Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine_2023-2024

Page 1

Charlotte’s Multicultural Resource Magazine 2023-2024 ANNUAL SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY STARTING ON PAGE 51 Sponsored by Bank of America, Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council, Premier, Wells Fargo Mental Health America of Central Carolinas Expanding access to mental health care
Committed to saving you more Learn more at foodlion.com/save

A purpose for all people.

At the core of our purpose—to build better lives and communities—are the values that guide us to be intentional about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do the work every day to diversify our leadership, empower all teammates, and fight for the opportunities we all deserve. Because we believe a culture where we can live and contribute our authentic selves is a stronger one.

Truist.com Truist Bank, Member FDIC. © 2023 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, the Truist logo and Truist Purple are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.

MY MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

AND SO DOES YOURS.

Join football legend Steve Smith, Sr. and Mental Health America of Central Carolinas (MHA) in ending the stigma surrounding mental health. We’re taking action to care for local communities of color by making resources more accessible than ever, including a free counseling center and more.

REMEMBER, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

FOR COMMUNITIES OF COLOR WE’RE HERE TO HELP. LEARN MORE AT MENTALHEALTHMATTERSCLT.ORG
CARING
Departments 8 From the Publisher 48 FYI News & Notes Features 10 Mastering the Craft Poet laureates Jay Ward and Angelo Geter 15 Mecca of Digital Arts The Gantt Center’s new creative space 19 Women Firefighters in Charlotte Inspiring new generations 23 Young Entrepreneurs Charlotte teens thrive in business 26 MHA of Central Carolinas Expanding mental health care options Log on to pridemagazineonline.com for more features. July – August 2023 28 Forensic Interviewer Melissa Lopez Advocating via Spanish interpretation 32 Story of a Charlotte Fire Battalion Chief Juan Pablo Soto proudly leads his team 34 Charlotte FIT Studio Offering a personal approach to fitness 36 The Vault Black art collectors preserve history 38 The Art of Opening Doors Supplier diversity programs expand opportunities 41 Senior Living Navigating diversity in elder communities 42 Spectrum Digital Education Grants Helping residents improve technical skills On the Cover:
Bryant,
(From left to right): Megan Rebekah Bagley, Karrisa Clinkscales and Khamik Cardwell of Mental Health America of Central Carolinas
28 24 19 34 July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 5
Photo by Qiana Hasberry, Zuri Creative Services

This is what remarkable care looks like.

Let us provide you with expert care centered on you.

Experts who listen. Who know the latest treatments and technologies. And who see the whole you. That’s what you and your family can expect from Novant Health. This is who we are and how we deliver compassionate and convenient care to you. Expect world-class care. Expect remarkable.

© Novant Health, Inc. 2023 3/23 • NH-1310564
NovantHealth.org

MAGAZINE

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon Editor

Alicia Benjamin

Copy Editor Sonja Whitemon

Lead Writer

Angela Lindsay

Creative Director

Larry Preslar

Design & Production

SPARK Publications

www.SPARKpublications.com

Distribution

©Watch Dog Entertainment® LLC

Digital Content Distribution

Account Executive

Nikelle Fesperman

Public Relations

Nepherterra Estrada

Subscribe to Pride

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

Letters to the Editor

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

Copyright© 2023 Pride Magazine

All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited.

Pride Magazine reserves the right to deny any advertisement, listing or feature that does not meet Pride Magazine standards or that is outside the scope or mission of our magazine. Pride Magazine assumes no responsibility for information, products, services, or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Pride Magazine prints with soy ink.

Vol. 31 No. 4

July-August 2023

All rights reserved for PRIDE Communications Inc.

Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PrideMagazineNC

Find us on Instagram: @pridemagazinenc

Find us on LinkedIn: Pride Communications, Inc.

July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 7

FromTheCEO

Across the Ocean Again!

The pandemic clearly restricted my international travel. I had to cancel travel plans to Amsterdam and England, but not all was lost. I found myself in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, in July of last year. I joined my brother and his friend from Kansas City there. I was able to absorb the culture of Old San Juan for a few days and then move on to Rincon, getting a taste of coastal life. It was a decent trip. The absolute highlight was a visit to the municipality of Loiza, which is known for its rich Afro-Puerto Rican culture. There,

Breaking with tradition, I now travel to cities within the U.S. during Thanksgiving. Alexandria, Virginia was my place of choice in 2022. A girlfriend of mine joined me on this excursion. It was a great experience. Our hotel was in Old Town and the trolley and walking were our modus operandi for getting around. We strolled along King Street, visited a couple of museums, the waterfront and the Torpedo Factory Art Center. We even

short, six-day journey that had me in the air for about 12 hours each way. I had to push myself to go. I chose an independent package with my travel company, which included only my flight and hotel. I didn’t like my hotel because it was not centrally located, so I had to Uber around in a strange country, which was unsettling. Once, I refused to get in an Uber car because there was no door handle on the outside. The Hop on Hop Off Bus was disappointing because a live person

From left to right: My brother purchasing prints in Loiza, Puerto Rico; the had-tohave red boots purchased in Alexandria, Virginia; my Black History Tour group in Lisbon, Portugal

we visited the studio of renowned artist Samuel Lind and actually met, conversed with him and purchased some prints (notice I said “prints”) at a reasonable price. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m giving this trip a “7.”

worshiped at a local church. Shopping was great, too. I bought a pair of the most beautiful red boots I have ever seen. Of course, I’ve only worn them once. Rating for this trip? This trip rates a “10.”

This April, I took my first international trip since the pandemic to Lisbon, Portugal. It was something to get me back in the saddle. Honestly, I was a bit rusty. I found it stressful to think about what to pack for this

Corrections: Best of the Best Section, May/June 2023 Issue

On page 31, the correct description for Fayon Thompson with Providence Day School should read:

Fayon Thompson

Upper School Library Department; Alumni Parent

Fayon works closely with students across divisions in both a classroom setting and library environment. She is a passionate educator and leader with a remarkable approach to helping and caring for students.

was not on board to explain the sites. I didn’t see many people who looked like me in Lisbon either and couldn’t find any Black art or anything culturally specific to purchase. The one highlight was the Black History Tour. I will give this trip a mere “5” rating.

Have bags will travel.

On page 32, the wrong image was used for TD Bank employee Frank Onyeajam. The correct image is included below:

Frank Onyeajam

Commercial Relationship Manager

Frank oversees client relationships and acts as a trusted advisor for small businesses to support their financing needs in Charlotte and South Carolina.

On page 33, the incorrect photos were published for Christine Bailey and Linda Webb with U.S. Bank. Below are the correct photos:

Christine Bailey

Project Analyst

Christine is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives to support retail growth in Charlotte. She serves on the boards of the U.S. Bank Nosotros Latinos Business Resource Group and the nonprofit She Built This City.

Linda Webb

Anti-Money Laundering Alerts Analyst

Linda performs enhanced due diligence on customers and ensures compliance requirements. She is a board member for the U.S. Bank Charlotte Development Network.

The corrected digital version of this section can be found at www.pridemagazineonline.com under the Business tab.

8 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

A Tale of Two Poet Laureates

Jay Ward and Angelo Geter

Charlotte’s first poet laureate is headed into the second year of his two-year appointment. Junious

“Jay” Ward was selected in April 2022 to the position which includes a modest stipend and the opportunity to act on the ideas presented in his application. Across the state line in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Angelo Geter is at a similar milestone. Although “Rock City” has enjoyed a poet laureate for several years prior to Charlotte, it’s evident the literary talents of both men draw sustenance through similar roots.

Junious “Jay” Ward

Ward credits his fifth and sixth-grade English teacher, Mrs. Tudors with helping him see the relationship between written and verbal expression. “She always put words and language in front of us in class,” he said. “She would read to us from young adult novels, and she would have us take turns reading out loud. So, my connection with narrative and story and fiction and poetry was always intermingled with the

the sound of language at the same time.”

Ward said he got hooked after learning about the Harlem Renaissance period and Langston Hughes. Writing poetry for the page and for the emerging rap scene became his passion which carried over into his freshman year in college. His talents caught the eye of an English professor who told him, “You’ve got something here with your writing.”

But something else was calling Ward. That something was the urge to make money and get started living. So, he moved to Maryland after an invitation from his brother and found a job. Eventually a wife and three children took center stage and the family moved to Charlotte to take advantage of a more affordable housing market.

Ward also found a home in Charlotte’s burgeoning poetry scene in the mid 2000s. He learned the importance of revision during that period and that knowledge would lead to several awards and the poet laureate appointment.

In addition to serving as Charlotte’s poet laureate, Ward’s accomplishments include:

2019 Individual World Poetry

Slam Champion

2018 National Poetry Slam Champion

2017 Callaloo Fellow

2017 The Watering Hole Graduate Fellow

2016 Write Bloody Finalist

2016 Queen City Awards Poet of the Year

He has attended and/or received support from the Breadloaf Writers Conference, Callaloo, The Frost Place, Tin House Winter Workshop, and The Watering Hole

He currently serves as a Program Director for BreatheINK and Vice Chair for The Watering Hole

He is the author of “Competition” (Button Press) and “Sing Me a Lesser Wound” (Bull City Press). His poems can be found in Four Way Review, DIAGRAM, Columbia Journal, The Amistad, Diode Poetry Journal, and other publications.

You can find Ward reading some of his work on Youtube, including “Gentrification.” Also, check out two of his poems at roanokereview.org/poetry2022/junious-ward

Angelo “EyeAmBic” Geter

Like Ward, Angelo Geter was also inspired by a teacher. Her name is Mrs. Moriarty, and when she explained to his seventh grade class what poetry is, she ignited Geter’s curiosity to explore his thoughts and feelings with poetry. Geter said of his experience in middle school, “Sometimes you just want to feel like your voice matters and makes a difference. I think poetry gave me the outlet to experience whatever I was feeling, whether it was puppy love, anger or being stressed out because of a test in school. I could write the emotions out.”

10 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

When Geter entered Winthrop University, he gained even more confidence in his writing abilities and began performing his poetry at spoken word events and poetry slams. His skills were acknowledged by his peers as he was selected to be the representative at the Association of College Unions International poetry slam contest. The performance took him to the national competition where he placed fifth. This accomplishment helped him see that perhaps what he had was more than just a cute hobby. Perhaps his skills could take him somewhere.

And that’s exactly what happened. Geter became Rock Hill, South Carolina’s poet laureate in 2019. His two-year term has justice, race, grief, character and manhood. He blends his pieces with commentary, stories and personal narratives that transcend a traditional lecture or performance. His accomplishments include:

• 2020 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellow

• 2019 All-America City Award winner

• 2018 National Poetry Slam champion

• Finalist in both the Rustbelt Regional and Southern Fried Regional poetry slams.

• His work has appeared on All Def Poetry, Charleston Currents, and the Academy of American Poets “Poem-a-Day” series

YOU COULD WIN A BEYONCÉ CONCERT EXPERIENCE PACKAGE + BENEFIT TWO

GREAT CHARITIES!

Your $25 raffle ticket gets you a chance to win two 100-row seats to Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour stop in Charlotte, dinner at Sea Level and transportation. Buy tickets at go.rallyup.com/z3-bey.

Proceeds will benefit Community Link and Black Child Development Institute. Tickets courtesy of Z3 Carolinas.

Praise

Today I will praise.

I will praise the sun

For showering its light

On this darkened vessel. I will praise its shine.

Praise the way it wraps

My skin in ultraviolet ultimatums

Demanding to be seen.

I will lift my hands in adoration

Of how something so bright Could be so heavy.

Above is an except from Geter’s poem, “Praise.” He said, Geter “This poem was written while in the midst of grieving the loss of my late wife and trying to regain some sense of hope. The thought that came to me was, even though times were difficult, the fact that I was alive meant there was still something to celebrate and praise.” P

July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 11
Angelo Geter, poet laureate of Rock HIll, S.C.

CONFETTI HEARTS WALL, SOUTH END

Charlotte. Love takes on a whole new meaning in the Queen City. Pulsing with pride thanks to the tastemakers, trendsetters and the all-around passionate people shaping it, discover undeniable soul that is waiting to make a lasting impression on you. Plan your trip at charlottesgotalot.com.

charlottesgotalot.com @ charlottesgotalot
ARTWORK BY EVELYN HENSON
Take Pride in Homeownership COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE All loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines. SouthState Bank N.A. NMLS ID #403455. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. 1. The Community Advantage mortgage provides up to 100% financing based on the lesser of the purchase price or a bank-accepted appraisal. Speak to a mortgage banker for qualification details. 2. Buyer must complete homebuyer education course prior to closing. At least one borrower must be a first-time homebuyer. 3. Property must be applicant's primary residence. For a full list of qualifying counties please visit SouthStateBank.com/SouthStateAdvantage. SouthState is proud to offer Community Advantage, a lending program designed to make homeownership more accessible with up to 100% financing1 and no private mortgage insurance (PMI) required. Program Qualifications • Must be a first-time homebuyer2 • 600 minimum qualifying credit score •Applicant income must be equal to or less than the estimated MSA Area Median Income or the property is located in a tract with a minority percentage greater than 50% • Property is located within select counties including but not limited to: North Carolina: Mecklenburg County, NC; Wake County, NC.3 Contact us today to learn more about program qualifications and whether a Community Advantage mortgage is right for you. 800.277.2175 • Mortgage@SouthStateBank.com SouthStateBank.com/PrideMagazine

Creative Mode

The Gantt Center

Unveils New High-Tech Digital Space

African Americans and Hispanics are experiencing a “racial tech gap which could threaten their future ability to gain meaningful employment and grow wealth in a digitized economy,” according to a 2020 study by Deutsche Bank. The staggering lag, especially in urban areas, shows Blacks and Latino/Hispanics have been 10 years behind whites in technology for the last 20 years. Accessibility has long been one of the reasons why.

The new digital arts space at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture is working to close this gap locally by giving visitors access to state-of-the-art equipment to produce professional-grade content.

Located on the second floor of the Gantt Center, the Mecca of Digital Arts, or MODA, is a roughly 1000 square foot creative studio and innovation lab designed to facilitate various forms of digital art by providing cutting-edge equipment and software, along with mentorship to support artists’ creative pursuits. By designing a space for personalized education and meaningful discussions, MODA fosters a community built on shared accountability, visibility and collaborative success, according to the Gantt Center’s website.

“The impetus for MODA was the vision and desire to move closer to the intersection of technology and art,” said

Top: Christopher Sancho Smalls (center) is directing a photo shoot.
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 15
Bottom: Dominique Katan at MODA’s virtual reality wall

Martin McNeese, director of technology and innovation at the Gantt Center.

“With advances in technology and how artists are using technology in their creative pursuits, it was a natural evolution for the Gantt Center. With a burgeoning young demographic and the desire to expand our audiences, the ability to provide offerings and opportunities in the technical space as it relates to art and artistry made sense,” McNeese said.

The space is equipped with Apple iMac computers, iPads, Adobe Creative Suite, a commercial-grade lighting grid and cyclorama (infinity) wall, 8K video monitors, a Sony laser projector, an in-house sound system and a lounge.

MODA provides opportunities to learn and experience digital arts and media through digital painting, 2D/3D modeling, virtual reality and augmented reality, digital photography and videography, animation, sound design, music production and immersive installations, said Dominique Katan, the Gantt Center’s digital arts program coordinator.

MODA instructor Christopher “Sancho” Smalls leads fashion photography-based classes and workshops that include fundamental creativity and art principles such as composition, color theory, and critique along with more photography focus themes such as lighting, creative direction, and post-production.

He said one reason he wanted to partner and work with MODA has to do with the population it aims to serve.

“My desire to partner and work with MODA is intrinsically tied to its purpose of providing a space focused on the arts, specifically the digital art that serves the African American community. Spaces like MODA are so rare. I wanted to lend my skill

Smalls said concepts like MODA are important to the community because they have the specific cultural content to provide safe spaces for individuals to express themselves.

“The community will benefit from this space – from artists who need support and development to interested novices or people who just haven’t had the opportunity to explore digital art due to lack of access,” Katan shared. “It’s a space that helps creatives find a way to be innovative, refine their skills, learn, and tap into expertise.”

“Feeling supported and honored in your truest form is vital to creativity!” Sancho added.

Since its opening in late March, MODA has been “well-received” by the community and has had a steady stream of users. Butler said the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn and create in a supportive environment.

For people who may be intimidated by technology, MODA was designed to be a welcoming and supportive space for all skill levels. Butler and Katan said their coordinators and instructors are experienced in teaching individuals with varying skill levels and understanding and are excited to work with visitors to develop skills and knowledge in these areas. People are encouraged to simply drop by MODA to see the space and learn more about what’s on the horizon.

set, creativity and passion to help reach and inspire as many individuals as possible,” he said.

Angel Butler, the Gantt Center’s digital engagement strategist, agrees that “it’s important that marginalized communities have the chance to tell their own story and to express themselves,” adding that digital equity is the central idea behind MODA.

“For students, especially African American students, if they’re able to engage and participate without barriers, the experiences had at MODA can influence educational and career pursuits and/or spur entrepreneurial opportunities,” Katan said.

“MODA provides an open, accessible, approachable space where people from all areas of the community can come and explore the world of digital art through learning, collaboration and mentorship,” Katan added.

The Gantt Center plans to expand MODA to offer more classes and workshops covering a wide variety of tech and techrelated topics and to continue to partner with other groups and organizations around the country.

“Opportunities to collaborate with other talented individuals, the chance to work on exciting and innovative projects and the ability to develop and showcase your creative skills are paramount to creative development,” Smalls said. “Art has always challenged convention — art spaces must do the same!”

MODA is open to the public and is a low-to-no-cost experience. While some classes are age-specific, many classes are open to anyone. The space is not available for rentals, but those who wish to use the space during non-instructional time can contact Katan at dominique@ganttcenter.org. P

Christopher Sancho Smalls
16 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Left: Dominique Katan, the Gantt Center’s digital arts program coordinator Below: Digital Engagement Strategist, Angela Butler, is assisting a student in the Gantt Center’s new digital art space, the Mecca of Digital Arts.

WE OFFER MORE THAN OTHER SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES.

Learn MORE reasons to choose retirement living at Windsor Run.® Call 1-800-983-7609 or visit WindsorRunCommunity.com for your FREE brochure.

Matthews WindsorRunCommunity.com

HURRICANE

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

We are strengthening our system, upgrading equipment and investing in new grid technology. We are improving response and restoration times by identifying potential issues in advance and installing technology that will allow us to reroute power to avoid outages.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

Have a plan to move yourself and your family.

Sign up for outage alerts by phone or email or text REG to 57801.

Prepare an emergency kit with water, nonperishable food, first-aid and more.

For additional tips, please visit duke-energy.com/StormSafety.

PREP IS EVERY DAY, 24/7
STORM SEASON IS JUNE-OCTOBER
MORE FOR YOUR MONEY MORE PEACE OF MIND MORE AMENITIES AND SERVICES
831350
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 17
SPECTACULAR NEW SEASON EXPERIENCE OUR BlumenthalArts.org/Broadway • 704.335.1010 ©Littlestar JUNE 18-23, 2024 DEC. 26-31, 2023 AUG. 8-SEPT. 1, 2024 OCT. 8-13, 2024 MARCH 5-10, 2024 MAY 7-12, 2024 OCT. 17-22, 2023 INCLUDED IN OUR 8-SHOW SEASON APRIL 2-7, 2024 APRIL 30-MAY 5, 2024 JULY 9-21, 2024 OCT. 22-27, 2024 PRE-BROADWAY PREMIERE NOV. 7-12, 2023 NOV. 21-26, 2023 © 2023 Global Creatures. Moulin Rouge® is a registered trademark of Moulin Rouge. MARCH 19-31, 2024

in Charlotte

Showing Courage and Inspiring the Next Generation

Molly Williams was the first known female firefighter –– and first known Black firefighter ––in the U.S., working with the Oceanus Fire Company No. 11 of the New York City Fire Department in the 1780s. With 250 years between then and now,

experts still say integrating women into departments and organizations that have been bastions of all-male “homes-awayfrom-home” has not been easy.

Only 9 percent of firefighters in the U.S. in 2020 were women, according

to the National Fire Protection Association. Regardless of the statistics, female fighters everywhere continue to save countless lives and serve their communities, including three women with the Charlotte Fire Department.

Battalion Chief Trina Davies was promoted to her role in May after joining Charlotte Fire in 2007. Originally from England, Davies came to the U.S. at 18 in hopes of becoming a firefighter after serving as a cadet in the Royal Air Force. Davies said she was unable to serve as a firefighter in the U.K. because of a height

requirement in place at the time. She came to the U.S. as a nanny, eventually joining the Rochester Fire Department in New York.

Davies is now the only female chief in any role at Charlotte Fire, juggling being a mother of two and the leader of Charlotte Fire’s C-shift crews. Despite those obstacles, she still encourages other women

in the fire service to continue pursuing their careers.

“If you’re a single mom with kids, don’t let that stop you from continuing your career,” Davies said. “There’s always avenues where you can pursue your

Only 9 percent of firefighters in the U.S. in 2020 were women, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Regardless of the statistics, female fighters everywhere continue to save countless lives and serve their communities.
Talor Lee, member of the Charlotte Fire Battalion
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 19
Charlotte Fire Department battalion chief Trina Davies and her two children, Aiden and Kayla Avigator Fortuner / shutterstock.com

dream and still fulfill your family needs at home.”

Motherhood is a subject many women in the fire service know all too well, including Talor Lee, a member of the Charlotte Fire Battalion, who recently gave birth to her first child.

“I think we need to approach the younger generation and get it in their head that they can do this. Even if they don’t go toward the fire department, just give them the courage and the enthusiasm and drive to go for something that they never thought they could actually do,” Davies said.

Not all firefighters know they want to serve at a young age. Take Holly Forbes Johnson, a firefighter at Station 38, for example. Johnson worked at the YMCA for years before she began the EMT program and met the battalion chief that ignited her career in fire service.

“You have to keep so many continuing education (CE) hours to keep your EMT certification up on a yearly basis, so I needed to be somewhere where I could do those CE hours,” Johnson explained. “I joined

the different things that I was doing. One day, he asked me, ‘Have you ever thought’ … and I told him, ‘Yeah. But I’m kind of old. And I’m a mom.’ The next day he came up to me and he’s like, ‘You know what, I think you’re right. You may be a little old for it.’ And I looked at him and said, ‘You’re gonna watch me do it.’”

A native of Charlotte, Lee spent a lot of time at fire stations growing up with her dad, who worked as a mechanic for the city. In 2017, she joined Camp Ignite, a nonprofit organization that aims to build the character of high school girls while introducing them to the Fire Department and other public services.

Out of the 1,088 firefighters employed by Charlotte Fire, only 41 are women, and only eight of those women are people of color. This year, Camp Ignite received 122 applications, the most ever in its history. Lee said the program helped her realize she’d have to earn her spot in the fire department just like any other male firefighter would.

“No one’s gonna give you pity for being a girl,” Lee said. “No one’s gonna give you an easy way out or do anything to make this job easier for you. It’s a job that takes physical, mental and emotional strength. And if you put your mind to it, you can have all of that.”

Lee officially began her career with Charlotte Fire in 2021. One of the biggest obstacles she faced was her own doubts that she become a firefighter, and she credits Camp Ignite for helping alleviate that doubt. More young women could benefit from programs like Camp Ignite, Lee said.

the local volunteer fire department, the Steele Creek Fire Department, that was by my house, so that I could keep up my EMT hours to keep my certification going.”

She continued, “I just saw all the cool fire stuff they were doing… And I would come to work and tell that battalion chief

Johnson is now the mother of two boys and also the only female member of Charlotte Fire’s dive team. In April, the Charlotte North Rotary Club (CNR) gave Johnson the the Community Service Above Self Award. The CNR first presented the award in 1982, and it’s meant to recognize the contributions of firefighters who put their lives on the line.

Johnson said she hopes her receiving the award inspires the next generation, including her sons, and

other young people, to continue to be good stewards of their communities.

She said, “It’s all about just teaching humans to be better and help one another.” P

Out of the 1,088 firefighters employed by Charlotte Fire, only 41 are women, and only eight of those women are people of color.
“If you’re a single mom with kids, don’t let that stop you from continuing your career. There’s always avenues where you can pursue your dream and still fulfill your family needs at home.”
—Trina Davies
Holly Forbes Johnson, Charlotte Fire Department firefighter Trina Davies and her two children
20 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
From left to right: Firefighter Patrick Stanley, firefighter Alex Vanhorn, engineer Chris King, firefighter Caleb Eudy, and battalion chief Trina Davies

concepts neighboring

we help communities design their own future July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 21
July ���������������������������������� Min�� Mus��u�� U����own at Levine Center for the Arts The Vault is �� ���� �� s �� n ���� d �� y Bank of A ���� ���� ica, wi�� h g�� n �� ����ous individual su ���� o ���� �� f ����o �� Ma ���� sh �� l �� tt �� and Mil�� on P ���� i ���� . IMAGE: Vaul�� Pho �� og ���� a��hy a�� T ���� ad �� W�� s �� was �� ad �� �� ossi��l�� �� y ��o���� ����s���� P ����o���� ���� �� i�� s and T ���� ini�� y Pa ���� �� n�� ����s. ������������ ������������.���������������� Min�� Mus�� u �� U���� ow n at Levine Center for the Arts ������������ ��ou�� h T ���� yon ���� ���������� , Cha ����lo������ , NC mintmuseum.org @ �� h���� in����us�� u �� Co���� s���� wha��’s insid��

Three Charlotte Teens Thrive in Business

Today’s youth have a new outlook on how to take control of their careers. According to a survey by the nonprofit organization Junior Achievement USA, “Over 60 percent of teens prefer starting a business over having a traditional job.” Many are even starting their businesses before the age of 18. Three young Charlotte-area entrepreneurs, Gavin and Bryce Lindsay, and Avanna are already making huge strides in business. Here’s a snapshot of how they’ve each jump-started their careers doing what they love.

/ Avanna Young VoiceZ

During the covid-19 pandemic, Avanna started honing her gift of writing, observing social challenges and using words to express her feelings. Now as an eighthgrader at A.C.E. Academy Charter School, her passion for writing has blossomed into a business.

As the owner of Young VoiceZ, Avanna sells her collection of original bookmarks, journals, pencils and her own poems. Her words drive her mission to support others.

At 13 years old, she has a huge heart and concern for her peers, explaining, “I started my business hoping to motivate young people. To advocate for their feelings and opinions about social issues and the world around us.”

Avaana is also a member of her school’s Young Moguls Club where she serves as an editor for the group’s newsletter. Her participation in the club has helped her

with marketing, formulating products, logo development and more.

Although she has several years before she graduates from high school, Avanna already knows what she wants to do. “My future goals include being a famous author and an attorney,” she said. In addition, she plans to continue her advocacy for social justice, writing and playing sports.

When Avanna is not writing, she enjoys spending time with friends and being active in softball, volleyball and basketball.

/Gavin Lindsay GlindzVisuals

Gavin started his photography business GlindzVisuals in early July 2022. He said he loves capturing moments and

Photo credit: Gavin Lindsay From left to right: Bryce Lindsay, owner of ShotsbyBryceLindsay; Avanna, owner of Young VoiceZ; and Gavin Lindsay, owner of GlindzVisuals Photo credit: Bryce Lindsay
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 23
Here’s Avanna selling her merchandise at an outdoor event.
“I started my business hoping to motivate young people. To advocate for their feelings and opinions about social issues and the world around us.”
—Avanna

details through his work. He got his hands on his first DSLR camera in his sophomore year during videography class.

Now an 11th-grader at Covenant Day School in Matthews, North Carolina, he said he can’t put the camera down. Perfecting the details and moments drives his creativity. “My goal is to capture my clients in their best light and to show off their greatness,” he said. In addition, he wants his subjects to know they are essential. “Everyone is special, and the world should see it.”

Gavin credits his strong work ethic at 17 years old to the dedication he applies to his craft. “A lesson that I’ve learned is that consistency and patience pay off,” he said. He’s keeping his skills sharp with a year-long school photography course that covers shooting styles, lighting and more.

Five years from now, Gavin plans to be a college graduate with a degree in Digital Marketing and a minor in photography. He also has big plans for the growth of his brand. Working as a sports photographer for the NBA is also one on his goal list.

Although they have separate businesses, Gavin said he’s learned a lot and collaborated with his older brother Bryce on a few projects.

(Gavin’s brother) started his photography business, ShotsbyBryceLindsay, as a senior at Covenant Day School.

A photography class sparked his interest and from then on, his camera never left his side. “I found myself taking my camera to games and other events,” he explained. He started posting his images on Instagram and quickly gained a following.

Creating a quality experience is extremely important to Bryce. He describes his work as a “photoshoot experience” that “delivers high-quality pictures for every client.” Some of his work includes graduations, proms and tournaments. He recently collaborated with his brother Gavin on a University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduation project.

When he’s not shooting, gaming or hanging out with friends, he’s serving as an Honors Ambassador with North Carolina A&T.

At 19, Bryce plans to complete his undergraduate degree and obtain his MBA. He also wants to advance his photography business.

Family support

When asked who their most significant role model or mentor was, the teens unanimously said their family.

Avanna expressed her profound appreciation for her mother. “She’s my role model because she proves every day that she can do work and still put me and my sister first,” she said. Avanna’s mother, Joyce L. Figueroa, added that being hands-on with her daughter’s business is essential. Figueroa said she invests in materials, believes in Avanna and spends many hours helping her produce products.

With businesses in the same field, brothers Gavin and Bryce have a strong bond of mutual support. Gavin candidly shares, “My brother has helped me, and my parents are alongside me every step of the way.”

Bryce expressed the same sentiments. “[My parents] pushed me to excel in every area of life– and taught me to give 100 percent in everything,” he said. Outside of his family, he credits his mentor Nick (@shiftyflicks on Instagram) for teaching him the concepts and business of photography.

Parents Yolanda and Dedric Lindsay support Gavin and Bryce by acting as managers and business consultants. They handle their bookings and proposals. “We ensure they have full ownership and creative rights to their brand and platform. It’s been fun to watch them evolve as photographers and independent thinkers over the last few years,” Dedric said.

Advice for future entrepreneurs

Bryce has some words of encouragement for other young aspiring entrepreneurs. First, investing in yourself is extremely important, he said. “Be patient and stick to your craft, continue practicing, researching — then pay it forward and help others grow their crafts too.”

Gavin’s advice: “Just go for it. If you want to create something, create it. What is there to lose?”

Avanna says it’s about believing in yourself. She shares the motto: “If you dream it, you can achieve it.”  P

24 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Bryce Lindsay ShotsbyBryce An honors student at North Carolina A&T State University studying Supply Chain Management, Bryce Lindsay
“My goal is to capture my clients in their best light and to show off their greatness.”
—Gavin Lindsay
“[My parents] pushed me to excel in every area of life and taught me to give 100 percent in everything.”
—Bryce Lindsay
Bryce Lindsay’s self portrait Gavin Lindsay taking photos at a conference
A Place for Renewal Join us for a tour or event at Aldersgate, an age 62+ Life Plan Community. We are honored to be voted Charlotte Observer’s Best of 2022: (704) 318-2035 | 3800 Shamrock Drive • Charlotte, NC 28215 | AldersgateLiving.org Now is the perfect time to explore all the natural wonders our campus has to offer. It’s no wonder Aldersgate was voted “Best Retirement Community” by the readers of the Charlotte Observer. As a premier non-profit Life Plan Community, our expansive campus has it all: hundreds of acres of nature, bocce ball, an urban farm, wood shop, indoor pool and spa, six dining venues, a dog park, fitness center and daily exercise classes. July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 25 © 2023 Regions Bank. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank. Your unique lifestyle calls for unique financial assistance. At Regions, we have a wide variety of lending solutions to give you confidence in taking that first step. For any lending need you may have, we’re here to help you find what works for you. We’re your local lending experts in the Queen City. regions.com/lending Here to help you finance your future.

MHA Creates More Access to Mental Health Care

Walk into the office suite on Charlotte’s Latrobe Drive and you’re greeted with large windows, comfy seating and soothing wall colors. While this could be the setup for any business, Mental Health America of Central Carolinas (MHA) wants visitors to feel like they’re being enveloped in a caring and welcoming environment to deal with mental health matters.

For MHA, every detail of their two-part mental health awareness plan — which includes a new, free in-person counseling center and an all-digital marketing

campaign — needs to remind those who are struggling that mental health care matters and help is just around the corner.

Putting the pieces together

After working in a nearly empty office for much of the pandemic, two things became clear for Kathy Rogers, executive director of MHA: Hybrid and remote work would become the norm, and more than ever, improved access to mental health treatment is a needed resource. But what to do about those two realities — how to honor staff working preferences, yet make use of office space they own but are not fully utilizing?

“We always want to make sure we’re using all our assets to serve the community. So, we put together a small group of folks to begin helping us conceptualize what a counseling center could look like … and how could we make it free to those who cannot afford to pay for counseling,” explained Rogers.

Thanks to a $1.25 million grant from Mecklenburg County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the Latrobe Drive office space was renovated and turned into a free counseling center in January 2023. Again, with a focus on efficiency and community commitment, some of the funds were allocated to

26 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Karrisa Clinkscales, MHA intern; Megan Bryant, MHA Clinical Director; Rebekah Bagley, MHA Mental Health Navigator; and Khamik Cardwell, MHA intern

hiring a clinical director and providing a stipend for graduate school interns from Johnson C. Smith University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte  who would work in the counseling center.

“We know that the pandemic disproportionately impacted the mental health of communities of color, and the counseling center is designed to address these disparities,” said Rogers.

According to Mental Health America, the parent organization for Mental Health America of Central Carolinas, 7 million African Americans and another 10 million Latinos suffer from mental illness. The center is meant to be a welcoming, safe space for short-term, no-cost counseling services.

“I feel like when they walk through the door of our counseling center, they are getting a kind of warm hug,” said MHA’s Development Director, Andrea Towner.

Megan Bryant, MHA’s Counseling Center Clinical Director, said 80 percent of clients seen in the counseling center are either uninsured or underinsured; and within that population, 75 percent are people of color.

“What I’ve found in the years in this field is that [clients] want someone who looks like them. They want someone who gets it — not just the textbook version — but actually [someone] who understands some of the things that they’re saying,” said Bryant.

The clinical staff recognizes that underlying issues like homelessness or food insecurity may be the root cause of a mental health crisis. MHA has partnered with other nonprofits where they can refer clients for additional support. Otherwise, said Towner, “It’s going to be difficult to deal with their mental health.”

The center will also be a resource for increasing the pipeline of traumainformed clinicians of color. Under Bryant’s supervision, MHA will welcome its second cohort of interns in August. Working in the counseling center and

gaining access to additional community organizations, or what Bryant calls “wraparound resources,” offers the graduate students’ broader connections and resources they may be able to utilize later in a professional setting.

My mental health matters

MHA reaches across Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties for in-person mental health counseling support. To connect with a broader audience, some ARPA funds cover a new Caring for Communities of Color campaign called “My Mental Health Matters.”

In partnership with local organizations like Charlotte Pride, a leader in LGBTQ visibility in Charlotte and the Carolinas, the “My Mental Health Matters” campaign aims to help end the stigma around addressing mental health, especially in Black and Brown communities. “We are making that impact by this push for this campaign in communities of color,” said Bryant.

The campaign features a landing page (https://mhaofcc.org/caringfor-communities-of-color) with well-known Black and Brown faces like former professional football player Steve Smith Sr., as well as radio ads and billboards targeting specific communities in English and Spanish. There is also an online survey, whose results can help MHA better identify some of the barriers people face when seeking treatment.

“We really want people to feel comfortable — as comfortable getting therapy as they are getting their blood pressure medication, or whatever they need to live a healthy life,” Bryant said. “We’re going to continue to focus on how we reach those communities of color and get people to develop trust in addressing their mental health,” Bryant added.

The website offers ways to book in-person and virtual appointments in the counseling center as well as educational resources around mental health and inspirational “We See You” videos of real-life individuals sharing stories about why “Mental Health Matters.” There are also links to in-person events for coffee and conversations around increasing understanding and mental health awareness and breaking the stigma of seeking help when needed. “I see a wonderful future for MHA and the work that we’re doing,” said Rogers P

Call 704-365-3454 for more information on Mental Health America of Central Carolinas.

Top: Khamik Cardwell, MHA intern, is seeking his Master of Social Work degree from Johnson C. Smith University Bottom: Karrisa Clinkscales, MHA intern, earned her Master of Social Work degree from Johnson C. Smith University
“We know that the pandemic disproportionately impacted the mental health of communities of color, and the counseling center is designed to address these disparities.”
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 27
—Kathy Rogers

A Forensic Interviewer Uses Translation Skills to Advocate for Others

instilled in them that learning English and getting an education was important.

To instill a strong education ethic in their children while seeking to embrace their new American life, Lopez’s parents created a mandate.

According to a 2020 U.S. Census report, 1 in 5 residents speak a different language other than English in their household, and Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Korean rank among the highest languages used. Spanish has become the most common non-English language in America, with 41 million native speakers and 12 million bilingual Spanish speakers, making the need for language interpreters in this country great.

Venezuelan native Melissa Lopez has made language interpretation her life’s work to ensure the voices of Spanish speakers in Charlotte can be heard. Lopez immigrated to Miami, Florida from Venezuela with her parents and three brothers at the age of six, when her father, who worked for a Venezuelan airline, relocated to America.

Although no one in her family could speak English before they came to the U.S., Miami’s enormous Spanish-speaking population made Lopez’s transition untroublesome to navigate. Yet, her parents

“My parents insisted that we spoke in Spanish at home and English outside of the home,” she said. This experiential learning would later benefit Lopez in multiple facets of her life. “This allowed me to assist those who have a language barrier. This includes volunteer opportunities for family, friends,

and even jobs that required being bilingual,” said Lopez.

It wasn’t until she landed a role as a contracted Spanish interpreter for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) that Lopez admits she finally

28 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
By John Burton Jr.
Little by little Lopez began to realize her interpretation work was about more than mere translations of thoughts through words — it was about being able to advocate via interpretation.
Melissa Lopez is a certified National Forensic Interviewer and currently studies criminal justice technology at Central Piedmont Community College. The Lopez children in Venezuela just prior to coming to the U.S. (Left to right): Melissa Lopez, Joseph Lopez, Johannes Lopez and Michael Lopez

developed a passion for the work. Although she had assisted in numerous interpretations previously, none of those experiences prepared her for the incident she declares changed her life forever.

In her initial assignment, working with CMPD’s Special Victims Unit, Lopez was told that she would be interpreting a suspect interrogation involving a child sex abuse case. After taking a deep breath, she entered an 8-by-10-feet wide room where the suspect sat handcuffed to a table. Detectives began with an introduction, and then a four-hour interrogation ensued.

“It was grueling, intense, mentally exhausting as it consisted of nonstop simultaneous interpreting,” she said. “I wasn’t afraid. I remember just wanting to make sure that I did not miss anything, as it pertained to a child that had experienced trauma,” she continued.

When it was over, Lopez professed it was difficult to endure, but it was equally empowering to know “we were fighting for this child,” she said. The work Lopez was

conducting was forensic interviewing, where recorded conversations are designed to

elicit a child’s unique information when there are concerns of possible abuse.

As she continued to provide interpreting services during forensic interviews, Lopez’s experiential learning was shifting into something more — it was becoming a passion.

“The more I did it, the better I got,” she explained. Little by little Lopez began to realize her interpretation work was about more than mere translations of thoughts through words — it was about being able to advocate via interpretation. “Truthfully, it’s why I decided to continue on that path,” Lopez said.

Still, Lopez candidly admits this work isn’t for the faint of heart.

“Being an interpreter is by far the greatest exercise for your brain,” she said. “Having to accurately interpret simultaneously is exhilarating, gratifying and exhausting, all at the same time.” She was unsure what to expect, but she continued to do the job. Her path became clear, and she continued to learn along the way.

July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 29
The early days of the Lopez family living in Miami as teenagers. (Left to right): Marilyn Lopez, Jose Lopez Naar, Michael Lopez, Melissa Lopez, Joseph Lopez and Johannes Lopez

By 2021, Lopez, a mother of three, knew what she wanted to do. She decided to become an advocate as an interpreter and started her own interpreting firm called Language Liaison LLC. Lopez soon landed a contract with Gaston County as an interpreter, partnering with The Lighthouse Children’s Advocacy Center, Hope United Survivor Network and the Cathy Mabry Cloninger Center: A Domestic Violence Shelter.

Lopez never lost sight of her parents’ focus on education. She shared with a colleague that she wanted to be a forensic interviewer, but she did not have a college degree.

“I am almost 90 percent sure that you don’t need one,” her colleague responded.

But Lopez decided to enroll in college anyway. As a criminal justice technology major at Central Piedmont Community

College, she has learned to toggle between her interpreting work and her homework.

Later she hopes to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in advocacy and social work. In September 2022, Lopez received her Child Forensics Interviewer Certification from RADAR FI Models, LLC. She then received contracts to work with multiple child advocacy centers as a bilingual forensic interviewer and interpreter.

One of her many goals is to eventually offer forensic interview services in Spanish and English at child advocacy centers nationally to help make a difference in the lives of children affected by trauma.

A life learner, advocate and entrepreneur, Lopez credits all she is to her family, faith and forensics. She says she knows her steps are ordered. P

30 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
The Lopez family in Charlotte, from left to right: Marilyn Lopez, Michael Lopez, Jose Lopez Naar, Melissa Lopez, Johannes Lopez and Joseph Lopez
A life learner, advocate and entrepreneur, Lopez credits all she is to her family, faith and forensics.
Tryon is proud to have been recognized once again by our peers among Charlotte magazine’s Top Doctors, across all 10 of our specialty areas. We’re honored. Again. tryonmed.com Dr. Daniel Aquino Dr. Amit Aravapalli Dr. Anne Barnard Dr. Francisco Bautista Vitiello Dr. Robert Bowen III Dr. Oscar Brann Dr. Enrico Belgrave Dr. D. Allen Brantley Dr. J. Chester Alexander Dr. Ketan Amin Dr. David Framm Dr. Kym Furney Dr. Diane George Dr. Jennie Hauschka Dr. SiSi Hester-Clarke Dr. Eric Hilgenfeldt Dr. Kent Holtzmuller Dr. Peter Copsis Dr. Meredith Dasher Dr. Walid Eltaraboulsi Dr. Charles Ferree Dr. Jeffrey Constantine Dr. Maya Fetter Dr. Althea Cunningham Dr. Natasha Dumra Dr. Meredith Faulkner Dr. Jacob Coleman Dr. Jenifer Ingle Dr. Melissa James Dr. Ryan Shelton Dr. Scott Smith Dr. Ehrlich Tan Dr. Charles Upchurch Dr. Jill Zouzoulas Dr. John Tenini Dr. Claire Wilder Dr. Jennifer Womack Dr. Erin Stone Dr. Harold Springs III Dr. Kerry Briones Dr. Robert Brownlee Dr. Gregory Busse Dr. Eric Clemons Dr. C. Brittain Callahan Dr. Elaine Campbell Dr. Marianne Carim Dr. Alicia Cole Dr. Christopher Buehrig Dr. Jason Carnes Ballantyne | Gaston | Huntersville | Matthews | Pineville | SouthPark | Steele Creek | Uptown | Waverly | Women’s Center Dr. Richard Miller Dr. Eric Landis Dr. Michael McCartney Dr. Adam Ligler Dr. Martie Jewell Dr. Alison Johnson Dr. Tina Kennelly Dr. Elizabeth Kirkland Dr. Laura McGirt Dr. Aylse Kelly-Jones Dr. Uha Reddy Dr. Ilhem Remmouche Dr. Alicia Reams Dr. Wanda Robinson Dr. Uma O’Brien Dr. Gregory O’Leary Dr. Caroline Pierce Dr. T. Christopher Morris Dr. Patricia Roddey Dr. Gary Rolband

Charlotte Fire Department Promotes First Latino Immigrant Battalion Chief

Juan Pablo Soto, born and raised in Guatemala, is enjoying his role as Charlotte Fire Department Battalion Chief, calling it “the best job in the world.”

After serving as a city firefighter for 20 years — as a captain for 10 of those years, Soto was promoted to his new

role in January 2023. He said being a battalion chief has been both amazing and vastly different from his other roles within the fire department. Being a firefighter was not on his radar 20 years ago, but Soto said he’s grateful the career was put on his path. His journey in the U.S. began after high school when he moved to Charlotte

It was during that time that he came across a firefighter who introduced him to what would become his career. He was intrigued enough to apply, dedicate himself to studying, which required learning lots of new terminology, becoming an EMT and learning how to fight fires, among other things. He passed all tests and joined the brother/sisterhood.

from Guatemala. Having dual citizenship status, he began cleaning tables by day and cooking at an Italian restaurant by night. He had planned to join the U.S. military and continue his education.

He explained that he no longer rides in the fire trucks and has a very different level of responsibility. While the job looks different, he is still firmly committed to Charlotte and its people. In the firefighter world, order and a system are

9502 Providence Road | Charlotte, NC 28277 CharlotteLatin.org | 704.846.7207 Charlotte Latin School is an independent, non-sectarian, coeducational, college-preparatory day school for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Juan Pablo Soto, Charlotte Fire Department Battalion Chief
“You have to trust that your experience and training will lead you to make the best decisions when the time comes.”
32 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
—Juan Pablo Soto

established within seconds of arriving at a scene to mitigate the incident. When a chief arrives, they take command and oversee assignments.

“You have to make decisions very quickly, with very little information, based on your experience, what you see, and what other people on the scene tell you,” Soto said. “It can be nerve-racking. It can be stressful. You have to trust that your experience

a suspicious package in a building, a train leaking weird products, a fire, a five-car wreck with people trapped in it … if a person is entangled in a machine or buried in a hole — we go to everything,” he said.

While his current role is new, Soto said he has learned a lot and looks forward to continuing to learn from other chiefs, people and continued

and training will lead you to make the best decisions when the time comes.”

Except for police-department-only situations such as arrests, firefighters show up to just about anything else, said Soto. As first responders, they get calls related to medical emergencies, hazard materials, bomb threats, fires, car wrecks and other incidents.

“Our level of knowledge is huge because it can be a gas leak in a house,

experiences. He said he values growth and being a continuous learner. He’s enjoying this aspect of his leadership role and wants to help with recruitment efforts and help other people get promoted, including many minorities.

He shared mixed feelings about being the first Latino immigrant fire battalion chief, expressing how surprising it is to him to be the first in such a large and diverse city as Charlotte.

Showing up to emergency situations, being able to speak Spanish and understanding the culture has not only come in handy but has also been relieving to the people he helps, Soto said. More diversity among firefighters will help more people.

Soto expressed how much he loves his family, his amazing wife and their three boys. When he’s not at the firehouse, he said he enjoys spending time with his family and cooking for them, working out, traveling and reading.

Top: (From left to right): Juan Pablo Soto’s sister Yasmin DeHaven, his mom Silvia de Schaeuffler, his wife Melanie Soto, Juan Pablo Soto, his sons (from left to right): Mack, Niko and Marcello, and his sister Carolina Ladd
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 33
Left: Juan Pablo Soto and his wife Melanie Soto

New Fitness Studio Offers Personal Approach for Customized Results

Certified personal trainer and weight management specialist, Taylor Calamese, recently opened her second Charlotte FIT Studio on Johnston Road in South Charlotte in January. The new studio is a “one-stop-shop for health and wellness with group fitness, personal training, nutrition, physical therapy and more,” said Calamese.

Charlotte FIT North, her first studio location, opened its doors in 2020 and is a women-focused premier personal training studio for women of all ages and fitness levels to reach their health goals. Charlotte FIT South is a bespoke fitness studio that caters to adults of all ages and fitness levels who desire a personalized approach for reaching their specific health goals.

Their mission is to empower participants with the tools to lead a healthy, happy life through customized health programming. Some of these programs include weight management, muscular strength and sculpting, preventive health measures, cardiovascular fitness, and prenatal and postnatal fitness.

The studios provide a flexible “by appointment only” personal training schedule and a varied class schedule to meet the needs of participants. Calamese said people can expect a clean, hygienic atmosphere with luxury amenities such as fresh towel service, premium toiletries and recovery products at the studios.

It was through Calamese’s own struggles and her quest for knowledge that drew her to the fitness arena and inspired her to open both Charlotte Fit studios, she said.

As someone who struggled with an eating disorder, Calamese said she learned to find her way to what health and fitness look like for her, in the healthiest way — all while making peace with her body. For Calamese, it was important for her to incorporate more nutritious foods into her regimen and getting stronger.

Having been an athlete since she was 12 years old, Calamese isn’t new to physical movement or working hard to reach fitness outcomes. How she supports people and the way she has structured her business comes from her study of human behavior and knowledge of motivational techniques. She uses that knowledge to help people make sustainable lifestyle changes. Pairing the

psychology of human behavior to fitness is one of the outstanding characteristics of the Charlotte FIT approach, she said.

Calamese loves when studio participants understand the synergy of how sleep, stress management, having tools to support mental health, etc., all work together for people. “Life opens up when they understand that concept. There’s so much behind the pounds and the scale. [It’s great] when they get that this is a holistic practice and… it’s a lifestyle,” she said.

To get started at Charlotte FIT, you’ll need to schedule a consultation. A certified health fitness specialist or personal trainer will record your medical and exercise history, current workout routine and nutrition habits. They will then design a plan that works best for the individual. “I want to help clients by empowering them with the tools to be independent in their health,” Calamese said. P

Photo credit: Kiara Harris / KH Photography Photos below courtesy of Taylor Calamesey Taylor Calamese, certified personal trainer and owner of Charlotte FIT Studio (North and South) Taylor Calamese
34 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Left: Clients working out at Charlotte FIT Studio
Canopy Real Estate Institute is far more than just a real estate school.
canopyreinstitute.com | 704-372-2984
Everything you need to succeed is under our canopy.
Real Estate Institute offers affordable prelicensing,
education,
our in-person
We are your one-stop education and professional development partner whether you are just starting your real estate career or looking for education and professional tools to help grow your real estate business. Canopy
postlicensing, continuing
designation and certification classes taught by award-winning instructors. Explore
or virtual real estate education options and enjoy the benefits of:
• Early-bird discount ($40 off) for Prelicensing
• Free virtual drop-in tutoring sessions
• Exam prep program and to help you prepare and pass the North Carolina real estate exam
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Canopy REI - REVPrideHalfVerticalMARCH2023.pdf 1 2/6/23 2:48 PM PUT YOURSELF IN CONVERSATION WITH US TODAY Your peace of mind is at the top of our list. Getting on the Sharon Club Priority List comes with senior living perks, including:
First offer of residences in upcoming phases of new construction
Opportunities for dining, education, fitness and events
Exclusive offerings and promotions Visit SharonTowers.org or call 704.556.3231 5100 SHARON ROAD I CHARLOTTE, NC 28210 July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 35
• Enjoy on-campus complimentary barista bar and private study areas

The Vault

Highlighting the Importance of Preserving Black Art

The Mint Museum Uptown will be highlighting the importance of stewarding and preserving Black art through an upcoming exhibition called The Vault starting July 1. Curated by artist, curator and custodian of Black art, Jessica Gaynelle Moss, this exhibition will present a range of vintage photography, original paintings, prints, sculptures, furniture, vinyl records and other Black ephemera from some

of Charlotte’s most prominent Black art collectors.

Charlotte-based collectors featured in The Vault all have distinct approaches and philosophies to collecting art, similar to the four types of art collectors categorized by national art services executive, Evan Beard of Artsy, a New York City-based online art brokerage. Judy and Patrick Diamond (the Connoisseurs), Cheryse and Christopher Terry (the Enterprising Collectors), Christy

Above: Cheryse Terry with vintage magazine spread;
36 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Below: Archive CLT owners Cheryse and Christopher Terry

and Quincy Lee (the Trophy Hunters), and Nina and James Jackson (the Aesthetes) all illuminate the importance of preserving Black culture through art, history and other forms of memorabilia through their art being displayed at The Vault.

excellence like “Jet,” “Jive,” “Bronze Thrills,” “Negro Digest” and “Ebony” magazine. Over time, I started a ‘70s collection and began sharing them with others. That’s sort of what birthed Archive CLT, our vintage Black culture, book, coffee and ephemera shop in West Charlotte.

JGM: Why did you choose these specific items from your art collection for The Vault?

CT: I chose these items specifically for the exhibition because they show the beauty and art in everyday Black life that many don’t see, understand or get to experience. Many of these items I’ve collected since my childhood and others are given to me

The Vault exhibition opens July 1 through September 17 at the Mint Museum Uptown, and the opening reception is July 15 at 1 p.m. The exhibition will have over 500 objects from Black collectors — even artists like Jacob Lawrence and Charlotte’s very own, Romare Bearden. Visit mintmuseum.org to buy tickets and learn more.

JGM: Tell us a little more about Archive CLT.

CT: It started off as my thrifting business, Vyntage Dreams, which grew into an intimate online following — and as that began to take form, I opened my online shop, Black Ephemera. I thought about how I could share this with a larger community because thousands of people online were interested in the rare items that I’d collected, from vintage “Jet” and “Ebony” magazines to classic vinyl records — so I got out of my own way.

For press around this exhibition, Moss chose to empower each unique collector’s methodology, voice and perspective by uplifting scholar, historian, Black art collector and owner Cheryse Terry of Archive CLT on Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte.

As these historians and preservers of Black art continue to remove barriers to access, redefine Black history and cultivate safe spaces to share these beautiful experiences, it’s important that we also support the movement.

We got deeper insights into the Terry Collection, Cheryse’s lifelong passion for collecting Black memorabilia and creating safe spaces for Black people to co-exist.

Jessica Gaynelle Moss: What made you start a Black art collection?

Cheryse Terry: My mother and I always collected goods from yard sales, thrift stores and antique shops, so I’ve always been fascinated by the fashion, stories and experiences of the people that lived before me. With so many lingering questions about her youth that I didn’t get to ask before she passed, I felt compelled to find out what her youth would have been like. I started collecting vintage magazines showing Black

as keepsakes. Afro picks, hundreds of vintage magazines, records, toys, clothing, advertisements and other artifacts. Some of them date back as far as Langston Hughes’ reviews on Maya Angelou’s collection of poems, so it’s a privilege to be trusted with these important moments in history.

JGM: Would you say that Black art serves as a tool for social advancement?

CT: The preservation of Black art brings honor to those who continue to guide us daily, so most definitely, yes. Black history is American history and reminding people of that through Black art, history, culture and conversations requires a duty and responsibility that we’re honored to fulfill.

One day, I was riding through West Charlotte, where I was raised and currently reside, and to my surprise, a Black-owned building I was interested in was still Blackowned, intact and recently redeveloped. With the help of a passionate community behind me, I started a crowdfunding campaign and was able to get $10,000 in just a few days. Then, investors provided their

support, and Archive CLT came to life. We opened on August 27, 2022, and hope to continue to preserve Black culture, ownership and memorabilia. We’ll be having community events, workshops, concerts and an abundance of soulful, uplifting vibes. P

July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 37
Above: Yashua Klos print and Grace Stott hand sculptures curated by Jessica Gaynelle Moss Right: Carmen Neely print and sculpture flower converse by Christopher Chan curated by Jessica Gaynelle Moss Far Right: Cheryse Terry with clients at Archive CLT

Supplier Diversity Programs Open Doors of Opportunity

Decades of racial stigma, lack of resources and limited access to services have long been challenges for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Businesses with supplier diversity policies assist in matching their companies with suppliers that are owned and operated by individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups to help make the playing field more even.

A diverse supplier is defined as a business that is at least 51 percent owned and operated by an underrepresented group – racial and ethnic minorities, veterans, service-disabled veterans, the LGBTQ+ community and women. The goal of supplier diversity programs is to promote equal access to economic opportunities and increase competition in the marketplace. These programs also develop and grow diversity among local businesses, having a positive impact on local communities and the economy.

Headquartered in Charlotte, Premier Inc. is a health care improvement company with an alliance of approximately 4,400 U.S. hospitals, health systems, and more than 250,000 providers and organizations. It is deeply committed to procuring business from diverse suppliers. Premier’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Joe Machicote said supplier diversity is successful but can improve.

“It works because it’s an opportunity to work with diverse minorities and women, allowing them to work directly with customers with the right support and tools,” he said. There’s still a stigma around supporting minority businesses, he added. For example, there’s an enduring belief that minority businesses charge more than big suppliers. Also, businesses owned by minority women have a harder time than those owned by white women. “These groups still have a challenge,” he said.

Resources like the U.S. Small Business Administration and management training programs at colleges and universities provide the education needed to help minority vendors move forward and succeed. There are also local organizations,

such as The Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC), which promote and facilitate business relationships between the public/ private sector and certified minorityowned businesses. The organization is a membership of major corporations, financial institutions, government agencies and universities that operate within North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

CVMSDC President and Chief Engagement Officer Dominique Milton said the organization represents about 550 local minority businesses, 150 corporations and 17,000 national corporations. “We’re about opening the doors of opportunity,” she said. “We also develop businesses, work on them continually and set up training programs. We help make change.”

The ultimate goal of supplier diversity programs is to create a more inclusive and equitable marketplace by promoting opportunities for all underrepresented groups. Many organizations have set goals to increase their spending with these groups who have faced significant barriers to economic opportunities. These barriers are due to discrimination and exclusion from education and training, gender pay gaps, limited access to financial resources and bias in hiring. There are also structural barriers such as a lack of access to capital and business networks.

Many companies are more focused on diversity and inclusion efforts now than they have ever been, and most of us are familiar with the benefits of employing a diverse workforce; but there’s something missing from the conversation: the clear-cut advantages of using diverse suppliers.

Employers have an invaluable opportunity to not only make the workforce reflect the population but also to supply their businesses with goods and services that are created and owned by diverse suppliers and represent everyone.

Deborah Williams, senior director of Supplier Diversity and Sustainability at Premier Inc., said larger corporations in the U.S. “must have more intent to create supplier diversity,” adding that minority suppliers can enhance their chances

of success with additional training and education in business, such as methods on how to access loans and capital. She said diversity programs can fail when companies aren’t fully committed, and it’s dire for them to invest in time and resources and nurture relationships with diverse suppliers.

“Companies need to … have the intent to have a supplier diversity program,” Williams said. “Be here for some of these Black, Asian, Native American, etc., suppliers. Let them demonstrate their ability.” P

Senior Director of Supplier Diversity and Sustainability at Premier, Inc., Deborah Williams President and Chief Engagement Officer of the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council, Dominique Milton
38 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of Premier, Inc., Joe Machicote
JULY 25-30 • BELK THEATER AT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BlumenthalArts.org • 704.372.1000 Group Sales: 704.348.5752 AN ELECTRIFYING THRILL-A-MINUTE NEW MUSICAL. PETER MARKS, THE WASHINGTON POST

live purposefully

This is what life is supposed to feel like. When you aren’t held back. When you have a health partner that doesn’t just treat part of you – they care for all of you. That’s why more people prefer Atrium Health, with the most complete care that lets you get back to the moments that matter. That’s what it’s like to live fully.

live fully

Navigating Cultural Diversity in Senior Communities

The park-like atmosphere of the Aldersgate Life Plan Community on Shamrock Drive in Charlotte offers various lifestyle choices as well as cultural events that honor the residents’ backgrounds and cultures. In senior living, every resident has a unique background and a story.

By learning about the importance of their religious practices, holiday celebrations and favorite foods, a community like Aldersgate can offer residents a connection to their lives before they moved to an assisted living community.

To reach this goal, Stephen Miller, Chief Diversity Inclusion Equity Officer at Aldersgate, said the community has a 26-person diversity equity team that meets monthly to plan special events for residents. Studies have shown that when seniors move into a residential community, they may often lose touch with cultural roots, such as clothing, food and lifestyle. This may result in dissatisfaction with their new surroundings and cause dissatisfaction with their new home, and possibly stress and depression.

“We are very inclusive and want to make sure everyone feels welcome,” Miller said, noting that there are social and economic differences in cultural celebrations at Aldersgate. For example, events have been celebrated with entertainment such as hula dancers to celebrate Pacific Islander residents, cloggers for St. Patrick’s Day, dragons for the Chinese New Year and a variety of food trucks for Juneteenth.

He also pointed out that beliefs about medical care and spirituality are important to the elderly, and that all residents are not accepting of diversity, which is realistic, “but mostly, they are accepting of what we do,” he said. “We want to make sure all of the residents feel welcome.”

The type of cultural inclusion offered at Aldersgate is important given the country’s aging population. More than 56 million adults ages 65 and older live in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This accounts for about 16.9 percent of the nation’s population, nearly 10 percent of Charlotte’s estimated 900,000 residents

and 11.9 percent of Mecklenburg County’s estimated 1.1 million residents.

By 2030, it is projected that there will be more than 73 million older adults in the U.S. By 2060, it is estimated that 57 percent of seniors in America will be Caucasian, while 43 percent will be racial minorities.

When it comes to moving to senior living facilities, sometimes, Hispanic and African Americans are reportedly hesitant due to concerns about the potential for discrimination or the fear of having to abandon their cultural traditions. Hispanics may also face language barriers – a potential safety issue as well as a situation that could make them feel isolated.

As the makeup of senior living communities changes, administrators and front-line staff have been given the opportunity to embrace new cultures and celebrate diversity. Research shows that acknowledging the differences in lifestyles gives senior communities the opportunity to observe various religious holidays, foods and customs.

At Sharon Towers, Director of Talent Development & Retention Chanel Jenkins said there are plans to create a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council to develop holiday celebrations and create awareness of issues affecting the 377 residents living at the facility on Sharon Road. Planning started last year, using focus groups and surveys to help determine the areas of focus.

“Recognizing culture impacts the wellbeing of the residents,” said Jenkins. “It impacts their vitality and well-being.” She noted that most of the Sharon Towers residents are white, so diverse culture will mainly be based on religious preferences. Most Sharon Tower residents are practicing Presbyterians or of the Christian faith.

“(Serving diverse cultures) is something that should be focused on,” Jenkins said. “It’s long overdue.” P

Chanel Jenkins, Director of Talent Development & Retention at Sharon Towers Stephen Miller, Chief Diversity Inclusion Officer at Aldersgate Life Plan Services
“Recognizing culture impacts the well-being of the residents. It impacts their vitality and well-being.”
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 41
—Chanel Jenkins

Spectrum Gives Millions to Help Underserved Communities

$8 million in grant funding to nonprofits in cities across the country. Organizations in financially underserved rural and urban areas were selected based on their efforts to educate their communities on the benefits of broadband. The company has announced it is committing another $1 million to the Spectrum Digital Education Program in 2023.

Among the 47 nonprofits to receive Spectrum’s Digital Education grants in 2022 is Urban League of Central Carolinas, which serves the Charlotte area. The organization received a $50,000 grant. Urban League Interim President and CEO Robyn LakeHamilton said Urban League is trying to close the digital gap that affects communities of color in different ways.

“We have adopted the strategy of the National Urban League called the Lewis Latimer Plan. It puts emphasis on the availability, adoption and access to broadband internet services” said LakeHamilton. “We have a Digital Innovation Center East (DICE) on the east side of Charlotte.” At DICE, Urban League provides in-person training on basic digital literacy, such as accessing the internet and understanding social media.

These days, it is nearly impossible to exist without the use of technology — particularly online digital technology. Today, physical interactions are replaced by virtual interactions, and everyday life activities that allow us to fully participate in society often occur online. Those who don’t have access can be left behind. This is the new normal; yet some people don’t reap the benefits of online services because they don’t understand how to use them or don’t have access. This became abundantly clear during the pandemic shutdowns.

“Since the pandemic, many essential services related to employment, education and health care have moved online, leaving the unserved and underserved even further disconnected from the resources needed to successfully navigate today’s world,” said Group Vice President of Community Impact for Charter Communications, Rahman Khan.

Understanding this, Charter Communications, under its Spectrum brand, has committed to providing financial

support to nonprofits that provide digital education training services within the communities the company serves. To date, Spectrum has donated more than

Spectrum’s largesse extends far beyond its digital education grants. Including the recent digital education grant funding, since 2019 Spectrum has contributed $150,000 to Urban League of Central Carolinas for various other programs.

The company has generously supported its local communities for years with funding, in-kind contributions and volunteerism. Working with its employees

Robyn LakeHamilton Above: Through its Community Assist Program, Spectrum employees volunteer to improve their communities.
42 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Below: Spectrum’s Digital Education Grants help communities learn and improve their technical skills.

and through relationships with community and government leaders, the company reaches below the surface to discover the real needs within the communities it serves. “We look to see what organizations are making an impact and we want to be a part of that effort to make an impact in our communities,” said Khan.

Along with cash donations, Spectrum has contributed everything from computers to diapers to accommodate specific needs it identifies. “Our mission is to improve the communities where our employees and our customers live and work, and we want to have a meaningful impact. We don’t just try to give a check,” said Khan.

Some of Spectrum’s other community impact programs are:

Spectrum community assist

The company has committed $30 million over five years to improve the physical condition of community centers in underserved rural and urban communities and supports programs that provide job skills training for the people in those communities.

Spectrum scholars

Charter’s Scholarship and Mentorship Initiative supports 20 underrepresented students per year with scholarship awards of up to $20,000 per student.

Spectrum employee community grants

Spectrum Employee Community Grants allow employees to nominate nonprofit organizations where they have volunteered for at least one year for grants of up to $10,000.

Support to small and multicultural businesses

Through its “Pay It Forward” program, launched in 2021, the company has invested more than $45 million to help businesses within its markets with free advertising, creative services and resources. The company has helped more than 2,000 multicultural business owners. Since 2020, Charter has provided more than $185 million in support to small businesses P

“Since the pandemic, many essential services related to employment, education and health care have moved online, leaving the unserved and underserved even further disconnected from the resources needed to successfully navigate today’s world.”
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 43
—Rahman Khan
From giving today to support the causes you value – to ensuring a better tomorrow for future generations – your local community foundation can help you and your family make a lasting charitable impact. Join others with a common vision by partnering with Foundation For Black Philanthropy, an affiliate of Foundation For The Carolinas. You can focus on the joy of giving while uplifting the power of Black philanthropy. Visit www.fftc.org/FFBP to learn more. www.fftc.org/FFBP | 704.998.6412 | BlackPhilanthropy@fftc.org
Giving Through the Seasons of Life

A New Way of Looking at To Kill a Mockingbird

The Broadway adaptation’s writer Aaron Sorkin talks about updating and paying homage to Harper Lee’s American classic today.

argumentative nature, and sheds harsher light on the book’s somewhat pat ending.

The stage adaptation is nonetheless made with appreciation for Lee’s novel, and that mix of homage and update has translated into a family-friendly Broadway hit.

well as he thought he did, that it may not be true that goodness can be found in everyone.

The first line of Aaron Sorkin’s stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird is one of quiet confusion. “Something didn’t make sense,” Scout Finch tells the audience of the tale that’s about to unfold. Sorkin’s dramatization of Harper Lee’s novel, which opened on Broadway in December 2018, is an unexpectedly probing work that refuses to let an American classic go unchallenged. Instead, it stages two trials: One is from the book, in which Scout’s attorney father, Atticus Finch, defends Tom Robinson, an African American man accused of rape in 1930s Alabama, and tries to combat the community’s entrenched racism.

In Sorkin’s play, the other trial is of Atticus’s own nobility, and how it doesn’t always square with his grander vision of justice. Though the adaptation broadly follows the narrative arc of Lee’s novel, it uses Scout, her brother Jem, and her friend Dill (all played by adult actors) to cast a wary eye over some of the book’s more idealistic details. That framing encourages the audience to ponder the limits of Atticus’s impulse to empathize even with vile racists such as Bob Ewell, a man who’s trying to pin his own assault of his daughter Mayella on Tom. The play beefs up the relatively anonymous parts given to black characters in Lee’s work, gives Atticus’s kids a more

David Sims: The show surprised me. I knew the book, and I had seen the film multiple times, so I was not expecting to be surprised. Aaron Sorkin: I’m glad to hear that. From the moment the curtain goes up, we try to knock you off your pins a little bit. Scout spends the play trying to solve [the mystery of Bob Ewell’s death], but broadly what we’re doing is having a new conversation about the book, the story we all learned in seventh grade and thought we knew.

When I started out [with this play], I thought it was a suicide mission, but I said yes right away ’cause I wanted to do a play so badly. My first draft was terrible because I tried to gently swaddle the book in bubble wrap and transfer it to the stage. It felt like a greatest-hits album done by a cover band— just somebody trying to imitate Harper Lee and standing up the most famous scenes from the book. I realized that Atticus, as the protagonist [of the stage version of the] story, has to change. And if he’s gonna be the protagonist, he has to have a flaw.

How did Harper Lee get away with having a protagonist who doesn’t change? Because Atticus isn’t the protagonist in the book or the movie; Scout is—her flaw is that she’s young, and the change is that she loses some of her innocence. While I wanted to explore Scout, I absolutely wanted Atticus to be a traditional protagonist, so he needed to change and have a flaw … It turned out that Harper Lee had [already] given him one; it’s just that when we all learned the book, it was taught as a virtue. It’s that Atticus believes that goodness can be found in everyone.

Sims: He excuses things [such as bigotry and cruelty].

Sorkin: By the end of the play, he realizes he doesn’t know his friends and neighbors as

Sims: You give a lot of anger to the kids. In the novel, I don’t remember them ever challenging their father; they’re more like observers who are invested in childish obsessions, like [their mysterious neighbor] Boo Radley. But you’ve given them, especially Jem, a more defiant dynamic with Atticus.

Sorkin: Well, if Atticus is going to have all the answers, let’s ask him tougher questions.

Sims: Calpurnia [the Finch family’s black housekeeper] has more to do as well, and she’s a much more passive figure in the book. Sorkin: I returned to the book and was surprised to find that in a story about racial tension, there were really only two significant African American characters, neither of whom had much to say. I want to be careful— this play is in no way meant to correct what I feel were mistakes that Harper Lee made. It’s a conversation. And I couldn’t do a Harper Lee impersonation or pretend like I was writing the play in 1960. But Calpurnia in the book is mostly concerned with whether Scout’s going to wear overalls or a dress; Tom Robinson pleads for his life, but we don’t know much more about him. In 1960, using African American characters mostly as atmosphere is something that probably would have gone unnoticed by a mostly white audience. But it would be noticeable today, and it’s a really big missed opportunity. You want their point of view in this.

Sims: It’s been an interesting year for great American works getting interrogated on Broadway.

Sorkin: They’re not getting repainted. We’re just taking another look, given the times we’re living in.

Excerpted from Simms, David. “A New Way of Looking at To Kill a Mockingbird.” The Atlantic, December 17, 2019 Yaegel T. Welch (“Tom Robinson”), Stephen Elrod, Jacqueline Williams (“Calpurnia”) and Richard Thomas (“Atticus Finch”).
SPONSORED CONTENT BLUMENTHAL REVIEW
Photo by Julieta Cervante
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 45

Our Commitment to Support & Strengthen Charlotte

At Bank of America, we’re committed to helping our communities thrive, dedicating our resources to address the issues that matter most in the places where we work and live. We’re not just here to help with your everyday banking –we go further. We understand Charlotte’s economy, culture, strengths and challenges and strive to deliver effective solutions and service by matching the right resources to the community’s needs.

Additionally, we’ve committed $421 million to over 130 women- and minority-led funds, which are expected to invest in roughly 2,000 companies nationwide, over five years. This sustained commitment helps business owners grow their businesses and generate economic opportunities that create jobs and build wealth for entrepreneurs locally.

Making rewarding jobs more accessible

One of our top priorities is attracting and retaining the best talent – and that is especially important in our headquarters city of Charlotte. Through our recent investment in UNC Charlotte to support upward mobility and social impact programs, up to 190 students of color and first-generation college students each summer receive resources and support systems to transition to campus life. We also partner with 64 HBCUs, including Johnson C. Smith University, to fill internship and full-time positions, host career insight forums and skill development workshops and offer merit-based funding to undergraduate and first-year MBA students in financial services.

demand has driven up home prices in the region and created affordability challenges. Amidst the current market, it’s critical Charlotte residents have access to sustainable and affordable paths to homeownership, a key pillar to building personal and generational wealth.

Many prospective homebuyers may be able to afford monthly mortgage payments but struggle with having enough cash reserves for the upfront costs. That’s why the Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment® (https:// www.bankofamerica.com/homeowner) includes two grant programs to help homebuyers get over that initial hurdle with one of the most generous grants in the industry, providing up to $17,500 in combined down payment and closing costs grants. Clients also have access to low down payment mortgage loans, which are competitive, fixed-rate mortgages with a down payment as low as 3%, requiring lower-cost mortgage insurance.

A commitment to supplier diversity

When

entrepreneurs succeed, our communities do too

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Charlotte economy, but business owners also need the support of local community members to thrive. Though we’ve made great strides, women and minority business owners continue to face entrepreneurial challenges. Our 2022 Women & Minority Business Owner Spotlight found nearly half of Black entrepreneurs faced issues accessing capital. To help close these gaps, Bank of America works with our partners, such as Seneca Women and Cornell University, to provide women and minority business owners access to educational resources, investment and funding. Our Access to Capital Directory (https://www. accesstocapitaldirectory.com/) helps women, Black/African American and Hispanic-Latino entrepreneurs find and connect with organizations that provide funding for women- and minorityowned businesses.

We also have a history of supporting Central Piedmont Community College and created a million-dollar jobs initiative dedicated to helping students of color successfully complete the education and training necessary to enter the workforce and become successful here in their hometown. Bank of America’s $10 million gift and partnership with Atrium Health brought the Meaningful Medicine program to Central Piedmont Community College with the opening of a community-based virtual clinic in September 2022. The clinic provides health opportunities for students and employees, in addition to providing career pathways for students at Central Piedmont.

Supporting wealth creation through homeownership

Charlotte was named the hottest housing market of 2023 by Zillow due to both home value growth and growth in owner-occupied households. While it’s easy to see the appeal of living here,

In 2020, Bank of America celebrated 30 years of commitment to engaging with diverse-owned companies. Through our Supplier Diversity program, we support the growth of minority, women, veteran, disabled, service-disabled veteran, LGBTQ+ and other diverseowned suppliers. Which in turn helps communities thrive through business development and job growth.

Our commitment to supplier diversity initiatives includes Cyber Security barrier to entry initiatives, which continue to be a material barrier to entry for diverse businesses; delivering training to small and diverse businesses with insights on accessing capital and credit, expanding their businesses and creating local economic impact; and supporting non-minority owned businesses use of diverse-owned businesses in their supply chains.

From families creating better lives to communities and coalitions promoting the greater good, we’re committed to supporting all kinds of efforts to build a brighter future, here in Charlotte. P

46 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
We Are All Super Heroes When We Recycle Right!
& SMALL BOXES (Clean Pizza Boxes - Okay)
with Necks
&
GLASS
&
(Lids On - Okay)
&
Only Recycle These SIX items pictured below!
2.CARDBOARD
1. PLASTIC BOTTLES & JUGS
3. EMPTY METAL CANS 4. MILK
JUICE CARTONS 6.
BOTTLES
JARS
5. PAPER
MAGAZINES

Atrium Health Marks Milestone Robotic Procedure

A Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a medical procedure to open blocked or narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart. This blockage can cause chest pain or even a heart attack.

The goal of the procedure is to restore proper blood flow to the heart muscle. Traditionally, PCI procedures have been performed manually, with a cardiologist using their hands to manipulate the catheter and tools inside the body.

The advanced endovascular robotic system offers numerous benefits, including increased precision, enhanced visualization and reduced radiation exposure for both patients and medical professionals. In addition, the technology’s minimally invasive approach

can lead to faster recovery times and improved overall patient experiences.

Dr. Paul Campbell, an interventional cardiologist at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, performed the milestone robotic surgery and has led all robotic PCI cases at Atrium Health Cabarrus since the adoption of the technology at the hospital in 2014.

“The use of robotic technology has revolutionized the treatment of heart disease, making procedures more precise and efficient while minimizing risks to both patients and medical professionals,” said Campbell.

“Interventional cardiologists have the highest exposure to radiation, which can lead to cataracts, brain tumors and back

MENTHOL FLAVOR MASKS THE UGLINESS OF TOBACCO. Learn more about the harmful effects of menthol at Health.MeckNC.gov/TobaccoFree Mecklenburg County Public Health #QuitYourWay For generations, tobacco addiction and its harmful effects hurt our families while industries profited. You can break the generational cycle. The first
starts with you.
Business FYI News & Notes
step
Pride
48 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

problems from wearing heavy lead for protection,” he said “The use of the robotic system not only provides precision placement during procedures, but it also offers protection for the physician, as well as better visualization. This can lead to less fatigue and improved outcomes for patients.”

The system consists of a robotic arm that is mounted on a stand next to the patient and a console where the interventional cardiologist sits to control the robot’s movements during the procedure.

Using advanced software and imaging technology, the surgical team can precisely control the positioning and movement of catheters, wires, balloons and stents in the patient’s blood vessels.

U.S. Bank Expands Lending Opportunities for Diverse Groups

In April, U.S. Bank introduced a new Business Diversity Lending Program that will expand the ability of diverse business owners to obtain capital, building upon the bank’s broader efforts to support under-represented businesses and help address the wealth gap.

Through the Business Diversity Lending Program, U.S. Bank will provide credit and financing to help women, minority and veteranowned businesses grow and thrive. The program is based on traditional loans and lines of credit at U.S. Bank, allowing for modified credit guidelines that enable more business owners to access the funding they need to run their businesses.

The U.S. Bank Business Diversity Lending Program is a type of special-purpose credit program, or SPCP, permitted by the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. These programs are specifically designed to improve access to capital for members of economically disadvantaged classes. This program follows last year’s acquisition of MUFG Union Bank. Union Bank was a pioneer in implementing an SPCP for small businesses, launching their Business Diversity Lending

Program around 30 years ago. U.S. Bank is continuing this legacy, with expanded impact across the U.S. Bank footprint.

“Small businesses are the bedrock of the U.S. Economy, and by broadening access to capital we are helping to fuel more business owners’ dreams and drive economic growth. By building stronger women, minority and veteran-owned businesses, we are creating more vibrant communities for everyone,” said Sekou Kaalund, head of Branch and Small Business Banking at U.S. Bank.

Under the U.S. Bank program, eligible businesses may qualify for reduced credit score and decreased cash flow coverage requirements on most conventional lending products, up to $2.5 million. Businesses are eligible if they are at least 51 percent owned and operated by one or more individuals who identify as a woman, minority and/or veteran.

Photo credit: Business Wire
Sekou Kaalund, head of branch banking at U.S. Bank
charlottecountryday.org (704) 943-4530 Ready. For. Anything. Ready to lead. Ready to thrive. Ready for the world. Country Day Ready. July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 49

Minority and Womenowned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Training and Support

Minority Business Development Agency

202-482-2332

www.mbda.gov

N.C. Coordinators’ Network

www.mwbenetwork.org

N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development

919-956-8889

www.theinstitutenc.org

MWBE Certification

Carolinas-Virginia 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

984-236-0130

www.doa.nc.gov/hub

Women Wrule

Women, Minority and Small Business Certification Assistance and Government Contracting

803-517-4030

Corporate Supplier Diversity

Atrium Health

www.atriumhealthsupplychainalliance.org

Balfour Beatty Construction

Chad Humphrey

Director of Business Development and Diversity

919-233-5137

chumphrey@bbus.com

www.balfourbeattyus.com

Bank of America

www.bankofamerica.com

Compass Group/Foodbuy

Alicia McMath

VP of Diversity & Inclusion

704-328-4000

www.compass-usa.com

Duke Energy

Andrew Grier Supplier Diversity Executive 704-382-7690

andrewgrier@duke-energy.com

www.duke-energy.com/ partner-with-us/suppliers

Food Lion

Garland Scarboro Manager, Diversity and Inclusion

704-310-2589

Garland.Scarboro@ RetailBusinessServices.com

www.foodlion.com/careers/diversityand-inclusion/supplier-diversity/ Novant Health

diversityandinclusion@novanthealth.org

www.novanthealth.org/ supplierdiversity

Piedmont Natural Gas https://gasadvantage.piedmontng. com/doing-business-with-us/

Walmart Stores, Inc. corporate.walmart.com/suppliers

Wells Fargo supplierdiversity@wellsfargo.com www.wellsfargo.com/supplierdiversity

Businesses

Administrative Services

Cybertary Charlotte 704-256-4717

charlotte.cybertary.com

Global Linking Solutions

877-914-5465 www.gls.com

Advertising Agencies/ Promotional Products

3 Keys Marketing Products 704-249-5572

The Plaid Penguin

704-919-1726

www.theplaidpenguin.com

AC&M Group

704-697-4400

info@acmconnect.com www.acmconnect.com

Ad Concepts, Inc.

704-366-1616

www.goadconcepts.com

AdSpark Promos

704-293-5049

www.adsparkpromos.com

BluePepper Public Relations

704-625-6564

www.bluepepperpr.com

Brand Equity Marketing, LLC

704-372-3982

www.brandequitymarketing.com

BrandRPM

704-225-1800

www.brandrpm.com

Burke Integrated Marketing

704-579-1545 brkmarketing.com

CGR Creative

704-334-2232

www.cgrcreative.com

Classic Achievements, Inc. 980-819-9176

www.classicachievements.com

cs@classicachievements.com

Creative Marketing Ideas

980-938-8555

www.creativemkg.com

cs@creativemkg.com

Equine Marketing Group

704-663-4487

www.equinemarketinggroup.com

Jaunt 704-962-8570

Info@ridejaunt.com

www.ridejaunt.com

KS Image Solutions, LLC 704-786-7763

www.ksimagesolutions.com

info@ksimagesolutions.com

Logo’d Gear

704-334-9333

www.logodgear.com

Logo Pros

704-545-7408

www.logopros.us

Lyerly Agency

704-525-3937

www.lyerly.com

elyerly@lyerly.com

Internet Marketing Charlotte

704-236-6936

www.Internetmarketingclt.com

MDC Marketing Group, LLC

773-667-2279

www.mdcmarketinggroup.com

Media Power Advertising, Inc. 704-896-0310

www.mediapoweradvertising.com

Motivation Marketing Firm

704-326-2187

www.MotivationMarketingFirm.com

PIA International 704-593-1256

www.piapromo.com

Pride Communications, Inc.

704-375-9553

www.pridemagazineonline.com

QCityMetro.com

www.qcitymetro.com

Robinson Thinks

www.robinsonthinks.com

Spark Strategic Ideas, LLC

704-625-2185

www.sparkstrategicideas.com

The Agency Marketing Group 704-564-9694

www.gettheagency.com

The Narmer Group, LLC

678-787-8098

www.thenarmergroup.com

Zuri Creative Services

www.zuricreative.com

Architects

Neighboring Concepts

704-594-7961

www.neighboringconcepts.com

CES Group

704-489-1500

www.ces-group.net

FM Supplies 336-391-8653

Attorneys

The Corbett Law Firm, Pllc 704-401-5299

www.cmlaw-nc.com

Williams & Exum, P.A. 704-332-5583

www.jjexumlaw.com

Mickle & Bass Law Firm 803-929-0029

www.mickleandbass.com

Barbara L. White 704-375-9411

www.barbaralwhite.com

Benjamin M. Li 704-527-0878

Brady & Kosofsky, PA 704-849-8008

www.bandklaw.com  info@bandklaw.com

Cheryl R. Watkins 704-552-3993

www.crwatkinslaw.com

Douglas H. Kim Law Firm 704-504-0962

www.douglaskimlawfirm.com

GPS Law Group 704-549-1950

www.gpslawnc.com

Gardner Skelton, PLLC 704-335-0350

www.gardnerskelton.com

Hoard Law, P.C. 704-954-8094

www.hoardlaw.com

Houston Law Office 704-595-9146

https://houston-law-office. business.site/

The Montgomery Law Firm, PLLC 704-312-7360

www.charlottemontgomerylaw.com

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

www.fergusonsumter.com

Resource Listings
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 51

Hands Law Office, PLLC 704-248-7976

www.handslawonline.com

Ken Harris & Associates

704-343-2620

www.khalegal.com

Kimberly E. Fox, PLLC 704-439-2720

www.kimfoxlaw.com

Kimberly Poe Law Office 704-489-8182

DeMayo Law Offices 704-324-8689

www.demayolaw.com

Closing Carolina •Law Offices of Michelle Vereckey 704-283-5555

www.closingcarolina.com

Lisa Andrew Dubs 828-323-1926

www.dubslaw.com

York Harmon Johnson 704-375-4480

www.yhjlaw.com

Mitchell & Suhr PLLC 919-944-4668

www.paulsuhrlaw.com

Ramsay Law Firm, P.A. 704-376-1616

www.ramsaylawfirm.com

The Snow Legal Group 704-358-0026

www.snowlegal.com

Collins Family Law Group 704-275-2657

www.collinsfamilylaw.com

Starrett Law Firm, PLLC 704-887-4944

www.starrettlawfirm.com

Susan D. Brotherton 704-873-7529

Law Offices of T. Michael Todd 704-343-9700

The Law Office of Tamela T. Wallace 704-371-4212

www.tamelatwallace.com

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

www.bdjalaw.com

Central Law Group, PLLC 704-248-0949

www.clglawgroup.com

The Justice Firm, LLC

704-377-4747

www.thejusticefirm.com

admin@thejusticefirm.com

The Wright Law Firm 704-332-2274

Tippens & Zurosky Attorneys 704-343-0018

www.tandzlaw.com

Roderick G. Davis

Attorney & Counselor at Law

704-632-1500

www.rgdavislaw.com

William H. Harding Law

704-504-7854

www.williamhharding.com

Book Stores

Book Buyers

704-344-8611

Park Road Books

704-525-9239

www.parkroadbooks.com

Main Street Books

704-892-6841

www.mainstreetbooksdavidson.com

The Book Rack

704-544-8006

Julia’s Café & Books

704-295-4585

www.juliascafe.org

KEMETIC Science Institute

704-910-6783

www.KemeticScienceInstitute.com

Communications/ Media-Related Services

Advanced Imaging Systems, Inc

800-365-1038

www.aisimc.com

Aquent

704-338-9119

www.aquent.com

Atlantic Communication Products, Inc.

704-676-5880

www.goacp.com

BC Forward 866-363-1132

www.bcforward.com

CGR Creative

704-334-2232

www.cgrcreative.com

CITI, LLC

704-969-2484

www.citi-llc.com

Jameson Advisory Group

980-285-7146

www.jagclt.com

Mark III Media

704-269-8640

https://markiiimedia.com/

Media Power Advertising

704-896-0310

www.mediapoweradvertising.com

Network Cabling Systems, Inc.

704-523-8606

www.networkcablingsystems.com

Yellow Duck Marketing, LLC

704-271-9555

www.yellowduckmarketing.com

Computers/ Printers/Web

Allegra Marketing, Print, and Mail

704-376-0938

www.allegracharlotte.com

A Cultivated Mindset

704-780-6535

ACultivatedMindset.com

Applied Data Technologies

704-847-3000

www.applieddatatech.com

Blueline Technologies

704-542-1514

www.BlueLTI.com

Business Policy Solutions, LLC

www.bpolicysolutions.com

Computech Consulting, LLC

704-499-8967

Computer House Calls

704-549-4334

www.chc-clt.com/

Computel Systems

704-541-8659

www.computelsys.com

Copy Cat Instant

Printing of Charlotte

704-529-6606

www.copycatsouth.com

CPI Training Solutions Inc.

704-593-8999

www.solutionsrus.com

Dat-A-Syst, Inc.

704-523-3548

www.datasyst.net

Experienced Recruiting Partners LLC

518-598-6300

www.experiencedrecruitingpartners.com

Geek Choice

704-331-0739

www.geekchoice.com

Hardison Cartridge, LLC

704-564-1203

www.hardisoncartridge.com

IT-HenHouse

704-659-0665

980-393-3400

www.it-henhouse.com

JCMR Technology, Inc.

704-707-3333 www.jcmr.net

Laury Controls & Design

704-785-6788

www.laurycontrols.com

Liberty Laser Solutions

800-570-1987

www.libertylasersolutions.com

Lorven Group, Inc.

704-899-5200

www.lorvengroupinc.com

MPG Consulting Services LLC

704-659-6767

www.mpgcs.com

Mid Carolina Reprographics

704-529-0612

www.mid-carolinaplans.com

NTT DATA Consulting

us.nttdata.com

Neteffect Technologies

704-504-9040

www.ne-t.com

Perlman, Inc.

704-332-1164

www.ActionPrints.com

Patriot Technology Solutions patriottechnology.net

Rush Computer Rentals

800-343-7368

www.rushcomputer.com

SMS Tech Solutions, LLC

800-656-7702

www.smstechsolutions.com

Stratagon, Inc 888-506-3466

www.stratagon.com

Syntelli Solutions Inc

877-796-8355

www.syntelli.com

The Imagine Group 704-597-9015

www.theimaginegroup.com

UTD Technology Corp 704-612-0121 x101

www.utdtechnology.com

Xtramile Soft, LLC 704-699-9912

www.xtramilesoft.com

Dentists/Orthodontists

A Smile 4 U Family Dentistry 704-549-1199

www.Smile4ucharlotte.com

Carmel Commons

Dental & Imaging 704-412-4629

www.carmelcommonsdental.com

Carolina Aesthetic Dentistry 704-793-4211

www.ncaestheticdds.com

Dasling Dentistry 704-594-9250

www.daslingdentistry.com

Derek C. Barnes, DDS 704-849-6700

www.drderekbarnes.com

Dr. Straughan 704-663-3001

www.alliancedentalgroupnc.com

Dual Image Orthodontics 704-269-8495

www.dualimageortho.com

Eagle Shembo Dentistry 704-503-0202

www.eagleshembodentistry.com

Resource Listings 52 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Eastover Dental

704-842-3542

www.eastoverdental.com

Friendly Dental Group of Ballantyne

704-494-7990

www.friendlydentalgroup.com

Jackson Orthodontics

704-464-0696

www.drjacksonsmiles.com

Matthews Periodontics

704-820-6633

www.matthewsperio.com

OrthoCare Orthodontics

704-548-1653

www.drcooperortho.com

Palmieri Dentistry

704-247-6336

www.palmieridentistry.com

Alliance Dental Group

704-786-9123

www.alliancedentalgroupnc.com

Rolle Oral & Facial Surgery

704-892-9500

www.rolleoralfacialsurgery.com

Sandy Stovall, DDS

704-549-5600

www.stovalldentistry.com

Smart Orthodontics

704-549-8878

www.smartorthodontics.com

Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

704-971-7272

www.mykidsmile.com

SouthEnd Dentistry

704-335-8266

www.southendsmiles.com

Steven H. Ghim, DMD

704-935-2700

www.drstevenghim.com

Webber Dentistry

704-392-9357

www.webberdentistry.com

University Pediatric Dentistry

704-688-1664

www.universitypediatricdentistrync.com

U. Phillip Igbinadolor & Associates

704-494-8484

www.upidental.com

Waverly Dental

704-246-7677

www.waverlydentalgroup.com

Young & Polite

Children’s Dentistry (704) 587-7336

www.youngandpolite.com

Electrical Services

Adams Electric Company

704-940-6080

www.adams-electric.com

Beam Electric Company, Inc.

1-855-225-2326 www.beamelectric.com

Gaylor Electric, Inc.

800-878-0577 www.gaylor.com

Infinity Contractors 704-392-3133

www.infinitycontractors.com

Interstate Electric Company, Inc. 704-333-7149

www.interstateelectriccompany.com

IRV Plumbing, Electric & HVAC

704-544-0200

www.irvplumbing.com

Jim Dickerson Co.

704-331-0544

www.jim-dickerson.com

Jenkins Electric, Inc.

866-687-1466

www.jenkinselectric.com

McNaughton-McKay Electric Co.

800-521-0917

www.mc-mc.com

Pike Corporation, Inc. 800-424-7453

www.pike.com

Qwest Electric, LLC

704-662-3900

www.qwestelectricllc.com

Starr Electric Company, Inc.

704-568-6600

www.starrelectric.net

Summit Air and Electric 704-597-0940

www.summitairandelectric.com

Watson Electric Company, Inc. 704-947-5151

www.watsonelectric.com

WB Moore Company of Charlotte 704-331-9300

www.wbmoore.com

White Electric Company 704-594-4612

www.whiteelectriccompany.com

Ethnic Food Items/ Grocery Stores

A1 Stop Food Store 704-347-1747

Caribbean Hut (704) 527-9505

www.caribbean-hut.com

Carolina Smoothies 704-358-0006

Central Market

704-567-2071

www.centralmarketcharlotte.com

Compare Foods 704-596-3495

www.compareclt.com

Eloquent Creations Catering & Design Services, LLC 704-200-6883

www.eloquentcreationscatering.com

FutoButa 704-376-8400

www.futobuta.com

Honey Butter Bakery 704-421-1390

www.honeybutterbakery.com

Island Grocery 704-532-0322

www.IslandGroceryandGrill.com

Patel Brothers 704-509-2305

www.PatelBros.com

Mr. Jim’s Pizza 704-376-5467 mrjims.pizza

New Century Grocery & Food 704-921-1716

Ole Mexican Foods 704-587-1763

www.olemex.com

Organic Marketplace

704-864-0605

www.organicmarketplacenc.com

Oriental Food Market, Inc. 704-537-4281

Charlotte International Market 704-372-2448

www.charlottemarketinternational.com

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

Events/Party Planning

Aisha Thomas Events 704-951-4273

Aishathomas.com

Botanica Lights, LLC 704-737-0962

www.botanicalights.com

Creative Catering 704-373-2900

www.creativecateringinc.net

Extravaganza Events 704-343-9200

www.extravaganzaevents.com

It’s My Affair 704-394-4928

www.itsmyaffair.com

Key Signature Entertainment 704-568-1968

www.KeySignatureOnline.com

Platinum Events By Andrea 704-458-6234

www.platinumeventsbyandrea.com

The Kee Group 704-726-6838

www.keepingeventsepic.com

Resource Listings

“ You have to see failure as the beginning and the middle, but never entertain it as an end”
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 53
— Jessica Herrin founder and CEO of Stella & Dot

The Main Event

704-332-5819

(Main) 704-605-6028

www.themaineventnc.com

Engineering

Advanced Enclosure Consulting

704-361-8664

www.aeconsulting-usa.com

Atom Engineering, PLLC 980-938-5231

www.atomengineers.com

C2 Engineering Solutions, PLLC

704-266-0942

www.rcengineering.net

Critek Engineering Group

336-348-1889

www.critekgroup.com

Devita, Inc.

877.4.Devita (877.433.8482)

www.devitainc.com

DiCon Consulting

980-202-2011

www.diconconsulting.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

Little Diversified

704-525-6350

www.littleonline.com

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. 704-393-0220

www.watsonelec.com

Wescott Structures, P.A.

704-921-0504

www.wescottstructures.com

Willis Engineers, Inc.

704-377-9844

www.willisengineers.com

Financial Services

AloStar Bank of Commerce

877-738-6391

www.alostarbank.com

Anderson & Associates

704-347-0090

www.andersonexecsearch.com

ATG Accountants & Advisors

704-733-7819

www.atgadvisors.com

Beacon Wealth Advisors

704-947-8444

www.mybeaconwealth.com

Carter Insurance

704-542-7500

agents.allstate.com/luthercarter-jr-charlotte-nc.html

Cornerstone Wealth Planning Matthews: 704-849-0123

www.cornerstone4planning.com

Lending.com

855-693-7283

M&F Bank 704-332-2121

www.mfbonline.com

The Real Money Coach

517-395-7885

www.TheRealMoneyCoach.com

Success By Choice 980-282-0982

www.SuccessByChoice.com

Freedom Financial Advantage, LLC

704-905-9867

www.freedomfinancialadvantage.com

GM Financial 704-719-3570

www.gmfinancial.com

J & G Legacy Financial

704-557-9786

www.jandglegacy.com

JP Financial Group LLC

704-543-6269

www.jpfinancialgroupllc.com

Ocean Advisors, LLC

704-523-6914

www.oceanadvisors.com

Rose & Associates Southeast 704-896-0094

www.roseassociates.com

Self-Help Credit Union

704-375-5781

https://www.self-help.org

Tucker Boynton Company

704-366-5085

www.tbfinancial.com

Worth Financial Advisory Group

704-731-0121

www.worthadvisors.com

Fitness/Wellness

Better Bodies 4 Us, LLC

980-721-1866

www.betterbodies4us.com

Club Fitness

704-295-7900

www.goclubfitness.com

Core Elevation

Fitness & Wellness

www.coreelevationfitness.com

Energyve Fitness

704-763-6556

My Gym

704-522-6966

www.mygym.com/charlotte

N’Shape with ’N 704-334-4848

www.nshapewithn.com

Discovery Chiropractic and Wellness Center, PLLC 704-946-2054

www.DiscoveryChiroWellness.com

Leading By Example Fitness

704-281-9251

www.lbxfitness.com

Total Life Change

704-945-8786

Toushea Body Boutique

980-354-1145

www.tousheabodyboutique.com

Ultimate CrossFit

704-497-4099

www.ultimatecrossfit.com

Food/Catering/ Food

Trucks

Big “L” Enterprises 704-392-8717

Cake and Craft Creations

704-577-4400

www.cakeandcraft.com

Carolimas Dessert Boutique 843-900-4467

www.Carolimas.com

Catering by Tara

704-492-3791

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

Howard & Howard Event Management and Catering

980-349-5750

www.howardandhowardevents.com

Jewell Treats

980-202-2530

www.jewelltreats.com

Manolos Bakery

704-568-2120

www.manolosbakery.com

Popbar www.pop-bar.com

980-237-9750

Round The Way Eatery 704-408-7381

SoGo Social House

704-256-4380

sogosocialhouse.com

Resource Listings
“ If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.”
54 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
— Nelson Mandela
©2023 Bank of America Corporation | MAP5482412 | ENT-297-AD Pride Magazine — We’re proud to support you We are proud to serve our communities by investing in diverse suppliers. We can only be successful when our customers, clients, communities and employees share in that success. Visit us at bankofamerica.com/about.

Zippy Ice Inc.

980-355-9851

www.zippyicecompany.com

Graphic Design

Brinkley Design, Inc.

704-372-8666

leigh@brinkleydesign.com

The Imagine Group

704-597-9015

www.theimaginegroup.com

Cynthia Frank Design

704-562-2616

www.cynthiafrankdesign.com

Linda K Blake

704-408-8865

Moonlight Creative Group

704-332-9918

www.moonlightcreative.com

New Creations Enterprises, LLC

704-971-7854

SPARK Publications

704-844-6080

www.SPARKpublications.com

SK 7 Studio

704-449-7444

Steele Creek Printing & Design, Inc.

704-697-1755

Steelecreekprinting.com

Cosmopolitan Creative Group

912-507-1708

www.cosmpolitancreativegroup.com

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

Americare Health

704-535-0400

Arboretum Obstetrics & Gynecology

704-341-1103, 704-841-7225

https://arboretumgyn.com/

Barbara G Green

Physical Therapy

704-377-0020

www.barbaragreenphysicaltherapy.com

Brandon Gynecology Associates

705-510-1600

www.brandongynecology.com

Carolinas Eye Center & MedSpa

704-510-3100

www.carolinaseye.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

Center for Personal Growth

704-655-2828

www.center-for-growth.com

Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry

704-324-8545

www.cltpediatricdentistry.com

Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center

704-523-8027

www.charlottespeechhearing.com

First Care Medical Clinic

704-225-8548

www.firstcarecanhelp.com

Crown Clinic

704-251-0448

www.crownclinicpa.com

Cynthia Busher

704-522-8300

www.cynthiabusher.com

HomeCare for the Carolinas, LLC

704-335-8488

www.homecareforthecarolinas.com

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

Mount Holly Eye Clinic, Inc.

704-822-0099

Planned Parenthood

704-536-7233

www.plannedparenthood.org/healthcenter/north-carolina/charlotte

Premier Pharmacy

704-496-9182

www.yourwellnesskey.com

PrimeCare Medical

704-966-7012

www.primecaremed.org

Speechworks Therapy Services

980-237-6226

www.speechworkstherapy.com

Serenity Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic

910-707-4602

Thuanh Nah Nguyen, MD, PA

Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

704-554-8880

Transcendent Accents

704-494-4455

www.transcendentaccents.com

White Diamond Medical Clinic

704-542-9833

www.whitediamondmedical.com

Williams Chiropractic and Wellness, PLLC 980-237-8489

www.drcleyawcw.com

Heating and Air Conditioning

A-1 Quality Insulating Service

704-331-9294

AeroRaq Engineering Inc. 704-469-8463

www.aeroraq.com

Air Diagnostics, Inc. 704-824-8333

AME Consulting Engineers, PC 704-295-4263

www.ame-pc.com

Barrett & Barrett Heating & Air 704-391-2077

www.barrettheatac.com

CATAWBA Mechanical Services, LLC 704-399-8786

www.catawbamechanical.com

Climate Control of Charlotte 704-588-2066

www.climatecontrolcharlotte.com

Cost Effective Maintenance, Inc. 704-332-9711

Environmental Controls & Mechanical 704-910-2692

Gordon’s Heating & A/C 704-370-7789

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

Mckenney’s Inc. 704-357-1616

www.mckenneys.com

Mr. Charlotte Comfort

704-512-8096

www.mrcharlotteelectric.com

Native Air & Heat

704-824-0380

www.NativeAirandHeat.com

Performance Air, Inc.

704-394-4748

Refresco, PLLC

704-293-8011

www.refresco-pllc.com

Superior Mechanical Systems, Inc.

704-335-1942

www.superiormsinc.com

Homecare Services

360° Painting 980-430-4536

www.360painting.com

Advanced Roofing & Exteriors, LLC

704-999-4130

www.advancedroofingandexteriors.com

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

www.americanfenceandsupply.com

A Devine Lock and Key 704-579-4799

www.adevinelockandkey.com

Bless Hurr Soil 484-714-2819

Bullseye Construction, Inc. 704-889-2855

www.bullseyeconstructioninc.com

Camden Roofing and Construction, LLC 704-858-2141

www.camdenroofinggc.com

Carolina Custom Installations, Inc. 704-568-7277

www.cci-floors.com

Carolina Door Specialties, INC 704-391-7133

www.carolinadoorspecialties.com

Carolina Hydroplanting, LLC 704-913-1113

Carolina Lawn Service 919-633-4647

Certapro Painters of North Charlotte 704-489-0957

www.Certapro.com/north-charlotte

Charlotte Plantscapes, Inc 704-529-1399

www.charlotteplantscapes.com

Cook’s Pest Control LLC 704-399-8919

www.cookspestcharlotte.com

Environmental Design Landscape, LLC 704-597-2193

http://edlnc.com

Fresh Bright Corp. 704-763-4229

www.freshandbrightcorp.com

Genesis Construction of the Carolinas

704-266-3737

www.genesiscoc.com

Green Clean Commercial 866-845-4948

www.greencleancommercial.com

56 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Resource Listings

At Premier, we are continually leading the way in healthcare innovation with our inclusive workplace culture and commitment to Supplier Diversity.

Supplier diversity is critical to the evolution of socio-economic development and growth of our community through minority, women and small veteran business enterprise partnerships. At Premier, we leverage the mass and volume of these programs to drive better healthcare outcomes, strengthen local economies and develop a more robust supplier diversity ecosystem for the healthcare industry.

Join a company that values different perspectives and people of all dimensions of diversity.

premierinc.com/careers

Jiron’s Construction, Inc.

704-626-5395

www.jironconstruction.com

Kim’s Professional Painting

704-349-1810

www.kimsprofessionalpainting.com

Lightning Fast Lawn Care

704-726-4391

MAKK Services Unlimited, Inc.

704-507-1921

Paraclete Incorporated

704-661-2599

Queen City Master Services

800-326-5540

www.masterservicescontractor.com

Tillman’s Lawn Care LLC

altontillman70@yahoo.com

704-891-7584

United Painting Services, Inc.

704-684-0357

www.unitedpaintingservices.com

Human Resources/ Executive Search

AccruePartners, Inc.

704-632-9955

www.accruepartners.com

Advocations, LLC.

704-960-1783

www.advocations.Io

AF Image Group, LLC

952-240-8228

www.afirmimagegroup.com

Allegiance Staffing

704-556-1770

www.allegiancestaffing.com

Alpha Labor Contractors, Inc.

704-398-2741

www.alphalaborcontractors.com

Before You Hire, Inc.

704-878-3600

www.beforeyouhireinc.com

Burnett Resources, Inc.

888-273-4108

www.burnettresources.com

BPN Healthcare Concepts

866-623-8880

www.bpnconcepts.com

Career Match Solutions

813-412-6560

www.careermatchsolutions.com

CEO, Inc.

888-242-1755

www.ceoinc.com

Compass Career Management Solutions

704-849-2500

www.compasscareer.com

Corestaff Services

www.corestaff.com

CRG Workforce

704-665-9555

www.getcrg.com

Employee Benefit Advisors of the Carolinas, LLC

704-442-4400

https://www.facebook. com/ebadvisors/

Be Evolved HR

919-576-9279

Beevolvedhr.com

Galilee Agency, Inc.

704-394-0674

www.galileeagency.com

Greene Group

704-896-3110

www.greene-group.com

Insurance Professional Search, LLC

704-362-5638

www.insuranceprofessionalsearch.com

Integra Staffing

704-527-9191

www.integrastaffing.com

Jennifer Temps, Inc.

704-510-1556

www.jennifertemps.com

Kavaliro Staffing Services

704-525-3457

www.kavaliro.com

Kforce

704-612-2800

Kwin Consulting Inc.

704-287-7653 Ext.101

www.kwinconsulting.com

Language Resource Center Inc

877-322-1244

www.languagerc.com

LeadAdvantage, Inc

501-687-5323

www.leadadvantageinc.com

Link Staffing

888.292.5465

www.linkstaffing.com

Little Gerald Services

704-289-3831

www.lgservicesnc.org

Medical Administrative Solutions

704-944-3571

www.mascodingsolutions.com

Metro Staffing

704-535-3559

Mindseeker Professional Services Inc.

703-466-0474

www.mindseeker.com

Employment Practices Counsel Inc.

877-763-7193

www.epcounsel.com

FirstPoint, Inc.

800-288-7408

www.firstpointresources.com

Performance Staffing Solutions, Inc.

704-927-1477

www.performss.com

PrideStaff

704-237-4103

www.pridestaff.com

ProLogistix

704-522-9166 www.prologistix.com

Vincent Career Training Institute 941-227-2092

Refulgent Technologies Inc. 704-405-4238

www.refulgent-tech.com

Sappenfield Staffing, Inc. 704-332-4710

https://sappenfieldstaffing.com

Success By Choice

980-282-0982

SourceAbility, Incorporated 704-837-8200

www.sourceabilityinc.com

Solutions Staffing

704-503-1090

www.solutionsstaffing.com

Staffmark 704-799-3636

www.staffmark.com

Trinity Strategic Consulting, Inc. 704-957-0620

www.trinitystrategicconsulting.com

VisionCor, Inc. 704-366-7979

www.visioncor.com

Xperience Leadership, LLC

704-896-9881

www.xperienceleadership.com/

Insurance Services

ACOP, LLC. 888-508-2267

www.acopprotection.com

Allstate Insurance: Bob White

704-376-3479

Altmann & Porter Insurance

704-795-9001

www.altmanninsurance.com

Carolina Insurance School, Inc. 704-489-9440

www.carolinainsuranceschool.com

Art Stover 704-504-0564

Dawn Johnson Agency

803-980-1414

www.statefarm.com/agent/ US/SC/Rock-Hill/DawnJohnson-Z4JGF1YS000

Group Insurance Solutions, Inc.

704-543-9314

www.groupinsurancesolutions.com

Hayes Insurance Agency

704-545-3337

www.hayesinsuranceagent.com

Moulton Insurance Group

704-633-7283

www.MoultonInsuranceGroup.com

Parks Insurance Group

704-548-0500

www.goparksins.com

Prestige Insurance Agency, Inc. 704-321-3900

www.prestigeinsagency.com

Rankin Insurance Group, Inc. 704-896-9393

www.rankininsurancegroup.com

Zxiva Insurance

980-236-1548

Janitorial/Custodial

All Things Professional Cleaning, Inc

(704) 345-3976

allthingsprofessional.net

ATL & C Cleans, LLC 704-839-0283

www.atlccleans.com

Bucket, Mop, and Broom Cleaning Service LLC

877-784-0781

www.bucketmopandbroom.com

Elite Touch Cleaning Services, Inc.

704-389-5014

www.elitetouchcleaningservices.com

Green’s Commercial Cleaning, Inc.

704-525-5859

www.gccpride.com

JAC Janitorial Services

704-401-7142

jacjanitorialservice.com

JC Services Unlimited

980-253-7256

www.jcservicesunlimited.com

Joffie Contracting Services, Inc. 704-392-4442

www.joffie.com

Mint Maids

704-367-9931

Miriam Davis Cleaning, LLC 704-201-6111

www.miriamdaviscleaning.com

MOLLY MAID of South Charlotte / Matthews

980-342-2350

www.mollymaid.com

Mr. Clean Maintenance Company 980-339-5399

www.MrCleanCo.com

Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Co. 314-546-1807

www.sparkleandshinecc.com

Squeaky Completely Clean

www.scclean.net

Resource Listings 58 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

The Johnson Group

704-522-3544

www.aejohnsongroup.com

Top Pro Cleaners

704-241-6206

www.topprocleaners.com

Latin American Chamber Charlotte

1900 Mexican Grill

704-334-4677

www.1900mexicangrill.com

AC&M Group

704-697-4400

www.acmconnect.com

AFC Custom Granite

704-598-1647

www.afccustomgranite.com

America’s Real Estate Group, Inc.

704-540-4646

Apex Exterminating, Inc.

704-573-1197

www.apexexterminatinginc.com

Agua Source, LLC

704-831-8311

www.aguasourcellc.com

Arlette Guerra de Hurtado

704-591-0359

Andresen & Associates

980-263-2827

www.CharlotteLawyer.com

Avon Products

Liz Bell

919-695-6400

Avon Products

Myriam Gladney

704-814-7318

Baruu Advertising Group LLC

888-841-0179

www.baruu.com

Beauty & Body Rituals

704-568-5458

www.bbrituals.com

Bonilla Brothers, LLC

704-737-7124

www.bonillaroofingnc.com

Borealis Language Academy

980-207-3958

www.borealislanguage.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

Centro Medico Latino, PC

704-333-0465

www.centromedicolatino.com

Concepcion Barajas Painting

704-557-5072

CSB Promo

704-708-5088

www.csbpromo.com

Culturati Research

858-750-2600

www.culturatiresearch.com

Daniela Melendez State Farm

704-733-9022

Dentist Salud

704-771-2268

www.dentistsalud.com

El Progreso Hispano Newspaper

704-529-6624

www.progresohispanonews.com

El Soplon Deportivo

704-238-0260

Elite Touch

Cleaning Services, Inc.

704-389-5014

www.elitetouchcleaning.com

Exotic Landscapes

704-537-0842

www.exotic-landscapes.com

H3 Staffing, LLC

704-439-6547

www.h3staffing.com

Heits Building Services

919-249-6840

www.heitsofcentralnc.com/

Hernandez Auto Service

828-310-1326

Into Languages Global 704-408-3132

www.intolanguagesglobal.com

JDC Construction

980-721-2882

Johamar, Tires/Wheels

704-847-0175

JV Painting, LLC

704-942-1514

LaCa Projects

704-837-1688

www.lacaprojects.com

La Noticia, The SpanishLanguage Newspaper

704-568-6966

www.lanoticia.com

Manolos Bakery

704-568-2120

www.Manolos.com

Latin American Coalition

704-531-3848

www.latinamericancoalition.org

Latino Community Credit Union

704-531-0201

www.latinoccu.org

Latorre Insurance Group

844-566-8181

www.latorreinsurance.com

Law Offices of Stefan R. Latorre, PA 704-342-1111 www.latorrelaw.com

Mellorinas Catering 704-264-6115

Metro Landmarks

Architecture, PC 704-333-2011 www.metrolandmarks.com

Mundo Uniforms, LLC 704-287-1527 www.facebook.com/ MundoUniforms/ Precise Translating, LLC 704-606-2869

www.precisetranslating.com

Premier Home Healthcare Services

704-521-4901

www.premierhomehealthcare.com

Promotion Magic

704-596-2300

www.promotionmagic.com

Punta Cana Grill 704-529-3599

Que Pasa Mi Gente Newspaper

704-319-5044 quepasamedia.com/Charlotte/ RentMeUSA 980-355-9696 www.rentameusa.com

Sign Connection

704-868-4500

www.signcon.com

USTT, Inc.

704-676-0990

www.usttusa.com

Windsor Jewelers

704-556-7747

www.windsor-jewelers.com

Marketing/Public Relations

AC&M Group

704-697-4400

www.acmconnect.com

A Design Company

www.robinsonthinks.com

Apple Rock Displays

1-800-478-2324

www.applerock.com

BluePepper Public Relations

704-625-6564

www.bluepepperpr.com

CGR Creative

704-334-2232

www.cgrcreative.com

Compass Career Management Solutions

704-849-2500

www.compasscareer.com

Digital Divas

201-304-2933

Dream Builders Communication, Inc.

704-727-5006

www.dreambuilderscommunication.com

Eaddy, Perry & Associates, Inc.

704-965-6956

www.eaddyperry.com

Fast Signs

704-599-4949

www.fastsigns.com

Finishing Partners, Inc.

704-583-7322

www.finishingpartners.com

HDS Manufacturer Representatives

704-504-1032

www.hdsreps.com

Resource Listings
“ It always seems impossible until it's done.”
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 59
— Nelson Mandela

Image Solutions

704-619-1539

www.imagesolutions.biz

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

Latoya Evans Public Relations LLC

910-261-5874

www.lepragency.com

Lockman-Brooks Marketing Services

704-944-3188

www.lockmanbrooks.com

Michelle Connley-Gore

980-477-5665

www.mdcmarketinggroup.com

Motivation Marketing Firm

704-326-2187

www.MotivationMarketingFirm.com

Mythic Advertising & Marketing

980-500-0828

www.mythic.us

Pride Public Relations

704-375-9553

www.pridepublicrelations.com

The Lyerly Agency

704-525-3937

www.lyerly.com

Media/Magazines/ Newspapers/Radio

Asian Library

704-332-4167

chungroup.org

Beasley Media Group

704-522-1103

www.BBGI.com

Breiding Electronics, Inc.

704-362-5333

www.breidingelectronics.com

La Noticia

704-568-6966

www.lanoticia.com

Lake Norman Currents

704-677-9159

www.lncurrents.com

Lake Norman Woman

704-895-6168

www.lakenormanwoman.com

LaRaza — 106.1FM

800-975-0760

www.laraza.com

Norsan Media

800-975-0760

www.norsanmedia.com

QCitymetro.com

www.qcitymetro.com

QuéPasa 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

Speak Up Magazine

704-980-9885

www.speakupmag.org

The Charlotte Post 704-376-0496

www.thecharlottepost.com

Mental Health

Vaya Health

800-893-6246

www.vayahealth.com

Essential Assessments & Behavioral Health

980-939-5099

www.EssentialHealthNC.com

Pride in North Carolina

252-321-8080

www.pridenc.com

Symmetry Behavioral Health Systems

704-632-9900

www.symmetrybhs.com

The FMRT Group

336-761-0764

www.fmrt.com

Office Supplies/ Services

Aaron’s 877-607-9999

www.aarons.com

Beardsley Office Solutions, LLC

704-395-3081

www.beardsley-office.com

Bullseye Branding and Promotions

704-366-1616

www.Bullseyebp.com

Office Depot 704-464-0014

www.OfficeDepot.com

Richa Graphics 704-331-9744

www.richa.com

Shred-It, Inc. 800-697-4733

www.shredit.com

UPS Store - Stewart Creek Crossing 704-392-5099

store5926@theupsstore.com

Optometrists

Advantage Vision Center 704-375-3935

www.advantagevisioncenter.com

Fort Mill Vision Center

803-547-5547

www.fortmillvision.com

Photography/Aerial/ Commercial

Avioimage Mapping Services, Inc.

704-573-7080

www.avioimage.com

Advanced Imaging Systems

800-365-1038

www.aisimc.com

Boyle Consulting Engineers, PLLC 704-676-0778

www.boyleconsulting.com

Color Star Media

980-819-0255

www.colorstarmedia.com

Flawless Capture Photography

704-713-1254

www.FlawlessCapture.net

Indigo Photography

704-778-5603

www.indigocharlotte.com

JB Long Photography

803-517-7159

Joanna Dehart Photography

704-517-1819

www.joannadehartphotography.com

Kim Brattain Media

888-394-4753

www.kimbrattain.com

Loyd Visuals

704-615-8743

www.loydvisuals.com

Media Arts Collective, LLC

704-771-9927

www.mediaartscollective.com

Moments by Donna

704-364-1215

www.momentsbydonna.com

Origin Land Surveying and Mapping, Inc.

704-506-5225

www.originlandsurveying.com

PPT Photography

704-293-7459

Sanborn 1-866-726-2676

www.sanborn.com

TO2 Photography, LLC

704-879-1592

https://www.to2photo.com

Plumbers

Agua Source 704-831-8311

www.aguasourcellc.com

Crockett Quality Plumbing LLC. 704-231-1531

Qualityplumbing.Crockett@aol.com

Dependable Plumbing

704-982-6938

Heyworth Plumbing Company, Inc. 704-523-2696

www.heyworthplumbing.com

Morris-Jenkins Plumbing

704-357-0484

www.MorrisJenkins.com

National Plumbing Solutions 704-309-9565

Pay Less Plumbing 704-393-9032

Paylessplumbingofcharlotte.com

Reed’s Plumbing Company 704-399-7785

Rooter Man

866-577-1221

www.rooterman.com

Roper Construction, LLC

Roper Construction Company 704-332-6737

www.roperconstruction.com

Tew Equipment Solutions, Inc, 704-573-5476

www.tewequipment.com

Printers

3.10 Graphics

704.910.2242

www.310signs.com

Action Graphics 704-332-1164

www.actionprints.com

Allegra Marketing, Print, and Mail 888-412-8598

www.allegramarketingprint.com

American Labels & Printing 704-633-8005

Fast Signs

Matthews/Ballantyne 704-841-4033

www.fastsigns.com

Brightflow Technologies

704-893-8445

www.brightflow.net

Liberty Laser Solutions 800-570-1987

www.libertylasersolutions.com

Resource Listings
60 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Classic Graphics

704-597-9015, 800-368-1056

www.theimaginegroup.com

Copy Cat Instant Printing of Charlotte, Inc.

704-529-6606

www.CopyCatSouth.com

FSI Office

704-598-8971

www.fsiofficefurniture.com

ImageMark

800-632-9513

www.imagemarkonline.com

Image Solutions

704-619-1539

www.imagesolutions.biz

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

www.mid-carolinareprographics.com

Proforma Impressions Group

704-575-2743

www.proforma.com/ impressionsgroup

RR Donnelly

704-949-3568

www.rrd.com

Richa Graphics

704-331-9744

www.richa.com

Social Ape Marketing

980-288-7804

www.socialapemarketing.com

Squeegee Tees & More, Inc.

704-888-0336

The Charlotte Post Publishing Co. Inc.

704-376-0496

www.thecharlottepost.com

Underground PrintingCustom T-Shirts & More

980-495-0324

www.Undergroundshirts.com/clt

Vision Print Solutions

1-800-200-9797

www.visionenvelope.com

Publishing/CustomPublishing Books

SPARK Publications

704-844-6080

www.SPARKpublications.com

Real Estate

Canopy Realtor Association

704-372-0911

www.CarolinaHome.com

Morton Malloy Realtors 704-773-6457

Nettie Lark, REALTOR

Morton Malloy Realty

704-340-3862

704-773-6457

Valarie R. Brooks Real Estate 704-488-2420

www.valarierbrooks.com

Servant Heart Realty Group

704-748-0922

www.servantheartrealtygroup.com/ our-firm

Recycling/Junk Removal/Shredding

All Points Waste Service Inc.

704-821-5424

www.wm.com

C & M Recycling, Inc.

704-599-1771

www.gotsomeconcrete.com

Carolina Recycles

704-376-4295

www.carolinarecycles.com

Junk King

704-469-4815

www.charlotte.junk-king.com

Shred-It, Inc.

800-697-4733 www.shredit.com

Remodeling

Anointed Flooring, Inc. 704-510-8906

www.anointedflooring.com

Do It All Interiors, LLC

704-877-1351

www.doitallinteriors.webs.com

Free Agent Electric

704-502-4677

M&V Builders

980-219-0650

www.mandvbuilders.com

Mister Sparky 704-341-2270

www.mistersparky.com

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

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

Be-Em Asian Kitchen 704-708-4793 www.be-em.com

Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant

704-569-1128

www.dimsumchineserestaurant.com

Golden Taipei

704-494-8688

www.goldentaipaicharlotte.com

House of Leng

704-510-5081 www.houseofleng.com

Ishi Restaurant

704-921-9219

www.sushiishi.com

Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar

980-213-0388

www.nikkosushibar.com

Soho Bistro

704-333-5189

www.sohobistro2go.com

Shun Lee Palace, Inc.

704-366-2025

www.shunleecharlotte.com

Thai House - University

704-717-8006

www.thaihouse.us.com

Thai Orchid

704-364-1134

www.thaiorchidrestaurantcharlotte.com

Thai Taste

704-332-0001

www.thaitastecharlotte.com

Vietnam Grille

704-525-2408

http://vietnamgrille.business.site

Multicultural Cuisine

Anntony’s CaribbeanUniversity

704-598-6863

6434 West Sugar Creek Rd. Suite F

www.anntonys.com

Azteca Mexican Restaurant (Woodlawn)

704-525-5110

www.aztecarestaurantcharlotte.com

Bobbee O’s BBQ

704-509-6902

www.bobbeeosbbq.com

Cantina 1511

704-331-9222

www.cantina15eleven.com

Chicken Box

704-566-6000

www.thechickenboxcafe.com

Copper Cuisine of India

704-333-0063

www.copperrestaurant.com

Resource Listings

“ Don't just commit to the sprint, commit to the marathon.”
July-August 2023 | Pride Magazine 61
— Yulin Lee

Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant

704-921-2414

www.donpedrorestaurant.com

La’wan’s Soul Food Restaurant

704-665-7225

www.lawans.com

Los Paisas (Colombian)

704-542-5477

www.lospaisasrestaurant.com

Luna’s Living Kitchen

704-333-0008

www.lunaslivingkitchen.com

Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish

704-333-0455

www.mrcharleschickenandfish.com

Mr. Charles

Chicken & Fish

704-595-7410

www.mrcharleschickenandfish.com

Maharani Indian Cuisine

704-370-2455

www.maharanicharlotte.com

Mert’s Heart & Soul

704-342-4222

www.mertscharlotte.com

Monterrey

704-593-0167

www.monterreyuncc.com

Nana Morrisons Soulfood

704-357-3700

www.nanamorrisonssoulfood.com

Saffron Indian Restaurant

980-297-7722

www.saffron-cuisine.com

Soul Central

980-349-4015

www.soulcentralfood.com

Three Amigos Mexican Grill & Cantina

704-536-1851

www.threeamigoscharlotte.com

Oh My Soul

704-891-4664

www.facebook.com/ohmysoulusa

Security Alarms and Services

Alpha Alarm Systems, Inc.

980-495-0306

www.alphasecurity.us

Firestop Carolinas, Inc.

704-662-7720

www.firestopcarolinas.com

JP Government Investigations

877-990-2111

www.jpgovernmentinvestigations.com

Keyper Systems

704-455-9400

www.keyperstore.com

Landmark Security, Inc.

704-771-1146

www.landmarksecurityinc.com

LifeGuard Protective Services, Inc.

704-319-3180

www.lifeguardprotective.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

Security Solutions Group & Investigative Services

540-220-0052

www.ssgis.com

Southeastern Public Safety Group

704-394-1500

www.southeasternus.org

Signs

Barbara Bunn Specialties

704-650-2242

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

Signs Now

704-343-9619

Metrolina Sign Supply

704-343-0885

www.metrolinasignsupply.com

Mohawk Traffic Services, LLC

704-351-5145

www.Mohawktrafficservices.com

Pronto Signs

704-890-4554

Quality Neon, Inc.

704-598-2256

www.qualityneoninc.com

Rite Lite Signs

800-784-5605

www.ritelitesigns.com

Signs by Tomorrow

844-957-4467

www.signsbytomorrow.com

Signs, ETC of Charlotte

704-522-8860

www.signsetcofcharlotte.com

Sign Innovations

704-375-2338

www.signinnovations.net

Street Sweeping/ Parking Lots

Sweeping Corp. of America

980-225-3109

www.sweepingcorp.com

Tiger Contracting USA

603-760-8575

Tax Return Preparation

ABC Tax Services

704-735-7900

www.abc-taxservices.com

Accounting Associates

704-864-0284

www.accountingassociatesnc.com

Accounting Payroll & Taxes, Inc.

704-482-1722

ATG Advisors

704-303-9998

www.atgadvisors.com

Burchett Financial Services

704-549-9401

www.burchettfinancial.com

Bustle Tax Service

704-873-3946

H&R Block

704-503-1502

www.hrblock.com

Hawkins Accounting & Tax Service

704-509-2399

www.hawkinstax.com

Liberty Tax Service

704-373-1343

www.libertytax.com

Lucas Tax & Energy Consulting

704-968-5506

www.lucastaxandenergy.com

Marilynn Allred (H&R Block)

704-827-5761

www.HRBlock.com

MND Accounting

866-774-9447

Mndaccounting.com

Storey’s Tax Bookkeeping & Secretarial

704-865-0210

www.storeystaxservice.com

TaxPro 1000 Instant Tax Centers

704-596-3400

www.taxpro1000.com

Taxis

Assistance Travel & Transportation, Inc.

704-519-0070

www.assistancetravel.com

Crown Cab Company, Inc.

704-334-6666

www.crowncabinc.com

Luxury Transportation

704-458-9126

Prestige Wheelchair Transportation

704-332-3939

Rose Chauffeured Transportation

704-522-8258

www.riderose.com

TJ’s Taxi 704-938-5440

Video Production

180 Productions Group 704-277-2818

www.180productionsgroup.com

Civilized Films, Inc. 704-904-6368

www.civilizedfilms.com

Color Star Media

980-819-0255

www.colorstarmedia.com

Kim Brattain Media

888-394-4753

www.kimbrattain.com

Rebrand Media

510-862-6757

www.rebrandlifestyle.com

SL Media Productions 704-451-3566

Stratagon Inc. 888-506-3466

www.stratagon.com

The Inertia Group

704-301-2551

www.inertia-group.com

Web Design

Brand Equity Marketing, LLC (704) 372-3982

www.brandequitymarketing.com

New Creations Enterprises

704-971-7854

Neonsky Creative Media 704-377-4820

www.neonsky.com

STP Ventures, LLC

704-470-4121

www.securitech180.com

The Agency Marketing Group 704.564.9694

www.gettheagency.com

The Anstad Group 704-208-8304

www.anstad.com

Zuri Creative Services 704-380-0278

www.zuricreative.com

62 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
Resource Listings

Running a small business takes big insights

There are a lot of moving par ts to running a successful small business optimizing cash flow, increasing efficiency, and growing revenue. Find strategies and solutions that may help run your business at smallbusinessresources.wf.com

© 2023 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 7480038-2 MOD: 1017

Resource Listings

Nonprofits

Chambers of Commerce

Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce

866-937-2742

www.caacc.com

Charlotte Business Guild (LGBT Community)

704-837-4050

www.clgbtcc.org

Charlotte Chamber

704-378-1300

www.charlottechamber.com

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce

cltblkchamber.com

Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte

704-343-2525

www.lacccharlotte.com

Business & Civic Organizations

100 Black Men of Charlotte 704-375-7300

www.100blackmenofcharlotte.org

Altrusa International of Charlotte districtthree.altrusa.org/charlotte

Charlotte-Mecklenburg

Republican Women

980-355-9604

www.cmrw.org

Chinese-American Association of Charlotte 910-398-4600

www.charlottechinese.com

Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County

704-525-5843

www.meckdemwomen.com

National Diversity Council

281-975-0626

www.ndccarolinas.org

German Language and Culture Foundation

704-906-5850

www.germanfoundation.com

Hmong Southeast Puavpheej 828-260-3910

hmongsoutheastpuavpheej.org

Homes of Hope, Inc

704-982-3634

www.homesofhopestanly.org

InnerVision, Inc.

704-377-5042

www.innervisionnc.org

Internal Revenue Service Charlotte

844-545-5640

www.irs.gov

Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas

704-536-9668

centralcarolinas.ja.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

my.lwv.org

Metrolina Minority Contractors Association

877-526-6205

www.mmcaofcharlotte.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

National Hispanic Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Inc.

www.nheo.org

Neighborhood Good Samaritan Center

704-605-6723

704-531-9989

www.ngscenter.org

Office of International Relations

704-336-2174

charlottenc.gov/international-relations

Philipine American Association of North Carolina

www.paanc.org

Pride Entrepreneur Education Program (PEEP)

704-375-9553

www.peepcharlotte.org

SCORE

704-344-6576

www.charlotte.score.org

The Diversity Forum

704-527-9191

www.Integrastaffing.com

Urban LeagueCentral Carolinas

704-373-2256

www.urbanleaguecc.org

Vietnamese Association

704-607-7661

vietcharlotte.wixsite.com/vietcharlotte

Wat Lao Buddharam & Lao Community Center

704-391-9956

Women’s Business Center of Charlotte

704-509-5884

www.linktr.ee/wbccharlotte

Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange

980-355-7000

www.wi-ce.net

Community Services

A Child’s Place

704-536-0375

www.thompsoncff.org/a-childs-place/ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas

704-910-1301

www.bbbscentralcarolinas.org

Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency

704-535-8803

www.carolinarefugee.org

Center of Hope/ Salvation Army (Shelter for women and children)

704-348-2560

www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/ charlotte/get-help/center-of-hope

Ascend Non-Profit Solutions

704-943-9400

www.ascendnps.org

Community Link

704-943-9490

www.communitylinknc.org

Crisis Assistance Ministry 704-371-3001

www.crisisassistance.org

Hope Haven, Inc. 704-372-8809

www.hopehaveninc.org

Kicking for a Dream 305-439-7464

www.kickingforadream.org

Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services 704-336-3000

www.mecknc.gov/dss/ Pages/Home.aspx

Refugee Support Services 704-458-3245

www.refugeesupportservices.org

Safe Alliance 704-332-9034

www.safealliance.org

Supportive Housing Communities 704-335-9380

www.supportivehousingcommunities.org

United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc.

211 (information and referral services) 704-372-7170

www.unitedwaygreaterclt.org

Roof Above 704-347-0278

www.roofabove.org

YMCA of Greater Charlotte 704-716-6200

www.ymcacharlotte.org

“ If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.”
64 Charlotte Multicultural Resource Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com
— Milton Berle
Discover the Path to Success: CATS DBE Program Unlocks Opportunities in Charlotte for Disadvantaged Businesses. www.ridetransit.org 704-336-RIDE (7433) Access new opportunities, connect with professionals, and receive the support you need to succeed. Join us in building a stronger community. Expand your horizons and make a difference in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community with the Charlotte Area Transit System’s (CATS) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. As a DBE, you may have the opportunity to provide essential goods & services supporting CATS in delivering public transit services to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. CATS invites minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses to become DBE certified. Here at CATS, there may be a place for you. Whether you specialize in: • Architectural landscaping • Legal services • Structural steel • Electrical work • Geotechnical services • Interior finishes • Engineering • Welding • Construction To learn more about the DBE program, visit ridetransit.org and click on Civil Rights. Scan the QR code to learn more about current opportunities at CATS:

If you think college is out of reach, think again.

At Central Piedmont Community College, we offer $3 million in scholarships that help students afford their education, get closer to their goals, and conquer possibility.

cpcc.edu/afford

Tyler Central Piedmont Scholarship Recipient 24389
Being able to go to school without worrying about costs — I’m just grateful. 60 years of serving our community

• Charlotte locations open early, open late, 7 days a week

• Instant debit card replacement

• Lock and unlock your TD cards any time

• 24/7 fraud alerts with any TD checking account

• Free smiles—free pens and lollipops, too

For details, visit td.com/charlotte

6611 Carmel Rd. Charlotte, NC

Mikel Brown Store Manager 980-384-9061

Mikel.Brown@tdbank.com

8179 Charlotte Hwy. Indian Land, SC

Shelby Cuthbertson Store Manager 803-982-1648

Shelby.Cuthbertson@td.com

Member FDIC ©2023, TD Bank N.A. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. The TD logo and other trademarks are owned by The Toronto-Dominion Bank and used under license. That’s the human side of banking. Accounts have a number. You have a name.
More locations coming soon.
Here for you, Charlotte.
Now open.

Payment program is available with one mortgage product. Program funds can be applied toward down payment only. Borrowers cannot receive program funds as cash back in excess of earnest money deposits. Down Payment Grant program may be considered taxable income, a 1099-MISC will be issued, consult with your tax advisor. May be combined with other offers. The Bank of America Down Payment Grant program may only be applied once to an eligible mortgage/property, regardless of the number of applicants. Homebuyer education is required.

3. Additional information about the America’s Home Grant program: 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 may be used to lower the interest rate. The grant cannot be applied toward down payment, prepaid items or recurring costs, such as property taxes and insurance. Borrowers cannot receive program funds as cash back.

4. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply. Fixed-rate mortgages (no cash out refinances), 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.

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. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

© 2022 Bank of America Corporation. America’s Home Grant, Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment, Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. MAP4697912 | AD-06-22-0482.B | 06/2022

Isn’t the best time to continue building your legacy right now? Through our Community Homeownership Commitment,1 we’ve helped over 34,000 people and families get an affordable loan to buy a home. Here’s how it can help you secure your family’s future: Learn more at bankofamerica.com/homeowner Closing costs help up to $7,500 as a lender credit.3 Down payment help up to $10,000 or 3% of the purchase price, whichever is less. Product availability and income restrictions apply.2 Down payment as low as 3% down. Income limits apply.4 What would you like the power to do? ® You are invited to apply. Your receipt of this material does not mean you have been prequalified or pre-approved for any product or service we offer. This is not a commitment to lend; you must submit additional information for review and approval. 1. Down Payment program and America’s Home Grant program: Qualified borrowers must meet eligibility requirements such as being owner-occupants and purchasing a home within a certain geographical area. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply. Minimum combined loan-to-value must be greater than or equal to 80%. The home loan must fund with Bank of America. Bank of America may change or discontinue the Bank of America Down Payment Grant program or America’s Home Grant program or any portion of either without notice. Not available with all loan products, please ask for details. 2. Additional information about the Down Payment program: Down

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.