2019 July/August "Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine" by Pride Magazine Online

Charlotte’s Multicultural Resource Magazine 2019-2020

Jyoti’s World Cuisine

Vegan and Vegetarian Food at Its Best ANNUAL BUSINESS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY STARTING ON PAGE 42

EARN REWARDS —— when you —— BUY YOUR FAVORITE ITEMS Download our app or visit foodlion.com to get started today!

Proud supporter of Pride Magazine We have a variety of programs that can help make buying a home more affordable. Affordable Loan Solution® mortgage

America's Home Grant® Program

This home loan offers a 3% down payment with no mortgage insurance required.¹ Income limits may apply.

This lender credit of up to $7,500 can help with nonrecurring closing costs like title insurance and recording fees.

Freddie Mac Home Possible® mortgage

• For Charlotte-area borrowers earning less than $57,040 per year 2

This mortgage offers a 3% down payment and a competitive rate.¹ Income limits may apply.

• Must live in the home as your primary residence and fund the loan with Bank of America

No Lender Origination Fee For a limited time, when eligible homebuyers get a Home Possible, Affordable Loan Solution, VA or FHA mortgage from us, we will waive the Lender Origination Fee. Other fees apply at loan origination. This offer expires on October 31, 2019.³

Contact a Bank of America lending specialist, or visit bankofamerica.com/mortgage today. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply. Fixed-rate purchase loans, primary residences only. Certain property types are ineligible. Maximum loan-to-value (“LTV”) is 97%, and maximum combined LTV is 105%. For LTV >95%, any secondary financing must be from an approved Community Second Program. Homebuyer education may be required. Other restrictions apply. Qualified borrowers must meet eligibility requirements, including, but not limited to, being owner-occupants, meeting certain qualifying income limitations, and purchasing a home within a certain geographical area. Minimum combined loan-to-value must be greater than or equal to 80%. The America’s Home Grant Program is a lender credit. Program funds can only be used for nonrecurring closing costs including title insurance, recording fees, and in certain situations, discount points that may be used to lower the interest rate. No cash back to borrower. The maximum borrower/ co-borrower annual qualifying income limit is 80% of Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) Area Median Income and subject to change without notice. The home loan must fund with Bank of America. Bank of America may change or discontinue the America’s Home Grant Program or any portion of it without notice. Not available with all loan products, please ask for details. 3 You are invited to apply. Your receipt of this material does not mean you have been pre-qualified or pre-approved for any product or service; you must submit additional information for review and approval. This is not a commitment to lend. If you are refinancing to lower your monthly payment or change from a variable-rate to a fixed-rate loan, you should carefully consider the potential increase in the total number of monthly payments and/or the total interest charges paid over the full term of the new refinance loan — especially for borrowers who currently have loan terms less than 30 years. The Waived (or “Zero”) Lender Origination Fee Offer may not be combined with any cash reward, bonus offer or other Lender Origination Fee reduction offer such as Preferred Rewards. The Waived Lender Origination Fee Offer is valid only for eligible loan programs (Freddie Mac Home Possible, FHA, VA or Affordable Loan Solution) on completed first-lien purchase mortgage or refinance applications received between April 15, 2019 and October 31, 2019 that fund with Bank of America. Borrowers must satisfy all pre-application and post-closing requirements. Bank of America offers FHA and VA refinance loans to existing Bank of America home loan clients only. Please note if for any reason the loan does not close (e.g., application is cancelled, declined or withdrawn), you will not receive the benefit of this offer. The Waived Lender Origination Fee will not result in any cash back, reward or credit to the borrower. The Waived Lender Origination Fee offer may be combined with the America’s Home Grant® closing cost program or certain other down payment assistance programs. Offer is non-transferable and is limited to one waived Lender Origination Fee per loan. Bank of America may modify or terminate this offer at any time without notice. Offer does not apply to home equity lines of credit, business or second mortgages. Valid on owner-occupied primary residence or second homes only. Reward offer not valid for Bank of America Private Bank clients or properties in Arkansas, Georgia or Oregon. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Affordable Loan Solution, America’s Home Grant Program, Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. Freddie Mac, Home Possible and CreditSmart are registered trademarks of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), known as Freddie Mac. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ©2019 Bank of America Corporation AD-05-19-0347 | ARX9G4PJ | 05/2019 1

WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT. WE’RE ALL THE SAME. When we need healing, we all want the same thing: expert care, tailored to our unique situation. Because when it comes to healthcare, everyone deserves the best.

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

PROUD TO GIVE BUSINESSES A LIFT CATS is proud to provide opportunities for businesses to create local jobs through the advancement of transit projects. CATS also seeks to create an environment that gives small and socially or economically challenged local businesses the opportunity to compete for publicly funded contracts by participating in the Small Business Opportunity (SBO) and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs. To date, 11 DBE firms have been awarded contracts of over $13 million to help build the CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar. As the major provider of public transportation to Charlotte and the surrounding region, CATS relies on the communities we serve to build and operate the service every day. By working together on these new opportunities, we can all keep our communities moving in the right direction. For more information, visit ridetransit.org.

CATS. YOUR RIDE IS HERE.

HONORED TO SERVE CHARLOTTE

July-August 2019

Departments

10 From the Editor 38 Seen and Scene 39 Calendar of Events 42

nnual Business A Directory

Features 12

yoti’s J World Cuisine A Friedland Family Effort

amino C Community Center Give hopes, hugs and chocolate

ative Americans N Once Thrived Here Learning from the past

ico Amortegui N Connects Through Art

atch A Ride C with Jaunt Charlotte’s newest transportation concept

On the Cover

For these stories and more, visit us on the web! www.pridemagazineonline.com

Features 25

I nternational Celebrations Festivals to look forward to this year

isiting South Africa V Couple goes on an adventure

ultural Diversity C Changing the workplace

trium Aims Toward Supplier Diversity A Meet Les Maginley

ridging the Language Barrier B New school educates next generation

tress Less, Afford More S Tips on buying a new home

A delicious Korean Bibimbap from Jyoti’s World Cuisine. Photo by Jonathan Cooper July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

PINKYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WESTSIDE GRILL

Charlotte. A lot of deliciousness abounds in this flavorful city. From casual, comforting bites to inventive and elevated cuisine, every meal is an exploration of Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evolving identity. Plan your trip at charlottesgotalot.com.

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon

Editor-in-Chief

Lashawnda Becoats

Copy Editor Polly Paddock

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 402 W. Trade St., Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28202 www.pridemagazineonline.com

Copyright© 2019 Pride Magazine All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited. Pride Magazine reserves the right to deny any advertisement, listing or feature that does not meet Pride Magazine standards or that is outside the scope or mission of our magazine. Pride Magazine assumes no responsibility for information, products, services, or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

FromTheEditor

By Lashawnda Becoats

wo of my favorite things in the world are food and travel. Imagine how delighted I was when we decided to highlight Jyoti's World Cuisine for this issue. On a rainy Friday afternoon, we had a chance to visit the east Charlotte restaurant, where we tasted many of the signature dishes from regions around the world, made to perfection as vegan options. Yes, I said vegan, and boy, were we amazed. If you’ve lived in Charlotte for awhile, you may remember Marc and Jyoti Friedland, the husband-and-wife team from their days of owning the now-closed Talley’s Green Grocery. Back then, they were well known for serving fresh, delicious food on the hot bar at the store. Read on page 12 about what the couple has been up to since then, and how this unique concept will surely satisfy many taste buds. In this issue, there are a lot of fun stories. Don’t miss our story about the Native Americans who once lived in the area, on page 17, and a family adventure in South Africa, on page 28. This summer, I hope you’ll eat something mouthwatering, have your own adventures and, most importantly, be safe. Until the next time. Run toward your life, Lashawnda

Lashawnda Becoats Jyoti and Marc Friedland and me inside the restaurant.

@Runtowardyourlife

Correction in the 2019 May/June issue: In the Best of the Best 2019 section on page 31 of the 2019 May/June Business Issue, the photos for the Fifth Third employees were accidentally transposed. Following is the correct placement of the photos. We apologize for this error. The corrected digital version of this section can be found at www.pridemagazineonline.com under the ‘Business’ tab.

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Jyoti’s World Cuisine A Friedland Family Effort By Hope Yancey | Photos by Jonathan Cooper

Feature

yoti and Marc Friedland built a loyal following in Charlotte during the years they owned Talley’s Green Grocery, the natural foods market, café and bakery on East Boulevard that closed its doors in 2008. The market, which was once featured on the Food Network, taught the couple much about operating a small business – and about community involvement, says Marc Friedland, who was the third generation of his family to be in the supermarket business. The decision to close Talley’s was difficult but, with their newfound freedom, the two had time to enter politics. The name recognition from the store followed them. Just weeks after the closure, Marc was elected a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The convention was held in Denver that year, and both Friedlands went. Now they own Jyoti’s World Cuisine, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant with a broad international menu and vegan bakery. It opened in August 2018 on Albemarle Road in east Charlotte, in a renovated space formerly occupied by Woodlands Pure Vegetarian Indian Cuisine. Sitting by the window in the bright, inviting dining room on a weekday afternoon, the Friedlands speak enthusiastically of their civic and political activities. In 2009, Marc ran for Charlotte City Council. He tells the story of a candidates’ event he attended at the Excelsior Club. When he introduced himself as the former owner of Talley’s, he received a standing ovation that surprised him. A few years later, in 2012, it was Jyoti Friedland’s turn to run for office. She ran for the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. And in 2016, Marc ran for a county commission seat. Not long after he filed, Jyoti was diagnosed with breast cancer – her second time – and sought treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

“They listen to you,” she says, explaining how important it is to patients not to have to relinquish all their control and decision-making. One lesson learned, she says, was to open up to friends and allow them to help, rather than keeping her struggle to herself. Friends from politics were a support system. Jyoti is enjoying better health these days. “This is my love. This is my passion. This is my dream,” she says of being chef/owner of their new restaurant. She’s also active in local organizations serving Filipinos, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. As Marc quips, “There’s an old saying, ‘Out of the frying pan and into the fire,’ right? Well, we went from politics to restaurants. So I say, ‘We went out of the fire and into the frying pan.’” The business is a family affair, as daughter, Mainjari, works there. They also have a son, Prabhat. Among the world cuisines on the menu are Ethiopian, Middle Eastern, Italian, Korean and more. It’s a place where one can order anything, from pasta with plantbased sausage to pad thai to Korean bibimbap – don’t fret, the menu explains the mixture of ingredients in this dish, which is served over rice. Customers who remember the Woodlands restaurant will be glad to see Indian food is wellrepresented: Samosa (an appetizer of potato filling and other vegetables, inside a flaky pastry crust), naan bread and dosa (lentil and rice crepe) are just a few choices. The restaurant has its own tandoor oven. Wash your meal down with an Indian mango lassi beverage.

1 Korean Bibimbap in a Dolsot 2 North Indian Thali 3 Samosa

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Jyoti, 64, and Marc, 70, met in the Philippines, Jyoti’s native country. Marc was teaching yoga. Both are longtime vegetarians; their adherence to the diet grew out of their practice of yoga, meditation and ethical considerations. Menu items Jyoti and are vegan with a Marc Friedland vegetarian option, if a customer requests dairy

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

“There’s an old saying, ‘Out of the frying pan and into the fire,’ right? Well, we went from politics to restaurants. So I say, ‘We went out of the fire and into the frying pan.’” - Marc Friedland

4 Pad Thai 5 Cassava Cake 6 Verona Baked Pasta Sausage 14

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

products. Baked goods in the dessert display were originally vegetarian, but the restaurant switched to vegan for those as well, due to customer demand. Vegan baked goods use no animal products; for example, almond or soy milk is substituted for dairy milk. The secret to a light, fluffy cake? Apple cider vinegar and baking soda. Sugar is organic. Reaction from customers has been positive, even customers not following vegetarian or vegan diets. Kimsioux Montgomery and Ceretha Sherrill were dining at the restaurant on this day. Montgomery says she makes sure to order dessert first. She likes the consistent quality of the restaurant’s food. Sherrill cites the “superb” service. “We don’t just want to be known as good vegetarian and vegan food; we want to be known as having good food,” Marc says. “Because if you’re only known as a vegetarian/vegan restaurant, the people who are not vegetarian and vegan won’t come.” Special events have occasionally been part of the restaurant’s offerings. In November, a Thanksgiving Day menu highlighted seitan (a meat substitute made of wheat gluten) and tofu main dishes. Desserts, of course, were vegan pumpkin and apple pies. A vegan speed-dating event in April attracted customers as well. The color red figures prominently in the restaurant, including signage, décor and staff attire. Jyoti likes the emotion the color elicits. In Chinese culture, red is thought to stimulate the appetite, she says. Butterflies are another favorite of hers, and the walls are outfitted accordingly with butterfly decorations. It’s clear that people come to the restaurant for the food, but also for the hospitality of the Friedlands. Some pause by the table where Jyoti and Marc are seated to say hello. Somehow the butterflies, with their symbolism of transformation, hope and life, seem appropriate here in this place, with Jyoti, an effusive hostess and a cancer survivor. To learn more, visit online at worldcuisine.us. Many of the main dishes are $10.99 to $15.99. P

Camino Community Center By Tonya Jameson

adell Price stands ready at the entrance of the food pantry at Camino Community Center in north Charlotte. She and other volunteers warmly greet clients and help them select items from the shelves of packaged goods and coolers of chicken and dairy offerings. The volunteers look like the clients they serve; they are people of color,white and brown; some speak Spanish and are immigrants, including refugees. The pantry is more than a place to get free groceries for someone in need; it’s place to get hope and respect at a time when a person is most vulnerable. “We like to not just give groceries,” said pantry director Bobby Price. “We give dignity.” A trip to the pantry ends with a piece of chocolate and a hug from Price’s mother, Madell. Her hug is symbolic of the love that courses through the entire

Camino Community Center operation. Camino’s campus sits on North Tryon Street behind the Waffle House. It’s tucked down a side street, and most people don’t notice it, but those who need its services find it. Along with the food pantry, Camino has a health clinic and a thrift store. Camino began 15 years ago as a clinic to address the lack of health care available to people without insurance, and also to address the difficulty of navigating medical facilities for people with limited English proficiency. Today, Camino provides full support services to a diverse clientele. Most of its clients are Hispanics, African Americans, immigrants and/or refugees. The organization delineates its work into four categories: • Hope Services – food pantry, homeless feeding program and thrift store • Health Services – health clinic, behavioral health services and health and wellness services • Opportunity Services – civic engagement and education programs

• Events – Back 2 School Children’s Fair that served nearly 1,300 children in 2018, and Christmas gift giveaways. Camino Center executive director Grace Landin Nystrum said a key to Camino’s success is its holistic approach to serving clients. Another advantage is that all of the services are provided on one campus. The entry point for most people is through the health clinic or food pantry, Nystrum said. For example, a person seeking treatment at the health clinic may also need behavioral health services. That screening may uncover that the client needs food or clothing. Another example is that a person seeking help at the health clinic may also need health and wellness programming to mitigate chronic problems such as diabetes. Wellness programming ranges from Zumba classes to nutritional counseling. “It’s basically bringing all of those resources to the community,” Nystrum said. Last year, Camino served 24,000 people, an increase of 4,000 from 2017. Since its inception, Camino has grown and adapted to fit the needs of the community. In March, the homeless feeding program moved its outreach efforts to neighborhoods

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

Feature

Gives Hope, Hugs and Chocolate

surrounding Camino, instead of the uptown shelters, because there was a need outside of the center city area, Nystrum said.

Staff members noticed that sometimes wait times at the clinic were exorbitant, so they reorganized the schedule to help patients get back to work faster. Most of the clients are hourly workers, so they lose money when they aren’t on the job, she said. “Our goal is to get them in and out quickly, so they can go back to work, and to keep them out of the hospital,” she said. The clinic staff turns away about 15-20 people per day because it is at capacity, Nystrum said. This year, Camino added a walk-in services component similar to urgent care. Many of the clients struggle with chronic conditions, but others need crisis assistance to deal with emergencies such as losing a home to fire or fleeing a domestic violence situation. Then there is the immeasurable benefit of giving hope to people who often can’t see themselves or their children being able to thrive here. That’s where the opportunity services come in. For some, it can be as simple as introducing a house cleaner to the affordability of ordering business cards to promote her business.

Ready. For. Anything. Ready to lead. Ready to thrive. Ready for the world. Country Day Ready.

charlottecountryday.org (704) 943-4530

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Or the programming could be the college education seminars that share the basics of how to apply for financial aid. Nystrum said often families don’t discuss college, because either the student doesn’t want to put pressure on the parents, or the parents don’t want to give their children false hope that college is affordable. Later this year, Camino will expand its footprint to Aldersgate Retirement Community’s property in east Charlotte, an area which has a high Hispanic population. There will be a free clinic, behavioral health services, health and wellness services and food pantry services at the Aldersgate location, Nystrum said. Taking the services to the people is likely to help change lives. “We don’t want to enable them,” she says, “ we want to empower them.” At Camino, the empowerment comes with the familiarity of staff and volunteers, who speak the same language, often know the same struggle and can end a visit with a hug and a piece of chocolate. P

Feature

Native Americans Once Thrived Here Courtesy of the Catawba Indian Nation By Tonya Jameson

hen it comes to North Carolina, the state’s rich Native American history is often ignored or forgotten, with the exception of the Eastern Band of Cherokee in the town of Cherokee, home to Harrah’s Casino, with its reservation in the mountains. However, the state actually is home to the largest population of Native Americans east of the Mississippi River and the eighth largest Native American population in the country, according to an article on NCPedia. Eight tribes are recognized by the state of North Carolina, and Cherokee is the only federally recognized tribe in this state. Nearby York County, South Carolina, is home to the Catawba, that state’s only federally recognized tribe. The Catawba once lived in encompassed Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and York counties.

Other tribes in North Carolina Coharie (Sampson and Harnett counties) Lumbee (Robeson and surrounding counties) Haliwa-Saponi (Halifax and Warren counties) Sappony (Person County) Meherrin (Hertford and surrounding counties) Occaneechi Band of Saponi Nation (Alamance and surrounding counties) Waccamaw-Siouan (Columbus and Bladen counties) (Source NCPedia)

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

While Mecklenburg County was predominantly home to the Catawbas, surrounding counties also had thriving Native American tribes. Union County also had Catawba, as well as Waxhaw tribes. The Piedmont region, which encompasses Mecklenburg County, was also home to the Tuscarora and Chowanoc Native Americans. The tribes tended to be farmers, hunters and pottery makers. The Metrolina Native American Association, serving Mecklenburg and

To learn more about the Native American tribes of the Carolinas: The North Carolina Museum of History www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/ american-indian/handouts/timeline The Native American Studies Center www.sc.edu/about/system_and_campuses/ lancaster/study/student_opportunities/ native_american_studies_center/ The Catawba Indian Nation https://catawbaindian.net/the-nation/tribalenterprises.php The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians http://visitcherokeenc.com/ eastern-band-of-the-cherokee/ Lumbee Nation www.lumbeetribe.com/www.crazycrow.com/ site/event/lumbee-homecoming-festival/

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

surrounding counties, is one of four state organizations with legal status to receive services for Native Americans living in urban areas. The organization could not be reached for this story. Genocide and disease decimated most of the region’s population of Native Americans hundreds of years ago. Today, the most prominent tribes are the Cherokee, Lumbee in eastern North Carolina and Catawba, with a reservation in neighboring York County. “We’re still here,” said Alex Osborn, digital engagement specialist for the Catawba nation. “We want to preserve our culture.” The Catawba reservation is on Tom Stevens Road in Rock Hill. The reservation has a housing program, childcare facilities, a seniors’ program, a computer lab and transit services available on the reservation. The Catawba were federally recognized in 1993. The tribe was initially known for its pottery, but in the mid-1990s, the tribe received more local attention as it campaigned for and eventually won federal approval to host bingo gambling. The tribe discontinued bingo in 2002, after losing revenue with the arrival of the South Carolina State Education lottery. In May, the tribe resurrected its annual Yap Ye Iswa Festival after it was dormant for more than a decade. “This is a festival for us to share our culture together and with the community around us,” Osborn said. “We’re working to make a bigger push to let people know that we are here. (And to) educate people with our culture and how we have interacted with the community.” In the past, the free festival featured Catawba drummers and dancers performing authentic songs and dances. For the tribe, the festival was an opportunity to revitalize its once vibrant culture and share it with the public. For the rest of us, festivals such as this are our only glimpse into a part of our heritage that now lives mostly in documentaries or stereotypes in movies and TV shows. P

Fouth Annual Day of Service August 24, 2019

Using History to Build Community Tour an Exhibit Attend a Program Become a Member experience the stories of charlotte in a new way! Levine Museum of the New South 200 E. Seventh St. | Charlotte, NC w w w . mu se u mo ft h e n e ws o u t h. o r g

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

Photo by Hope Yancey

Feature

Nico Amortegui Connects Through Art By Hope Yancey

Photo by Hope Yancey

1 A colorful and eclectic home studio behind his house in Charlotte is where artist Nico Amortegui makes many of his paintings and other artwork. 2 A cardboard sculpture he created hangs from the ceiling in the home studio of Charlotte artist Nico Amortegui. Photo by Hope Yancey 3 “The Catawba Girls,” a new work by Charlotte artist Nico Amortegui, is on display at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It pays tribute to the Catawba tribe of Native Americans and also references the Catawba River. 4 Charlotte artist Nico Amortegui has been learning how to make ceramics at Clayworks, a local clay organization that offers classes, programs and events. 5 Charlotte artist Nico Amortegui poses in his home studio with a painting in progress depicting mermaids, a theme of some of his works of art. 20

rtist Nico Amortegui creates murals, other large-scale paintings and sculptures constructed of wood, cardboard and found objects. He has recently begun learning to make ceramics, such as dishes and Africaninspired masks. He might produce 30 ceramic pieces in a week. In a good week, he might make two or three paintings. Amortegui is working on ceramics at Clayworks, a local organization that offers classes, programs and events. He received word earlier this year that he had been awarded a 2019 Creative Renewal Fellowship from the Arts and Science Council, to immerse himself in the techniques of indigenous people in Oaxaca, Mexico, who make textiles and ceramics using traditional methods. “I was in shock when I got it. I’m still in shock,” he says. The award is intended to allow him to spend 10 days studying the craft. “I’m pretty sure I cried at one point,” Amortegui recalls, remembering the phone call from the ASC. Amortegui, 41, is a native of Colombia, and came to the United States as a teenager. While clay is new to him, he does have a familial connection from having helped his mother sell wares on the streets of Bogota, the capital city of Colombia. He hails from a family of artists and creators, including an uncle in Colombia, Pablo Zapata, who has painted for at least 35 years. On this morning, Amortegui is working in the eclectic, paint-spattered studio behind his house in a neighborhood not far from the intersection of Eastway and Shamrock drives. Zapata, 53, is in town for a spring visit and works outside on two paintings of his own.

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Family is a vital influence on Amortegui’s creativity: His wife, Laine, assists with grant applications and in other ways. “We’re like a team. Basically, I just create the work, and she just makes sense out of what I try to say,” he notes. Daughters Lucca, 9, and Petra, 6, often are in his thoughts, and he thinks about how they will view his art. He describes them as transporting him “back into a childhood state of mind.” Their playfulness is part of the mind-set from which he wants to create, he says. Empowerment of women and girls is among the themes that find expression in his work. It’s present in “The Catawba Girls,” one of two new works Amortegui was commissioned to paint for installations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Concourse B. The work pays tribute to the Catawba tribe of Native Americans and the Catawba River. In creating it, Amortegui, who is a self-taught painter, considered the effects different colors have on the brain and what might be relaxing for children traveling with parents. The other mural reveals Amortegui’s fascination with mermaids and the folklore and mythology surrounding them. The title, “We are All on the Same Plane(t),” employs a play on words befitting a work of art designed for an airport. The mermaid he depicts is rich in symbolism. “Charlotte, to me, is a mother,” he says, noting that residents move to the city to start families and open businesses, just as a mother gives life. Audiences who see his art may be surprised to learn that Amortegui does not sketch his paintings ahead of time, preferring to work spontaneously. When he was requested to provide advance sketches of what the airport works would

Photo courtesy of Nico Amortegui

Photo by Hope Yancey

look like, Amortegui instead presented two prototype paintings, already 60 to 70 percent finished. These samples later evolved into other paintings, once the projects he was doing for the airport were completed. There are political undertones in his work, but they’re subtle, not strident. If he’s going to change someone’s perspective, he explains, it will be by showing them a connection through his art. He wants to “be a little political without being so political,” he says. About five or six years ago, Amortegui was at a market with a portrait he painted of then-President Barack Obama. A woman stopped and professed her intense dislike for Obama. For some reason, the woman favored the painting itself, even if the subject matter was not to her liking. He was hesitant at first about the sale. She bought the painting. The customer has stayed in touch since. Amortegui calls the experience one of the “most powerful moments at that point in my life as an artist.” His paintings are as colorful as ever, and growing even brighter. He loves the beautiful blues, yellows and oranges of Mexican folk art. Amortegui’s works range in price from $200 to approximately $20,000. Drawings are $200 to $800; paintings start at $800. To reach more people and make his artwork accessible, he sometimes offers original art on Facebook for a price of $50. Reflecting the esteem he has for teachers, in 2018 he held a raffle for a painting centered on the “March for Students and Rally for Respect” in Raleigh. How does Amortegui know when a painting is finished? “It just feels right,” he says. To learn more, visit nicoarte.com. P

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

Feature

CATCH A RIDE with Charlotte’s Newest Transportation Concept

By Angela Lindsay

f you’re ever in need of a quick trip around town, just wave down one of the multicolored vehicles that resemble a cross between a bubbleshaped electric car and a minivan. The company is called Jaunt—a local company providing locals with free short rides to area locales. The idea for Jaunt came to founder E. J. Drayton while he was playing professional basketball abroad in 2010. “They had a similar concept near my apartment that took me to practice, grocery store, etc. They used different vehicles, of course, and charged a certain fee depending on how many blocks you wanted to go,” he says. “Also,

it was very convenient, entertaining and, most important, cheaper than a taxi.” Drayton says that in 2013, he began noticing other companies in the United States offering a similar service, and the “positive impact they were having on their city and neighborhoods.” So, in 2016, he decided to retire from basketball and take a leap of faith and start Jaunt. “The word jaunt means a short journey, and that’s exactly what we do. We're a final mile solution that helps connect neighborhoods, transit, shops and other local businesses within uptown, NoDa, South End, Plaza Midwood and the metropolitan area,” he explains. “(Final mile simply means) we

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

connect people for that last leg of their travel—whether they have meetings in different buildings or they need a ride from the transit station or a parking lot to their favorite restaurant. Our final mile solution takes pride in helping people feel comfortable (leaving) their cars parked and still be able to get around in Center City. Drayton felt that Charlotte was the perfect place to start his business for one major reason—this is where he was born. With the city growing so fast, he knew there was a need for this type of service and “wanted to get in early.” “No matter what, this (will) always be my home and (the place) I'm familiar with the most. I’ve seen the

growth firsthand, and understand the challenges that the city faces and will face in years to come. As the city grows, so will the carbon footprint due to traffic congestion,” he says. “At the rate uptown is growing, parking and connectivity within the uptown neighborhoods will be an issue for time to come. So, our final mile solution was the perfect fit.” Jaunt vehicles are 100 percent electric “e-vehicles” that hold up to five passengers each. The service is free and is sustained by partnering with local and national for-profit and nonprofit companies whose brand or service is “wrapped” onto the e-vehicles to spread those companies’ initiatives at the street level while the cars zip around town. “All our drivers are brand ambassadors that take time out to make sure they know where the coolest eats, bars or entertainment spots are in uptown. So, even though the rides are free, tips are appreciated and keep our drivers buzzing!” Jaunt’s e-vehicles operate Monday through Thursday from 11a.m. to 8 p.m and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. They don’t run on Sunday. They focus on the busiest times in uptown, when people need to go to meetings, home or to grab a quick bite to eat without the hassle of finding parking or having to pay for additional parking if they move their cars. “Also, it gives the brands that are wrapped on our e-vehicles prime-time exposure during the heaviest foot traffic,” Drayton adds.

Interested riders can wave down a Jaunt vehicle if they see one or get in contact with Jaunt drivers by texting their location and number of riders to 704-980-2742. The text alerts all Jaunt drivers, and one will respond with his/her arrival time. Drayton says he is working on an on-demand app, similar to those of Lyft and Uber, that should be ready in mid-summer or early fall. In addition, Jaunt plans to double its fleet this summer and “really start pushing the Jaunt brand out to help grow.” So far, Drayton says the feedback has been nothing but “amazing,” leading to the decision to focus on expanding the fleet in uptown. As far as that leap of faith Drayton took in 2016, he says he would have taken it sooner, knowing what he knows now. “Starting a business is by far the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, but I love every minute of it,” he says. The first two years have been a learning curve, he adds, as bringing something to the city that has never been done before has its advantages and disadvantages. However, his outlook for the company’s future is positive, particularly given the assistance he’s received from the community: “I’m truly blessed to have a few city officials believe in my journey and push the Jaunt brand. With their support and guidance, I feel confident that I’m making strides in the right direction.” P

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

SPONSORED CONTENT

PRIDE Talks with Michelle Outlaw, President & CEO of First Legacy Community Credit Union By: Nikelle Fesperman

Michelle Outlaw is a native North Carolinian who has been leading First Legacy for 3 years. She is a graduate of N.C. A&T and received her MAFM from Keller Graduate School of Management. Michelle is very passionate about her role and is working hard to bring awareness to the community about the credit union and the abundance of products and services it offers. Any individual who lives, works, worships or goes to school in any of the following counties can become a member: Mecklenburg, Rowan, Iredell, Cabarrus, Catawba, Alexander, Davie, Gaston, Cleveland, and Lincoln counties.

Can you give us a brief history of First Legacy?

First Legacy began in 1941 as a federal chartered credit union called School Workers Federal Credit Union. It was created to serve African Americans who could not go into mainstream financial institutions. It later became a state chartered credit union making it accessible to anyone in the 10-county footprint.

How would you describe your job?

I’m a strategic planner and overseer of First Legacy. I make sure we plant the seeds and position the organization for longevity. Today people have choices, but it’s also my job to make sure we preserve our heritage and that we create a legacy that’s lasting and that people can be proud of.

What’s the process of becoming a member?

Anyone in the 10 counties can join. Pay a membership fee of $20 for a

share account and that opens you up to all of our products and services.

What is one major challenge faced by First Legacy?

At the present moment, we are trying to appeal to 5 different generations. We have to make sure that we have the products, services and delivery channels that appeal to each group. For instance, the baby boomers are accustomed to checks. Traditionalists are more accustomed to money orders and cashier’s checks. Generation X prefers debit cards, and you have millennials who are now using mobile apps and online banking. With having small resources, we have to figure out how to spread those resources across the five generations we are trying to attract.

Given the growth of technology, what changes has First Legacy made to better serve its customers? We have introduced our interactive teller machines (ITMs) which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a

Michelle Outlaw

week. ITMs are ATMs with a live component that allows you to speak to a teller. We also have remote deposit capture which works in conjunction with our online banking. Whether at home or on the go, just snap a picture of a check and have it deposited into your account.

What’s on the horizon for First Legacy?

We are going to have deposit rate specials coming up over the next few months. Also, we will be on a shared branching network. Shared branching allows you to go to other financial institutions that are on the shared branching network and handle your transactions. It is my job to see that the credit union survives another 78 years, but we need your loans and deposits to do that. We want people to come and grow with us to make sure we have a long-lasting history. Learn more at: www.firstlegacyccu.org

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

By Kayla Becoats

n Charlotte, diversity is like a cornerstone. It works in harmony with differing components of a singular foundation to connect people, places, ideas and, most importantly, communities. In honor of Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich diversity, here are a few festive celebrations that embody our assorted cultural principals.

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

Feature

International Celebrations to Look Forward to This Year

Viva Venezuela Festival July 6-7

Charlotte Colombian Festival July 27

Hosted at the Midwood International & Cultural Center, the Viva Venezuela Festival is a celebration of Venezuela’s rich heritage. Those in attendance can expect to participate in vibrant cultural traditions, eat festive cuisine, and jam alongside live musical performances from the Grammy- nominated band Desorden Público and various other acclaimed Venezuelan talents. As they say in Venezuela, ‘¡Viva Venezuela!’ 3 p.m. Purchase your tickets at VivaVenuezuelaFestival.com for $25.

Both cultural and contemporary facets of Colombian culture converge at Symphony Park for the Colombian Festival. Attendees can expect to be immersed in live music, authentic Colombian food and cultural art. Hosted by the Carolina Multi-Cultural Connection, this event promises to promote and preserve Colombian culture. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. For more information, visit MeetUp.com/ Carolina-Multi-Cultural-Connection/

PA R

Hola Charlotte Festival

October 12 SEPTEMBER 24. 2016 Presented by Norsan Media, the Seventh Hola Charlotte Festival promises to 10AMannual - 6PM

be even bigger and better than ever. The Heritage event in Charlotte features two stages for performances by CHECK OUT CHARLOTTEʼS LONGEST RUNNING INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL, HOSTED BY UNC nationally acclaimed entertainers, a Latin CHARLOTTE AND CELEBRATE VIBRANT PEOPLE, PLACES, AND CULTURES FROM ALLcultural OVER THEvillage representing 15 America GLOBE. SEE THE WORLD IN A DAY AS YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY ARTS, CRAFTS, Latin COSTUMES, different American countries, street FOOD, MUSIC, AND DANCE FROM OVER 50 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES INart A MARKETPLACE STYLE. food and beverages. 12 and authentic Entry into the festival, which will be IFEST.UNCC.EDUp.m. I 704.687.7755 hosted in uptown Charlotte is free. For more HELPER ANIMALS ONLY information, visit HolaCharlotteFestival.com. Barnhardt Student Activity Center 9201 University City Blvd. largest Hispanic

Charlotte French Festival July 14 For the third year in a row, the Charlotte French Festival invites families and their canines to celebrate the best aspects of French culture. Attendees will be able to indulge in plenty of crepes, pastries and wines, while bobbing their heads to live music and strolling through a French-style market. Rain or shine, bring the family out to embrace and enjoy French culture. General admission is $5. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. For more information, visit CharlotteFrenchFestival.com.

INTERNATIONAL UNC Charlotte’s

FESTIVAL ESTABLISHED 1975

International Festival September 21 This free, family-oriented event is celebrating its 44th year. Wander through a marketplace full of culture, with more than 50 nations represented. Attendees have the opportunity to play cultural games, watch performances and purchase an assortment of goods from all across the world in their own backyard. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, contact UNC Charlotte’s Office of International Programs at 704-687-7755

CineOdyssey Film Festival July 18-20 For the annual CineOdyssey Film Festival, the power of film unites diverse audiences, ideas and people. Featuring cinematic masterpieces by filmmakers of color, ranging from African to Native American, each respective film is bound by the commonality of themes pertaining to race, class and gender. This two-day event will take place at the Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts, and also features workshops, panel discussions and celebrated guest speakers. Tickets range from $15-$75. For more information, visit CineOdysseyFest.org.

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

The 25th Annual Festival of India October 12-13 The country India has a population of a billion people. As a result, its culture is made up of a vast number of religions and ethnicities and cultures. In Charlotte, the Festival of India celebrates its 25th anniversary at Belk Theater. Every year, approximately 20,000 people attend, to taste Indian delicacies, purchase cultural souvenirs, and immerse themselves in Bollywood dance forms. The goal of such a rich experience is to foster an understanding of Indian culture and how it enriches Charlotte. Rain or shine, general admission is $7. 12 p.m. For more information, contact info@indiafest.net. P

FUN,

EVENTS

FOOD

ALL AR E

MECKLENBURG COUNTY PARK & RECREATION

IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE 2019

Summer Sizzle CONCERT

SERIES

ALL SUMMER

Sized just right, just for you. With just the right view. The Deerwood at Sharon Towers is where SoHo chic meets your new carefree lifestyle. Since you’re in the heart of SouthPark, everything is nearby — shopping, great restaurants and entertainment. Your terrace-view apartment combines urban sophistication

Freedom Park Freedom Jazz Series

with safety and security. But don’t delay. Call or visit our website today for the best selection.

Romare Bearden Park Party in the Park & Bearden Music Series First Ward Park Sounds of Summer Series For schedule & bands visit UPTOWNCHARLOTTEPARKS.COM

Learn more at SharonTowers.org or call Cynthia McCullough at 704.553.3807. Fresh Summer Rolls 5100 SHARON ROAD | CHARLOTTE, NC | 28210

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

Feature 1

Adventure in I

SOUTH AFRICA By Angela Cureton

1 Matetsi welcome wagon 2 Angela and Jesse at Matetsi River Lodge, Zimbabwe 3 Victoria Falls 4 Cape Town 5 Jesse at Llandudno, Cape Town 6 Angela and Jesse and Boulders Beach, Cape Town 7 The group on a game drive, Matetsi Game Reserve 8/9 Resident of Matetsi Game Reserve 10 Angela and friends, Table Mountain, Cape Town 28

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

magine an enormous elephant greeting you at your front door. Imagine seeing stately giraffes strolling among the trees as your plane approaches the runway. Imagine a copious rain that is actually mist from the world's greatest waterfall. Imagine a ravenous lion a few feet from you, dining on the remains of an unfortunate zebra (just remember, circle of life!). Imagine vibrant cities full of entertainment, businesses, shopping and dining. Imagine timeless harmonies and rhythms that touch your soul, and make you feel you’re back at Big Momma’s church on Gospel Choir Sunday. Imagine people, still deep in struggle, but proud of how far they’ve come and where they’re going. You have imagined South Africa. Last spring, my husband, Jesse, and I visited South Africa with friends. We embarked on this trip at the very enthusiastic recommendation of two of our companions, who had traveled there previously. Jesse and I have always wanted to visit Africa, the “Homeland,” to see the natural wonders, varied wildlife and people who look like us, in the land they’ve called home forever. We wanted to visit the land of the struggle and triumph of Nelson Mandela. South Africa was our first visit to the African continent.

The first stop on our trip was Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. We rested, dined, and toured the Apartheid Museum while there. Our next stop was to the Madikwe Game Reserve, near the Botswana border. We knew this was going to be special; as our small plane approached the reserve, we could see several giraffes, their heads high above the trees. The staff of the Morukuru Farm House greeted us with warm smiles and melodious harmonies. We enjoyed several game drives into the bush in an open Jeep, and saw many animals in their natural habitat, including lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras and giraffes. From Madikwe, our travels took us to Cape Town. In our villa in the suburb of Llandudno, we enjoyed a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. Highlights of Cape Town included the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point of the African continent; Table Mountain; Robben Island (one of three prisons in which Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years); Boulders Beach and the penguin colony that lives there. Our travels next took us to the Winelands, to a town called Franschoek. Here, we enjoyed a beautiful area not unlike Napa Valley in California. However, in the Winelands, baboons scampered along the roadways. Surrounded by vineyards,

peacocks and breathtaking mountain views, our hotel was luxury nestled into the beautiful countryside. In addition to visiting several wine estates, we enjoyed fine dining. Our adventure next took us to the Matetsi Victoria Falls River Lodge and Private Game Reserve, set on the Zambezi river, in Zimbabwe. This lodge was located within the game reserve, and required a staff escort at night. The animals that lived within the reserve were at home, and free to roam. As we were settling into our lodge, we were greeted by an elephant, who walked up to the front door to get a good look at Jesse. At night, we could hear the “serenade” of hippos and other reserve inhabitants outside. We embarked on several game drives with the staff of the Matetsi, and with their expert guidance, we were able to observe the “Big Five”: lion, elephant, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo and the elusive leopard. Our final adventure took us to Victoria Falls, just 25 miles downriver. The falls are known by locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders”. Surrounded by lush rain forest, a spray of water like a drenching rainfall, vibrant rainbows and the thunderous roar of the falls, Victoria Falls is deservedly known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural world. Our trip to South Africa was everything we imagined, and more. We will return without hesitation. P

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

Benefits of Cultural Diversity in the Workplace

By Angela Lindsay

Feature

he term “cultural diversity” gets thrown around a lot these days, but what exactly does that mean? Most people would think of factors such as age, race and gender. However, it can also include factors such as religion, gender identification, sexual orientation and language. “By hiring people with different personalities and at varied stages of their career, it can help to foster creativity and offer a range of perspectives and ideas” (theundercoverrecruiter.com.). Cultural diversity, according to thestudy.com, is a form of appreciating the differences in individuals, and companies have realized the value in acquiring a diverse workforce. The next question is why should workplaces implement it? Here are just some of the major benefits of doing so:

Increased Creativity and Innovation When employees work alongside people of different backgrounds, experiences and working styles, creative concepts can be born from workers bouncing ideas off of each other and offering feedback and suggestions. Whereas one person may be great at generating exciting, out-of-the-box ideas, another individual may have the necessary experience to execute them; so it is essential to play on individuals’ strengths and have them collaborate with others on the team. (theundercoverrecruiter.com). Cultural diversity in the workplace increases creativity among teams, and offers a more diverse set of solutions to specific problems. With so many different and diverse minds working together, many more solutions will arise, as every individual brings in his or her personal way of thinking, operating and

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

solving problems and making decisions. Companies that encourage diversity in the workplace inspire all of their employees to perform to their highest ability (inside.6q.io).

Language Skills That Can Open Doors Language barriers and cultural differences can be obstacles for a company wanting to expand its business overseas; however, hiring employees who speak different languages can make it possible for a company to work on a global basis and interact with a broader client base. Employing a number of nationalities within a company can also help make it more relatable. (theundercoverrecruiter.com).

Increased Profits Forty-eight percent of companies in the United States with more diversity

at the senior management level improved their market shares in 2012, while only 33 percent of companies with less diverse management reported similar growth, according to a 2013 Center for Talent Innovation survey. This may be in part to global business trends, and the benefits of language diversity. For example, with the rise of companies doing business in China, a company might hire employees fluent in Mandarin to increase the company’s reputation in Chinese communities. This could result in an increase in sales, and resulting in improved profits. (inside.6q.io).

Increased Talents, Skills and Experiences Individuals from diverse backgrounds can offer a selection of different talents, skills and experiences that may be of benefit to the organization and its work performance. Though some crossover of skills can be beneficial when it comes to employees assisting each other, it’s important to hire people with the appropriate skills to fit each of the roles within the company. A variety of skills and experiences among the team members also means that employees can learn from each other. (theundercoverrecruiter.com).

Cultural diversity is a form of appreciating the differences in individuals, and companies have realized the value in acquiring a diverse workforce. (thestudy.com)

benefit of creating a tighter, more invested community among workforce members (entrepreneur.com). When companies recruit from a diverse set of potential employees, they are more likely to hire the best of the best for the industry. In an increasingly competitive economy in which skills and talents are crucial to improving the company, putting together the most diverse set of candidates is increasingly necessary to succeed in the market. Studies also show that job seekers are often drawn to companies with diverse

High Turnover Avoidance According to the U.S. Labor Department, more people are quitting their jobs now than they have since 2008, meaning retention should be top of mind for managers. The Glass Door survey, a company review and employment search site, found that 57 percent of people surveyed think their companies should be doing more to increase diversity in their workforces. Most business owners know that when an employee leaves, finding and hiring a replacement can be an extremely expensive process. In many cases, a lack of diversity can create an unintentionally hostile environment for those who feel that they don’t fit in. With the current job market bouncing back, many people are now considering their options in a way they haven’t in six years. Rather than dealing with turnover rates that could become increasingly high as communities become more inclusive, make a commitment to creating a diverse and discriminationfree work environment at your company. Successful companies create internal programs, resources and networking groups after listening to employees and supporting efforts they're interested in. This not only supports diversity, but also has the added

workforces, because it is publicly obvious that these companies do not practice employment discrimination. (inside.6q.io).

Improved Company Reputation Companies that recruit and encourage individuals from a wide range of backgrounds generally gain a reputation for being good employers. Also, potential clients often feel more valued and thus give more business to these organizations. A diverse collection of skills and experiences allows a company to provide service to customers on a global basis, because the company is able to relate to and understand their clients better. (LinkedIn.com).

Improved Insights and Reduced Racism By enjoying a more culturally diverse workforce, it is often found that employees who enjoy a more diverse workforce end up spending more time with people from cultural backgrounds to whom they are often never exposed. The end result of this is that employees learn new cultural insights and this in turn, reduces negative emotions such as racism, homophobia, sexism and the like. P

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden celebrates its 20th anniversary with an awe-inspiring, larger-than-life botanical glass exhibit, Grandiflora: Gamrath Glass at the Garden. Guests will be mesmerized by hundreds of pieces of glass making up dozens of installations by Seattle-based artist Jason Gamrath. Towering 10-foot orchids, vivid pitcher plants, energetic Venus flytraps and more will be on display.

Grandiflora by Day Daily, May 24 – Sept. 29 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Grandiflora by Night Thursday – Sunday May 30 – Sept. 29 6 - 10 p.m.

6500 S. New Hope Road Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-4490 www.DSBG.org

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

Charlotte Latin School Young Alumni Spotlight

Christian Mackey �14, Morehouse College �18 Christian embodies Latin’s vision to educate students in the importance of learning, citizenship, service to others, hard work and Honor Above All. Christian is currently employed as a Private Equity Analyst with BDT Capital Partners where he is responsible for transaction analysis and execution of investments and advisory assignments. Some of Christian’s noteworthy accomplishments at Morehouse include: • Graduating as the top Finance Major • Receiving the Presidential Scholarship and serving as a Presidential Ambassador • Induction into Beta Sigma Gamma • Being awarded the Nielsen Scholarship and the Delta Airlines/Joseph E. Lowery Scholarship • Interning with Goldman Sachs as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst • Serving as Director of the Morehouse Business Association Academic Year Protégé Program Director • Being elected Class Treasurer for Sophomore and Junior years While at Charlotte Latin School, Christian was a multi-sport athlete, having participated in football, lacrosse, wrestling and track and field. We are Hawk Proud and celebrate Christian’s continued personal and professional success.

Interested in learning what Charlotte Latin School can do for your child? Call today to learn more and to schedule a tour: 704.846.7207.

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

By Angela Lindsay

“

upplier Diversity” it’s a phrase that gets tossed around quite a bit in the corporate realm, and for good reason. Most diverse businesses – minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses --are small businesses, and they will help boost the economic mobility and sustainability within our communities. This is according to Les Maginley, and he should know, as Atrium Health’s new vice president of supplier diversity. He says supplier diversity is an important

strategy for his company to implement, now more than ever. In this role as of January 2, Maginley, 48, is responsible for ensuring the inclusion of diverse suppliers in Atrium’s procurement process. He identifies diverse suppliers, and builds within the organization a supplier base that is a representation of its patients and teammates. The concept is a compelling one, to be sure. But exactly how does Atrium plan to energize its focus on supplier diversity? Maginley points to several concrete examples:

1 to actively do business with certified/qualified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises ( MWVBE) that can provide competitive, high-quality goods and services, whose business models align with their business strategies; 2 to ensure the inclusion of MWVBEs as a part of Atrium Health’s strategic sourcing and procurement processes; 3 to communicate the value of supplier diversity, both internally and externally, to all stakeholders; and 4 to understand and enhance the economic impact of supplier diversity within the region and beyond. A 2009 Pew Research study found that while minority-owned firms made up 41 percent of all companies in the United States, they only took in 10.9 percent of overall revenue. However,

Feature

Atrium Aims Focus Toward Supplier Diversity

“Studies have shown that organizations who actively pursue a diverse supply chain achieve higher cost savings, which can be used to help bridge the gap within the communities of the underserved”.

- Les Maginley

procurement and supply managers are leading the charge to address the issue, with diversity spending now firmly on the agenda, and rising every year. Reversing the contributing factors has led to a more inclusive focus on overall value, including social benefits, over cost, flexible and scalable policies and criteria for suppliers. There is also a recognition that the strongest business relationships are often made with smaller, more diverse, suppliers. (procurious.com) July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

“We believe supplier diversity needs to be a representation of our local communities. Our patients and teammates expect a fully diverse and inclusive environment, and that includes our suppliers." - Les Maginley Maginley says that supplier diversity brings its own set of benefits to an organization such as Atrium Health, its patients, employees and its bottom line. It does so by providing multiple channels from which to procure goods and services, displaying Atrium’s commitment to doing business with diverse suppliers, allowing Atrium to take advantage of new opportunities for business expansion, with emergence of new patient needs based upon shifting demographic realities. It also showcases Atrium’s interest in and commitment to economic growth within local communities, driving competition (on price and service levels) between Atrium’s existing and potential suppliers, creating jobs and increasing wealth generationally, which influences the health and vitality of communities. While supplier diversity is firmly entrenched in the corporate landscape, with most companies having striven to increase their diverse spending for years,

or even decades, many minority, woman-, LGBTQ-, veteran- and disabled-owned enterprises are ready to expand their businesses. But they aren’t being noticed by companies that can benefit from their services, as reported by CVM Solutions, a Kroll company and leading provider of supplier diversity technology, data and services. Companies failing to realize the impact of this are possibly fostering an outcome detrimental to their futures. “Studies have shown that organizations who actively pursue a diverse supply chain achieve higher cost savings, which can be used to help bridge the gap within the communities of the underserved,” Maginley says. He adds that the implementation of a supplier diversity initiative will be successful when “it becomes an expectation as opposed to a goal.”Atrium “is regarded as one of the top supplier diversity programs in the nation;” he says, “(because) the diversity of its

WINDSOR RUN OFFERS SENIOR LIVING WITH

suppliers mirrors the diversity of its patients and community, and …the program can directly impact job creation in local communities.” Additional studies have shown that organizations that have strong supplier diversity programs ultimately see a 133 percent higher return on their investments and spending, on average, less than 20 percent on purchasing, he says. “We believe supplier diversity needs to be a representation of our local communities,” he adds. “Our patients and teammates expect a fully diverse and inclusive environment, and that includes our suppliers. So, for a system like Atrium Health, supplier diversity is just good business. And when we are good stewards with our finances, we are even better able to reinvest in our communities, which is what our mission—to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing for all—is all about.” P

The

Two bedroom, two bath

HAWTHORNE

STYLE

Opens to patio or balcony 6’6” x 11’6”

Spring into a vibrant retirement at Windsor Run, the premier senior living community in Matthews. Here, you’ll enjoy an independent lifestyle free from maintenance and filled with resort-style amenities.

Living Area 19’6” x 12’0”

Bedroom 14’6” x 10’9”

Call 1-800-983-7609 for your free brochure.

Bedroom 15’6” x 11’6”

Closet

Walk-In Closet DW

Linen

Bath Kitchen

Matthews | WindsorRunCommunity.com 10928558

13352135

Closet

Pantry

Bath

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Date

Entrance Deposit

Monthly Service Package

Feature Laura, smiling dressed in EVA T-shirt.

From left to right: Tyler Naovarath, 10, Imani Washington, 10, and Naythan Guaman 10. Fourth graders at East Voyager Academy.

New School Educates The Next Generation Of Mandarin Chinese Speakers By LaShawn Hudson

ost parents teach their children not to talk to strangers, but Alicia Miller is often overjoyed when her two young daughters do it. The west Charlotte mother says that,without fail, when they go out in public, Laura, 6, and Kiera, 3, usually start impromptu conversations. “My girls love to go up to people who they think speak Chinese and talk to them,” gushes Miller, 37. “They love to talk with them in Chinese. People usually find the act endearing; their faces light up.” Her girls are among a diverse mix of 125 students who attend East Voyager Academy (EVA), a tuition-free public charter school in west Charlotte that teaches students how to read, write and speak the Chinese language of Mandarin. It’s reportedly the first school in North Carolina to offer a full Chinese immersion program. It

Kiera, smiling before school.

Bridging the Language Barrier currently shares facility space with Harvest Church Charlotte on a campus tucked away in a cul-de-sac, across the street from West Mecklenburg High School. “We are one of a few elementary schools in Charlotte that teaches two languages,” says school principal Timothy Murph. “We are not just teaching language here;, that’s a misconception; we are teaching math and science through language.” Eight years after its sister school, East Point Academy, opened in Columbia, EVA opened its school doors in August of 2018, in what is now a growing mixed African American and Latino neighborhood. Board members say 75 percent of classroom instruction is taught in Mandarin Chinese, with the remaining 25 percent of instruction taught in English. Students such as Imani Washington and many of her fellow fourthgrade classmates say that learning

Mandarin has been tough, but they’re determined to master the skill. “It was kind of challenging for me because it was hard to say the words,” she says. “My teacher then helped me. She helped me learn the words, step-by step.” John Lui,, with the Chinese American Association of Charlotte, says EVA students are learning a valuable skill that has the potential to help them in future global economic opportunities. “China has grown to the second economic superpower in the world,” he explains. “The trading between [the] U.S. and China has grown exponentially over the last decade. Learning the Chinese language will be the gateway to a lot of business opportunities for our citizens.” Jian Zhang, who chairs EVA’s board of directors and serves as an associate professor in the department of biological sciences at UNC Charlotte, says that’s one of the school’s main objectives. “The mission of EVA is to graduate

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

The Millers Jason and Alicia Miller and daugthers Laura and Kiera.

our students with English-Chinese bilingual proficiency, strong academics and competence.” Diversity and inclusion are also pushed heavily at EVA. Administrators say it’s a big part of EVA’s secret sauce. “We recruit globally, many of our teachers are Chinese-American,” says Murph. “Our student population is also diverse. We have students from 30 different countries. We have students from South America, Europe, Congo, Russia, Thailand and several other places.” In addition to dual-language classrooms, the school is certified in the Math Kangaroo program, which leaders hope will help them lead Charlotte public schools in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). “It’s our philosophy that mathematics and language go hand in hand,” explains Murph, a former math teacher. “Our founder is passionate about math. The goal is for our students to have the highest math test scores in the city.” Numerous studies conducted by psychologists and linguists suggest that students who learn a foreign

language at an early age are more creative, are better at solving complex problems and usually score higher on standardized tests. EVA school officials say ultimately, they want to grow its student population over the next five years to 800 students. Administrators say they will add a fifth grade this upcoming school year, and they will continue to add a grade level each year until they reach eighth grade. They also want to expand the school’s exterior, by building a new building on its 18-acre plot of land and increase teacher pay. As for Miller and her daughters, she says it’s a joy to watch them learn, grow and expand their cultural horizons. “People tell me that my girls sound like they are native Mandarin Chinese speakers,” she explains. “At EVA, they don’t have to worry about being the only Black students in their classrooms. My daughters are being gifted with a priceless gift of becoming global citizens without leaving their west Charlotte community.” For more information about East Voyager Academy, visit: www.eastvoyager.org P

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

PrideBusiness

Stress Less, Afford More

Tips to Make Buying a Home More Affordable By Kathy Cummings, Affordable Housing & Homeownership Solutions and Education

e know that many people dream of owning a home and having all the benefits that come with being a homeowner. However, saving Kathy Cummings for a down payment, covering the monthly costs of owning and lacking the knowledge about where to start are among the top challenges that many prospective homebuyers face, according to the latest “Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report.” If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, consider these helpful tips to help you overcome barriers and be a confident homebuyer.

Challenge #1: Not knowing where to start

• Decide what’s right for you. Before deciding whether to rent or buy a home, meet with a lending specialist, who can help you calculate the longterm costs of renting and compare those with owning, to see which option is a better fit for your goals and finances. You might be surprised to find that it may be less expensive to buy than rent in certain areas, as rental rates are continuing to increase. • Speak your mind. Be clear with your real estate professional about what you’re looking for in a home. Also, talk candidly with a mortgage expert about your overall financial priorities, so you can receive guidance on how to buy a home without sacrificing other goals, such as saving for education or your retirement. • Take advantage of technology to minimize stress and save time. By blending interactive technology, such as Bank of America’s “Digital Mortgage Experience” with good, old-fashioned access to lending experts, you can apply for a mortgage through Bank

of America’s mobile banking app on your own time and still have access to a loan expert who can guide you. You can start the loan application process on your own time, save your progress and return to it at a later time. Like to text? By simply texting the word “mortgage” to 2265 26 (BANK AM), you will immediately receive a link to helpful information and the digital tools you need to apply, request a preapproval or simply prequalify to see how much you can afford.

Challenge #2: Saving for a down payment

• Stay up-to-date. Don’t let outdated notions hold you back from reaching your dream of becoming a homeowner. If you believe that you need a 20 percent down payment to buy a home, the reality is there are three percent down options for creditworthy buyers. Through Bank of America's “Affordable Loan Solution”® mortgage, you can put as little as three percent down with no private mortgage insurance required. • Combine resources to save. Many organizations offer down payment and closing cost assistance programs that could help you with the up-front costs of buying a home. When combined with a low-downpayment mortgage—including Bank of America’s ”Affordable Loan Solution”® mortgage and the Freddie Mac “Home Possible”® mortgage —these programs can make buying a home more affordable. In addition: • Bank of America offers a $0 lender origination fee for clients who close a FHA, VA, “Affordable Loan Solution”® or Freddie Mac “Home Possible”® mortgage with the bank through October 31, 2019. • Through its America’s Home Grant program, Bank of America offers a lender credit of up to $7,500 that doesn’t have to be repaid. The grant is available in the Charlotte

area (North Carolina counties: Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union; South Carolina counties: Chester, Lancaster and York) and can be used toward non-recurring closing costs and permanent interest rate buy downs. Better yet, America’s Home Grant can be used with any other down payment programs you may qualify for such as the City of Charlotte HouseCharlotte down payment assistance program.

Challenge #3: Covering the monthly costs of owning

• Consider how much home you can afford. Making sure you can meet your projected future home payment is probably the most important part of successful homeownership. Learn how to figure out what’s within your budget through this Better Money Habits video. Also, research utility costs if you're moving into a larger home than you're used to. Budget for moving expenses and additional maintenance costs. If you're considering a condo or a home with a homeowners association (HOA), remember to include HOA dues in your budget.

Our commitment to affordable and responsible homeownership

Not everyone is prepared to buy a home today. We provide banking options to help put customers on a path toward homeownership. Our recent $5 billion commitment over the next five years will help more than 20,000 low- to moderate-income individuals and families thrive through the power of homeownership. To learn more about how to finance a home, visit Bank of America’s “First-time Home Buyer Information, Tools and Resources.” P

Content provided by Bank of America

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

SceneandSeen

2019 Urban League Whitney M. Young Jr. Gala at the Le Meridien Charlotte Hotel. Photos by Kevin Douglas of CapturedbyKevin

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

EventsCalendar

Mark Your Calendar By Shawn D. Allison, II

July 5 It’s time to laugh and shout down the aisles at the Love and Laugh Comedy Tour. Social media comedic sensations KevOnStage and his beautiful wife, Melissa, will discuss the navigation of love and trust in the digital age. Following the discussion, Kevin will take the stage with fellow faith-based funnymen Tony Baker and Tahir Moore. $30-50. Eventbrite.com.

July 19 – 20

JazzArts Charlotte invites you to a special cool down in the summer heat as it presents a special installment of The Jazz Room. For this episode, vocalist extraordinaire Dawn Anthony reimagines the warm, rich melodies of iconic jazz singer Nancy Wilson in a showcase that you don’t want to miss. $14-16. Carolinatix.org

July 10 Come experience a new, fresh sound this summer at the BLA/ALT Summer Residency Concert Series. You’ll get to hear a vibrant mix of the QC’s hottest up-and-coming music acts in this platform that highlights creative inclusion for Black identity. $5. 7 p.m. Petra’s Bar. 1919 Commonwealth Ave.

July 18-20 Lights, camera, action and color--get ready for the third annual CineOdyssey Film Festival. This three-day festival’s emphasis will be on the works of filmmakers of color from the African, Caribbean, Latino, Asian, and Native American diasporas. Cineodysseyfest.org

July 20 Entice the youth imagination at the Fourth Annual ImagiCon. This family-friendly library mini-Comic Con celebrates the culture surrounding comic books, graphic novels, manga, anime, fandoms and gaming. Its aim is to provide a safe space for those interested in exploring their interests, inspiring creativity and learning about local industry careers and artistry opportunities. Free. 10 a.m. 200 E. 7th St.

enjoy a fun afternoon with music, food and fellowship amongst all of your HBCU extended family members. Tickets starts at $10. Noon. McDowell Park. 15222 South York Rd. Eventbrite.com

August 9

It’s time to send The Fly Jock into retirement, classic style, at Tom Joyner’s “One More Time Experience!” Come and bid farewell to Black radio’s greatest disc jockey and personality with live performances from Maze Feat. Frankie Beverly and Kem performing all their biggest hits. PNC Music Pavilion. Tickets start at $38. Livenation.com

Step back into the coolness of yesteryear as one of R & B and soul’s most unsung bands, Mother’s Finest, performs live. Relive the hits and sing along as this colorful band soothes your soul with its vibrant melodies and classics. Tickets start at $25. 8:30 p.m. Amos’ Southend. 1423 S. Tryon St. Etix.com

July 27

Take a short ride up to Durham for the biggest and Blackest explosion of culture and community at Black August in the Park 2019. Reminiscent of a Black family reunion or homecoming, this chocolate-covered jamboree

Calling all HBCUs in the Charlotte metro area – come stand, step and shout at the first-ever Queen City HBCU Cookout. It’s all HBCU and Divine Nine glory as you

August 10

provides a platform for and elevates the causes of grassroots social justice organizations. BlackAugustInThePark.com.

August 17 It’s time to do the right thing as CharlotteMecklenburg Library hosts the all-new View the Right Thing: Spike Lee Film Series. Come and get engaged as you watch and discuss some groundbreaking and poignant classics from Spike Lee, John Singleton and other prominent Black filmmakers. 1 p.m. Beatties Ford Regional Library. 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.

August 24 Come out for one of the QC’s “out for a whole day to engage with some prideful and jubilant boricuas, dance to some samba, play games, enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and more. Free. 12 noon. Route 29 Pavilion. 5650 Sandusky Blvd. P

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

POSSIBILITY BELIEVES SCHOLARS SHOULD ALSO BE MAKERS AND DOERS. Learn from faculty with real-world knowledge and a hands-on experiential approach.

ConquerPossibility.com

Desiree K. Culinary Arts

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Minority and Women- Corporate Supplier Diversity owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Balfour Beatty Construction Training and Support Calvin Stevens

N.C. Coordinators’ Network www.mwbenetwork.org N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development 919-956-8889 www.theinstitutenc.org

MWBE Certification Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council 704-549-1000 www.cvmsdc.org info@cvmsdc.org City of Charlotte Small Business Opportunity Program www.charlottebusinessinclusion.com 704-336-4137 N.C. Small Business and Technology Development Center 919-715-7272 www.sbtdc.org Statewide Uniform Certification Program (SWUC) *N.C. Dept. of Administration Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses 919-807-2330 www.doa.nc.gov/hub Women Wrule Women, Minority and Small Business Certification Assistance and Government Contracting 803-517-4030 www.womenwrule.com

Director of Business Development and Diversity 919-233-5137 cstevens@balfourbeattyus.com www.balfourbeattyus.com Bank of America www.bankofamerica.com Visit “Our Story, How We Work, Supplier Diversity.”

Ad Concepts, Inc. 704-366-1616 www.goadconcepts.com

Walmart Stores, Inc. Michael Byron Senior Director of Supplier Diversity 479-277-5458 SupplierDiversity@wal-mart.com http://corporate.walmart.com/ suppliers/supplier-diversity

Alliance Document Solutions, Inc. 704-583-3409 www.adocument.net

Carolinas HealthCare System Donnie Moore Manager of Supplier Diversity 704-512-7772 donald.moore@ carolinashealthcare.org www.carolinashealthcare.org

Wells Fargo Regina O. Heyward Head of Supplier Diversity 704-206-0054 regina.o.heyward@wellsfargo.com www.wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity

Compass Group/Foodbuy Priscilla Wallace Supplier Diversity Manager 704-328-1129 supplierrelations@compass-usa.com www.cgnad.com

Businesses

Duke Energy Andrew Grier Supplier Diversity Executive 704-382-7690 andrewgrier@duke-energy.com www.duke-energy.com/ suppliers/default.asp

Administrative Services Cybertary Charlotte 704-256-4717 http://charlotte.cybertary.com charlotte@cybertary.com Global Linking Solutions (877) 914-5465 www.gls.com

Food Lion Garland Scarboro Manager, Diversity and Inclusion 704-310-2589 Garland.Scarboro@ RetailBusinessServices.com www.foodlion.com/careers/diversityand-inclusion/supplier-diversity/

Advertising Agencies/ Promotional Products

Novant Health Kevin J. Price, MBA, MHA Director, Supplier Diversity & Performance 704-384-3543 kjprice@novanthealth.org www.novanthealth.org/ supplierdiversity

The Plaid Penguin 704-919-1726 www.theplaidpenguin.com

3 Keys Marketing Products 704-249-5572 www.3keysmarketingproducts.com

AdSpark Promos 704-781-8790 www.adsparkpromos.com

BluePepper Public Relations 704-625-6564 www.bluepepperpr.com BrandRPM 704-225-1800 www.brandrpm.com

ResourceListings

Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov

Piedmont Natural Gas David Britsky Senior Diversity Sourcing Specialist 704-731-4116 supplierdiversity@piedmontng.com www.piedmontng.com/ about/supplier-diversity

CGR Creative 704-334-2232 www.cgrcreative.com Carolina Corporate Wear, Inc. 704-540-4613 www.carolinacorporatewear.com sales@ccw5.com Clark Mobley Creative Associates 704-780-8021 shebiaclark@gmail.com Classic Achievements, Inc. 980-819-9176 www.classicachievements.com cs@classicachievements.com Creative Marketing Ideas 704.684.5543 www.creativemkg.com cs@creativemkg.com Equine Marketing Group 704-663-4487 KS Image Solutions, LLC 704-786-7763 www.ksimagesolutions.com info@ksimagesolutions.com

AC&M Group 704-697-4400 info@acmconnect.com www.acmconnect.com

Logo’d Gear 704-334-9333 www.logodgear.com

“ When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world. ” — George Washington Carver

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Logo Pros 704-545-7408 www.logopros.us logopros1@gmail.com

Brady & Kosofsky, PA 704-849-8008 www.bandklaw.com info@bandklaw.com

Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com elyerly@lyerly.com

Cheryl R. Watkins 704-552-3993 www.crwatkinslaw.com Cheryl@crwatkinslaw.com

Main Street Mobile Billboards 888-788-7492 www.mainstreetmobilebillboards.com

Douglas H. Kim Law Firm 704-504-0962 www.douglaskimlawfirm.com

Media Mark.US 803-329-7942 www.mediamark.us

GPS Law Group 704-269-4223 www.gpslawnc.com

Media Power Advertising, Inc. 704-896-0310 www.mediapoweradvertising.com

Gardner Skelton, PLLC 704-335-0350 www.gardnerskelton.com

PIA International 704-593-1256 www.piapromo.com

Hoard Law, P.C. 704-954-8094 www.hoardlaw.com

Pride Communications, Inc. 704-375-9553 www.pridemagazineonline.com

Houston Law Office 704-595-9146

Robinson Law Group www.rlgcounsel.com 704-944-3583 The Snow Legal Group (704) 358-0026 Email: info@snowlegal.com 725 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Collins Family Law Group 704-286-6881 www.collinsfamilylaw.com Starrett Law Firm, PLLC 704-887-4944 www.starrettlawfirm.com Susan D. Brotherton 704-873-7529 Law Offices of Michael Todd 704-343-9700 Fax 704-343-9044 mtodd@tmtoddlaw.com 1230 West Morehead St. Suite 302 28208

Julia’s Café & Books 704-295-4585 1133 N Wendover Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211

Communications/ Media-Related Services Advanced Imaging Systems 704-525-4392 Aquent 704-338-9119 www.aquent.com Atlantic Communication Products, Inc. 704-676-5880 www.goacp.com Brand Equity Marketing 704-372-3982 www.brandequitymarketing.com info@brandequitymarketing.com CGR Creative (704) 334-2232 www.cgrcreative.com

Tamela T. Wallace 704-371-4212 www.tamelatwallace.com

CCITI, LLC 704-969-2484 www.citi-llc.com

Ferguson Chambers & Sumter, P.A. 704-375-8461 www.fergusonsumter.com

Bishop, Dulaney, Joyner, Abner, P.A. 704-945-9850 www.bdjalaw.com

IASO Sport Center 704-201-7791

Spark Strategic Ideas, LLC 704-625-2185 www.sparksi.com

Hands Law Office, PLLC 704-248-7976 www.handslawonline.com service@handslawonline.com

Central Law Group, PLLC 704-248-0949 http://www.clglawgroup.com

The Agency Marketing Group 704-333-0667 www.gettheagency.com

Ken Harris & Associates 704-343-2620 www.kenharrisandassociates.com

Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuricreative.com

Kimberly E. Fox, PLLC 704-439-2720 www.kimfoxlaw.com

Yellow Duck Marketing, LLC 704-271-9555 www.yellowduckmarketing.com

Kimberly Poe Law Office 704-489-8182

QCityMetro.com 704-442-1565 www.qcitymetro.com Robinson Thinks www.robinsonthinks.com Rutherford Media Group, LLC www.rutherfordmedia.com

Attorneys A. Gray Bonds 704-347-2545 Williams & Exum, P.A. 704-332-5583 www.jjexumlaw.com Mickle & Bass Law Firm 803-467-6423 www.mickleandbass.com Barbara L. White 704-375-9411 www.barbaralwhite.com Benjamin M. Li 704-527-0878 44

The Montgomery Law Firm, PLLC 704-749-3135 charlottemontgomerylaw.com

Ramsay Law Firm, P.A. 704-376-1616 www.ramsaylawfirm.com

Law Offices of Michael A. Demayo 704-333-1000 www.demayolaw.com Closing Carolina •Law Offices of Michelle Vereckey 704-283-5555 www.closingcarolina.com Lisa Andrew Dubs 828-323-1926 Morris York Williams Surles & Barringer, LLP 704-375-4480 Paul A. Suhr 919-876-4707 info@paulsuhrlaw.com www.paulsuhrlaw.com

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

The Justice Firm, LLC 704-377-4747 www.thejusticefirm.com admin@thejusticefirm.com

Karin Lukas Technical Writing, LLC 704-756-0458 Media Power Advertising 704-896-0310 www.mediapoweradvertising.com Network Cabling Systems, Inc. 704-523-8606 www.networkcablingsystems.com

The Wright Law Firm 704-332-2274 www.wright4justice.com RoderickWright@Wright4Justice.com

Yellow Duck Marketing, LLC 704-271-9555 www.yellowduckmarketing.com

Echols Purser & Glenn, PLLC 704-540-2550

Watson Electric Company, Inc. (704) 947-5151 www.watsonelectric.com

Zamora Law 704-728-9633 www.zamora-law.com info@zamora-law.com

Book Stores Book Buyers 704-344-8611 Park Road Books (704) 525-9239 4139 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209 Main Street Books 704-892-6841 www.mainstreetbooksdavidson.com The Book Rack 704-544-8006

Computers/Printers/Web Allegra Marketing, Print, and Mail 704-321-8890 www.allegracharlotte.com Application Consultants, Inc. 704-573-7677 Applied Data Technologies 704-847-3000 www.applieddatatech.com info@applieddatatech.com Blueline Technologies 704-542-1514 www.BlueLTI.com info@BlueLTI.com

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

“ You never know how or when you’ll have — Denzel Washington

Business Policy Solutions, LLC 704-921-9556 www.bpolicysolutions.com info@bPolicySolutions.com

Geek Choice 704-331-0739 www.geeekchoice.com service@geekchoice.com

The Network Team, Inc. 980-263-2856 980-263-2850(Main) www.thenetworkteam.com

NTT DATA Consulting 800-745-3263 http://americas.nttdata.com/

BC Forward 866-363-1132 www.bcforward.com

SMS Tech Solutions, LLC 800-656-7702 www.smstechsolutions.com

Carolina Cartridge & Supplies 704-347-2447 www.ccsinside.com Classic Graphics 704-597-9015 www.knowclassic.com info@knowclassic.com Computech Consulting, LLC 704-499-8967 www.computech-consulting.net CGR Creative (704) 926-9933 cgrcreative.com The Best Computer Fixers 704-333-2827 www.cfcomputerstore.com Computer House Calls 704-549-4334 http://www.chc-clt.com/ Computel Systems 704-541-8659 Copy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte 704-529-6606 www.copycatsouth.com CPI Training Solutions Inc. 704-593-8999 www.solutionsrus.com cpi@solutionsrus.com Dat-A-Syst, Inc. 704-523-3548 www.datasyst.net Experienced Recruiting Partners LLC 518-598-6300 www.experiencedrecruitingpartners.com

Hardison Cartridge, LLC 704-770-3533 www.hardisoncartridge.com JCMR Technology, Inc. 704-707-3333 www.jcmr.net Contact@JCMR.net Laury Controls & Design 704-785-6788 www.laurycontrols.com Logical Advantage, LLC 704-377-5066 www.logicaladvantage.com Lorven Group, Inc. 704-899-5200 www.lorvengroupinc.com MPG Consulting Services LLC 704-807-6376 www.mpgcs.com info@ mpgcs.com

Virtual Information Systems Consulting 750 704-659-0665 www.visc750.com Xtramile Soft, LLC 704-699-9912 www.xtramilesoft.com info@xtramilesoft.com

Eastover General Dentistry 704-842-3328 http://www.eastoverdental.com Southpark Doc 704-365-6505 www.southparkdentistcharlotte.com Matthews Periodontics 704-815-5440 www.matthewsperio.com Michael Stout Dentistry 704-332-7737 www.michaelstoutdentistry.com

Dentists/Orthodontists

Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 704-971-7272

Smart Orthodontics (704) 549-8878 www.smartorthodontics.com Carlos A. Sanchez, DDS 704-938-7505 Carmel Commons Dental & Imaging 704-540-2443 www.carmelcommonsdental.com

Limelight Web Development 818-264-4256 www.limelightwebdevelopment.com

Dasling Dentistry 704-594-9250 www.daslingdentistry.com

Neteffect Technologies 704-504-9040 www.ne-t.com

Derek C. Barnes, DDS 704-849-6700 www.drderekbarnes.com

Paperless Digital Solutions, LLC 704-357-8881 www.paperlessds.com

Diane E. Haberl, DDS 704-663-3001

The Regal Group 704-882-9061

Kathleen Boyd, DDS, MS, PA 704-637-3636 www.kbendo.com

Zenmonics, Inc. 704-971-7315 www.zenmonics.com

Metrolina Printing & Promotional, LLC 704-262-3939 www.metrolinaprintpromo.com

Rush Computer Rentals 800-343-7368 www.rushcomputer.com

Jackson Orthodontics 704-464-0696 www.drjacksonsmiles.com

Dual Image Orthodontics (704) 269-8495 www.dualimageortho.com Friendly Dental of Ballantyne 704-494-7990 www.friendlydentalballantyne.com

ResourceListings

an impact, or how important your example can be to someone else. ”

Orthodontic Care 704-509-4999 (Northlake) 704-548-1653 (University) www.drcooperortho.com Palmieri Dentistry 704-662-6020 www.palmieridentistry.com Renda L. Welch, DDS 704-786-9123 Rolle Oral & Facial Surgery 704-892-9500 www.rolleoralfacialsurgery.com Sandy Stovall, DDS 704-549-5600 www.stovalldentistry.com SouthEnd Dentistry 704-335-8266 www.southenddentistry.com A Smile 4 U Family Dentistry 704-549-1199 www.Smile4ucharlotte.com Susan M. Collins, DMD 803-324-3277 July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

IMAGINE A STOREof FULL NOTHING BUT APPLES

This is our

Diversity is important to us.

Learn more about our Supplier Diversity Program at foodlion.com.careers/diversity-and-inclusion 46

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Steven Ghim, DDS 704-293-0213

U. Phillip Igbinadolor & Associates 704-494-8484 www.upidental.com S.W. Webber Jr., DDS 704-392-9357 Young & Polite Children’s Dentistry (704) 587-7336 www.youngandpolite.com

Electrical Services

WB Moore Company of Charlotte 704-331-9300 www.wbmoore.com White Electric Company 704-858-1090 www.whiteelectriccompany.com

Ethnic Food Items/ Grocery Stores A1 Stop Food Store 704-347-1747 Carolina Smoothies 704-358-0006

Plaza Sundries (704) 333-1410 Sweet It Is! Bakery 704-351-4668 www.sweetitis.net Tropical Nut & Fruit, Co 704-588-0400 www.tropicalfoods.com Uptown Catering Company 704-332-5521 www.uptowncateringco.com info@uptowncateringco.com

Events/Party Planning Aisha Thomas Events 704-951-4273 Aishathomas.com hello@aishathomas.com

Adams Electric Company 704-940-6080 www.adams-electric.com

Central Market 704-567-2071 www.centralmarketcharlotte.com

Beam Electric Company, Inc. 1-855-225-2326 www.beamelectric.com

Caribbean Hut (704) 527-9505 200 W Woodlawn Rd Suite D, Charlotte, NC 28217

Creative Catering 704-373-2900 www.creativecateringinc.net

Compare Foods 704-596-3495 www.comparesupermarkets.com

Extravangaanza Events & Props 704-343-9200 www.extravaganzaevents.com

Gaylor Electric, Inc. 800-878-0577 www.gaylor.com Qwest Electric, LLC 704-662-3900 www.qwestelectricllc.com Interstate Electric Company, Inc. 704-333-7149 www.interstateelectriccompany.com

Corner Store 2 803-366-3116 Celestial Cakes 704-258-1209 www.celestialcakes.com

IRV Plumbing & Electric 704-544-0200 www.irvplumbing.com

Eloquent Creations Catering & Design Services, LLC 704-200-6883 www.eloquentcreationscatering.com

Jim Dickerson Co. 704-331-0544 www.jim-dickerson.com

Honey Butter Bakery 704-421-1390 www.honeybutterbakery.com

Jenkins Electric, Inc. 800-438-3003 www.jenkinselectric.com

Lucky Oriental Grocery 704-568-8666

John Roper Electric Company 704-365-5648 www.johnroperelectric.com Major Contractors, Inc. 704-392-3133 www.majorcontractors.com McNaughton-McKay Electric Co. 800-521-0917 www.mc-mc.com Pike Corporation, Inc. 336-789-2171 www.pike.com Starr Electric Company, Inc. 704-568-6600 www.starrelectric.net

Mr. Jim’s Pizza 704-376-5467 www.mrjims.pizza New Century Grocery & Food 704-921-1716 Ole Mexican Foods 704-587-1763 www.olemexicanfoods.com Organic Marketplace 704-864-0605 www.organicmarketplacenc.com Oriental Food Market, Inc. 704-537-4281 Futo Buta (704) 376-8400 futobuta.com

Botanica Lights, LLC 704-737-0962 www.botanicalights.com

It’s My Affair 704-394-4928 www.itsmyaffair.com Occasions Catering and Event Planning 704-333-1060 www.occasionscater.com The Main Event 704-332-5819 (Main) 704-605-6028 www.themaineventnc.com info@themaineventnc.com The Kee Group Portia Kee 704-726-6838 www.keepingeventsepic.com Wadsworth Estate 704-332-3050

DiCon Consulting 980-202-2011 www.diconconsulting.com Elm Engineering, Inc. 704-335-0396 www.devitainc.com High Performance Building Solutions, Inc. 704-299-1698 www.hpb-solutions.com Hinde Engineering, Inc. 704-814-4407 www.hindeengineering.com Jones Civil Design, P.C. 704-412-8523 www.jonescivildesign.com

ResourceListings

University Pediatric Dentistry 704-688-1664 www.universitypediatric dentistrync.com

Summit Air and Electric 704-597-0940 www.summitairandelectric.com

Laurene, Rickher & Sorrell 980-235-2624 www.lrspc.net Mitchell Consulting Incorporated (704) 766-0851 Shultz Engineering Group 704-334-7363 www.shultzeg.com Smiley Engineering, Inc. 803-548-4111 www.smileyengineering.com System WorCx, PLLC 704-996-9924 www.systemworcx.com Watson Electric Company, Inc. 252-237-7511 www.watsonelec.com Wescott Structures, P.A. 704-921-0504 www.wescottstructures.com Willis Engineers, Inc. (704) 338-4664 www.willisengineers.com

Financial Services Anderson & Associates 704-347-0090 www.andersonexecsearch.com

Engineering

ATG Accounts & Advisors 704-385-7274 www.atgadvisors.com

Advanced Enclosure Consulting 704-361-8664 www.aeconsulting-usa.com

Carter Insurance 704-542-7500 agents.allstate.com/luthercarter-jr-charlotte-nc.html

Atom Engineering, PLLC 704-687-6019 www.atomengineers.com

Cornerstone Wealth Planning Matthews: 704-849-0123 www.cornerstone4planning.com

C2 Engineering Solutions, PLLC 540-314-1578 www.rcengineering.net

First Legacy Community Credit Union 704-375-5781 www.firstlegacyccu.org July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

It takes all of us to provide the best care

FOR ALL. Our Supplier Diversity Program ensures that minority, women and veteranowned businesses are included in our procurement process. This boosts economic mobility and helps to level the playing field. Together, we can make a difference for our patients, our teammates and our communities.

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

N’Shape with ’N 704-334-4848 www.nshapewithn.com

Popbar www.pop-bar.com/charlotte 980-237-9750

Freedom Financial Advantage, LLC 704-905-9867 www.freedomfinancialadvantage.com

PlantFitGym 704-449-1476 www.plantfitgym.com 2019 Best of the Best Finial Call

Sadie’s Café 704-532-5570

GM Financial 704-719-3570 www.gmfinancial.com

Total Life Changes 980-349-5747 shop.totallifechanges.com/ discoveryourfigure

M&F Bank 704-332-2121 www.mfbonline.com Metro Retirement Plan Advisors 704-412-8170 www.myplanadvisor.com AloStar Bank of Commerce 877-738-6391 www.alostarbank.com Ocean Advisors 704-523-6914 www.oceanadvisors.com Rose & Associates Southeast 704-896-0094 www.roseassociates.com Shear Expressions, Inc. 704-847-8571 Tucker Boynton Company 704-366-5085 www.tbfinancial.com JP Financial Group LLC 704-543-6269 www.jpfinancialgroupllc.com Beacon Wealth Advisors 704-947-8444 www.mybeaconwealth.com Worth Financial Advisory Group 704-731-0121 www.worthadvisors.com

Fitness/Wellness Better Bodies 4 Us, LLC 980-721-1866 www.betterbodies4us.com

Toushea Body Boutique 980-354-1145 www.tousheabodyboutique.com

SouthernCakeQueen 843-800-0766 www.southerncakequeen.com The Southern Gourmet 704-675-7412 www.thesoutherngourmet.net Zippy Ice Inc. 980-355-9851 www.zippyicecompany.com

8th Street Studio 704-372-4289 www.8thstreetstudio.com

Graphic Design

Ultimate CrossFit 704-650-5956 www.ultimatecrossfit.com

Brinkley Design, Inc. 704-372-8666 leigh@brinkleydesign.com

Food/Catering/ Food Trucks Big “L” Enterprises 704-392-8717 www.biglfood.com Cake and Craft Creations 704-577-4400 www.cakeandcraft.com Catering By Tara 704-492-3791 www.cateringbytara.com Creative Catering 704-373-2900 www.creativecateringinc.net Essie’s Catering 803-329-2228 www.essiescatering.com FDY, Inc. 704-523-6605 www.fdyinc.com Heaven Sent Catering 704-399-0088 www.heavensentcatering.net

Club Fitness 704-295-7900 www.goclubfitness.com

Howard & Howard Event Management and Catering 980-349-5750 www.howardandhowardevents.com

Core Elevation Fitness & Wellness www.coreelevationfitness.com info@coreelevationfitness.com

Jewell Treats 980-202-2530 www.jewelltreats.com

Energyve Fitness 704-763-6556 www.energyve.com

Manolos Bakery 704-568-2120 www.manolosbakery.com

My Gym 704-522-6966 www.mygym.com/charlotte

Nona’s Sweets 704-717-6144 www.nonassweets.com

Classic Graphics 704-597-9015 www.knowclassic.com Cynthia Frank Design 704-562-2616

Americare Health 704-941-2080 Arboretum Obstetrics & Gynecology 704-341-1103, 704-841-7225 www.arboretumobgyn.com Barbara G Green Physical Therapy 704-377-0020 www.barbaragreenphysicaltherapy.com Carolinas Eye Center & MedSpa 704-510-3100 www.carolinaseyecenter.com Carolina Family Healthcare 704-847-4000 www.carolinafamilyhealthcare.com Carolina Pediatric Therapy Cooperative 803-980-4900 Centers for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research 704-895-9355 www.drbuttar.com

Linda K Blake 704-408-8865

Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness 704-543-2325 www.medicineandwellness.com

Moonlight Creative Group 704-332-9918 www.moonlightcreative.com

Center for Personal Growth 704-655-2828 www.center-for-growth.com

Moore Creative Ink, Inc. 704-726-6007 www.moorecreativeink.com

Center for Speech Excellence, Inc. 704-375-5231 www.speechexcellence.com

SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com Steele Creek Printing & Design, Inc. 704-583-0600 Steelecreekprinting.com TC Design Solutions, Inc. 704-971-7854 www.tcdesignsolutions.net Virtual Illustrations 704-287-7023 www.virtualillustrations.com Vistec Graphx, Inc. 704-377-6626 www.vistecmarketing.com Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuricreative.com

Health Care/Medical Advantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.net

ResourceListings

eRates Mortgage 855-693-7283 www.eratesmortgage.com

Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry 704-377-3687 www.cltpediatricdentistry.com First Care Medical Clinic (704) 228-7343 www.firstcarecanhelp.com Crown Clinic 704-527-5522 www.crownclinicpa.com Cynthia Busher 704-522-8300 www.cynthiabusher.com HomeCare for the Carolinas, LLC 704-335-8488 JP Chiropractic & Posture 704-841-1701 www.jpchiropractic.com Lancaster One Medical 803-286-5700 www.lancasteronemed.com M.D. Laser Studio 704-664-4247 www.mdlaserstudio.com July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

Eastway Regional Recreation Center

We have been doing business in Charlotte for 22 years and counting. What Makes Neighboring Concepts Unique? We believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our vision, which is to do all we can to transform urban, educational and corporate communities, improving overall experiences and quality of life, through smart design and responsible planning. Visit us on the web at neighboringconcepts.com to learn more. Find us on Find us on Instagram

Facebook

BOC 2019 Embracing the Future of Our Economy

August 5-6 Virginia Beach, VA

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Climate Control of Charlotte 704-588-2066 www.climatecontrolcharlotte.com

A Devine Lock and Key 704-579-4799 www.adevinelockandkey.com

Thuanh Nah Nguyen, MD, PA Internal Medicine & Pediatrics 704-554-8880

Cost Effective Maintenance, Inc. 704-332-9711

Bullseye Construction, Inc. 704-889-2855 www.bullseyeconstructioninc.com

Planned Parenthood 704-536-7233 www.plannedparenthood.org/healthcenter/north-carolina/charlotte

Environmental Controls & Mechanical 704-910-2692

Carolina Custom Installations, Inc. 704-568-7277 www.cci-floors.com

Gordon’s Heating & A/C 704-370-7789

Premier Pharmacy 704-496-9182 www.yourwellnesskey.com

KID Construction Company, Inc. (704) 277-4679 www.kidconco.com

Speechworks Therapy Services 980-237-6226 www.speechworkstherapy.com Starks Pediatrics 704-717-2826 www.starkspediatrics.com Prime care Medical (980) 320-0210 primecaremed.org

Carolina Hydroplanting, LLC 704-913-1113 www.carolinahydroplanting.com

Mckenney’s Inc. 704-357-1616 www.mckenneys.com

Carolina Lawn Service 919-633-4647 www.carolinalawn.com

Native Air & Heat 704-824-0380

Queen City Master Services 800-326-5540 www.queencitymasterservices.com

Performance Air, Inc. (704) 394-4748

Certapro Painters of North Charlotte 704-489-0957 north-charlotte.certapro.com

Refresco, PLLC 704-293-8011 www.refresco-pllc.com

Heating and Air Conditioning A-1 Quality Insulating Service 704-331-9294 AeroRaq Engineering Inc. 704-469-8463 www.aeroraq.com

Charlotte Plantscapes, Inc 704-529-1399 www.charlotteplantscapes.com

Superior Mechanical Systems, Inc. 704-335-1942 www.superiormsinc.com

Bless Hurr Soil 484-714-2819 www.blesshurrsoil.com

Homecare Services

Air Diagnostics, Inc. 888-611-3011 AME Consulting Engineers, PC 704-295-4263 www.ame-pc.com

Anointed Flooring, Inc 704.510.8906 www.Anointedflooring.com

Barrett & Garrett Heating & Air 704-391-2077 Barrettandgarretthvac@gmail.com

Advanced Roofing & Exteriors, LLC 704-999-4130 www.advancedroofingandexteriors.com

CATAWBA Mechanical Services, Inc. 704-399-8786 www.catawbamechanical.com

American Fence and Supply Co., Inc. 704-523-4936 www.americanfenceandsupply.com

“

Camden Roofing and Construction, LLC 704-858-2141

Cook’s Pest Control LLC 704-399-8919 www.cookspestcharlotte.com

Genesis Construction of the Carolinas 704-266-3737 www.genesiscoc.com Get The Lead Out, LLC 704-376-3594 www.gettheleadout.biz Jiron’s Construction, Inc. 800.555.6789 www.jironconstruction.com Kim’s Professional Painting 704-349-1810 www.kimsprofessionalpainting.com Millennium CCF and DJF, LLC (704) 622-9409

ResourceListings

Mount Holly Eye Clinic, Inc. 704-822-0099 www.mounthollyeyeclinic.com

PMG, Inc. (704) 398-6676 www.professionalsmgmt.com Tillman’s Lawn Care LLC altontillman70@yahoo.com (704) 891-7584 Lewaro Interiors Inc. (980) 430-1951 www.lewarointeriors.com United Painting Services, Inc. 800-961-5927 www.unitedpaintingservices.com

Human Resources/ Executive Search AccruePartners, Inc. 704-632-9955 www.accruepartners.com

DLS Landscape 704-583-0777 www.dlslandscape.com

Advantage Personnel Solutions, LLC 704-612-9500 www.advantageaps.com

Carolina Door Specialties, LLC 704-391-7133 www.carolinadoorspecialties.com

Advocations, LLC. 704-960-1783 www.advocations.org

Fresh Bright Corp. 704-526-6922 www.freshandbrightcorp.com

Allegiance Staffing 704-556-1770 www.allegiancestaffing.com

A big business starts small. ” — Richard Branson

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Alpha Labor Contractors, Inc. 704-398-2741 www.alphalaborcontractors.com

Kavaliro Staffing Services 704-525-3457 www.kavaliro.com

Sign World, Inc. 704-529-4440 www.signworldnc.com

Before You Hire, Inc. 704-878-3600 www.beforeyouhireinc.com

Language Resource Center Inc 877-322-1244 www.languagerc.net

Staffmark 704-503-0029 www.staffmark.com

Kforce 704-612-2800 www.kforce.com

LeadAdvantage, Inc 704-577-7891 www.leadadvantageinc.com

Staff Xperts 980-333-4113 www.staffxperts.com

Burnett Resources, Inc. 888-273-4108 www.burnettresources.com

Link Staffing 704-525-4555 www.linkstaffing.com

Trinity Strategic Consulting, Inc. 704-957-0620 www.trinitystrategicconsulting.com

BPN Healthcare Concepts 866-623-8880 www.bpnhealthcareconcepts.com

Logical Advantage, LLC 704-377-5066 www.logicaladvantage.com

VisionCor, Inc. 704-366-7979 www.visioncor.com

ATL & C Cleans, LLC 704-635-8480 www.atlccleans.com

Medical Administrative Solutions 704-944-3571 www.mascodingsolutions.com

Xperience Leadership, LLC (704) 896-9881 www.xperienceleadership.com

Bucket, Mop, and Broom Cleaning Service LLC 877-784-0781 www.bucketmopandbroom.com

Career Match Solutions 813-412-6560 CEO, Inc. 704-372-4701 www.ceohr.com Compass Career Management Solutions 704-849-2500 www.compasscareer.com Corestaff Services 704-248-3453 www.corestaff.com Employee Benefit Advisors of the Carolinas, LLC (704) 442-4400 www.enviroequipment.com EPC Background Check Solutions (980) 227-1137 www.epcounsel.com Be Evolved HR 919-538-6374 Beevolvedhr.com Rboone@beevolvedhr.com Galilee Agency, Inc. (704) 521-2779 www.galileeagency.com Insurance Professional Search, LLC 704-362-5638 www.insuranceprofessional search.com Integra Staffing 704-527-9191 www.integrastaffing.com Jennifer Temps, Inc. 704-510-1556 www.jennifertemps.com Job Corps - NC OA/CTS 704-371-6997 www.jobcorps.gov/home.asp J.W. Smith and Associates, LLC (919) 649-4055 jwsmithconsulting.com 52

Metro Staffing 704-535-3559 www.metrostaffingservice.com Employment Practices Counsel Inc. 704-819-6395 lleary@epcounsel.com Performance Staffing Solutions, Inc. 704-927-1477 www.performss.com PrideStaff 704-237-3646 www.pridestaff.com ProLogistix 704-522-9166 www.prologistix.com FirstPoint, Inc. 800-288-7408 www.firstpointresources.com Vincent Career Training Institute 1-800-393-1922 www.vincentcareertraining.com Refulgent Technologies Inc. 704-405-4238 www.refulgent-tech.com Sappenfield Staffing, Inc. 704-332-4710 https://sappenfieldstaffing.com Simply Virtual 1-888-814-9800 www.simply-virtual.com SourceAbility, Incorporated 704-837-8200 www.sourceabilityinc.com Solutions Staffing 704-503-1090 www.solutionsstaffing.com

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

CRG Workforce 704-665-9555 www.getcrg.com Greene Group 704-896-3110 www.greene-group.com

Insurance Services Allstate Insurance: Bob White 704-376-3479 www.allstate.com/bobwhite2 Altmann & Porter Insurance 704-795-9001 www.bcbsnc.com Carolina Insurance School, Inc. 704-489-9440 www.carolinainsuranceschool.com Carolyn Green, Lutcf 704-504-0564 www.allstateagencies.com/ carolyngreen/welcome Dawn Johnson Agency 803-980-1414 https://www.statefarm.com/ agent/US/SC/Rock-Hill/DawnJohnson-Z4JGF1YS000

Prestige Insurance Agency, Inc. 704-321-3900 www.prestigeinsagency.com Rankin Insurance Group, Inc. 704-896-9393 www.rankininsurancegroup.com

Janitorial/Custodial Mint Maids 704-367-9931 www.mintmaids.com

Elite Touch Cleaning Services, Inc. 704-266-0623 www.elitetouchcleaningservices.com Greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commercial Cleaning, Inc. 704-233-1482 www.gccpride.com All Things Professional Cleaning, Inc (704) 345-3976 www.allthingsprofessional.net JAC Janitorial Services 980-201-9099 www.jacjanitorialservice.com JC Services Unlimited 980-253-7256 www.jcservicesunlimited.com Joffie Contracting Services, Inc. 704-392-4442 www.joffie.com Miriam Davis Cleaning, LLC 704-201-6111 www.miriamdaviscleaning.com

Group Insurance Solutions, Inc. 704-543-9314 www.groupinsurancesolutions.com

MOLLY MAID of South Charlotte / Matthews 704-714-1150 www.mollymaid.com

Hayes Insurance Agency 704-545-3337 www.hayesinsuranceagent.com

Mr. Clean Maintenance Company 980-339-5399 www.mrcleanservices.com

Zxiva Insurance 980-236-1548 Landmark Insurance Agency 704-633-7283

The Johnson Group (704) 522-3544 www.aejohnsongroup.com

ACOP, LLC. (212) 945-8167 tchalk33@yahoo.com

Squeaky Completely Clean 910-797-4683 www.scclean.net

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Co. 803-470-3336 www.sparkleandshinecleaning company.com

Latin American Chamber Charlotte 1900 Mexican Grill 704-334-4677 www.1900mexicangrill.com Mellorinas Catering (704) 264-6115 Metro Landmarks Architecture, PC (704) 333-2011 www.metrolandmarks.com AC&M Group 704-697-4400 www.acmconnect.com AFC Custom Granite 704-598-1647 www.afccustomgranite.com

Baruu Advertising Group LLC 888-841-0179 www.baruu.com

Daniela Melendez State Farm 704-733-9022

LaCa Projects 704-837-1688

Dentist Salud 704-771-2268 www.dentistsalud.com

Las Delicias Bakery, Inc. 704-568-2120

Beauty & Body Rituals 704-568-5458 www.bbrituals.com

El Progreso Hispano Newspaper 704-529-6624 www.progresohispanonews.com

Bonilla Brothers, LLC 704-737-7124 www.bonillaroofingnc.com

El Soplon Deportivo 704-238-0260

Borealis Language Academy 704-281-1656 www.borealislanguageacademy.com

Elite Touch Cleaning Services, Inc. 704-606-3509 www.elitetouchcleaning.com

Cambio Coaching LLC 704-497-2340 www.cambiocoach.com Carnitas Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant 704-563-1651 www.carnitasmexican.com Celia Estrada Realtors 704-335-4400

Speed Latino 828-466-9911

Centro Medico Latino, PC 704-333-0465 www.centromedicolatino.com

America’s Real Estate Group, Inc. 704-540-4646 www.americasre.com

Latino Community Credit Union 704-531-0201 www.latinoccu.org

Amway - Miriam/Jorge 954-805-8061 www.amway.com/miribel

JV Painting, LLC (704) 942-1514

Exotic Landscapes 704-537-0842 www.exotic-landscapes.com Fast Signs 704-531-8000 www.fastsigns.com Latin American Coalition 704-531-3848 www.latinamericancolition.org Ganetti, Inc. 704-804-2003 Heits Building Services 919-361-5555 www.heitsofcentralnc.com/ HPS, Inc. 704-552-8077

Agua Source, LLC (704) 831-8311 www.aguasourcellc.com

Into Languages Global 704-408-3132 www.intolanguagesglobal.com

Concepcion Barajas Painting 704-557-5072

JDC Construction 980-721-2882

Arronte Law Firm, PLLC 704-774-6292

CSB Promo 704-708-5088 www.csbpromo.com

Johamar, Tires/Wheels 704-651-3671

AVON Products Cynthia Garcia 704-999-5581

Culturati Research (858) 792-0500 www.culturatiresearch.com

Apex Exterminating, Inc. 704-573-1197 www.apexexterminatinginc.com Arlette Guerra de Hurtado 704-591-0359

“

La Noticia, The SpanishLanguage Newspaper 704-568-6966 www.lanoticia.com

Latorre Insurance Group 704-566-8181 www.latorreinsurance.com Law Offices of Stefan R. Latorre, PA 704-344-0004 www.latorrelaw.com Linzac Corporaton, Inc. 704-307-0551 Mundo Uniforms, LLC 704-287-1527

ResourceListings

Top Pro Cleaners 704-241-6206 www.topprocleaners.com

AVON Products Myriam Gladney 704-814-7318

Neighboring Concepts 704-374-0916 www.neighboringconcepts.com Parks Insurance Group 704-831-6677 CGR Creative (704) 334-2232 cgrcreative.com Precise Translating, LLC 704-488-5584 Premier Home Healthcare Services 704-521-4901 www.premierhomehealthcare.com Punta Cana Grill 704-529-3599 www.puntacanagrill.com Que Pasa Mi Gente Newspaper 704-319-5044 www.charlotte.quepasanoticias.com RentMeUSA 980-355-9696 www.rentameusa.com Sign Connection 704-868-4500 www.signcon.com

What you’re thinking is what you’re becoming. ” — Muhammad Ali

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

ResourceListings

“

ake advantage of every opportunity; T where there is none, make it for yourself. ” — Marcus Garvey

Promotion Magic (704) 596-2300 www.promotionmagic.com USTT, Inc. 704-676-0990

Fast Signs Matthews/ Ballantyne 704-841-4033 www.fastsigns.com

Media/Magazines/ Newspapers/Radio

Windsor Jewelers 704-556-7747 www.windsor-jewelers.com

Finishing Partners, Inc. 704-583-7322 www.finishingpartners.com

Asian Library 704-332-4167 www.chungroup.org

BluePepper Public Relations (704) 625-6564 www.bluepepperpr.com

CAM Talent Agency 614-488-1122 www.camtalent.com

CHDS Manufactures Representatives 704-504-1032 www.hdsreps.com

La Noticia 704-568-6966 www.lanoticia.com

IT Factor 310-910-1837

Lake Norman Currents 704-749-8788 www.lncurrents.com

Mental Health

Lake Norman Woman 704-895-6168 www.lakenormanwoman.com

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions 980.938.4100 www.cardinalinnovations.org

LaRaza — 106.1FM 800-975-0760 www.larazalaraza.com

Essential Assessments & Behavioral Health 980-939-5099 www.essentialhealthnc.com

Breiding Electronics, Inc. 704-362-5333 www.breidingelectronics.com

The FMRT Group 866-761-0764 www.fmrt.com Pride in North Carolina 704-567-8690 www.pridenc.com

Marketing/Public Relations AC & M Group 704-697-4400 www.acmconnect.com Apple Rock Displays 1-800-478-2324 www.applerock.com A Design Company (704) 910-0113 www.robinsonthinks.com CGR Creative (704) 334-2232 www.cgrcreative.com Compass Career Management Solutions 704-849-2500 www.compasscareer.com Michelle Connley-Gore 980-477-5665 www.mdcmarketinggroup.com Latoya Evans Public Relations LLC 910-261-5874 Latoyasvans.com Digital Divas 201-304-2933 www.digitaldivasevents.com Dream Builders Communication, Inc, 704-896-7336 www.dreambuilders communication.com Eaddy, Perry & Associates, Inc. 704-965-6956 www.eaddyperry.com 54

Image Solutions 704-619-1539 International Minute Press 704-782-2020 www.concordimp.com Jervay Agency, LLC 704-780-7004 www.thejervayagency.com KS Image Solutions, LLC 704-786-7763 www.ksimagesolutions.com Lockman-Brooks Marketing Services 704-944-3188 www.lockmanbrooks.com The Lyerly Agency 704-525-3937 www.lyerly.com Mythic Advertising & Marketing 704-227-0700 Pride Public Relations 704-375-9553 www.pridepr.net

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Norsan Media 1(800) 975-0760 www.norsanmedia.com Qcitymetro.com 704-442-1565 www.qcitymetro.com Qué Pasa Media 704-319-5044 www.quepasamedia.com Pride Communications/ Pride Magazine 704-375-9553 www.pridemagazineonline.com

Radio One — Old School 105.3, Praise 100.9FM 704-548-7800 www.oldschool1053.com www.praisecharlotte.com Media/Magazines/ Newspaper/Radio Speak Up Magazine 704-980-9885 www.speakupmag.org SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com The Charlotte Post 704-376-0496 www.thecharlottepost.com

Symmetry Behavioral Health Systems (704) 369-3921 www.symmetrybhs.com

Office Supplies/Services Aaron’s 877-607-9999 www.aarons.com Ad Concepts, Inc. (704) 366-1616 www.goadconcepts.com

Working together for our community We are proud to partner with diverse suppliers to improve the health of our community. Collaborations like this make a significant impact on the lives of those around us, providing individuals with the tools they need to get better and stay healthy.

Making healthcare remarkable ÂŠ Novant Health, Inc. 2016 5/16 â&#x20AC;˘ GCM-56694

ResourceListings

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Richa Graphics (704) 331-9744 www.richa.com

Lisa Adams Photography 704-334-3231 www.lisaadamsphotography.com

Beardsley Office Solutions, LLC 704-395-3081 www.bosrepair.com

Media Arts Collective, LLC 704-771-9927 www.mediaartscollective.com

Carolina Marking Devices 800-888-7196 www.caromark.com

Origin Land Surveying and Mapping, Inc. 704.852.9453 www.originlandsurveying.com

Shred-It, Inc. 888.750.6450 www.shredit.com

PPT Photography 704-293-7459 www.pptphotography.com

UPS Store - Stewart Creek Crossing 704-392-5099 store5926@theupsstore.com

Color Star Media (980) 819-0255 www.colorstarmedia.com Colorstarmedia@gmail.com

Sanborn 1-866-726-2676 www.sanborn.com

Optometrists Advantage Vision Center 704-375-3935 www.advantagevisioncenter.com Fort Mill Vision Center 803-547-5547 www.fortmillvision.com

Plumbers

Photography/Aerial/ Commercial

Agua Source 704-831-8311 www.aguasourcellc.com

Avioimage Mapping Services, Inc. 704-573-7080 www.avioimage.com

Dependable Plumbing 704-982-6938

Advanced Imaging Systems 800-365-1038 www.aisimc.com Boyle Consulting Engineers, PLLC 704-676-0778 www.boyleconsulting.com Moments by Donna 704-364-1215 www.momentsbydonna.com Edison’s Photographics 704-333-0123 www.edisonsphotographics.com Indigo Photography 704-335-0948 www.indigocharlotte.com JB Long Photography 803-517-7159 www.jblongphotography.com

Timeless Arts, LLC 803-493-7086 www.timelessartsonline.com

Heyworth Plumbing Company, Inc. 704-523-2696 www.heyworthplumbing.com Tew Equipment Solutions, Inc, 704-573-5476 www.tewequipment.com Roper Construction, LLC. (704) 258-1531 www.roperconstructionllc.com National Plumbing Solutions 704-309-9565 Moore & Son’s Services LLC. 866-540-5054 Pay Less Plumbing 704-393-9032 Paylessplumbingofcharlotte.com Crockett Quality Plumbing llc. 704-231-1531 Qualityplumbing.Crockett @aol.com

Printers Action Graphics 704-332-1164 www.actionprints.com Allegra Marketing, Print, and Mail 704-708-5818 www.allegracharlotte.com American Labels & Printing 704-798-0638 Fast Signs Matthews/ Ballantyne 704-841-4033 www.fastsigns.com BEC Car Printing Co., Inc. 704-873-1911 www.beccarprinting.com Carolina Cartridge & Supplies, Inc. 704-347-2447 www.ccsinside.com The Charlotte Post Publishing Co. Inc. 704-376-0496 www.thecharlottepost.com Classic Graphics 704-597-9015, 800-368-1056 www.knowclassic.com Copy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte, Inc. 704-529-6606 Underground printingCustom T Shirts & More 980-495-0324 www.Undergroundshirts.com/clt ImageMark 704-865-4912 www.imagemarkonline.com Lake Printing and Design 704-895-3878 www.lakeprinting.biz Marie’s Print Shop, Inc. 704-633-1125 Metrographics 704-375-2474 www.metrographicsprinters.com Mid-Carolina Reprographics, LLC 704-529-0612 www.mid-carolinareprographics.com

Joanna Dehart Photography 704-545-5850 www.joannadehartphotography.com

Reed’s Plumbing Company 704-399-7785

Perfect Image Printing, Inc. 704-841-2464 www.perfectimagemktg.com

Kim Brattain Media 704-562-9161 www.kimbrattain.com

Rooter Man 704-647-0105 www.rooterman.com

Proforma Impressions Group 704-575-2743 www.proforma.com/impressionsgroup

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Image Solutions (704) 771-5038 www.imagesolutions.biz Rainbow Printing Co. 704-861-1820 Richa Graphics 704-331-9744 www.richa.com Squeegee Tees & More, Inc. 704-888-0336 Tower Guys, Inc. 704-845-1004 www.towerguysinc.com Vision Print Solutions 1-800-200-9797 www.visionenvelope.com Vision Forms & Supplies, LLC 704-940-0741

Publishing/SelfPublishing Books SPARK Publications 704-844-6080 www.sparkpublications.com

Real Estate Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association 704-372-0911 www.CarolinaHome.com

Recycling/Junk Removal/Shredding C & M Recycling, Inc. 704-599-1771 www.gotsomeconcrete.com Carolina Recycles 704-376-4295 www.carolinarecycles.com Junk King 1-888-888-5865 www.charlotte.junk-king.com Shred-It, Inc. 888.750.6450 www.shredit.com All Points Waste Service Inc. 704-821-5424 www.allpointswasteservice.com

Remodeling Anointed Flooring, Inc. 704-510-8906 www.anointedflooring.com Lisa B. Interiors 843-212-6681 www.lisabinterior.com info@lisabinterior.com

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Thai Taste 704-332-0001 www.thaitastecharlotte.com

Price’s Chicken Coop 704-333-9866 www.priceschickencoop.com

Free Agent Electric 704-502-4677

Vietnam Grille (704) 525-2408 vietnamgrille.business.site

Soul Central 980-349-4015 www.soulcentralfood.com

Multicultural Cuisine

Los Paisas (Colombian) 704-542-5477 www.lospaisasrestaurant.com

M.A.N. Construction 704-400-5157 Mister Sparky 704-341-2270 www.mistersparky.com

Anntony’s Caribbean - University 704-598-6863 6434 West Sugar Creek Rd. Suite F

Interior Motives by Will Smith llc 704-523-0935 Interiormotives.ws

Copper Cuisine of India 704-333-0063 www.copperrestaurant.com

ToddCo Builders, Inc. 704-277-6338 www.toddcobuilders.com

Restaurants Asian 88 China Bistro 704-335-0288 www.88chinabistro.com Basil Thai CuisineCharlotte, NC (704) 332-7212 www.eatatbasil.com Ben Thánh Vietnamese Restaurant 704-566-1088Dim Sum 704-569-1128 Fujo Uptown Bistro 704-954-0087 www.fujobistro.com House of Leng 980-207-3518 (University) 704-510-5081 (Mallard Creek) www.houseofleng.com Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 704-370-0100 www.nikkosushibar.net

VelTree – Vegan Soulfood 980-355-0075

Security Alarms and Services

Maharani Indian Cuisine 704-370-2455 www.maharaniindiancuisine.com

Alpha Alarm Systems, Inc. 704-598-5829 www.alphasecurity.us

Saffron Indian Restaurant 980-297-7722 www.saffron-cuisine.com

Firestop Carolinas, Inc. 704-662-7720 www.firestopcarolinas.com

Azteca Mexican Restaurant (Woodlawn) 704-525-5110 www.aztecarestaurantcharlotte.com

Keyper Systems 704-455-9400 www.keypersystems.com

Cantina 1511 704-331-9222 www.cantina15eleven.com Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant 704-921-2414 www.donpedrorestaurant.com Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina 704-536-1851 www.threeamigoscharlotte.com Monterrey 704-593-0167 www.monterreyuncc.com Luna’s Living Kitchen 704-333-0008 www.lunaslivingkitchen.com Bobbee O’s BBQ 704-509-6902 www.bobbeeosbbq.com

Soho Bistro 704-333-5189 www.sohobistro2go.com

Chicken Box 704-566-6000 www.thechickenboxcafe.com

Shun Lee Palace, Inc. 704-366-2025 www.shunleecharlotte.com

Jyotis World Cuisine 704-569-9193 Wouldcuisine.us

Ishi Restaurant 704-921-9219 www.sushiishi.com

La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant 704-665-7225 www.lawans.com

Thai House - University 704-717-8006 www.thaihouse.us.com

Mert’s Heart & Soul 704-342-4222 www.mertscharlotte.com

Thai Orchid 704-364-1134 www.thaiorchidrestaurantcharlotte.com

Nana’s Soul Food Kitchen 704-357-3700 www.nanassoulfoodkitchen.com

JP Government Investigations 877-990-2111 www.jpgovernmentinvestigations.com Landmark Security, Inc. 704-527-7756 LifeGuard Protective Services, Inc. 704-319-3180 www.lifeguardprotective.com K.M. Armstrong Associates, Inc. (704) 366-1776 www.kmaa.com Professional Protection, Inc. 704-523-1660 www.ppi-inc.net Professional Security Services 1-888-704-7765 www.pssprotection.com SAF Technologies, Inc. 704-844-0955 www.saftechnologies.com

Signs Now 704-343-9619 DAWA, Inc. 704-321-4748 www.dawainc.com FastSigns - S. Tryon 704-527-9102 www.fastsigns.com/176 Graphical Creations, Inc. 704-888-8870 www.graphi-cal.com McCallum Sales, Inc. 704-377-2367 Petrie Sign Installation 704-599-6977 Pronto Signs 704-890-4554 www.prontosigns.biz Quality Neon, Inc. 704-598-2256 www.qualityneoninc.com Rutherford Media Group, Inc. 704-373-2522 www.rutherfordmedia.com Sign Innovations 704-375-2338 www.signinnovations.com Signs, ETC of Charlotte 704-522-8860 www.signsetcofcharlotte.com Signs by Tomorrow 844-957-4467 www.signsbytomorrow.com

Street Sweeping/ Parking Lots Major Clean 704-529-5775 www.majorcleaninc.com Supreme Sweepers, LLC 888-698-9996 www.supremesweepers.com

Tax Return Preparation

Security Solutions Group & Investigative Services 540-220-0052 www.ssgis.com andre@ssgis.com

ABC Tax Services 704-735-7900

Southeastern Public Safety Group 704-394-1500 www.secpd.com

Accounting Payroll & Taxes, Inc. 704-482-1722

Signs Bunn Barber Specialties 704-650-2242 www.bbunnspecialties.com

ResourceListings

Do It All Interiors, LLC (704) 492-9741 www.doitallinteriors.webs.com

Accounting Associates 704-864-0284

ATG Advisors 704-303-9998 www.atgadvisors.com Burchett Financial Services 704-549-9401 www.burchettfinancial.com July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

Bustle Tax Service 704-873-3946

ResourceListings

H&R Block 803-222-7468 Liberty Tax Service 704-373-1343 www.libertytax.com

Prestige Wheelchair Transportation 704-332-3939

Neonsky Creative Media 704-377-4820 www.neonsky.com

Video Production

STP Ventures, LLC 704-470-4121 www.stpventures.com

Apollo Video Productions 704-814-8899 www.apollovideoclt.com

Lucas Tax & Energy Consulting 704-968-5506 www.lucastaxandenergy.com

Civilized Films, Inc. 310-435-2125 www.civilizedfilms.com

Marilynn Allred (H&R Block) 704-827-5761

Story Street Studio 404-405-1229 www.storystreetstudio.com

MND Accounting 866-774-9447 Mndaccounting.com

Color Star Media (980) 819-0255 Colorstarmedia@gmail.com www.colorstarmedia.com

Storey’s Tax Bookkeeping & Secretarial 704-865-0210 www.storeystaxservice.com

Kim Brattain Media 704-562-9161 www.kimbrattain.com

TaxPro 1000 Instant Tax Centers 877-842-8560 www.taxpro1000.com

Rutherford Media Group 704-373-2522 SL Media Productions 704-451-3566

Hawkins Accounting & Tax Service 704-509-2399 www.hawkinstax.net

VIP Transportation Services 704-200-2347 www.ondutylimo.com Crown Cab Company, Inc. 704-334-6666 www.crowncabinc.com Luxury Transportation 704-458-9126

Nonprofits Chambers of Commerce Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce 866-937-2742 www.caacc.com Charlotte Business Guild (LGBT Community) 704-750-5224 Charlotte Chamber 704-378-1300 www.charlottechamber.com

Office of International Relations 704-336-2174 www.charlotteinternational.org Chinese-American Association of Charlotte 704-877-6759 704-651-3964 www.charlottechinese.com Diversity Council of the Carolinas 281-975-0626 www.ndccarolinas.org The Diversity Forum 704-527-9191 www.thediversityforum.org Women Network 704-208-9561 www.ewomennetwork.com Filipino-American Community www.facc.us

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce 704-212-2032 www.cmbcc.org

German Language and Culture Foundation 704-678-4331 www.germanfoundation.com

Web Design

Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte 704-343-2525 www.lacccharlotte.com

Hispanic Contractors Association of the Carolinas 704-583-4184 www.hcacarolinas.org

The Agency Marketing Group 704-333-0667 www.gettheagency.com

A & S Taxi 704-938-5440

Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278 www.zuricreative.com

Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County 704-525-5843

The Inertia Group 704-301-2551 www.inertia-group.com

Taxis Assistance Travel & Transportation, Inc. (919) 489-5050 www.assistancetravel.com

The Anstad Group 704-208-8304 www.anstad.com

Metropolitan Business & Professional Women www.mbpw.org info@mbpw.org

Cohesion Marketing & Consulting 704-980-2932 www.cohesionmrktg.com New Creations Enterprises 704-971-7854 Brand Equity Marketing, LLC (704) 372-3982 www.brandequitymarketing.com

Business & Civic Organizations 100 Black Men of Charlotte 704-375-7300 www.100blackmenofcharlotte.org Altrusa International of Charlotte 704-321-2902 http://districtthree.altrusa.org/charlotte

Hmong Community 828-327-6137 www.hmongcarolinas.com Homes of Hope Transitional Housing for the Homeless (704)-984-2883 www.stanlycohomesofhope.org InnerVision, Inc. 704-377-5042 www.innervisionnc.org

“ There is no finish line.

There are only mile markers. ” — Michael Ventura

Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Resource directory presented by Pride Communications

“

ResourceListings

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman

Internal Revenue Service-Charlotte 704-548-4100 www.irs.gov Lao American Association www.lasga.org Latin American Coalition 704-531-3848 www.latinamericancoalition.org Latin American Women’s Association 704-552-1003 www.lawanc.org League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg 704-556-4600 www.goleaguego.org Metrolina Minority Contractors Association 704-332-5746 www.mmcaofcharlotte.org Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas 704-536-9668 Jacarolinas.org N.C. Small Business Administration (SBA) 704-344-6563 https://www.sba.gov/localresources/north-carolina National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Charlotte 704-900-3067 www.nawbocharlotte.org

National Black MBA Association — Charlotte Chapter 877-732-0314 www.nbmbaacharlotte.org

Women’s InterCultural Exchange 980-355-7000 www.wi-ce.net

National Hispanic Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Inc. www.nheo.org

Community Services

Neighborhood Good Samaritan Center 704-605-6723 704-531-9989 www.ngscenter.org Pride Entrepreneur Education Program (PEEP) 704-375-9553 www.peepcharlotte.org Charlotte-Mecklenburg Republican Women 704-903-6037 www.cmrw.org SCORE 704-344-6576 www.charlottescore.org Urban LeagueCentral Carolinas 704-373-2256 www.urbanleaguecc.org Vietnamese Association 704-607-4461 http://vietcharlotte.wix. com/vietcharlotte

Hope Haven, Inc. 704-372-8809 www.hopehaveninc.org Kicking for a Dream www.kickingforadream.org

A Child’s Place 704-343-3790 www.achildsplace.org

Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services 704-336-3000 www.charmeck.org

Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency 704-535-8803 www.carolinarefugee.com

Refugee Support Services www.refugeesupportservices.org info@refugeesupportservices.org

Center of Hope/ Salvation Army (Shelter for women and children) 704-348-2560 www.salvationarmycarolinas. org/charlotte/home/ Children and Family Services Center 704-943-9400 www.childrenfamily.org Community Link 704-943-9490 www.communitylinknc.org Crisis Assistance Ministry 704-371-3001 www.crisisassistance.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte 704-910-1301 www.bbbscharlotte.org

Safe Alliance 704-332-9034 www.safealliance.org Supportive Housing Communities 704-335-9380 www.supportivehousing communities.org United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc. 211 (information and referral services) 704-372-7170 www.uwcentralcarolinas.org Urban Ministry Center 704-347-0278 www.urbanministrycenter.org YMCA of Greater Charlotte 704-716-6200 www.ymcacharlotte.org

July-August 2019 | Pride Magazine

What are you looking for?

Neurology Orthopedics Pediatrics Sleep care

Instantly book the care you need in seconds With Novant Health, you can book directly with a specialist in seconds. We make it easy to search by specialty, symptoms and location to help you find the perfect expert to fit your needs. Plus, we offer direct booking with a wide range of specialists in Charlotte. It’s one more way we’re making healthcare easier and more convenient for you.