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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
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.
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.
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
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.”
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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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.
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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
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 DaviesHolly Forbes Johnson, Charlotte Fire Department firefighter Trina Davies and her two children
concepts neighboring
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.
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 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
“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.
/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.
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
“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 LindsayBryce Lindsay’s self portrait Gavin Lindsay taking photos at a conference
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.
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
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.
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.”
—Kathy Rogers
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
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.
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
A life learner, advocate and entrepreneur, Lopez credits all she is to her family, faith and forensics.
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
“You have to trust that your experience and training will lead you to make the best decisions when the time comes.”
—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
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
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;
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
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
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.
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.”
—Chanel Jenkins
$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.
By Sonja WhitemonThese 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.
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:
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.
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 allow employees to nominate nonprofit organizations where they have volunteered for at least one year for grants of up to $10,000.
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.”
—Rahman Khan
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”).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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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”
— Jessica Herrin founder and CEO of Stella & Dot
The Main Event
704-332-5819
(Main) 704-605-6028
www.themaineventnc.com
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
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
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
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
“ If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.”
— Nelson Mandela
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
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
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.
Joe Machicote, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, PremierJoin 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
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
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
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
“ It always seems impossible until it's done.”
— 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
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
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
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.”
— 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
Sweeping Corp. of America
980-225-3109
www.sweepingcorp.com
Tiger Contracting USA
603-760-8575
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
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
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
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
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.”
— Milton Berle
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
“
”
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
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
