives in the SouthPark area, recalls taking about six months to simply relax around the house, coach and enjoy being a dad. Some advice he received from an accountant proved to be a turning point. “I guess what got me serious about … jumping into the business world, it was recommended that I do an audit on all my companies, on every single thing that I had,” he says. Johnson, who began buying his companies while he was still an NFL player, realized there was a lot he didn’t know about them. The discovery led to an epiphany. Maybe, like football had been, his calling was being a “leader” in business and not just an “investor,” he says. Johnson has a number of businesses, some of which include Once Upon A Child franchises in Matthews and near Pineville, as well as Plato’s Closet and Style Encore locations in Mooresville. The stores are part of Winmark Corporation of Minneapolis, according to the corporate website. Once Upon A Child buys and sells gently-used children’s clothing, toys and other items. Plato’s Closet focuses on
Charles Johnson owns this Once Upon A Child children’s retail store at 8700 Pineville-Matthews Road. 48
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Former Carolina Panther Charles Johnson says he has taken more of a hands-on role in his businesses since retiring from professional football.
clothing and accessories for teenagers and young adults, while Style Encore emphasizes used women’s apparel. “I’m really finding my way with the business side of everything right now,” he says. As he’s gotten older, Johnson says, he’s realized that “Nobody’s going to run your company better than you.” One of his more well-known business ventures has been the historic Charlotte fire station he owns, slated to become a restaurant several years ago. While that project ultimately didn’t come to fruition, he still hopes to find the right fit for the
New career. New location. New name. Real estate careers start at 1120 Pearl Park Way.
Gently-used children’s clothing and toys are among items for sale at Once Upon A Child stores. Charles Johnson owns two of the stores, in addition to other businesses.
building. “I just want to make sure I’m in the right mind-set or place to do it,” Johnson says. Public records show the brick building at 420 W. Fifth St. was built in 1926 and last used for its original purpose as a fire station in 1972. It was designed by prominent Charlotte architect C.C. Hook, records show. The property was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. Johnson’s new vision for the building is a market or “bodega.” A bodega is a small store. Johnson identifies some of the “same fundamentals” as being important in both football and business, mentioning teamwork, communication and respect. Among his tips for entrepreneurship: Be sure to do the research, and think not just of the end monetary goal, but also what it will take to get there. Creating affordable housing is an interest of his, and he cites the scarcity of it in Charlotte, which has been a frequent local news topic. “I’m so intrigued about learning how to do affordable housing, but I want to do it on my own,” he says. He already has some experience through his involvement with an affordable housing development for families in Columbia. Johnson says he believes in managing his own money and making his own financial choices, not depending on someone else. A long-term real estate goal is to own shopping centers. He speaks several times of his desire to provide job opportunities for other people. The word “longevity” comes up frequently in conversation with Johnson, as he thinks about financial security for his son. “He’s my legacy,” he says. He would, he says, be OK with his son’s choices, whether his son ended up playing professional football in the future or not. “I just want to make sure I show him both sides of the world,” he says, referring to football and business. Johnson likes to make time for vacation travel, especially beaches. Jamaica is one of his preferred destinations. I ask about Johnson’s family life, if there is someone special, and he notes he is single. “Put that out there,” he says with a laugh. P
Classrooms are bright and state-of-the-art including one with tiered, theater-style seating. Quiet enclaves can be reserved for studying or one-on-one tutoring.
Canopy Real Estate Institute is the new name for Mingle School of Real Estate. Today we’re more than a school, we’re a real estate institute providing all the coverage you need for your career development and professional growth. Real estate pre-licensing classes are affordable and taught by award-winning instructors. Start your career at 1120 Pearl Park Way. Everything you need to succeed is under our canopy. Early-bird discount ($40 off) Day, weekend and evening classes offered
Register today! canopyreinstitute.com
January-February 2020 | Pride Magazine
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EventsCalendar
Mark Your Calendar Compiled by Shawn D. Allison, II
January 4
the soul-stirring classics of the Tony! Toni! Tone! front man performing all of the group’s greatest hits, along with a number of his solo staples. Tickets start at $32.50. 8 p.m. The Fillmore. 820 Hamilton St. Livenation.com
It may be 2020, but The JETA Team is ready to give you a retro round o’ sound at Off The Wall: Best of the ‘80s. Join Soul Brother DJ Justice and Chief Rocka Aking Allah as they take your ears back to the decade when hip hop was pivotal, R&B was seminal and Rock ‘n’ roll was critical—the ‘80s. $5-10. 9 p.m. Petra’s. 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
February 6-15
January 11
Prepare your palates for beef unlike any other as Serving the Culture proudly presents The Bad Boy vs. Death Row Dinner. A number of Charlotte’s acclaimed Black culinary maestros serve some dishes inspired by the unforgettable East Coast/West Coast hip hop rivalries. $60. 5 p.m. Sage Restaurant. 505 5. 6th St. Eventbrite.com
January 18
Queen City, grab a seat with royalty as the one and only Oprah presents the 2020 Vision: Your Life In Focus Tour. The Queen of all Media will bring a full day of wellness, as she shares the personal ups and downs of her wellness journey and guides you to develop your own 2020 action plan through motivational conversations, wellness research and interactive exercises. Ticket costs vary. Stubhub.com The Deltas of Charlotte Foundation presents its 17th Annual Legacy of Black Women Film Showcase this evening at Spirit Square. This showcase will feature short films of both local
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February 14 Celebrate the strength of our community at Pride Awards 2020. For this year’s theme, a PEP RALLY, the focus will be on people empowering people, with recognition of local dignitaries along with a special Black History Motivational Luncheon. Noon. Westin Charlotte. 601 S. College St. Prideawards.net
and national independent Black women filmmakers, fellowship and fundraising for scholarships. 7 p.m. 345 N. College St. Ticket costs vary. carolinatix.org
January 20
Come celebrate MLK Day 2020 at the Gantt Center, featuring an entire day full of art, music, dancing, spoken word, lectures, children’s activities, film screenings and more. Free. 9 a.m. 551 S. Tryon St.
January 23
Experience true musical alchemy as you spend an
Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
evening with the wondrous Son Little, performing live. He is a conjurer, and much like those of his heroes Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix, his songs are deconstructions of the diaspora of American R&B, delivering a profound statement and a cohesive creation that captures the diversity of music in freshness. $20. Blumenthalarts.org
February 5
Charlotte, come spend an evening in the realm of musical brilliance at Raphael Saadiq’s Jimmy Lee Tour. Relive
BNS Productions brings the theater back to life, presenting an adaptation of August Wilson’s “Fences.” This sensational drama follows a once-aspiring major league baseball prospect in his prime who not battles bitterness and depression with his family members, who have goals of their own. Carolinatix.org
February 24-29
Come and get your HBCU courtside cheer on one last time at the 2020 CIAA Tournament, which is moving from Charlotte. Celebrate the magnificence of our beloved institutions in the QC for a final rotation full of games, fellowship and events for the entire family. Various times, places, costs. ciaatournament.org
February 25-26
Engage your emotions when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns, with contemporary works that touch on timely topics and the beloved classic “Revelations.” It is revered as Ailey’s masterpiece that fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul. Tickets start at $29.50. The Belk Theater. 704-372-1000
PROUD TO GIVE BUSINESSES A LIFT CATS is proud to provide opportunities for businesses to create local jobs through the advancement of transit projects. CATS also seeks to create an environment that gives small and socially or economically challenged local businesses the opportunity to compete for publicly funded contracts by participating in the Small Business Opportunity (SBO) and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs. To date, 11 DBE firms have been awarded contracts of over $13 million to help build the CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar. As the major provider of public transportation to Charlotte and the surrounding region, CATS relies on the communities we serve to build and operate the service every day. By working together on these new opportunities, we can all keep our communities moving in the right direction. For more information, visit ridetransit.org.
CATS. YOUR RIDE IS HERE.
Inspirational keynote speakers Marlee Matlin & Bertice Berry, PhD
The
FOR
ALL
Conference Diversity • Inclusion • Equity
Register Now for This Can’t Miss Event! For nearly 20 years, the FOR ALL Conference has brought together some of the nation’s sharpest thought leaders in Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. This year we will be exploring
Courageous Leadership in Uncertain Times
Whether you are in healthcare, a tech startup, or somewhere in between, this is a time when diversity has never mattered more. The FOR ALL Conference has been the best kept secret in the diversity learning space. Now it’s open for you to get in on the action. Register now! Learn more and register at AtriumHealth.org/FORALLConference
April 16 & 17, 2020
Charlotte, North Carolina
Presented by