Pride Magazine - 2021 March/April "Women's" Issue by Pride Magazine Online

March-April 2021

The Women’s Issue

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

Black Women Trailblazers in Charlotte

Accomplishing Goals and Helping the Community

Remembering Brenda H. Tapia Her Love of Learning Program Lives On

Pride Awards 2021

Bridging the Racial Wealth Gap

Blazing New Trails and Empowering Communities Banking Executive Jada Grandy-Mock

CITRUS SEASON is HERE

Cre Cr eating oppor opportunitie tunitiess to to thrive thrive The vital perspectives and contributions of women, and all our diverse teammates, make us better. And every day, the pursuit of better drives us. That’s why we’re committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion—and boldly believe in the power of what we can achieve together.

Arm yourself for the fight. We did. As partners in the fight to eradicate COVID-19, we encourage everyone to get the vaccination, as soon as it is available to you. It’s safe. Reliable. Tested. And life-changing. Tryon Medical Partners has been on the front lines since the beginning of the pandemic. Together, we can get to the end of it. Learn more at tryonmed.com

Ballantyne

Huntersville

Matthews

Pineville

SouthPark

Steele Creek

Uptown

Waverly

March – April 2021

Departments 8 From the Publisher 10 Notable Names 11 By Faith 12 Book Review 13 The Mindful Parent

Business 44 A

Love of Learning Celebrating Brenda H. Tapia

46 B lack

Women and Wealth Still rising despite obstacles

48 C leaning

Up Moving company offers personalized services

49 F YI

News & Notes

Health 42 W omen

and Heart Disease Pay attention to warning signs

52 I t's

OK to Seek Support Black women can't always be strong

54 K nowing

Your Blood Type Are you Type O, A, B or AB?

Features 14 Lifting

as She Climbs Banking executive Jada Grandy-Mock

17 Black

Women Pathfinders Lighting the way for others

Log on to pridemagazineonline.com for more features. 22 Success

with Friends Ray Morton and Jim Malloy flourish as realtors

25 Artists

Create Beauty Despite COVID Painting murals on Charlotte buildings and walls

39 Assisted

Senior Living Exploring new adventures

41 Plant-Based Food To-Go

Chef Dee offers convenient vegan food

26 The

Art of Sneakers Irie Butler refurbishes sneakers to give back

31 Women

of the American Red Cross Serving in times of crisis and disaster

37 Block

Love Charlotte Helping people through hard times

On the Cover Fifth Third Bank Executive Jada Grandy-Mock helps to empower communities

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

Together, we

Rise

For All We are an organization built on diversity, equity and inclusion for all, and that foundation has led to recognition by Forbes as a Best Employer for Women. The majority of our workforce is female, and these leaders and teammates provide excellent care and service, from the front lines of COVID-19 care to the offices of the C-suite. It is through their dedication that we are able to achieve our mission to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – FOR ALL.

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon

Editor

Alicia Benjamin

Copy Editor

Sonja Whitemon

Lead Writer Angela Lindsay

Creative Director Larry Preslar

Design & Production SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com

Distribution Watch Dog Entertainment®

Account Executive Nikelle Fesperman

Public Relations Nepherterra Estrada

Subscribe to Pride

$13.25. Please subscribe online at www.pridemagazineonline.com, mail to P.O. Box 30113, Charlotte, NC 28230 or call 704-375-9553

Letters to the Editor

Please send an e-mail to info@pridemagazine.net fax to 704-375-9550 or mail to Pride Magazine 8401 University Executive Park Drive, Ste. 122, Charlotte, NC 28262 www.pridemagazineonline.com

Copyright© 2021 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.

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

FromTheCEO

By Dee Dixon

Meet Pride’s New Editor

reetings. I’m pleased to introduce you to Pride Magazine’s new editor, Alicia Benjamin. This March women’s issue is her first foray with the Pride team, so help me welcome her. Alicia was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. Some of you may already know her, as she has lived in Charlotte since 2007. She has a journalism degree from the University of Maryland and studied theater and film as a graduate student at Hunter College in New York.

More on the Racial Wealth Gap As many of you may know, we focused on the racial wealth gap at our 28th annual Pride Awards last month. We debated the claim of whether blaming systemic racism hinders the Black community from building generational wealth. I’m still captivated by the significance of this statement. So much so, I just can’t seem to be able to move on. Surely, most would agree by now that systemic racism has and is a huge factor in preventing the Black community from building generational wealth. However, the question is (at least in my mind) — Why aren’t we doing more individually and collectively as African Americans to change the trajectory? Following are a couple of my personal thoughts as to why. First, we (African Americans) absolutely don’t really know or understand our own history. In conjunction, we don’t understand the historical significance of institutional bias in our country and how it has and is impacting us to this very day. Believe me, my eyes were opened even wider as we did research in preparation for this year’s awards program. In addition, I was blown away by reading the book “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson. Every person in America, regardless of race, should read this book and it certainly should be required reading in high school and college. This book crushes it. Second, we need a massive transformation of our thinking. No doubt, far too many of us are still living a “plantation” lifestyle. We are being dictated by powers that have us spending beyond our means with a complete lack of savings. Thus, some of us are consumed with so much debt, leaving a financial legacy for the next generation is like pouring an eight ounce glass of water on a raging forest fire.

Is There a Way to Close the Wealth Gap? A lover a film, Alicia is currently producing a podcast on Black women in film called “Sistaz on Film.” Her daughter, Giovanni, graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 2020 and is a freshman at Furman University. Also, Alicia serves on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee. Alicia states, “I’m passionate about writing and editing and I’m very fascinated with the people of Charlotte and excited to see the city grow. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Pride team and look forward to being a part of continuing to create Charlotte’s African American legacy in a vibrant and comprehensive way through the pages of Pride.”

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

I have some ideas, but I first want to hear from you.

Email us your thoughts or ideas in 500 words or less to info@pridemagazine.net. Subject: How We Can Bridge the Racial Wealth Gap (include your headshot and contact information) (We may include your essay and photo in the May-June 2021 issue of Pride Magazine. Deadline to submit: March 26.)

In the meantime, be sure to read our cover story on Jada GrandyMock and learn how she bridged the wealth gap for herself and her family. Until next time…..

NotableNames By Ryan Kouame

KIMBERLY COLE

FAITH AUSTIN

JORDAN BROOKS ADAMS

APRIL ROBIN MOORE

Kimberly Cole is the executive vice president of administrative operations at Inlivian, a nonprofit real estate holding company that provides safe and affordable housing to low and moderateincome families. Cole is an experienced policy and management professional, skilled in policy development and analysis, program design and project management. Cole previously served as the director of policy and strategic initiatives at the District of Columbia Housing Authority where she was responsible for putting plans and goals into action as well as managing, overseeing and advancing the company’s short and long-term goals. In her new role at Inlivian, she leads, guides and mentors staff members to help enhance their job performance. Cole completed her Master of Public Management degree at the University of Maryland and her bachelor’s degree in political science at Hampton University. She was also a leadership development program fellow at John Hopkins Carey Business School. Cole currently lives in Charlotte with her family.

Executive director of the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition (WBNC), Jordan Brooks Adams considers it her life’s work to serve, lead and empower people and communities for social, health and economic equity. Prior to joining the WBNC, Adams worked with various nonprofit and community organizations to improve health and educational outcomes for community members. With a mind for making data relevant, she has developed data collection and management systems that come alive in report writing and policy analysis. Adams is also a business consultant and brand developer and has guided the launch of small businesses and ministries all throughout the country. Adams received her Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University, Master of Arts from Yale University, and is working towards her Ph.D. in public affairs and administration at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Adams currently lives in Charlotte with her husband, Kameron. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, crocheting and reading.

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Faith Austin, a freelance photographer based in Charlotte, specializes in everything from portraits and lifestyle photography to weddings and concerts. Austin is also a creative director and the owner of Photos by Faith. Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Austin established Photos by Faith in high school as a hobby and a way to showcase her love for photography. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communication from Winthrop University, she decided to pursue her passion and run her business full-time. Most recently, Austin partnered with businesses like Pathways Community Center and State Farm to help improve their brand photography. Her goal is to capture quality content for her clients so they can reach their next level of success and develop their brand presence. “I find so much joy in capturing peoples’ best moments,” Austin said. “My passion lies in making them feel as confident as possible, both on camera and off,” says Austin.

April Robin Moore is the account manager and CEO of Elevate With Robin, a boutique marketing agency specializing in the development of purpose-driven brands. Moore began building her brand as a motivational speaker and brand strategist while studying at Winthrop University. Her role entails developing and implementing strategic tactics for clients through marketing strategy and project management by providing a personal approach to helping people pursue their passions with ease. Moore created Free Game With Robin, a talk show centered around the stories of black youth chasing their dreams with resilience and power. After being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Moore developed a passion for financial literacy which inspired her to start a business as a credit repair specialist in December. Her goal is to help individuals jumpstart their journey to financial freedom. Moore was born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, and received her bachelor’s degree in integrated marketing communication from Winthrop University. “I want my legacy to be one that communicates my love to serve and make an impact. I genuinely love to help other people win,” she said. P

ByFaith

God Needs More Women Leaders

By Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond

pixelheadphoto digitalskillet / Shutterstock.com

nfluential and inspirational women have always played a significant role in the moving forward of family, culture, business and society. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, in 2017, women owned more than 11.6 million businesses in the U.S., which generated $1.7 trillion in sales. Not only are woman thriving in business, they are also pursuing higher education in increasing numbers. In 2019, an impressive 36.6 percent of women in the U.S. had completed four years or more of college, according to Statistica. This is up from the 3.8 percent of women who earned a college degree in 1940. Women have undoubtedly become more educated and have taken on more principal roles in politics. With the appointment of Kamala Harris as vice president of the United States, more women, including women of color, will hopefully win more leadership positions in all aspects of our society. Historically, women have had to overcome significant obstacles to have a seat at the table in our maledominated society. Both racial and gender discrimination have weakened women’s chances for achieving success not only in the business world but also in our faith communities. Women played significant roles in Jesus’ ministry and contributed greatly to his success. Frankly, we must acknowledge the perseverance, presence and influence of godly, Christ-centered women. In Acts 16, as the apostle Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, makes his way through Macedonia, having been prevented from going to Asia, he enters a Roman colony known as Philippi. On the Sabbath, he went outside of the city gate to the river to spend time in prayer. Upon arriving, he sat down and spoke to several Godfearing women. One Gentile woman that he encountered was Lydia, from Thyatira. According to Acts 16:14, she was a prosperous entrepreneur who sold purple cloth. Lydia’s business relied on the purple dye sourced from Thyatira and procured

from shellfish. She was incredibly smart, resourceful, resilient and industrious. It was rare to find a woman engaged in this type of lucrative business, particularly in that aristocratic cultural setting; however, in God’s providence, Lydia became a trailblazer. Yet, what made her significant wasn’t her entrepreneurial prowess, but her heart for God. She was a God-fearing woman. To be God-fearing meant that she had a respect for God. She demonstrated her respect by reading the Old Testament and revering God. Upon her encounter with Paul, she wasn’t yet a Christfollower. Instead, she was a religious and dignified woman. When Lydia heard the apostle Paul sharing the truth about Jesus Christ and what he had done on the cross to redeem sinners, she was eager and receptive. Lydia listened to every word that Paul said about Jesus Christ. She wasn’t too successful to listen and learn. The more Paul shared, the more her ears perked up. Posturing herself to hear truth, God opened up her heart and she became a

believer in Jesus Christ. Lydia was not only open to listening to Paul, she was also open to hearing from and surrendering to God. Successful women trailblaze to make an impact, but godly women who love Jesus Christ change the world for his glory. After Lydia became a believer, she was baptized to demonstrate to those around her that she had placed her faith in Jesus Christ. She became a growing believer. As an entrepreneur, she knew how to start businesses. Now as a Christian, God used her to help the apostle Paul start a church. The Philippian church was founded based on the newfound faith of Lydia — its first convert. Although it was rare in the Roman culture for a woman to be wealthy and own a business, God knew who to use to advance the gospel in that area. Additionally, although God told Paul not to go to Asia to evangelize that region, God knew that a woman from Asia (Thyatira) was poised and positioned to become a catalytic leader for helping to found and establish this prominent church. Lydia was a resilient woman who faithfully stewarded the resources and influence that God gave to her. She changed all of Asia with her entrepreneurial zeal and expertise; however, her greatest impact grew when she surrendered to the love of Christ and his plan of redemption for her life. Lydia is known throughout Scripture not for her business sense, but for her Christian conversion and her gracious hospitality that availed many to the good news of Jesus Christ. What resources has God put in your hands? Where has he placed and positioned you to steward your gifts? Consider the posture of Lydia and surrender your life and business to God’s will to bring glory to him. May we continue to trailblaze not for our recognition but for his honor. P The Rev. Dwayne Bond is the lead pastor of Wellspring Church.

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

BookReview

By Angela Haigler

Books Celebrating Innovators During Women’s History Month

“The Rib King” by Ladee Hubbard The acclaimed author of “The Talented Ribkins,” Ladee Hubbard deconstructs painful AfricanAmerican stereotypes and offers a fresh and searing critique on race, class, privilege, ambition, exploitation and the seeds of rage in America. Set in the early 20th century, “Rib King” centers around the Black servants of an upper-class white family down on their luck. Elegantly written and extensively researched, “The Rib King” takes a magnifying glass to America’s fascination with the images and symbols often used to denigrate Black culture.

“The Body is Not an Apology, Second Edition: The Power of Radical Self-Love” by Sonya Renee Taylor Sonya Renee Taylor continues where she left off in this second edition of “The Body is Not an Apology.” This time her body-positive message reflects her recent travels and experiences. Today’s society is full of conflicting messages about the female body, however, this book will help ground you and serve as a reminder of how important it is to love your body through all stages and ages.

“A Black Women’s History of the United States”

“Just as I Am: A Memoir”

by Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gross

The amazing sixdecade career of Cicely Tyson is finally coming to the page in this all-encompassing memoir. Tyson, who began acting in the late 1950s, won an honorary academy award and received the Kennedy Center Honors lifetime achievement award, died on January 28, 2021. She was 96 years old. Tyson has become a national treasure, often depicting strong Black women in such dramas as “Sounder” and “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” to her more recent turns as matriarch to Annalise Keating in “How to Get Away with Murder.” Over the span of her long and successful acting career, Ms. Tyson maintained a certain grace and respect.

In this collection by historians Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gross, Black women’s history is shared from a variety of voices from enslaved women, freedwomen, religious leaders, artists, queer women, activists and others. The result is a triumphant tribute to the testimony of Black women’s contributions to the formation of the United States.

For the middle-grade reader “The Year I Flew Away” by Marie Arnold When 10-year-old Gabrielle moves from Haiti to Brooklyn, she learns that America isn’t everything she dreamed it would be. Desperate to fit in, she takes advice from a crafty witch. Will the advice come back to haunt her in the end? P

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by Cicely Tyson

TheMindfulParent

By Shavonda Bean

Teens Cope with Loneliness in COVID Isolation

lthough many have adjusted to this new way of life brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, some teenagers have not found a new rhythm. The word “lonely” has been used repeatedly by teenagers to describe their emotional state these days. This isn’t the same sort of loneliness that is easily mended by activities or getting outside a bit more. Without regular school schedules and the usual opportunities for engagement, many teens are missing a significant source of social interaction. My work with teenagers has given me insight into just how much it matters. Sustaining healthy relationships is much harder for teens without face-to-face contact and nearly impossible in the virtual learning environment alone. Some students have been unable to develop relationships with teachers, make new friends or reconnect

with old ones. Many students describe virtual learning as an invasion of privacy as their rooms or homes are on display. They don’t enjoy the constant gaze at their faces on screen. It creates anxiety that, in some cases, magnifies the feeling of disconnectedness — especially when relationships have not previously been established. There are few replacements for the typical social opportunities and peer interactions in the school setting, no matter how drama-filled the time can be. Also, many teenagers have not solidified a sense of self at this point and rely on social experiences for development. It’s kind of like building a house without one of the adjoining walls. Adolescents build their identity and character in the school environment. They feel supported, have greater academic success and seem to benefit from gauging their own effort, the pace at which they

work and their progress by the peers around them. They greatly benefit from positive relationships with their teachers. Research published in the Journal of Community Psychology by Dr. Heather M. Chipuer in 2001, indicated that school belonging lowers levels of depression and loneliness. Without the day-to-day interactions, some teens have described feeling alone in the learning experience. Additionally, there are fewer outlets to manage the new levels of stress. School offers a break from home, chores, chaos or siblings. Without physically being in school, students are left with fewer options for reprieve. There is less to look forward to and teens can easily find themselves in a rut of staying in their rooms, finding fewer reasons to engage and more justification for hiding away. It seems these factors fuel a sense of isolation and loneliness that is different from common symptoms of depression or anxiety and can be difficult for the reticent teens to articulate. However, I do not believe this type of loneliness is something we should rush to fix. We can instead acknowledge the emotion, understand it and help them find balance. This type of quietness can offer teens an opportunity for growth, introspection, reassessment of priorities and evaluation of relationships. I am most concerned about the longterm effects this pause will have on those who will struggle to recover friendships, establish new ones and feel connected again; yet I’m assured most teenagers will resiliently recover. In the meantime, as we all navigate this new way of life together, we can encourage our children to find creative ways to build character, connect with family, limit periods of isolation and encourage them to resist the urge to isolate. Let’s help them find ways to stay active, give back and make the most of this time before the hustle and bustle resumes. It most certainly will! P Shavonda Bean is a licensed psychological associate and owner of Essential Assessments & Behavioral Health. Visit Essentialhealthnc.com for more information.

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

Jada Grandy-Mock Is Preparing New Paths for Herself, Family and Community By Angela Lindsay

ifth Third Bank executive Jada Grandy-Mock has accomplished a series of impressive firsts throughout her life. She was the first in her family to go to college; the first to earn a master’s degree; the first to own a home; the first to get married; and will likely be the first to leave an inheritance. However, when asked what makes her most proud, her answers reflect her delight in the advancement of others. Grandy-Mock is chief corporate community economic development officer at Fifth Third Bank. She and her brother were raised by a single mother in a neighborhood in Pittsburgh where teenage pregnancies were common, she said. She also recalls her brother dodging bullets in their public housing community. While her mother worked hard, Mock was responsible for her brother along with completing household chores. Despite the hardships, Grandy-Mock stayed the course and brought her brother and others right along with her. “I’m most proud of my brother graduating from college and the father and husband he has become,” she said. “I supported my brother’s education financially, and it has really paid off.” The beauty of her experience is that her cousins attended school as well and “the generational poverty gap is gone,” GrandyMock said. None of her family members currently live in public housing. GrandyMock considers lifting up others to be one of her most important assignments in life and her work as a founding board member of the Renaissance West Community Initiative reflects her dedication to that cause. “Seeing that community thriving and being a haven of hope and economic opportunity for its residents” is extremely important to her, she said.

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Left: Jada GrandyMock (center) attends an Annual MLK Holiday Breakfast in Charlotte. Below: Jada GrandyMock grew up in Pittsburgh. Here she is as a toddler.

During her childhood, Grandy-Mock, who began working when she was 14, saw families in her own neighborhood struggle financially due to a lack of resources and opportunities. “I remember people passing away and families going around with cups or envelopes asking individuals to contribute to be able to help lay loved ones to rest,” she said. This reality made her want something different for her family and inspired her to pursue a career in banking to create economic opportunities for people so that they could, in turn, help others. Although she was an honor roll student, she admittedly was “not the best behaved” child and frequently found herself in trouble. But instead of detention, teachers gave her more schoolwork. Plus, she had people around her who cared — starting with her mother. “While we didn’t have a lot of money, my mom always taught us the importance of hard work and getting an education,” she said. “She also taught us a lot of things about what money couldn’t buy like having a strong work ethic, believing in something bigger than ourselves, and having respect for adults and authority.” In addition, Grandy-Mock benefitted from mentors who encouraged her to excel in school, who didn’t underestimate her potential and exposed her to a world outside of the one she knew. Armed with this encouragement and an innate determination, she went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree in business administration/finance and an MBA in management from Robert Morris University. She later earned a diploma from the American Bankers

“ Be your authentic self. Be humble and be open and willing to learn. You’re better than you think. You’ve got this!” —Jada Grandy-Mock Association (ABA) Stonier Graduate School of Banking and a Wharton School of Business Leadership and Management Certificate. Now, Grandy-Mock leads Fifth Third Bank’s community development, corporate responsibility and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance strategic initiatives. She supervises a team of 16 community and economic development managers. Her focus includes overseeing strategic community development banking partnerships, establishing philanthropic strategies, coaching and developing employees, and driving the bank’s CRA business and diverse market segment results to create financially inclusive and economically viable communities. Her rise, however, has not been without its challenges. Grandy-Mock admits to missteps early on. She said she wasn’t always “the most tactful person” and that caused some angst in her relationships. This personality trait caused people to see her “as a threat versus a partner” so she had to “soften up a little bit,” she said. Since then, Grandy-Mock has learned to manage other people’s perceptions, walk with confidence, believe in her own capabilities and accept feedback from others.

She cherishes her ability to lead and inspire her team to “march together toward a shared vision to be the one bank people most value and trust,” she said. She and her team are dedicated to building “stronger communities and providing people with financial solutions that will improve their lives and well-being.” Grandy-Mock’s goal at Fifth Third Bank is to build on the success of the bank’s five-year $32 billion commitment to partner with community organizations that support small businesses, affordable housing, economic and workforce development to create financially inclusive and economically viable communities. Another of her goals is to provide philanthropic investments to support comprehensive community development and neighborhood revitalization. As an optimist and a woman of faith and integrity, Grandy-Mock said she appreciates the importance of relationships and hard work and gives this advice to young women: “Be your authentic self. Be humble and be open and willing to learn. You’re better than you think. You’ve got this!” P

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

NOW AND ALWAYS, COMMUNITY IS WHO WE ARE. No matter the challenge, together we’ll conquer possibility. At Central Piedmont, our community is built to help you navigate what’s next. Our affordable tuition, online classes, and guaranteed placement in the UNC System ensure you get the most out of your college experience. Learn more at ConquerPossibility.com.

Black Women in Charlotte Are

Breaking Barriers By Angela Lindsay

harlotte has a rich history of Black women who have broken barriers in the areas of school desegregation, executive representation in the corporate world and local politics. Meet a new generation of talented Black women who are following their callings and lighting paths for others now and for the future.

Dr. Shanté Williams, Investor

Temeka Truesdale, Educator

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) will continue to be important in all aspects of our lives. That is why it’s imperative that students have a solid educational foundation in STEM classes so they can successfully compete in the global economy. Charlotte native and CharlotteMecklenburg Schools Teacher of the Year finalist, Temeka Truesdale, tries to make science enjoyable every day for her Berryhill School fifth-grade students. “I make science fun for students by engaging them in hands-on activities along with songs and chants,” Truesdale said. “I try to use items that can be easily found

Who is Danny / Shutterstock.com

Shortly after Dr. Shanté Williams released her book “Black Angels Among Us,” 10 women of color accepted her challenge to step into the angel investment arena. An angel investor provides financial backing for small startup businesses and usually acquires an ownership stake in the company. After a few months, the women began communicating with businesses that were seeking investment money. Notably, all the people making the decisions were Black women who not only had a seat at the table but “they owned that table, the chairs, and had the power,” Williams said. “That moment for me was a quick glimpse of the fulfillment of what I call my life’s work,” she said. “It reignited the fire in me to keep moving forward and to start securing billions not millions.” Williams, a Charlotte native, is CEO of Black Pearl Global Investments (BPGI), a venture capital firm that invests in health care companies that deliver quality care to people regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location. The firm is unique in its investment approach as it not only seeks out current funding opportunities but also helps to build a pipeline in both the investment and investor areas to create greater opportunities for underserved communities.

Like many startups, BPGI faced several challenges in the beginning. Raising enough money to invest ($25 million in Williams’ case) and growing the business as a full-time effort was difficult. The lack of female CEOs, especially Black women, in the venture capital investing space makes this even more challenging, she said. “Visibility became the next challenge,” she said. “We needed to stand out and be respected by peers in the industry internationally. I found my voice and then my megaphone with the support of my business partners and we became visible, relevant, sought after and able to attract dollars.” Although raising money is difficult, knowing that “someone out there believes in you enough to put their money where their mouth is helps push people forward,” Williams said. Helping others achieve their vision is what Williams enjoys most about her work. “Success for me will happen when there are so many successful Black venture capitalists that it is no longer remarkable,” she said.

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

around the home. This way, students can reproduce the activities and engage their families in what we’re learning in class.” Truesdale, who attended Berryhill School as a child, is a Harding High School and North Carolina A&T State University graduate. She experienced a “defining moment” when she chose to positively impact her students the same way her sixth-grade science teacher, Ms. Davidson, did. “I chose to become a teacher because of Ms. Davidson,” Truesdale said. “Ms. Davidson was a no-nonsense nurturer,” she added. In middle school Truesdale wasn’t a serious student, but Ms. Davidson challenged her to do better. “Sometimes I felt that Ms. Davidson didn’t like me and wanted to make my sixth-grade life miserable,” Truesdale said. But eventually Truesdale understood that Ms. Davidson was preparing her to succeed. “She only wanted me to work up to my potential,” she said. “She held me accountable to the level I was able to perform and did not accept anything less.” Now, when Truesdale gets up to go to school, she is full of “excitement and joy” and is determined to inspire other young people who ever questioned whether they were good enough to realize their greatness. “The most rewarding thing about what I do is that I get to expose students to learning that opens their eyes and allows them to see all the wonderful possibilities the world has to offer,” she said.

navigate systems that they may not understand to help them better advocate for their children. She also interacts with them like a caring counselor and friend. “As a woman of color there are many advantages and challenges to being the CEO of BBBSCC,” she said. “I have a high level of passion and commitment to doing all I can to support these children. I feel it is my responsibility as a woman of color to do all I can to help these children in an impactful way.”

Davita Galloway, Artist

When artist and entrepreneur Davita Galloway saw a need in Charlotte’s creative community, she set out to fulfill it by founding the creative studio, CrownKeepers. Galloway and her brother Dion launched CrownKeepers to provide a platform and stage for Black voices, both literally and figuratively. She credits her brother with helping to pave the way for CrownKeepers’ success.

Donna Dunlap, Mentor

As CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas (BBBSCC), Donna Dunlap is a living example of the organization’s mission “to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.” She became a foster parent to her son when he was released from the hospital at birth. She eventually adopted him. “The day I adopted him, I promised my son that I would do all that I could to help him be the best he could,” said Dunlap, who was born in Charlotte and raised in Connecticut. “I saw his progress and the impact of nature versus nurture. Dunlap decided that working with Big Brothers Big Sisters was a way to help many more children. “My mom was a Big Sister, so the connection made it an obvious must do.” When she returned to Charlotte in 2009, Dunlap was excited about the opportunity to serve as CEO of BBBSCC because she has always wanted to help children in poverty. “I sincerely feel that mentoring young people empowers them to realize their full potential,” Dunlap said. “The added support and direction our volunteers give, combined with our agency resources, is helping to break the cycle of generational poverty — one child at a time.” The importance of having a woman of color lead such an organization is not lost on Dunlap. Most of the families that BBBSCC serves are people of color. Dunlap speaks to the children like a loving parent or aunt and holds them accountable as if they are her own, she said. She also helps parents and guardians

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“The most rewarding thing about what I do is that I get to expose students to learning that opens their eyes and allows them to see all the wonderful possibilities the world has to offer.” – Temeka Truesdale

“At the time, though still very true today, our vision was to create access and opportunities that help creatives, artsy entrepreneurs and disenfranchised communities navigate their own journey to empowerment,” Galloway said. “It’s critical and necessary for us to create change and opportunity here in our backyard first and foremost,” she said. “We’ve been blessed to see major returns!” The Winston-Salem native cites several challenges facing the creative community in Charlotte, including understanding value and worth, booking gigs and jobs, finding an ecosystem to support their efforts and having an affordable space to create. Galloway says that being able “to inspire, motivate and influence culture” is what she enjoys most. “Representation is super important, and for others to see a woman who looks the way I do, talking the way I talk, with my story — it’s hella reassuring, confirming and validating,” Galloway said. Among many things, CrownKeepers allows students to shop for free from the studio’s wardrobe department, distributes art supplies to those who need them, provides a physical space for artists to perform, and creates

“The added support and direction our volunteers give, combined with our agency resources, is helping to break the cycle of generational poverty — one child at a time.” – Donna Dunlap

art experiences for the benefit of the public. To date, CrownKeepers has supported more than 10,000 creators in the Charlotte region. Galloway wants CrownKeepers to be a place that says “yes” to artists when they’re so often told “no.”

Kimberli Darling, Educator

Originally from Chicago, Kimberli Darling says teaching is her second career, but it’s her first career choice. Darling, who earned a bachelor's degree in business and a master's degree in economics, worked as director of operations for a financial planning firm before she became a teacher. She realized her dream of teaching when she and her husband, also a teacher, moved to Charlotte 10 years ago. Darling teaches ninth grade math and also serves as a math facilitator for middle school math teachers. “I realize that I have a unique opportunity to educate the whole child,” Darling said. “I enjoy explaining why concepts are important as well as how problems are solved. If the ‘why’ is understood and ‘how’ is explained, it makes all tasks far more manageable. I enjoy being able to have that impact, and I take that responsibility very seriously.” The most challenging part of being a teacher during the pandemic is not seeing her scholars in person because “teaching is based on relationships,” Darling said. For this reason, she considers her math class as more of a live podcast where she’s the host. For engagement, she gives students the option to “sit, chit or chat” with her. Students can simply “sit” with their cameras on, so she can see them; they can “chit chat” with her by turning the microphone on and talking; or they can “chat” with her by typing in the chat room. She says by giving them these choices, “the level of engagement increased tremendously.” Darling also schedules scholar-led conferences where she devotes four minutes to check on each scholar which she says allows her to get to know the scholars better both socially and academically. Taking this social emotional approach to teaching allows her to be “positive, empathetic and reflective” while having high expectations for herself and those she leads, she said. This level of commitment is part of the reason why she has been named Teacher of the Year twice in her 9-year career, once as a middle school teacher and once as a high school teacher. Darling said she wants to be remembered as the teacher who taught scholars that education is the equalizer and that what they learn can be used in everyday life. “My goal is to produce independent learners who are reflective critical thinkers and problem solvers,” she said. “I hope that will be my legacy.” P

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

Realtor® president passionate about affordable housing, racial equity On January 27, the Canopy Realtor® Association installed David Kennedy as 2021 president of the Association, Canopy MLS and the Canopy Housing Foundation. The Association has more than 13,000 members and Canopy MLS has more than 20,000 subscribers. A Realtor® since 2007, Kennedy has served on the Canopy Realtor® Association Board of Directors since 2015. In the Q&A below, he shares his commitment to affordable housing, racial equity and Realtor® leadership. Q. What are several initiatives you would like to see occur during your leadership year? A. 1. Increased inventory (homes for sale). 2. More affordable homes for medianincome residents. 3. Incentives to own. In short — more affordable inventory and more ownership. Charlotte needs roughly 34,000 affordable housing units. Realtors® and builders need to do our part to increase the affordable supply of homes so residents can have an economic base to build wealth and enable upward mobility. Q. You are a leader who seems comfortable with challenging topics, including racial equity, diversity and inclusion. Where does your perspective and awareness come from? A. I have a diverse set of friends, some of whom send me books to read. I am open and willing to learn, which also means I am not afraid to be wrong and subsequently corrected. I find that for the most part disenfranchised individuals do not want revenge for the oppression they

have endured as much as they just want the oppression to end. As a white, heterosexual, cisgendered male, I am not discriminated against, but that does not mean that others are as fortunate. It is not enough for me to sit on the sidelines and allow others to suffer. We live in a free society, but I don’t see that as freedom to do whatever I want, but rather, freedom to do what is right. Q. What role do you think Realtors® play in creating a vibrant community that offers economic equity, diverse representation and inclusion for all? A. Since Realtors® are a diverse set of people and often leaders in divergent communities, they can serve as a linchpin for unification. Leaders should possess self-awareness to ensure their impact is not domineering. I recently re-read the story of Jesus healing the bleeding woman, and the crowd surrounding Jesus made me think of well-intentioned people unknowingly preventing those with the greatest need from getting help. Realtors® do a decent job of pressing toward goals with good

intentions, and we have a conscience for those in need. Q. Can you tell us one key thought you want the community to know about the Realtor® profession? A. The 21st century Realtor® is building a legacy of community support, whether it be in the form of unique contributions by individual Realtors®, collective efforts through their firms or Association-wide collaboration via the Canopy Housing Foundation. I want the community to know that through our foundation Realtors® have returned more than $630,000 through our grant and award programs since their formal inception in 2007. In addition, our annual Realtors® Care Day, when we address critical house repairs for homeowners in need, has had a cumulative impact of more than $1 million since 2009. As leaders, Realtors® believe in investing in our community to create a region where all housing needs are met.

Building access to home ownership

Today’s Realtor® is part of a legacy that has long provided support to every aspect of the community. Through their unique contributions, collective efforts, and collaborative partnerships, the local Realtor® community and its Canopy Housing Foundation are building a stronger community…one initiative at a time.

How? •

By returning nearly $350,000 in grant funding to community nonprofits that are engaged in meeting housing needs of the most fragile in our community.

•

By actively assisting in making exterior repairs to the homes of those who have the greatest need through community service projects like Realtors® Care Day. Since 2009, this project has returned an estimated value of $1 million to our local neighborhoods.

•

By annually providing financial support to area Habitat organizations. Since 2009 Realtors® have distributed more than $250,000 in support to eight area Habitat organizations.

•

By engaging in education that certifies Realtors® to be Workforce Housing Specialists, who are trained to work with first-time buyers, single-buyers and buyers who are essential to the local workforce. These workers often serve as the backbone of our community in roles such as police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, retail workers, food service workers and more. Realtors® with the Workforce Housing Specialist certification understand the challenges of purchasing in the affordable price range and are able to navigate the various complexities that could be barriers to homeownership.

•

By working in partnership with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee to uphold the standards of the Fair Housing Act, which protects the consumer from discrimination whether renting, buying or securing financing. Our own Realtor® Code of Ethics affirms our commitment to providing equal professional service without regard to the race, color, religion, gender, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity of any prospective client, customer or residents of any community.

•

By taking an active lead in the formulation of a Five-Year Affordable Housing Study conducted by the Childress Klein School of Real Estate at UNCCharlotte. As a result of contributing funding, housing data, and the expertise of leaders in the real estate industry, the Realtor® community is part of a local consortium that is working to raise awareness of the affordable housing issue with the ultimate goal of identifying solutions.

The goal?

Realtors® are committed to building a community where all residents have access to build wealth through homeownership. Realtors® care about addressing the entire continuum from homelessness to homeownership. We believe one of our most important roles as Realtors® is to raise awareness and funding for unmet housing needs in our community. We achieve this through our Canopy Housing Foundation’s many programs and services that support initiatives directly addressing the issue of safe, sustainable and affordable housing.

Learn more about the ways that Realtors® are actively addressing affordable housing at canopyhousingfoundation.org.

Fifty Years of Friendship

Leads to Success in Charlotte By Sonja Whitemon

ay Morton and Jim Malloy met nearly 50 years ago. What seemed like coincidence might rather have been destiny. The two were raising families on the same street in Central Islip, N.Y., a town about one hour outside of Manhattan. Both had recently left the Army and had started their second careers in the civilian world. The two men with so much in common would turn into lifelong friends and now successful business partners in Charlotte. Morton Malloy Realtors opened in Charlotte in 2006, but what makes them successful goes back much farther. They both say their careers in the military helped prepare them for success in real estate. Ray Morton, 74, a former lieutenant and tank commander in the U.S. Army, led 50 men in a tank platoon and a tank company. “The military taught me how to manage people,” he said. “Real estate is a people business. I had to manage a lot of personalities and had to manage people who didn’t like me and that helped me along the way.” Jim Malloy, 78, agrees. Also an Army veteran, he commanded a Persian mission battery and served in Vietnam. “The Military matured me,” Malloy said. “When I was in college, I was still a kid. With the responsibilities and the discipline that I got in the Army, I ran a basic training company for several years at the eventual buildup of Vietnam. After that I got to command a Persian missile unit, which is a large unit. Everyone had to have top secret clearance and it was constantly working that system that teaches you how to go by the books and how to manage people and to take responsibility. That’s what the military gave me.” The two reunited in Charlotte shortly before the collapse of the financial system and began Morton Malloy Realtors. While others were finding other types of work during a time that the real estate industry was paralyzed, they kept Morton Malloy open.

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“The military taught me how to manage people. Real estate is a people business. I had to manage a lot of personalities and had to manage people who didn’t like me and that helped me along the way.” —Ray Morton

“The Military matured me. When I was in college, I was still a kid.” —Jim Malloy

“We kept the business open and things eventually broke our way,” said Morton. “By being retired we were able to travel to conventions and we changed our business model to foreclosures. At one time we got three HUD contracts and a VA contract. We started getting more government contracts. At one time we had 25 agents working for our company. Morton Malloy Realtors goes above and beyond to give back to the community. The company is especially supportive of veterans and does everything they can to assist them during the process of buying and selling. We make sure our veteran clients have VSO Service Officers because

a lot of veterans are entitled to money they don’t even know about.” Morton Malloy Realtors does not charge veterans application fees and their vendors: attorneys, home inspectors and loan companies also give veterans a break. They include home warranties for all their clients, and the company also supports the Black community with training and bus tours in an ongoing effort to create awareness about the real estate process and their company. P Morton Malloy Realtors is located at 8738 Arbor Creek Drive, Charlotte, N.C. raymorton.point2agent.com

Giving Through the Seasons of Life From giving today to support the causes you value – to ensuring a better tomorrow for future generations – your local community foundation can help you and your family make a lasting charitable impact. Last year, our family of fundholders gave $460 million to support the nonprofits, causes and communities they hold dear. By partnering with Foundation For The Carolinas and our affiliate, the African American Community Foundation, you can focus on the joy of giving while making a lasting collective impact.

www.fftc.org | 704.998.6412 | philanthropy@fftc.org

Raising kids today is hard. Doing it from a motel is harder. With so many challenges raising a family today, worrying about housing should not be one of them. But for thousands of families in North Carolina, it is. Please consider helping those most in need by supporting Community Link. We are working every day to get and keep people in affordable housing.

Community Link

Give or learn more at CommunityLinkNC.org

Fifth Third Bank is a proud sponsor of Community Link

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Top photo by Alicia Benjamin / Bottom photo courtesy of Sid Baxi

Top and bottom photo courtesy of Sid Baxi

Charlotte’s Art Community and the Pandemic By Kesh McGee

hroughout history, Charlotte has been known for having a growing, eclectic and beautiful arts community. Typically, you could always find something to do in the Queen City if you were a fan of the arts. But now, a year after the COVID-19 outbreak, movie theatres are closed and most live performances have been cancelled. Verzuz battles, online concerts and DJs streaming on social media have now become our entertainment from the comfort of our homes. What happens now that our “new normal” requires that we stay inside and avoid social gatherings? Do we see that life will never return to normal? Let’s take a look at how the COVID pandemic has impacted the Charlotte Arts community. In March and April of 2020, music and arts producers created a series of GoFundMe pages to raise money to cover rent and leases on performance and arts venues in the area. The Neighborhood Theatre and The Evening Muse music venues immediately began to see how dependent they were on artists and musicians to keep their businesses going,” said Jacob Horr, president of the NoDa Neighborhood and Business Association. Without income from shows and performances, the two venues were

in danger of closing. “Luckily, we’re a part of a close-knit community and supporters wouldn’t take this laying down,” Horr said. “Artists commissioned pieces for auction and fundraisers in efforts to keep these venues afloat. Local groups rallied together and began to give.” In November, some NoDa and other Charlotte-area businesses received grants and Save Our Stages stimulus money. “We were fortunate enough to see some of our NODA and area businesses being awarded money from the Save Our Stages stimulus plan and grants from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on the size of the business,” said Horr. The City of Charlotte also awarded $150,000 in funding to some area businesses to help create more than 20 projects to support artists, he added. The award supported 50 artists, which helped more than 200 small businesses in the Charlotte area. Murals and art projects began to appear all over the city, making Charlotte even more beautiful and brought attention to otherwise struggling small businesses. Local music and dance schools have had to pivot and hold classes virtually to stay in business and to adhere to government restrictions. The Charlotte Symphony cancelled or rescheduled all live concerts

Top left: Mural by Abel Jackson, located at The Art Factory, 1545 W. Trade St. Top right: Mural by T'Afo Feimster, located at the former A&P, 1600 W. Trade St. Bottom left: Mural by Nico Amortegui, located at 933 Louise Ave. Bottom right: Mural by Jackie Hurd and Ashley Grubbs, located at Freshlist, 1300 Pegram St.

through March 13, 2021, or the shows were changed to virtual online performances. In December, the Knight Foundation invested $2.1 million to help Charlotte’s arts community during COVID-19. “In Charlotte, Knight’s support will allow existing organizations to explore a new chapter of creativity as they evolve to reach new audiences safely and effectively,” said Chris Barr, director of arts and tech innovation for the Knight Foundation. “Throughout the pandemic, it has become even more evident that the arts are essential,” said Priya Sircar, the Knight Foundation’s director of arts. “In addition to supporting the addition of new art, it is equally important for Knight to invest in programs and strategies that put equity and inclusion at its center, incorporating many diverse communities of Charlotte into the process,” Sircar said. Charlotte artists have been resourceful and resilient during the pandemic. They’re doing what artists always do – they’re creating, maximizing opportunities, pivoting and changing directions when necessary. Like artists around the world, Charlotte’s artists are adapting to our new normal and continuing to find new and innovative ways to express themselves while keeping Charlotte rich in the arts. P

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

Soul to Sole by John Burton, Jr.

magine being handed a pair of sneakers caked with mud, soaked from rain, and permeating with a horrific stench, then being asked to clean them. This is all in a day’s work for Irie Butler. Irie and his mother Ingrid are the operators of an innovative dual concept space called Shoed Gallery in Birkdale Village. The mixed-use location is a combination of sneaker resale and restoration store and art therapy studio. Irie, 19, is the brains behind the shoe side of the business. He takes used sneakers and brings them back to life through cleaning and refurbishing or customizing to the client’s liking. Using a mix of brushes, gentle cleansers, and paints, shoes are rejuvenated to new glory. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington sophomore got started in the shoe biz after a tough life lesson in middle school. “I was sold a bogus pair of sneakers. The next day when I wore them to school I got teased heavily,” Irie said. “From that moment, I decided I wanted to learn all about sneakers so that never happens again.” Irie began scouring YouTube to learn how to authenticate originals. “You would be surprised to know how many counterfeit shoes are out there,” Irie said. Sneakers are a billion-dollar industry. Reselling sneakers is equally lucrative. While in middle school he opened his first online business and set up an Instagram page and website under his father Joe’s guidance. “I would get shoes and clean them up. I was making some good money to be in middle school,” he said. His business continued to flourish through high

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school and his freshman year in college as he learned different customization techniques. Opening a storefront was a natural progression. His mother, Ingrid, was doing some soul searching of her own. A nurse of 26 years by profession, she had always been adamant about expressing her holistic side. “I have always been into therapy — and diverse forms of therapy,” Ingrid said. “I started painting at the age of six and even now I find even painting the walls therapeutic for me.” It wasn’t until she stumbled upon paint pouring that she uncovered her true tranquility. Paint pouring is a concept of acrylic paint being thinned and cascaded onto a canvas in layers, patterns, and concepts that provided solace for her. “Pouring is pleasing,” she said. “The colors represent something to the participant. Each pour allows a release and it’s a bit meditative when you get into it.” Learning there were others out there who agreed that traditional therapy and counseling was not for them, Ingrid sought to gain her certification as a therapeutic art coach, teaching others to utilize techniques that guide individuals to form new neural pathways that retrain the mind through an enjoyable experience like painting. Classes are offered through her company Design Intervention. Her artwork is also available for purchase at the gallery. At the core of both Irie and Ingrid is their mutual commitment to community and giving back. Shoed Gallery is in partnership with youth mentoring nonprofit, Boys To Men Foundation of Charlotte. Through their

Top: The Shoed Gallery has some of the hottest sneaker releases. Right: Irie Butler and his parents Ingrid and Joe Butler.

collaboration, the boys learn about the shoe store business from marketing and pricing to shoe customization. Moreover, when shoes are donated from people in the community, Shoed restores them for resale in the store, and the monies raised are donated to the foundation. “Before you toss those shoes, donate them to us,” Irie said. A mother and son working together for a greater good is indeed a family affair. P The Shoed Gallery is located at 26735 C. Cranlyn Rd. in Huntersville. Shoedgallery.com

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Charlotte, NC

Celebrating Black Women Pioneers in History

Shirley Chisholm

(1924 – 2005) Shirley Chisholm, who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to immigrant parents from Guyana and Barbados in 1924, was encouraged to go into politics by her professors at Brooklyn College. Chisholm took their advice and in 1968, became the first Black

ons

woman elected to the United States Congress, representing New York’s 12th congressional district. In 1972, Chisholm was the first Black woman of a major party to run for president of the United States. She was a role model and inspiration for Kamala Harris, the first vice president of the Unites States, according to Harris. Working as a consultant for the division of day care in the New York Office of Children and Family Services, it was her concern for young people and her political consciousness that led Chisholm to serve the public. Chisholm said she believed in a government that would help underserved and ignored people. A book and documentary film about her life are both titled, “Unbought and Unbossed.” She certainly was both of those things.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Comm

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congr

ess

By Alicia Benjamin and Bianca Cassidy

Sources: Smithsonianmag.com, Womenshistory.org

Mary Ann Shadd

(1823 – 1893) The first known Black woman newspaper publisher in North America, Mary Ann Shadd, was born in Wilmington, Del. in 1823 to parents of African and European descent. Her family’s home in Delaware was an Underground Railroad station. Shadd’s family moved to Pennsylvania so their children could study at a Quaker school

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Sources: National Women’s Hall of Fame, Zinn Education Project

photos and details of lynchings in the United States. Sources: Biography.com, The Library of Congress

Hannah Bond Photo by Everett Collection

since it was illegal to educate Black children in Delaware. After the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed, Shadd’s family moved to Canada for safety. Her publication, The Provincial Freeman, was Canada’s first anti-slavery newspaper. Shadd established and taught in schools in several U.S. and Canadian cities, including Wilmington, Del., Trenton, N.J., Ontario, Manhattan and Detroit. At 60, she attended Howard University’s law school and became one of the first Black women to practice law in North America.

Ida B. Wells, publisher, writer, educator and activist

(1862 – 1931) Six months after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Ida B. Wells was born in Holly Springs, Miss. in 1862. Wells, one of the founding members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), created the first African American kindergarten in Chicago. Wells was a renowned newspaper owner, journalist and activist, writing investigative articles on the horrors of lynchings across the South. In 1895, she published her book, “A Red Record,” which included statistics,

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

Ida B. Wells

Illustration of Jane Johnson, a character in Hannah Bond's novel, “The Bondwoman’s Narrative”

(1830 – unknown) Hannah Bond, whose pen name was Hannah Crafts, was very influenced by Charles Dickens’ “Bleak House” and Charlotte Bronté’s “Jane Eyre.” How did Bond, a slave on a North Carolina plantation get to know the works of these famous authors? Bond seemed to have served as a slave in a house that kept borders from a girls’ school, and the girls were required to recite passages from works by Dickens and Bronté. Bond, the author of the novel, “The Bondwoman’s Narrative,” is known as the first African American woman novelist. The book, a fictionalized autobiography, is the only known novel written by a fugitive slave. In the novel, Hannah Crafts escapes from a North Carolina plantation and encounters slave patrollers, among other harrowing experiences, as she runs to the North where she eventually finds freedom. In real life, Bond settled in New Jersey, where she eventually married and worked as a schoolteacher. P Souces: Yale University Library, The New York Times article, “Broken Chains,” May 12, 2002

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March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

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The Ladies of the

American Red Cross There When We Need Them By Sonja Whitemon

Delores "Dee" Foster

ou might say that community service is in Delores “Dee” Foster’s DNA. The Air Force veteran has been lending her time to help her community for more than 30 years, long before she arrived in Charlotte and began serving with the Charlotte Metro Chapter of the American Red Cross. “I have volunteered for the last 30 or 40 years,” said Foster. “We are a military family. We have been 30 years in the Air Force and my husband has had a couple of jobs as commander, so as a commander’s

wife, I have always had to assist others, whether it was personal or family or an emergency. So I had an early start with learning to serve and wanting to serve and taking that on as who I am and what I enjoy doing.” The Red Cross is always on call. The nonprofit organization responds to an emergency every eight minutes and when disaster strikes, dedicated volunteers like Dee Foster are there. The Charlotte Metro Chapter of the Red Cross serves Cherokee, Chester, Iredell, Lancaster, Mecklenburg and York counties, providing food, shelter, emotional support and other necessities when they are needed. About 95% of the work is done by volunteers. In her five years with the Red Cross, Foster has served in several roles. In her first position, as a case worker, she helped military families that needed

“What I really like about the Red Cross is you can find what fits your personality and your skills. All of the people I have worked with have been so encouraging, so if this doesn’t work, there are lots of other opportunities.”

Doris DeCosta

emergency communication or assistance getting their active-duty family members home. She also helped them locate services they needed to address their emergencies. After working in other roles, she has returned to serving military families. “What I really like about the Red Cross is you can find what fits your personality and your skills,” she said. “All of the people I have worked with have been so encouraging, so if this doesn’t work, there are lots of other opportunities. There’s never anything lost. There’s never a

—Delores "Dee" Foster March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

Facts About the American Red Cross and Giving Blood

1881

The Red Cross was founded by

Clara Barton during this year. Her favorite color was red.

1941 Dr. Charles Drew was appointed director of the first Red Cross blood bank during this year. The iconic Red Cross bloodmobiles were the brainchild of Dr. Drew.

1943

The year President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the proclamation declaring that March would be Red Cross Month.

1,000

The number of US organizations supported by The Red Cross

45%

The approximate amount of the nation's blood supply provided by The Red Cross

The minimum age to give blood in most states

1 hour

The approximate amount of time it takes to give blood

Sources: charity.lovetoknow.com/Facts_About_American_Red_Cross / redcrosschat.org

penalty for work in an area that may not gel with the kind of experience you are looking for.” Doris DeCosta began her volunteer service with the Red Cross in Bermuda, providing mental health services after local tragedies and natural disasters. After living in Bermuda for 30 years, she moved to Charlotte and continued volunteering with the Charlotte Metro Chapter of the Red Cross. “When I left Bermuda, they kept saying, ‘Don’t forget to go to the Red Cross,’ because once you work for the Red Cross or volunteer, you are always part of the Red Cross family,” she said. “I was amazed at how many services are offered here. When I first came to Charlotte, I worked on the DAT team.” Volunteers provide much needed relief during natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires, but most of the 60,000 emergencies the Red Cross responds to nationally each year are local, personal disasters that may never make the news. In

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fact, 90% of the disasters the Red Cross responds to are home fires. The Charlotte Metro region responded to more than 300 home fires in 2020 and provided recovery support to more than 1,300 people. Volunteers on the Disaster Action Team (DAT) meet with victims at the scene of the fire or other disasters and provide them with resources for food, shelter, clothing and medication as needed— and sometimes even a shoulder to cry on. “One incident that really touched me was at a house fire,” DeCosta said. “There was a lady with four kids. She was at work and two of her daughters were at home and the stove caught on fire. It was really bad. When the mom showed up, I could tell she was really stressed. We asked her for demographic data, and I could tell she was really trying and struggling. I’ve had a house fire, so I knew what she was going through.” Today DeCosta also works with the Red Cross Support to The

“[The Red Cross] is a special community of people who raise their hands and say they want to help. When you are joining the Red Cross as a volunteer, there’s that very local piece to it where you are able to make a difference right here in your own community, but you’re also part of a global Red Cross movement and that’s the part that is inspiring to a lot of people.” —Allison Q. Taylor,

Armed Services program. Each year, volunteers like Doris DeCosta and Foster provide more than 400,000 services to service members, veterans and their families. Volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross, said Allison Q. Taylor, regional executive for the American Red Cross Greater Carolinas Region. “[The Red Cross] is a special community of people who raise their hands and say they want to help,” Taylor said. “When you are joining the Red Cross as a volunteer, there’s that very local piece to it where you are able to make a difference right here in your own community, but you’re also part of a global Red Cross movement and that’s the part that is inspiring to a lot of people.” Taylor said that If someone wants to volunteer, the Red Cross will work with them to find the right role and the training they need to be successful. You do not have to be a professional. To volunteer for the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer. P

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Virtual Pride Awards 2021 attendees shared their best selfies during the program.

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March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

We Are All Super Heroes When We Recycle Right!

Spreading Love to Charlotte’s Vulnerable Communities,

BLOCK by BLOCK By John Burton Jr. Photos courtesy of Block Love Charlotte

f you’ve visited Charlotte’s north corridor near North Tryon Street, Statesville Avenue or John Belk Freeway, it’s hard to miss the sea of tents and makeshift tarps throughout the area. Sadly, these encampments known as Tent City are the living quarters for many of the city’s residents without homes. As of March 2020, Mecklenburg County reported there are about 3,700 people who identify as homeless. This population is forced to endure all kinds of weather from the coldest nights to the hottest days. Block Love Charlotte, an organization that founder Deborah Woolard created in 2017, works to provide restoration, resources and essential tools to individuals who have fallen on hard times. Deborah and her staff and volunteers seek to make each day a little brighter for homeless people and other struggling populations in Charlotte. For her community work through Block Love Charlotte, Woolard received the Medallion Award on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January 2021, during a celebration of the holiday on WSOCTV. The award is given each year to individuals in the Charlotte area who exemplify the ideals of Dr. King. Block Love Charlotte gets its name from the North Tryon Street near Phifer Avenue area, affectionally known as “The Block.” This is where many homeless people in Charlotte gather and it’s also where Block Love Charlotte often goes to show them some love; but the group’s effort is not limited just to the Uptown area, it also services populations around Northlake, Beatties Ford Road, University City and South Boulevard. Several times a week, Woolard along with several volunteers, disperse throughout the city to spread love to anyone seeking assistance. “We’re just out here to meet some needs,” she said, “because needs don’t stop when it snows or rains, or even during a pandemic.”

Top: Block Love Charlotte staff and volunteers Right: Block Love Charlotte gives food and other essential items to Charlotte residents.

Many of these residents’ needs are being met, albeit temporarily, with the distribution of blankets, clothing, sleeping bags, tents, water and meals. The smiles on the faces of people receiving necessities or a meal make the cold nights and long days all worth it. “Not only do we seek to meet needs, sometimes we try to meet their wants as well,” Woolard said. A Raleigh native, Woolard knows what it’s like to not have enough food and clothing. “I was once homeless at a time in my life too,” she said, “so, I know how that feels.” Donations are the heartbeat of Block Love Charlotte. All types of people and corporations of all sizes give in various ways, including by volunteering their time. According to Woolard, one of the organization’s most memorable donations was perhaps their smallest. “A guy who we always serve handed it to me, saying ‘Here, take this blessing.’ It was 22 cents,” she recalled. “You could still see the dirt on it. Still, this little bit of change honored me so

much because I know it came from a pure heart,” she said. The United States Postal Service isn’t the only organization that delivers through rain, sleet, snow or hail — the Charlotte community can also depend on Block Love Charlotte to serve its most vulnerable residents through the harshest times. P March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

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Senior Living Facilities Offer New Experiences and Social Activities By Kesh McGee

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oving a loved one into a senior or assisted living facility is not marking the end — it’s opening the doors to a new beginning. Picture this: You’ve moved into a new place where all meals and snacks are provided for you, your laundry never piles up, most of the people living in your unit are around your age and there are plenty of activities and social outings available to you. Also, specialized teams are brought in to make sure that you’re safe, clean, taken care of and having fun. Family members choose assisted living facilities to provide an opportunity for their loved ones to thrive and flourish as much as they can as they grow older. Moving into an assisted living facility can be like embarking on a new adventure. “Assisted living facilities are not here to take away from the residents — it’s quite the opposite, said Carol Connors, owner of 65 Senior Street in Charlotte. “Seniors who are confined to the home and live alone can lack socialization. Moving them into an assisted living community is about opening up life for the residents and bettering their overall wellbeing,” she said. “Socialization is extremely important for them.”

“It’s amazing to see how assisted living communities have evolved over the past 10 to 15 years,” said Ryan Barkley, Sales Director of Windsor Run senior living community Carol Connors, owner of 65 in Matthews, N.C. Senior Street Windsor Run has over 60,000 square feet of amenity space which includes an all-season pool, a movie theatre, a hair salon, a woodshop and three on-site restaurants. In addition, the community offers 75 resident social clubs including a garden club, a quilting club and a dining committee that gives the management team feedback on the quality of service offered in the dining facilities, Barkley added. “Approximately 60% of new residents come in as couples, and oftentimes, one or both residents need just a little extra support and care,” he said. A Windsor Run welcome committee, which includes staff members and residents, helps to make the

transition to living at Windsor Run pleasant, especially for new residents who may need more time to adapt to their new home, Barkley said. “Within the first 24-hours of moving in, one of the residents will reach out to new residents and check-in with them,” he said. Windsor Run offers a special program called Live the Life which allows potential residents to stay at the facility for a couple of nights in the guest suite, said Barkley. “During their visit, they’ll have access to the property and all of its amenities. They get to meet the staff, taste the food, check out our programs and get honest feedback from their peers before making this decision,” he said. The consensus among assisted living facilities professionals is that waiting to search for future care for loved ones is not a good idea. While family members wait, their loved ones are getting older, and they may find themselves forced to make quick, uninformed and uncomfortable decisions while facing emergency circumstances. Be sure to plan ahead by exploring senior assisted living options for your loved ones in advance. Set a time to have compassionate, honest and transparent conversations with those you love. Consider starting the conversation by asking, “How can we enhance your quality of life?” P

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

Chef Dee Offers PlantBased Comfort Food To-Go By Angela Lindsay

he vegan lifestyle continues to grow in popularity, particularly among African Americans. In fact, according to TheBeet.com, African Americans are the fastest growing demographic among vegans. Chef Denise “Chef Dee” Hairston was already ahead of this curve. For more than 20 years, Chef Dee has been perfecting and promoting plantbased foods and recipes via two published cookbooks, appearances on NBC, CBS, and features in various publications. Now she is making her signature dishes like spicy jambalaya with gluten-free and soy-free sausage, vegan mac and cheese and vegan sweet potato spice cake readily available to the Charlotte community. Located in West Charlotte, Dee’s Vegan To-Go offers homemade, carefully crafted vegan comfort foods in the form of prepared menu items as well as catering services. Hairston worked with local farmers and artisans on everything from the aesthetics of the café to the freshly baked breads. The family owned and operated business began at the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market in 2016. The current brick and mortar version opened on December 8, 2020, and its particular location was intentional. “West Boulevard reminded me of the community I grew up in with great tasting food and family,” Hairston said. “I wanted to feel that again, only with much healthier options.” Chef Dee points to her own family’s health history as a reason for her culinary pursuits. “This is my passion, cooking great tasting, healthier meals,” she said. “My family background includes losing four women in my immediate family (mother, grandmother, two maternal aunts) from chronic diseases within a span of five years. This incident

“West Boulevard reminded me of the community I grew up in with great tasting food and family. I wanted to feel that again, only with much healthier options.” —Chef Dee made me want to have more of a focus on providing healthier options of the food I grew up on.” A former restaurant owner in St. Louis, Chef Dee attended Johnson & Wales University and Central Piedmont Community College for her culinary training. She seeks to dispel common misconceptions about vegan food such as the notion that food is not directly related to one’s health and longevity and that healthier or vegan food is tasteless. “Not True! Dee's Vegan To-Go is proving this every day with more than 70% of customers who are not vegan,” Dee said.

For those wishing to step into the world of plant-based nutrition, she has a couple of simple suggestions that anyone can try at home. “Don't use a lot of water or liquid in cooking,” said Dee. “Even collard greens, green beans and brussels sprouts should be sautéed in a small amount of olive oil with seasoning layered directly on the food. Then steam on low heat if more cooking is needed. Of course, do not overcook your food!” P Dee's Vegan To-Go is located at 1540 West Blvd., Charlotte, N.C. www.deesvegantogo.com

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

What Every Woman Needs to Understand About Heart Disease The No. 1 killer of women is not getting the attention it deserves. By Dr. Sandy Charles

Dr. Sandy Charles is the medical director of the Novant Health Women's Heart & Vascular Center in Charlotte. She’s a passionate advocate for heart health for everyone, but she is especially focused on the heart health of women.

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

SciePro / Viktar Malyshchyts / Shutterstock.com

eart disease is the leading killer of American women—a fact that usually takes people by surprise. Many incorrectly assume that breast cancer is the No. 1 killer. But heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Breast cancer kills 1 in 39 women; heart disease kills 1 in 5. My interest in cardiology comes from a deeply personal place. As a child, I watched my grandmother suffer from cardiovascular disease. She had high blood pressure and diabetes—two big risk factors—and her doctor never communicated why these risk factors were so dangerous if they remained poorly controlled. My grandmother passed away at a younger age than she should have from a variety of cardiovascular complications. I now make it my mission to provide people with as much information as possible to empower them. Here are a few things

about heart health I think everyone should know. • About 80% of heart disease is preventable. There’s so much that’s beyond our control, but heart health is mostly within our control. Even small lifestyle modifications can lead to significant results. • Heart attack symptoms can differ for men and women. Men having heart attacks typically present with chest pain. Some women have chest pain too, but they may also have indigestion, fatigue or difficulty breathing when having a heart attack. • Black women, in particular, have a high risk of heart disease. More than 50% of Black women aged 20 or older have high blood pressure. That puts us at greater risk for heart disease. There are many theories as to why that’s so. It could be genetic. It may also be due to increased consumption of high-sodium foods and physical inactivity. • The first symptom of heart disease is sometimes death. That’s the scariest thing about heart disease. Sudden cardiac death can be the first manifestation that something is wrong. Sometimes there’s no second chance. • High blood pressure, high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease are among risk factors. • Obesity is another prominent risk factor for heart disease. So, it’s important to know your body mass index (BMI). If it’s too high, take steps to lower it. • Diabetes is a big risk factor. Patients diagnosed with diabetes are assumed to already have plaque buildup in their hearts. And women with diabetes are at greater risk for heart disease than men. While heart disease is very common and incredibly serious, I try to emphasize the good news. People have the power within themselves to change, improve and maintain their heart health.

What can you do?

• Be your own advocate. Heart disease can go untreated or undertreated in women, and I think there can sometimes be an underlying bias. Doctors may not suspect you could have heart disease if you are young and “look” healthy. I encourage women to advocate for themselves. Really persist. Women have come to me for second opinions who have symptoms atypical for heart disease and

have been told it's “probably just stress.” Some are even prescribed medications for stress. • Pay attention to nutrition. Simply knowing about the foods you're putting in your body is important. A lot of the sugary drinks people consume have even more sugar than you might imagine. For example, a 20-ounce glass of soda can have 65 grams of sugar, the same amount of sugar as more than a dozen chocolate chip cookies (depending on the cookie).

really stressful times, and women are frequently wearing the Superwoman cape and doing too many things at once. COVID-19 has made things a lot worse on that front. These times can make us anxious, depressed and sleepless. All these things factor into heart health. When people are depressed, they may drink more, and that's dangerous for heart health. Minimizing alcohol intake can improve overall health.

“Aim to eat whole foods, whole grains, brown rice, lots of veggies and fruits.”

Processed foods and a lot of restaurant foods have massive amounts of sodium. A lot of the sandwiches we get at delis or fast-food places contain, in one serving, more than your whole daily recommended salt limit. Aim to eat whole foods, whole grains, brown rice, lots of veggies and fruits. • Get moving. Exercise is incredibly important. Try exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. When my patients say they don't have time to fit it in, I always say: Nothing is more important than your health. If you’re currently not exercising, start small. Walk around the block. Walk in place while you’re on a phone call. Anything is better than nothing. • Care for body, mind and soul. Mental and emotional health are connected to heart health. We are living in

• If you're having any cardiac symptoms, get treated. Too many people are scared to seek medical attention now—because of COVID-19—even when they have symptoms. Over the past few months, the number of people who come to the hospital with heart attacks has declined by a lot. So, more people are suffering and dying from heart attacks at home instead of seeking help. Bottom line: Do not be afraid to seek medical attention if you develop concerning symptoms. The sooner you seek care, the better! Nobody is immune to heart disease. But you can reduce your risk of getting it. It’s even possible to reverse any damage already done by taking control of your health. Eat whole foods, exercise and get routine checkups. It’ll do your heart—and your body—good. P March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

PrideBusiness by John Burton, Jr.

Brenda Tapia Changed Lives with Her Love of Learning Program

hen Rev. Brenda H. Tapia passed away in February 2020, her loss was felt in the Davidson community and cascaded to a ripple across the nation because Tapia devoted her life to loving people and people loved her back. “She was a channel of God and the realest person I ever knew,” said John Rogers, a 2011 Davidson Rev. Brenda H. Tapia College alumnus. Tapia, a Davidson native and North Mecklenburg High School graduate, grew up in a home where she was well loved and getting a quality education was enforced. Her father James was an assistant in the chemistry department at Davidson College. Tapia earned a degree in psychology from Howard University and later worked as a counselor. It was during her years as a counselor that she recognized how psychology and theology were interrelated—both aided in solving life’s problems.

Spotlight Mother and daughter respectively, Vernette and Nyela Rucker have made an impact both within the Charlotte Latin community and beyond. Their shared commitment to the Black Student Alliance (BSA) is a top priority. “In addition to my role as Director of Gift Accounting and Records, I have the honor of working closely with the Black students at Latin. It is important that Black students know that they are seen and heard. I understand what it is like to navigate an environment where the majority of students do not look like them, because I was that student,” said Vernette.

E M P L OY E E S P O T L I G H T

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Vernette Rucker, Fund Development

Nyela Rucker ’23

Vernette has worked with Charlotte Latin’s Development team for 10 years. She is a staff advisor for Latin’s Black Student Alliance and a former track coach. •

Received Latin’s 2014 Water Carrier Award

•

Served as a Latin Fellows Mentor

•

Attended a Civil Right Tour with Providence Day, Charlotte Country Day, and Cannon Schools (2013), and the NAIS People of Color Conferences

•

Nyela embodies Charlotte Latin School’s vision to educate students in the importance of learning, citizenship, service to others, hard work, and Honor Above All, a Core Value of Charlotte Latin School.

Will participate in Latin’s 2021-22 Aspiring Leaders Academy and was a former participant in Outward Bound

•

Member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals

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Serves on Queens University’s Alumni Board

• Founder/president of the Middle School Anime Club (2017-19) • Plays cello in the Upper School orchestra •

Attended the 2020 Student Diversity leadership Conference

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Plays lacrosse and volleyball

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Active member of the Black Student Alliance, Gay Straight Alliance, and Mosaic

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Participates in Girl Scouts, Delta GEMS, and her church youth group, as well as social justice activities

•

Participant in the Duke University Talent Identification Program

We are Hawk proud and celebrate Vernette’s and Nyela’s continued success. Call today to learn more about the benefits of a Latin education.

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CharlotteLatin.org

704.846.7207

Through this revelation, Tapia returned to school, Johnson C. Smith Seminary, in Atlanta, and was later ordained in the Presbyterian church. In 1985, Tapia joined the staff at Davidson College, initially as a consultant for minority student affairs and later as the campus chaplain, the first African American to hold that position. In A long-time chaplain and minority student 1987, those roles morphed counselor at Davidson College, Tapia helped into the position that many young students attend college. would become her legacy, the founding director of the Love of Learning program. Love of Learning was a summer enrichment program aimed at helping Black students attend college. Some called it “church in disguise” since the students learned more than academics but also a real sense of self. Through her two-decade tenure as director, Tapia had nearly 500 students complete the program, many of whom went on to have impressive professional careers. Some of the Love of Learning alumni are doctors, clergy, business executives and community leaders. Many attribute their success to Tapia’s love. Tapia changed lives in person and over the radio. One radio listener was Boris “Bo” Henderson, a healthcare executive. “She was on the radio fighting for students to ‘know who you are and whose you are.’ I knew I had to meet her,” Henderson said. Upon meeting her as a freshman at Davidson College, he adopted her as his second mom. This mother-son relationship continued beyond his graduation. The affection for Tapia was not only from students but from staff as well. “Everyone loved Brenda. She had enough love for everyone, including faculty,” Dr. Nancy Fairley, professor at Davidson College said. “She and I were like sisters. We shared similar world views and we both knew who we were as Black women.” The histories of Davidson and Rev. Tapia are intertwined. To commemorate Tapia’s dedication to Davidson and her mentoring spirit, The Brenda H. Tapia Family Foundation was launched in 2020. The foundation aims to educate, empower, and serve youth, young adults, and elders with a special emphasis on intergenerational engagement through health, wellness, educational experience, and economic empowerment. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, the foundation has already received $30,000 in commitments. “We plan on impacting organizations and people the way that Brenda would want,” Henderson said. The foundation has begun to work with two cornerstone projects: the adoption of two schools and tax relief efforts. At Tuckaseegee Elementary they support the on-site food pantry and at Hidden Valley Elementary they assist with technology support. Future plans include tax relief educational sessions in the Optimist Park community. The Rev. Brenda H. Tapia Foundation will be the legacy of love, faith, culture and justice she left being carried out by those she loved and those who loved her. P March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

PrideBusiness

lack women are at the vanguard of the women’s rights movement. However, money statistics paint a gloomy picture of the prospects for Black women in America. The National Partnership for Women & Families reported that Black women earn 64 cents for every dollar paid to white men. Single Black women have the lowest net worth among all racial and gender groups, having only $100 compared to $7,900 for Black men and $41,500 for single white women, according to Prosperity Now. The median wealth of single white men

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under 35 years old is $22,640, which is 14.6 times greater than the median wealth of single Black men ($1,550), and 224.2 times greater than that of single Black women ($101), according to the Brookings Institution. In the United States, Black women often exist at the intersections of poverty, sexism and racial inequity. And yet still we rise. Black families were able to grow their wealth by 33% between in 2016 and 2019, according to a Federal Reserve report. In Black households more than half (53%) of the breadwinners are working women. One of the ways the gap is being

closed is through entrepreneurship. Black-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment of women-owned businesses with Black women starting businesses at a rate of six times higher than the national average. These businesses employ more than 272,000 workers and generate more than $44.9 billion dollars, according to a Center for American Progress report. This economic impact has happened despite Black communities being consistently overlooked and underinvested in. In fact, rather than waiting for investors and venture capitalists to come knocking, we are self-funding our dreams and making silver spoons out of plastic. Even in the midst of a pandemic and heightened racial tensions, Black women continue to lead the way in the economic recovery. Many Black women, both married and single, are getting serious about their money. They are forming financial clubs, reading books and speaking to their friends about key wealth-building strategies like building their credit, the importance of investing their money wisely in the stock market as well as in alternative markets, and having conversations with their children about fiscal responsibility. These groups are springing up over social media. Groups like the Black Gems of Charlotte and Detroit have come together to empower each other to build wealth. This type of economic sisterhood may just be the key ingredient to walking in the footsteps of the first two self-made Black women millionaires, Madame C.J. Walker and Annie Malone. Members of the Black Gems have seen their credit scores rise, savings accounts increase and new businesses form. The group is even charting a course in business investing by answering the call to become angel investors. These money groups are replicating two very important behaviors of wealth building:

AS photostudio / Jeff Bukowski / Nilnanni200 / OSTILL is Franck Camhi / Shutterstock.com

By Dr. Shanté Williams

Black Women Continue to Build Wealth Despite High Hurdles

cultivating a network that is financially savvy and creating (and reinforcing) a wealth mindset. The Federal Reserve reports that the 11.8 million American millionaires make up about 3.5% of the U.S. population. Just 8% of those millionaires are Black, and the chances of becoming a millionaire for many Blacks is only 6.4%, the report states. These chances improve with age, so if you are not a millionaire just yet, keep in mind that the average age of millionaires is 62. In case you’re looking to become a wealthy woman, here are a few trailblazing, wealth building tips that can help you along the way.

Start a money journal. Write down your money goals and then begin to track how you are spending the money you have. Make notes of habits that take you away from your goals like consumerism and shopping. Labels and trends can drain your bank accounts. Then begin making changes to correct those savings-zapping habits.

Learn, learn, learn. Studies show that people who consume quality financial information are more likely to be wealthy. Be selective in the types of information you consume. Social media may be an easy start, but it may not tell you the full story. Podcasts, magazines, newspapers and books are all great resources. Make sure that you are choosing information that you understand. There’s no need to reach for the most complex information—the goal is to learn and apply.

Find your tribe. You will need like-minded colleagues to help keep you accountable and encourage you along the way. Your tribe should be a safe space. Find a group where you can be open and honest. This may not be your normal circle or the usual suspects. Your tribe may vary in age, profession, marital or parental status, your common bond is wealth.

“ Even in the midst of a pandemic and heightened racial tensions, Black women continue to lead the way in the economic recovery. Many Black women, both married and single, are getting serious about their money.”

Despite the many obstacles and hardships that Black women face, we persistently keep climbing, building and nurturing. We have made strides to attain wealth of our own. While the battle is not won, we can look to the three Black women billionaires — Oprah Winfrey, Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist Folorunsho Alakija, and Angolan businesswoman Isabel dos Santos — who remain fearless in the face of discrimination and naysayers. Sisters can and will do it for themselves. P March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

PrideBusiness by John Burton, Jr.

Linda Hill Is Moving in the Right Direction

hen Linda Hill relocated to Charlotte from Texas a decade ago, she had no idea that she would start her own business. It was a casual conversation she had while working a side gig that would set the trajectory for what would become Move Pack Clean, a moving company that provides comprehensive and personalized relocation services for individuals, families and businesses. “She was a channel of God and the realest person I ever knew,” said John Rogers, a 2011 Davidson College alumnus. After arriving in the Queen City, Hill, 41, struggled for months to find fulltime employment. When she didn’t land an education job that she desperately wanted, the Army veteran wondered what she would do. After going to a client’s home to do some work, Hill recalls hearing, “Oh excuse my house. I can’t clean it.” Without hesitation I told the client, “I can!” It was then that her passion for organizing came alive. One client grew into multiple and cleaning morphed into moving, packing and cleaning. A study conducted by OnePoll found that respondents said moving is more stressful than getting a divorce. Lots of detail-oriented tasks and uprooting from a known environment can make moving an overwhelming job. Since moving and packing can be such a stressful experience, Hill and

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Above: Linda Hill, owner of Move Pack Clean Below: The Move Pack Clean team offers relocation services to residents in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

project is moderation. “Tackle the project little by little because taking it on all at once can be intimidating,” Hill said. Hill said the service Move Pack Clean offers her clients is reliable, professional and affordable. “People are often concerned with hourly workers on the clock because they might just eat up the clock,” she said. “We respect the budget. We treat every client like a close friend or family member,” Hill said. As a veteran, Hill understands the importance of service. “I love being around people who served in the military,” she said. Still, acclimating from the battlefield to civilian life can be difficult for some. Hill, who has hired many veterans, said former military members are often overlooked for employment opportunities. “They know what it means to pivot and serve. It’s their amazing “can-do” attitude that makes me want to hire them,” she said.

her team try to make the process as effortless as possible. “We understand that everything doesn’t come easy for everyone, including moving and cleaning,” she said. Therefore, Hill’s company operates with a judgmentfree mentality. From hoarders to neat freaks, she has experienced it all but without criticizing. “People are at different levels and we are just here to help whatever the case is,” she said. One helpful hint Hill provides for any

When Hill is not organizing someone’s life, she enjoys her downtime. The mom of two loves to travel. “We visited all the U.S. state capitals except for five,” she said. “Our country is so beautiful that you have to get out and experience it.” From military, motherhood, to moving, Hill has tackled each stage of her life successfully. Although some of her challenges were excruciating and rigorous, Hill’s commitment to service in every endeavor deserves a salute. P

FYI News & Notes Compiled by John Burton Jr.

US Developments LLC Donates $50,000 to Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church

US Developments LLC President, Stephen Rosenburgh, (center), delivers a $50,000 donation to Rev. Dr. Dwayne Walker (right). Charlotte City Council member, James Mitchell (left), participates in the ceremony.

US Developments LLC President, Stephen Rosenburgh, donated $50,000 to Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church that will help fund capital improvements and much-needed repairs to systems such as heating and air. “From the food and clothing needs of the homeless to recreational programs for youth and seniors, Little Rock has served the community in many ways over our 137-year history,” said Rev. Dr. Dwayne Walker, pastor of the church. “This generous donation from US Developments comes at the end of a tough year for churches in general due to COVID-19 suspension of in-person worship and meetings, so we are grateful for the unexpected support.” Walker and Rosenburgh met in 2008 while serving together on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commission. During that time, Walker shared plans for helping his community and Rosenburgh has always wanted to help bring that vision to life. The US Developments donation will help do that. “Sometimes it’s the basics, such as mortgages and maintenance, that need funding the most, so we are happy to provide that support to our friends at Little Rock A.M.E Zion Church,” said Rosenburgh. “I’ve always been impressed with Pastor Walker’s leadership, so I know he will be a good steward of these unrestricted funds as he continues to teach, feed and shelter the community.” Little Rock Community Development Corporation is a non-profit formed by Little Rock A.M.E Zion Church and is partnering with Laurel Street Residential on a 105-unit multi-family project that will include 50 affordable housing apartments on land owned by the church at the intersection of North Alexander and East Seventh Streets.

$58 Million Housing Impact Fund Helps Preserve Affordable Housing for 20 Years The Housing Impact Fund, in partnership with Ascent Housing, recently announced its purchase of Lake Mist Apartments, a 144-unit property off Archdale Drive and Old Pineville Road in South Charlotte. In keeping with the fund’s mission to preserve affordable housing in Charlotte, the property will carry a deed restriction that requires the apartments to remain affordable for 20 years. Under the deed restriction, all apartments will be reserved for households earning 80% of the Charlotte area median income (AMI) or less. Twenty percent of the units will go to residents earning 80% to 61% AMI; 45% will go to those at 60% to 51% AMI; 5% will be held for those at 50% to 31% AMI; and 30 percent of the units will go to residents earning 30% AMI or less. In addition, the fund has partnered with local housing assistance program Socialserve, along with Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte, to introduce a new rental subsidy. Financed by taxes to be collected on the property, the program will support the 30% and under AMI residents – those earning less than roughly $20,000 annually – who currently have no form of rental assistance. The fund, which was created in November 2020, thanks to a $58 million investment by several socially minded individuals and corporations, strives to address housing insecurity while facilitating

economic opportunity and upward mobility in Charlotte. This first acquisition is part of the fund’s plan to convert an estimated 1,500 apartments into affordable housing utilizing a strategy called Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) preservation through the purchase and rehabilitation of existing apartment communities in neighborhoods with access to jobs, transit, health care, educational and retail services. “This highly desirable area of South Charlotte, with easy access to the light rail, shopping, restaurants, and other services, has seen the purchase of several other apartment complexes by private equity firms in recent years,” said Nelson Schwab III, managing member of the Housing Impact Fund. None of the existing residents will be displaced from the 35-year-old property as a result of the sale. The fund plans to invest nearly $2 million in upgrades to the community, with the work being led by minority-owned contractor R.J. Leeper Construction. “Affordable housing is the key to opening the doors to economic opportunity,” said Ralphine Caldwell, executive director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Charlotte. “With nearly four out of five Charlotte households earning below $50,000 experiencing housing insecurity, we are excited to be invested alongside key partners that enable opportunities to remove this roadblock to upward mobility.”

CPCC Receives Large JPMorgan Chase Grants Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) received more than $735,000 from JPMorgan Chase to meet community needs for economically mobile career pathways and pandemic-related relief. A $500,000 grant will help the college develop new, fully online training pathways in high-demand IT fields, including cybersecurity, health IT, and forensic

accounting. The funds will provide for course development, instructional capacity, technology and student support services. The second grant of $235,000 to CPCC to provide sub-grants to 11 Mecklenburg County non-profit organizations that are serving Continued on page 55

March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

Yhaovue th e within yo u

to lead

EVEN in the

T DARKEofSda ys.

Praying for other women is a beautiful priceless gift.

KEEP YOUR POWER

nd, Body and our Mi Emo Y r e tion v O . . . s. Convening Our

TALENTED • RESILIENT • INTELLIGENT • BEAUTIFUL • ENCOURAGING • SISTERS

Celebrating Women’s History Month

– Cheryl Emanuel

Celebrating Women’s History Month Open Letter of Encouragement

Dear Sisters; Black women are being disproportionately impacted by coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It is vital that you stay connected, encouraged, and express your feelings and experiences. Women’s History Month is a great time to begin the process of taking care of YOU. If no one has told you, this is who you are: an exquisitely designed creation called Woman — talented, resilient, intelligent, beautiful, encouraging sister (shining inwardly and outwardly).

All of your gifts and talents come from God. Remember, your spiritual health is as important as your physical, mental and emotional health.

As part of T.R.I.B.E.S., we are one half of the human race. Consequently, we carry the load of making this world a better place for future generations.

God molded you to be uniquely born into T.R.I.B.E.S., to be a contributor in making this world a better place for all— starting with you.

Your encouragement has helped others see the good in themselves. You’ve sacrificed so much, and your unconditional love has helped so many. Never doubt your ability to inspire change.

The “T.R.I. B. E.S.” that we speak of are made up of the women of this earth— our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and elders who have helped us along this journey with their wisdom and their love.

– Cheryl S. Emanuel

A Message of Gratitude to Past & Current Women in Public Health YOU LIFT

YOU LEAD WITH

YOU STAND WITH

COURAGE

SACRIFICE

OTHERS

YOU

YOU SHOW

YOU

YOU LEAVE YOUR

TRUTH MENTOR

COMPASSION

YOU

PRAY

LEGACY

“Behind every successful woman are T.R.I.B.E.S. of other women who have sacrificed so that we can be present in this moment.” Save The Date: Convening Our T.R.I.B.E.S. Virtual Conference

March 18, 2021 • Go To: www.VillageHB.org For questions contact Cheryl S. Emanuel, Mecklenburg County Public Health

Office of Community Engagement 704.619.2275. Cheryl.Emanuel@MeckNC.gov

PrideHealth

How to Overcome the Strong Black Woman Syndrome

e strong. Be perfect. Be better than the rest. Be the breadwinner. Be supermom. Be the one who holds it all together for yourself, your family and your community. Be a Strong Black Woman. It can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Historically, Black women have had to push beyond all limitations to keep families together and unified. Currently, Black women are pushing even harder – physically, mentally and socially to model the way for children who did not experience the trials of segregation and Civil Rights. Women are the heads of household in 30% of Black and African-American homes, compared to 9% of white homes, according to the American Psychiatric Association. “Black women often get so caught in ‘doing’ because we have had to keep putting one foot in front of the other in the face of social and racial injustice on top of the typical struggles of women,” said Revella Nesbit, Director of Diversity & Inclusion at Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, a specialized health plan contracted with the state to support 825,000 residents in 20 counties Revella Nesbit who receive Medicaid or are uninsured. “There are so many Black women who displayed this strength: Rosa Parks, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and Harriet Tubman, just to name a few,” she said. Black women have had to endure slavery and abuse, separation from our children and husbands, being labeled as aggressive or as the angry Black woman when we speak our truths, not being trusted – just to name a few,” Nesbit said. The Strong Black Woman Syndrome is “succeeding through the good, the

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bad, the pressures, the obligations, or the feeling that you have to be strong,” Nesbit said, “You have to show very little weakness or vulnerability with the expectation that you are going to get things done no matter what the toll is on the mental, physical and social aspects of who you are.” For Onika Wilson, Vice President of Quality Management for Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, the Strong Black Woman Syndrome is that sense that you have to be everything to everyone and be twice as good as the next person at anything you do. Onika Wilson Wilson’s mother came to the United States from Guyana, South America, to pave the way for the rest of the family. When she had enough money, she sent for them. “My mother came up before us and worked several jobs,” Wilson said. “She did this on her own while my dad stayed behind. There’s this expectation because your mother worked so hard, you have to succeed.” Wilson said often she feels like she is responsible for keeping everything going because of the sacrifices made by previous generations. “You’re responsible for it all,” she said. “You’re responsible for the success or failure of your family and your community because you’re the head of the house in many instances. “There’s also this self-imposed expectation that as brown or Black people – you have to be better than. If everyone is doing 10, you have to do 20. I not only have to show I can do as well as you, I have to do better,” Wilson said. “This expectation transcends the American experience to all cultures but is especially felt by Black women.”

LaDonna Battle, Vice President of Care Management and Population Health, said the pressure for her is feeling as if she has to be perfect and LaDonna Battle an overachiever. “My mom was that superwoman,” Battle said. “She had two girls. She was a divorced mom. As a divorced mom, she taught her two girls that you have to be able to take care of yourself and your family whether you have a man or you don’t have a man in your life.” Her daughters have shown signs of feeling the strong Black woman pressure, too. One recently told her that a bachelor’s degree isn’t enough. She won’t stop until she earns a doctoral degree. Battle said her mother pushed her to aspire to excellence and not to leave anything on the table. “There are no exceptions, no time to be sick. You push through it. You have to work harder and be stronger than the next person because there’s always someone stronger,” she said. All three women say the best way to protect your mental and physical health is to develop a strong network of support — family, friends and colleagues — who you know you can talk to and ask for help when you need it. “I'm a member of an awesome sorority, Delta Sigma Theta,” Battle said. “We give balance to each other. We give support to each other. We pull each other back when we’re on the edge.” Wilson added that learning to put less pressure on yourself while keeping that support group strong is important to protecting your mental health. Nesbit, Battle and Wilson want to show women that despite the struggles that Black women have had to endure, we can triumph and be healthy, whole and successful. P If you need mental health help fast, call **ASK (star-star 2-7-5) from your cell phone or 1-800-939-5911. For more information about Cardinal Innovations, visit www.cardinalinnovations.org.

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 mental health help fast, call ASK (star-star-2-7-5) from your cell phone or 1.800.939.5911. Or visit us online at cardinalinnovations.org. Mental Health | Substance Use Disorders | Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

PrideHealth By Kesh McGee

Why It’s Important to Know Your Blood Type

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Africa Studio / NOTE OMG / Shutterstock.com

n medicine, knowing a patient’s blood type is important, especially when it comes to blood transfusions. With a blood transfusion, blood or part of the blood is collected from one person and is given to another. If the wrong blood types are mixed, it can lead to a clumping of blood cells and that can be potentially fatal. Blood transfusions are typically done in surgeries, during treatments for cancer and anemia, and traumatic injuries. They also can be given to pregnant patients during difficult deliveries. A patient’s blood type also can serve as a guide during medical decisions during pregnancy. Further, knowledge of blood type is important when donating blood. Even if you don’t know your blood type, Maya Franklin, external communications manager at the American Red Cross in Charlotte, says that donors can be notified of their blood types following blood donations when the donors receive their blood donor cards. This information is also available on a donor’s profile on the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Surprisingly, finding out your blood type may not be as easy as calling your doctor or combing through medical records. These efforts typically won’t yield an answer, however, Brian Poirier, M.D., medical director of regional laboratories at Labcorp, suggests you have your health care

PrideBusiness FYI News & Notes (continued from page 49) populations severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funds will help them meet increased demands for services like housing, food, health care, legal assistance and technology among the Charlotte area’s most vulnerable populations. The two grants are the latest in a history of support JPMorgan Chase has provided CPCC. “When JPMorgan Chase comes to a city, one of the first things we do is identify community partners that will help us not only connect with the community, but actually make a long-term and sustainable impact on its residents and their economic mobility,” said Dekonti Mends-Cole, vice president of global philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase. “We found a partner in Central Piedmont Community College,” said Mends-Cole. “Central Piedmont Community College does not just educate students; it also identifies the needs of the surrounding community and provides the tools and the programs to address them,” she said. “We’re pleased to partner with the college to help the residents of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County thrive.” “JPMorgan Chase understands well and supports generously Central Piedmont’s mission of helping students achieve career success and greater economic mobility by providing pathways to skills training that is relevant in our global economy,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, CPCC president. “JPMorgan Chase is a true partner and leader in this community’s work to ensure a greater number of our neighbors get the opportunity and support to build family-sustaining careers. The college and Charlotte region are blessed to have such an intuitive and responsive partner like JPMorgan Chase.” P

provider simply order a blood test. It’s a misconception to assume that your blood type would automatically be included in your lab work or medical records. He says that blood type tests are not run on every sample they receive but only when they receive a specific order from the individual’s health care provider. Also check with your insurance provider because most don’t cover blood type testing. There are at-home tests that can be conducted in the privacy of your home. These blood type tests can be found on Amazon.com for under $20. But if you opt out of pricking yourself and mailing in your blood, donating blood is a simple and effective way to find your blood type. Plus, you’ll be helping someone in need. Maya Franklin says that eligible donors of all blood types are needed to help save lives. Type O blood is the blood group most needed by hospitals but is often in short supply. “Type O negative is the universal blood type and is what emergency room personnel reach for when there’s not time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations,” she said. “Again, all blood types are needed, but if you are Type O negative, in the world of medicine, donating regularly would make you a superhero.” P March-April 2021 | Pride Magazine

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Pride Magazine - 2021 March/April "Women's" Issue

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Realtor® president passionate about affordable housing, racial equity

Jada Grandy-Mock Is Preparing New Paths for Herself, Family and Community