Pride Magazine - 2021 January/February "Men's Issue

January-February 2021

The Men’s Issue

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

Men Moving Mountains Building a strong community

Westside Walk and Talk A moving dialogue

Activists in Charlotte The new faces

Beyond Barbering How Shaun Corbett is Moving Ahead

e tt o l r a Ch

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Creating opportunities to thrive Our diverse backgrounds and experiences make us better. That’s why we’re committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion – and boldly believe in the power of what we can achieve together.

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January – February 2021

Departments

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

Business 30 M aking An Impact

Rebuilding the community

32 D eep Rooted Wealth

Learning a new way

34 F YI News & Notes

Health 37 B lack Male Health

in 2020 Closing the gap

40 M en’s Health

Finding the right provider

Log on to pridemagazineonline.com for more features including our weekly calendar of events.

Features 14 H ow the Man Behind the Chair Got Out in Front

Meet Shaun Corbett

17 Men Moving Mountains

Powerful men leading

24 Activists in Charlotte

The different faces of a movement

26 Westside Walk and Talk

On the Cover Entrepreneur Shaun Corbett in Uptown.

Photo by T. Ortega Gaines

A moving dialogue

29 T hriving Communities from the Past:

The Black Wall Street

January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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We Are All Super Heroes When We Recycle Right!

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Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon

Editor-in-Chief

Lashawnda Becoats

Copy Editor

Sonja Whitemon

Lead Writer Angela Lindsay

Creative Director Larry Preslar

Design & Production SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com

Distribution Watch Dog Entertainment®

©

Account Executive Nikelle Fesperman

Public Relations Nepherterra Estrada

Subscribe to Pride

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Letters to the Editor

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

Copyright© 2021 Pride Magazine All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited.

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

Pride Magazine prints with soy ink.

Vol. 29 No. 1 January-February 2021 All rights reserved for PRIDE Communications Inc. Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PrideMagazineNC

January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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FromTheCEO

By Dee Dixon

Pride Awards 2021: The Low-Down

H

ello everyone. Welcome to the first issue of Pride Magazine this new year. Let me bring you up to speed about Pride Awards 2021.

This year’s event will be a virtual, out-ofthe-box, evening affair during Black History Month on Saturday, February 20.

BRIDGING THE RACIAL WEALTH GAP We chose this theme because it matters and arguably, the wealth gap could be the crux of racial inequality, not only in America but around the world.

Please understand, according to data from the Federal Reserve, “White people own 86% of wealth and make up 60% of the population in our country.

Black households own 4.2% of wealth with Hispanics owning 3.1%. In addition, White wealth is diversified among real estate, equities and other assets, whereas Black wealth is mostly in pensions and real estate.”

THE GREAT DEBATE With the understanding that there is a HUGE wealth gap in our country, Pride Awards 2021 will include a debate! Yes an actual debate, stemming from the following claim: Systemic racism as a cause of the racial wealth gap has created a victim mentality within the Black community regarding racial inequality.

Two outstanding individuals from our community have stepped up to compete: Dr. Shanté Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Black Pearl Global and Jamall Kinard, racial equity trainer and Executive Director of Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance. It’s going to be bananas.

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WE WANT YOU TO EXPERIENCE PRIDE AWARDS 2021!

Date: Saturday, February 20 Theme: Bridging the Racial Wealth Gap Pre-show: 6:00 PM Program: 6:30 – 8:30 PM Place: Virtual – your choice

Cops & Barbers Foundation, founded by Shaun and Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden as a way to bridge the gap between the community and the police.

MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS We extend a heartfelt “thank you” to our major sponsors at the time of this writing: Atrium Health, Bank of America, Food Lion, Northeastern University, Truist, U.S. Bank and WCNC-Charlotte.

Their commitment, along with our other corporate partners and ticket purchasers, makes it possible for us to continue to bring a meaningful program to the Charlotte community.

SHAUN “LUCKY” CORBETT WILL BE HONORED

RESERVE YOUR SEATING NOW

We are pleased to bestow this year’s prestigious Pride Award on Shaun Corbett for his business acumen, entrepreneurial achievements and motivation to build generational wealth for his family and others. Be sure to read our feature story about him moving forward with his life and making a difference in the lives of young men and women in our community. To top it off, this year’s monetary donation will be made to the

Listen, Pride Awards 2021 is going to be entertaining, educational, interactive and fun!

Log on to www.prideawards.net, email us at info@pridemagazine.net or call 704-375-9553 to register.

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

“Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.�

- Martin Luther King Jr.

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NotableNames

By Ryan Kouame

KARINA YOUNG

AUSTIN SMITH

KAREEM PURANDA

JONATHAN GARDNER

Karina Young is an entertainment journalist, content creator, and on-air radio personality for Hot 98.1 with Summit Media where she informs, entertains, and delivers trending news to the local community.

Young recently introduced her new IG LIVE segment, “Kickin' It With Karina” (@itskarinay), where she provides a platform for people from all walks of life to share their unique stories and connect with the world in hopes to inspire the youth.“I want people to know that they are limitless and can do whatever they set their minds to,” says Karina. Karina received her bachelor’s degree in communications from Winthrop University.

Kareem Puranda is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, addiction specialist, and the owner of Self Talk Counseling and Consulting (STCC) where he provides therapeutic services to individuals struggling with trauma, substance abuse, and other mental health issues. He worked as a police officer for several years when he saw a need for counseling and building mutual trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, leading him to serve as a coach, mentor, and volunteer in those very same communities. Puranda is also a published author, public speaker, and the founder of Achieving Success on Purpose (ASOP), a nonprofit offering free counseling services to at-risk youth in the court system to help them get the healing they need to overcome their challenges. Puranda received his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of North Carolina Charlotte, a master’s degree in public administration from DeVry University, and bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Livingstone College.

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Austin Smith is the pastor of Movement Rock Hill and CEO of Austin Gerard & Co., a boutique marketing agency specializing in brand identity through logo design, web design, packaging design, cover art, marketing collateral, and social media branding. The ability to lead his family and establish a legacy that will impact future generations is a responsibility that he treasures dearly. Smith and his wife, Brea, started Movement Rock Hill in August 2020 because they had a vision for spreading the gospel throughout the community of Rock Hill. By doing so, they have transformed their platform into a place where family is found, truth transforms, and purpose is revealed. “Being a creative isn't something that a certificate or degree makes you; it's someone who God intended you to be. Because it's always been inside of your DNA –– ever since He spoke you into existence,” says Smith.

Smith received his bachelor’s degree in digital information design with a concentration in digital commerce from Winthrop University.

Jonathan Gardner is the founding executive director of GardHouse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing post-graduate employment opportunities for students of color by maximizing work-based programming through internships in local minority-owned businesses.

Gardner established GardHouse in 2019 after learning students of color in Charlotte graduating from college are twice as likely to be unemployed with no work-based programs focused solely on students of color as the city confronts the upward social mobility crisis. “It’s time to say enough is enough. Let's cut the problem at the root to begin planting new seeds of economic progress for communities of color across the city,” says Gardner.

Through the GardHouse internship program, students join a community designed to uplift them throughout their professional journey. From paid internships to development workshops, students are encouraged to gain workforce training and explore what success looks like for them.

Gardner received his bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising, and applied communication from La Salle University in Philadelphia. He previously served as a public information coordinator for the City of Charlotte and digital media director for Hillary Clinton’s political action committee. P

ByFaith

Pathway From Fear

By Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond

Dmytro Balkhovitin / Shutterstock.com

F

ear has a way of crippling and hindering us from both experiencing the life that we have and progressing forward.

As humans, we fear certain things, people and situations. Some of us fear the future, success or failure, while others fear public speaking, poverty or dying. Although fear is a normal human emotion, left unchecked, it can trap, enslave and hold anyone hostage. In addition, it can lead to anxiety, depression and even despair.

What in your life are you fearful about right now? What has consumed your heart and mind with fear? How have you chosen to address your fear? Typically, when we discover that we are fearful, we either seek to deal with it by attempting to overcome it, by controlling people or situations or by simply becoming overwhelmed. Some find it easiest to deny that it even exists. Is it possible to gain victory over fear and to be freed from its paralyzing grip?

Scripture says in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” In addition, the apostle Paul encourages his young disciple in 2 Timothy 1:7 by reminding him that,

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” From these passages, it’s clear that God knows that we will be fearful, but desires that we not be hindered and entangled by fear.

In Psalm 27:1, David declares, “The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Based on these and countless other Scriptures, we see that overcoming fear requires more than our willpower, strength, intention, words and ability. We need the Lord. When David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write these hope-filled words, he was in a life-threatening dilemma. Bloodthirsty and evil people were trying to destroy him. At a time when fear could have gripped his soul, he sought the Lord.

How did David seek the Lord? David reminded himself who the Lord was and what He had done. David knew that the Lord wasn’t simply the light and salvation, but instead He was his light and salvation.

He made God’s presence personal. As His light, he understood that the Lord was the only path worth following, even though his circumstances appeared dark.

As his salvation, he reminded himself that God was his source of rescue. Both of

these realities refreshed David’s heart and assured him that he didn’t have to fear anything or anyone.

Secondly, David recalled that the Lord was his stronghold or refuge. This truth also guarded him from being afraid of people and circumstances. The word “stronghold” means fortress, temple or guarded tower. When fear was seeking to strangle him, he knew that the Lord was his safe place and ultimate protection.

The Scripture teaches us that in order to overcome fear in our lives, we need more than ourselves; we need the Lord. As you think about your life, what circumstances, decisions, next steps or people need reminders that the Lord is your light, salvation and stronghold?

Embracing these truths from God’s Word can enable us to walk by faith, instead of succumbing to a lifestyle of fear.

Experiencing victory over fear is impossible without the Lord. May your heart acknowledge your need for Him and may this beautiful reminder of who He is encourage and strengthen you as you live a life of faith and trust (Psalm 56:3). P The Rev. Dwayne Bond is the lead pastor of Wellspring Church.

January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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BookReview

By Angela Haigler

Books for the New Year Featuring An Iconic Comic Book and Graphic Artists

“Invisible Men: The Trailblazing Black Artists Comic Books”

“Infinitum: An Afrofuturist Tale”

by Tim Fielder

by Ken Quattro In the place where comic books and Black history collide, you’ll find “Invisible Men: The Trailblazing Black Artists of Comic Books,” by Ken Quattro. This exciting masterpiece brings to light the comic book artists who toiled behind the scenes, receiving little to no mainstream recognition for the work they created.

Quattro captures the essence of these art heroes with impeccable research including rare examples of their work featured in World War II-era Black newspapers and magazines.

This stunning graphic novel by Tim Fielder introduces us to King AjA who is cursed with immortality after stealing his son from a concubine. The story takes us on a breathtaking illustrated journey from his happy life with his family to the lonely life he lived after they passed. King AjA becomes a sort of Afrofuturistic Forest Gump as he time treks through a variety of climactic points in history such as the transatlantic slave trade, the New World, the American civil rights movement and intergalactic space. These experiences combined with his longevity, give him a pivotal role in the world’s future. A must-read for lovers of graphic novels and Afrofuturism.

“True Names: Four Generations of My Afro Appalachian Family”

by Malaiko Adero Prolific author, agent and magazine publisher, Malaiko Adero has her own personal story to share. Born of “Afrolachian” ancestry, her people came from the mountains of Tennessee. In “True Names,” she weaves together a story of four generations of Black families who shared the Southern Appalachian experience. There they faced transgressions and discrimination because of the color of their skin. Through it all, they maintained their culture and traditions. Adero’s painstaking research and attention to detail has produced this gift to the historical canon.

For Teens and Young Adults “The Awakening of Malcolm X”

by Ilyasah Shabazz and Tiffany D. Jackson Ilyasah Shabazz teamed with 2019 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe award-winning author, Tiffany D. Jackson to bring The Awakening of Malcolm X, a powerful narrative account of the activist’s adolescent years in jail. While in prison, he goes through a series of transformations and emerges with a new sense of enlightenment. There he gained insight on race, politics, religion and justice in the 1940s, the likes of which would catapult him to become the dynamic leader of civil rights he is known for today. P

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TheMindfulParent

Perception is Everything: Seeing Possibility in Learning Disabilities

S

ome of the most ridiculed students in school used to be those singled out for their learning challenges.

These difficulties were considered different, and “different” was not a desired label for a child. I'm certain many students continue to struggle with learning challenges in silence to avoid being noticed, while others use behavior as a distraction, learn to compensate or highlight their strengths by excelling in other areas. Many are lost in the shuffle and do well enough to get by, but never stand out enough to be recognized by teachers as requiring intervention. Either way, the problems remain while these students are hiding, compensating or focusing elsewhere fails to mend the issue.

A recent visit to a private school specializing in educating children with learning disabilities was quite inspiring.

Its students were a far cry from the stigmatized, outcast and teased kids I remembered. Students were taught in a manner in which they could learn. They were, treated like scholars and as if they were more than capable of learning, they were prepared for college, and there was no sense of shame or inadequacy, yet every one of them had a learning disability. Now, the cost of this opportunity is not easily accessible for many students in need.

Therein lies the frustration. What if all children were afforded a chance at success, despite their learning differences? What if the perception of the challenge changed?

Part of the reason students are ridiculed by others, and sometimes their own parents, is a lack of understanding. The stigma is perpetuated in this sense. Since learning disabilities are often hereditary, ignoring the problem can impact generations. Children with learning challenges grow into adults with learning challenges.

These students are far from being alone.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that in the 2013-2014 school year, of the 6.5 million students in the United States receiving special education services, 35 percent had learning disabilities.

One in seven children has a specific learning disability.

What is a Learning Disability?

First, understand that learning disabilities are the results of neurological and biological differences in brain structure and function that affect a person's ability to process, receive, store, retrieve or communicate information. In some cases, learning disabilities are associated with maternal malnutrition, exposure to alcohol or drug use during pregnancy, low birth weight or prematurity. These disabilities are not caused by poor teachers, lack of parental involvement or diet. In fact, a person can have strong cognitive and reasoning abilities, an average or above average IQ and still have a learning disability.

What are Some Common Learning Disabilities?: There are several types of learning disabilities. Dyslexia is most common, and is associated with reading difficulty, including trouble with phonetic awareness, understanding speech sounds, difficulty with reading fluency and comprehension, rhyming, spelling, written expression and vocabulary. It is not simply the tendency to reverse letters and numbers.

Dyscalculia is diagnosed when there is significant difficulty counting, remembering math facts, doing math calculations, counting money, using measurement and computing mental math.

Dysgraphia is associated with writing difficulty. It includes trouble gripping the pencil correctly, tiring easily while writing, trouble forming letters, trouble organizing thoughts on paper and difficulty with grammar.

What’s next?

The earlier you intervene, the better.

A full psychological educational evaluation is most beneficial for understanding your child’s profile and determining the most appropriate interventions. Work with your child’s teacher, special education coordinator, psychologist or college disability services office to address your concerns and understand legal rights that provide accommodations for disabilities.

Accommodations do not limit children;, they support children and offer opportunities for success. Every child deserves a chance to enjoy learning.

Advocate for these children and for necessary improvements in our school systems, legislation and how our children are treated because of their differences. P Shavonda Bean is a licensed psychological associate and owner of Essential Assessment & Behavioral Health. Visit www.EssentialHealthNC.com for more information

January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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Beyond Barbering How the Man Behind the Chair Got Out in Front

By Angela Lindsay | Photos by T. Ortega Gaines

I

f you live in Charlotte, you may know the name Shaun Corbett. If not, you should.

Perhaps you have heard of his business, Lucky Spot Barbershop, Inc. His is the first black-owned, black-operated barbershop to open in Walmart stores.

Or maybe you are familiar with his nonprofit organization Cops & Barbers, established in 2015 with then detective and now Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden in the wake of the Mike Brown shooting. It was created as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the police and the communities they serve. Currently, Corbett is on a trajectory that is sure to make his a household name.

Life has come full circle for the Brooklyn, NY, native. He had a loving mother who was “doing the best she could,” says Corbett, but he grew up in an abusive household where he says his male role models suffered from alcoholism and drug abuse. Fortunately, his mother moved to Charlotte with her husband during a time when Corbett was admittedly at an age where he was starting to get in trouble, namely selling drugs. Simply put, “my mother was seeking a better life,” he says.

And they found it.

Now, the 41-year-old is a parent himself, the executive director of a nonprofit, and the owner of several barbershops in Walmart stores. Being a barber was not his initial goal. While he was introduced to barbering as a kid, he had no interest in it. It wasn’t until later in life when one of his best friends wanted to apply to barber school that he filled out an application as well “just to encourage him.” At the time, Corbett worked at Value City Furniture. When the store closed, as a convicted felon, he was

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Corbett and Sheriff Garry McFadden

Corbett and students

back to square one until the No Grease School of Tonsorial Arts called and asked if he was still interested in attending barber school. The answer—yes. The rest—history.

Corbett was given a partial scholarship to attend No Grease which at the time cost around $3500. He was also able to find work at Fuel Pizza while attending the school. He was committed to being “careful to not mix [his] old life with[his] new life.”

“I never took business classes or went to business school. I've had many mentors though,” he says. “I learned to become an entrepreneur by surviving on the streets. On the streets, you can meet some of the most resourceful, hardworking people, but society likes to call us uneducated and underqualified.

I represent the ones that never got a shot.”

Things were looking up. Then, he suffered a devastating blow when his best friend, the one with whom he had applied to barber school, was killed.

Corbett cut his best friend’s hair at the funeral home. It was a moment that was both pivotal and enlightening.

“I could have been in the car with him. That could have been me or us together. Just seeing the irony in me encouraging him to go to barber school and me becoming the barber and having the success that I've had lets me know that there is a calling on my life and to just go for all the opportunities, and it’s destiny. Don’t be afraid, just go for it!”

His degree in real life experience and background in survival have prepared him for “the struggle.” While his business has its ups and downs, he realizes that it is just the process of business.

“I think we like to skip the process, and I've never been one to skip steps in the process.”

All those little steps have led to big leaps. The model he is bringing to Walmart will allow his company continued expansion throughout the retail giant.

“Our Gastonia location just opened and Columbia, SC, is coming soon. Right after Columbia is our Georgia location.

We will continue opening them until they tell us to stop. Look for a location near you.”

Throughout his journey, Corbett says he has learned that he is resilient and not afraid to make mistakes. He is not afraid to put himself out there, not afraid to learn, not afraid to admit what he does not know.

One thing he is sure of is that the opportunity to change lives and help others achieve their dreams is what he enjoys most about his work. Cops and Barbers is a vehicle through which he has been able to realize that accomplishment, in part, particularly during these times of unrest.

“I think that during these times every time something happens, people want to run and create something new.

That’s why we are always asking if the community is receptive to certain efforts. The community responds to consistency, genuine care, and not publicity stunts with lackluster promotions to boost your social media following. It is just sad that the people who say they want to help haven’t figured that out yet. That’s why we're always having to ask if the efforts are being received or not.”

The real disappointment for him, however, is seeing potential in a young person that he’s trying to help, only to “believe in him more than he believes in himself, and it doesn’t pan out,” he says.

“You can see so much potential in a kid but sometimes their circumstances don’t allow them to see the opportunity in front of them. So, sometimes you have to allow them to grow and that’s the part that hurts. Unfortunately, pain and growth go together,” he says.

Despite those occasional challenges, changing the course of a young person’s life and witnessing the moment a young person realizes that their current circumstances do not have to determine their path in life remains among his proudest moments.

It’s personal to him as someone who views his own four children as his inspiration and for whom he wants to be a better example than he had.

So, he continues to look toward the future with eventual plans for other business opportunities, but for right now, “we’re going to finish what we started and focus on the task at hand.”

And what he has started is being an example of what success can look like in the end regardless of how it began.

It’s the stuff of legacy, and he’s clear about what he wants his to be.

“I want my legacy to be that I was a stand-up dude and that I truly gave a damn. It wasn’t all for show. I was who I said I was.”

At this rate, he’s on track to do just that. And to make his name one to remember. P

January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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Together, we

Rise

For All As we begin a new year, we lift our eyes to new horizons. We made great strides in 2020, and now we carry that momentum in the fight for a world without racial injustice and discrimination. Despite what happens in the world around us, one thing is certain: we will live out our mission to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – FOR ALL.

SpecialSection

Men Moving Mountains

W

Khalif Rhodes

By Ryan Kouame

KHALIF J. RHODES, ESQ., was appointed chief magistrate of Mecklenburg County of the 26th Judicial District in 2017. Under his guidance, Mecklenburg County addressed the significant disparities in the criminal justice system and Attorney Rhodes was part of the team that rewrote Mecklenburg County’s bail policy. Thanks to the new policy, Mecklenburg County is the standard across the country for true criminal justice reform.

After resigning as chief magistrate, he returned to private practice at the Rhodes Firm, where he assists small to medium-sized businesses in mergers and acquisitions, corporate compliance, and due diligence.

In 2019, the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte Mecklenburg (BPC), a leadership body for the Black citizenry in Mecklenburg County, committed to informing and educating the community on the political process, voted to appoint Attorney Rhodes as its chairman.

Rhodes is on the board of directors for S.T.A.R.S Math & English Academy, is a former member of the Criminal Justice Advisory Group (CJAG), a former board member of the Mecklenburg County Commissioner’s Small Business and Entrepreneurial Advisory Board, and was a member of the planning committee for establishing the Family Justice Center in Mecklenburg County.

Rhodes received his Doctor of Law degree (J.D.) and his Master of Law degree (LL.M.) in corporate law and finance from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan.

He is also a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in political science.

Rhodes is a devout family man and member of the Empowerment Center Church. Additionally, he is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He has been married to Courtney Rhodes for more than 14 years. They have four children, Khalif Jr., Camille, Cimone, and Corinne.

“When I am done, like Paul, I want to be able to say: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith,” says Rhodes.

January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

Tanyadzu / Shutterstock.com

e know it’s true. Black men often get a bad rap, and they can be hidden— although in plain sight, but let’s make no mistake, Black men in Charlotte are doing amazing things. They are feeding the poor, preparing our youth to be bigger and better, making something out of nothing and building empires. In the Queen City, Black men are moving mountains. In this issue of Pride, we tell some of their stories.

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SpecialSection

“ There’s been a saying the last few years that it’s ‘hard to hate up close.’ The more you know someone, the better you can collaborate and work together and come to some conclusion.”

Police Chief Johnny Jennings Takes the Torch and Ignites a New Era

By Angela Lindsay

“LAW ENFORCEMENT CHOSE ME. I didn’t choose law enforcement.” That is what Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Police Chief Johnny Jennings will tell you about how he became a member of the 108th recruit class in May of 1992. He will also tell you it was the best decision he ever made.

When former CMPD Chief of Police Kerr Putney officially retired in July, the chatter had already begun about who would step into his formidable shoes. The answer was a Tennesseeborn son of a military father who, even though he majored in criminal justice at Appalachian State University, had a goal of becoming a postal inspector, not a police officer.

It was his initial perception of being a police officer— chasing bad guys, stopping cars and writing tickets—that did not intrigue him. However, after moving to Charlotte without a job and during a recession when not many places were hiring, he was talked into applying to the police department by a friend. Since then, he has worked on the force in various capacities: drug enforcement, homicide detective and criminal intelligence, which prepared him for his current role. The biggest challenge facing him and the city of Charlotte right now—community trust.

“We look at what happened in Minneapolis with the George Floyd murder . . . It’s not just about George Floyd. It was a buildup, and that was kind of the last straw. So, the trust factor —really across the nation— has been challenging for police officers,” he says.

The other concern he has is that people are judging law enforcement by images on television that “shock the

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conscious” rather than “the hundreds of great things in the community that law enforcement does.”

“I truly believe that I have the challenge of making sure that we’re not defined by just bad incidents, and that’s what’s the most difficult thing to do.”

Part of his solution is community collaboration. His door is open to activists, elected officials or anyone else who wants “to meet halfway and discuss how to improve relations.” It is just one part of Chief Jennings’ “Core Four” priorities, which also includes: employee wellness, professional accountability, and crime management.

“We have to make an effort to get out into the communities because if they get to know the officers and get to know the people who are responsible for their safety, then the relationships, particularly with people of color, can only enhance,” he says. “There’s been a saying the last few years that it’s ‘hard to hate up close.’ The more you know someone, the better you can collaborate and work together and come to some conclusion.”

CMPD employs training that deals with implicit bias and cultural competencies and is considering training that will educate officers on the history of policing and why people feel the way they do in relation to law enforcement.

In addition, Chief Jennings developed and implemented CMPD’s paid college internship program with a partial goal of having officers in each division who grew up in those areas and know the residents there. Right now, Chief Jennings says CMPD’s jurisdiction is about 34 percent Black but only about 17 percent of officers are Black. He wants to double that number.

It is a demanding position to be sure. That is why when he is not busy trying to make the city safer, you can find the chief listening to (and admittedly attempting to sing) 1980s R&B songs or out taking refuge in fishing. While he may not be the next Luther Vandross or a professional angler, Chief Johnny Jennings is focused on what he wants his unique gift to society to be.

“I hope that in 10 or 15 years, people will be talking about Chief Johnny Jennings and the things that I’ve been able to accomplish and that the things I’ve played a role in creating here are still taking place for a very long time within the agency.”

SpecialSection

Kenneth Snow

By Ryan Kouame

MANAGING PARTNER AND leading attorney for The Snow Legal Group, Kenneth Snow, does not recall when he first decided to become an attorney but says, “I do know that I became a lawyer to speak for the voiceless and fight for the justice of those who cannot fend for themselves.”

Snow went on to receive his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law where he served as president of the Black Law Students Association and established the National Association of Black Lawyers.

After becoming licensed, Attorney Snow joined a firm where he practiced criminal law for two years and then decided to start The Snow Legal Group –– a leading criminal and personal injury firm based in the Carolinas with experienced lawyers dedicated to providing passionate advocacy on behalf of their clients.

In addition to handling serious and complex cases, Snow is also involved with numerous causes like the American Cancer Society, JCSU Arch of Triumph Gala, Chocolate for A Cure, Harvey Gantt Center for African American Arts, the Village Group, and the Council for Children’s Rights.

Attorney Snow was born and raised in Georgetown, SC. He is the sixth of eight children and a first-generation college graduate.

He now resides in Charlotte and has additional offices in Rock Hill, Georgetown and Sanford, North Carolina.

“No matter the number of organizations I support, recognitions I receive, or the positions I hold –– nothing is more rewarding than gaining justice for the injured and accused,” says Snow.

Home Run!

Baseball Team Owner Brandon Bellamy Scores a Major Milestone

By Angela Lindsay

THE DECISION WAS UNANIMOUS. In July, the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball approved real estate developer Brandon Bellamy to purchase a new club expansion in Gastonia, NC, becoming professional baseball’s only Black majority owner in the nation. There has not been a Black majority owner of any professional baseball club since Tom Lewis owned the South Atlantic League’s Savannah Cardinals from 1986-1987, according to Baseball America.

The independent baseball franchise will begin playing in a 5,000-seat multi-purpose ballpark, which will anchor the city’s 16-acre Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment (FUSE) District next spring once construction is complete. FUSE broke ground in downtown Gastonia last October.

The 48-year-old Bellamy is CEO of Velocity Companies LLC, a real estate development corporation based in Prince George’s County, Md, that has developed more than $500 million in office, retail, and residential projects. Bellamy and his company will serve as managers for the stadium, coordinating not only the baseball team but also collaborating on economic development projects tied to the stadium, which include residential, retail, hotel and office space properties for the three parcels of land immediately adjacent to the ballpark. The ballpark, which has not yet been named, will be the first sports development for the 30-year real estate veteran. Bellamy may be involved in the development of future projects around the Charlotte region as well.

January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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Photo by Lindsay Kappius Photography

SpecialSection

William McNeely Do Greater Charlotte

By Sonja Whitemon

WITHIN ZIP CODE 28208 in the heart of Charlotte, are many neighborhoods such as Ashley Park, Camp Green, and Revolution Park— mostly low income with nearly double the state and national unemployment rates. In these neighborhoods, the children have big dreams. They are high in creativity and high in passion, but many have few outlets to pursue their desires. William McNeely believes their futures and that of their communities could lie in their creativity and he created a foundation to help these children realize their dreams.

McNeely’s theory is that by facilitating exposure and access to creativity, technology and entrepreneurship that both the children and the communities can move up economically. He reaches them through his foundation, Do Greater Charlotte, which he founded in 2017. By coordinating with CMS schools, Do Greater Charlotte goes into communities with the latest technology and professionals who volunteer to work as facilitators and mentors.

“We have a mobile technology lab filled with the creative technology, such as iPads, TVs and Wi-Fi, that we literally take into neighborhoods and teach entrepreneurship, creative applications, and coding to students who would not have access to this type of technology. Our focus is lack of access and exposure within these communities.”

He believes that the entrepreneurial mindset is the key to success for these kids. The foundation teaches them how to create a business from start to finish.

“We do this from the lens of what they are excited about,” says McNeely. “Sports, fashion, technology-- whatever excites them. We focus our entrepreneurship curriculum around that. We find that when we do that kids are much more involved and more likely to understand the mindset principles that we teach and put that into practice.”

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“This space will rival any coworking space in the community with technology collaborative spaces and it will be a hub for activity not only for the kids but also for a community like Camp Green that’s been tremendously gentrified—new neighbors moving in. It will be a place to bring these communities together.”

The foundation also focuses on character development, helping students understand who they are and what their passions are and turning that passion into action. Their goal is to turn these children into the next generation of entrepreneurs and critical thinkers.

The pandemic has forced the foundation to reevaluate how it administers its programs. With the onset of Covid-19, it recognized that it needed a physical space. Although the truck was popular and worked well pre-pandemic, the close quarters would not work as well post Covid-19. They also recognized that that when kids were sent home to learn, there was a disparity in resources available to them. Some have state-of -the art technology at home while others have none.

With that in mind, the foundation moved forward with three goals: to provide a space with quality tools and equipment; to provide a creative space that could help kids collaborate and spur creative and critical thinking; and to create a community that could support and nurture these kids.

Partnering with Shiloh Institutional Baptist Church, the foundation is now developing 4000 square feet of space at the church into a co-working, co-learning space for youth. It will be called the Creative Lab at Shiloh.

“This space will rival any coworking space in the community with technology collaborative spaces and it will be a hub for activity not only for the kids but also for a community like Camp Green that’s been tremendously gentrified—new neighbors moving in. It will be a place to bring these communities together,” says McNeely.

Not only is McNeely’s efforts supported by Shiloh Institutional Baptist Church with rent-free space, it is supported by local corporations that include Wells Fargo and AT&T and also 30-40 smaller companies that provide graphics support, vehicle maintenance and other in-kind services.

The foundation also receives individual donations to sustain it. Companies or individuals interested in being a part of this mission can reach the organization through its website, www.dogreater.org

SpecialSection

Rickey Hall

Tommie Robinson

By Ryan Kouame

By Ryan Koame

SENIOR BOARD CHAIR for the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition and Westside Community Land Trust, Rickey Hall, has spent his lifetime working to implement sustainable communitydriven solutions to address systemic social and economic mobility challenges in disenfranchised African-American communities and promoting community-driven initiatives focused on addressing systemic food insecurity and improved health access.

Hall believes west side residents can build a new community that harkens back to the self-contained and self-sustaining Black communities of the 1940s and 1950s. He envisions a transformed west side that strikes the proper balance between enhancement and preservation with multifamily housing, commercial developments, and transforming vacant buildings into mixed-use spaces. His work also focuses on bringing greater food and economic security to West Charlotte through community gardens and co-op markets like the Three Sisters Market.

“We’re not a blank slate. There’s a community structure here—an identity, a sense of place,” says Hall. “If you were poor, you didn’t know you were poor because you had such rich resources, like mutual aid societies and people who made sure you got an education. It was a village.”

Hall is a native Charlottean and received his bachelor’s degree in organizational communications from Queens University in Charlotte. He has always worked with nonprofit organizations throughout the local community and in addition to his board roles with WBNC and WSCLT, he serves on the CharlotteMecklenburg Housing Partnership Board of Directors.

Hall still lives in the same home that he was born and raised in, that his grandmother built in 1951.

Real-estate investors ask him to sell it on a daily basis.

A 50-YEAR CAREER and the first Black artist in the Guild of Charlotte Artists, Tommie Robinson will make history as the first Black artist whose portrait of a judge will hang in the Mecklenburg County courthouse. Robinson’s portrait of the late Chief District Court Judge James Lanning, who passed in 2015 will be installed in December.

Robinson’s legacy is etched into the bones of Charlotte and his artwork spans across the city from large murals in the Spectrum Center and paintings at the Mint Museum to triptychs at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. His art speaks to a wide range of issues, from the African-American experience to urban life and the environment.

Robinson’s interest in art was first piqued following his father’s death when he was 8 years old. His mother would allow him to draw on the walls in his room, so as part of his grieving process, he drew murals and a portrait of his father.

“When I was in elementary school, I just wanted to be an artist. I didn’t know what they made when I was seven or eight years old. But I had a very innovative mother who thought we could achieve anything,” says Robinson.

Robinson joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and while stationed in Germany made money by painting portraits of soldiers and their loved ones. Upon his return, he enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) to pursue an arts degree and was later hired by the college to teach painting and ceramics. He got his first studio at the age of 24 and began his life as a fulltime artist.

Robinson is originally from Newport News, Va., and later moved to Charlotte after his father’s passing. He has been nationally recognized for his craft and even served as the seventh Africana Artist-in-Residence at the University of North Carolina Charlotte in 2015. In the last few years, he has devoted himself to producing pieces that bring him joy.

“I’m just tying things up. I’m trying to leave something.

I have two children and I’m trying to leave them a legacy,” says Robinson.

January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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SpecialSection

Jamall Kinard

By Ryan Kouame

EDUCATOR, COACH, COMMUNITY ORGANIZER, and racial equity trainer Jamall Kinard is revitalizing efforts in the community by focusing on family stability and civic awareness. After serving 10 years as an educator in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System, Kinard eagerly joined the Racial Equity Institute (REI) in August of 2019.

As a community organizer/consultant and executive director of the Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance (LNA), his ultimate goal is to create a community organizing blueprint and foster an environment where the truth is celebrated, strong families are cultivated, and racism is dismantled for all communities, organizations, and institutions to follow.

As a coach, his goals are to educate himself and others on the history of this country and its systems, build generational wealth by bridging the gap between effort and access, and empower people in the Black community through conscious and consistent leadership.

“Plain and simple, there is no way that we can help each other if there is a system in place that thrives off of us staying in our own bubbles and only being concerned about ourselves. We have to engage with each other, so that we can educate each other and empower each other,” says Kinard.

Kinard holds a master’s degree in sports leadership from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Gardner-Webb University. He also holds nonprofit business management certifications from both Wake Forest University and Duke University. He is originally from Newberry, SC, but has resided in Charlotte for the past 10 years.

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Nicholas Wharton The Charlotte Area Fund

By Sonja Whitemon

NICHOLAS WHARTON is the President and CEO of the Charlotte Area Fund, a nonprofit that helps people at 200 percent or below the federal poverty guidelines to find their way out of poverty.

The organization provides job training in high-demand fields that include HVAC, broadband fiber, commercial driving (CDL) and construction. They soon will begin operating a new North Carolina DOT Construction Academy.

The Charlotte Area Fund is also providing assistance with needs related to the pandemic. Through funding provided by the Cares Act, they provide rental assistance and utilities support to those who qualify. They also have collaborated with CW Williams Community Health Center on a public information campaign to encourage lowincome communities to take precautions to prevent coronavirus infection.

The nonprofit was recently awarded an unprecedented grant from IKEA. At the recommendation of the office of Governor Roy Cooper, the Charlotte Area Fund will receive $1.1 million to expand its programs and services in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Joshua Proby

By Ryan Kouame

AUTHOR OF THE 30-DAY JOURNEY from Prison to Spiritual Peace, Joshua Proby, is a minister, motivational speaker, mentor and entrepreneur. His life is not one of glitz and glamour, but he has dedicated it to educating and uplifting children and young adults to have a better understanding of who they are.

At the age of 22, Proby was charged with first-degree burglary and sentenced to twelve years in prison. During his incarceration he found his passion for writing and helping others break free from fear, shame, guilt, anger, addiction, and abuse.

“Purpose never leaves, we leave purpose.

My life was filled with turmoil and poor choices which put me behind bars. Although my physical freedom was temporarily taken, my incarceration ultimately freed me from the internal prison that I built within,” says Proby.

Proby is the founder of Peace4Poverty, a non-profit organization focused on the holistic improvement of youth through entrepreneurship, character building, and mental health counseling. He formed the organization to empower young people to transition from poverty to peace and victim to victory despite their hardships in life.

His teaching methods include collaborative leadership, data-based decision making, and fostering a healthy relationship with one’s self as well as the environment around them to develop caring and ethical citizens.

Proby received his associate degree in accounting and business management from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He currently resides in Charlotte with his wife and children. P

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The Different Faces

of Activists In Charlotte

By Tonya Jameson

T

his spring and summer, Charlotteans took to the streets to protest the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Floyd and Taylor were killed by police. Arbery was shot to death

by White men while jogging in a White neighborhood. Floyd’s death occurred after Taylor and Arbery, but the video

showing his last breath ignited protests against police brutality and racial injustice throughout the world.

For weeks, protestors gathered in Charlotte. Some marchers were well-known activists who took to the streets in 2016 after the police shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott. They appear before the city council, board of county commissioners

and board of education to fight for the city’s most vulnerable residents. Their voices are prominent in the fight for racial justice, but the 2020 protests also drew a cadre of unfamiliar faces, including artists, retirees and therapists. Pride Magazine asked some of them to share what activism means to them and how they stand up to racial injustice.

Ricky Singh, 35, Artist and Educational Leader at Charlotte Lab School 24

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Singh worked on the Uptown Black Lives Matter window murals. After the mass shooting happened on Beatties Ford Road last summer, Singh organized the creation of murals to commemorate the lives lost that day and to bring a sense of hope and unity to a community that needed it.

Passatic / pryzmat / Shutterstock.com

“

A large amount of the work I do is with leading the educators of today and #CharlotteYouth. Dismantling systemic racism in our society begins in education for me.

It's important to document everything through art; we see that in our African ancestors across the continent, across Egypt in hieroglyphics and across our community with graffiti and murals. Art of this time helps to express the thoughts, opinions and feelings of those living through trauma and helps to raise awareness to a variety of our issues. Art is also used to heal and bring about unity through a community which you are able to see through the #BeattiesFordStrong movement. So, why document through art? Because our stories need to be told by us and for us.”

“

Mary T. Klenz, 80, Retired, former Founder and Owner of the Klenz Insurance Agency.

Most recently I, along with support from a friend, organized three rallies in south Charlotte in support of BLM (Black Lives Matter) and to provide visibility to city council in support of the Safe Coalition's proposed changes to policy and practices by CMPD. The rallies provided a platform to publicly support BLM in an area of the city that is predominately White and perceived to be politically more conservative.

The rallies were in response to the killing of George Floyd and the brutality, contempt and disdain shown toward Black people in many parts of the country. They were stark reminders that policing is in need of change. Each rally took place in a different visible location in south Charlotte, and during rush hour. Participation

ranged from 15 to 25 people, mostly White and female and a variety of ages.

Several parents brought their teenage children with them. Others included spouses and friends. We lined the sidewalk with signs such as "BLM, Please Join Us," "Police Reform NOW,” "BLM, VOTE 2020." Passersby and drivers responded with thumbs up, waves of support and lots of honking of horns. Several stopped to join in. Participants took pictures, posted on social media and tweeted messages to elected officials and followers.

Being an activist means educating myself on the issues, engaging with other individuals and organizations, speaking out and standing up for change in policies and practices that enable, promote and support injustice and inequality.”

Karma McDaniel, 31, Chef Robinson is holding Black Lives Matter sign.

“

Wheels for Equality, founded by Johnny Witherspoon, is an organization that assists with keeping people safe as they march here. We block the roads and also make sure there’s a safe barrier between the marchers and the cops. Our organization, about 80 members, also takes part in events for roller bladers, skate boarders, and bikers to have safe wholesome fun while bringing the community together.

It just makes sense that if we are fighting against racial injustice and police brutality that we wouldn’t allow them to control the protest and we definitely don’t trust the cops to keep them safe, so we stepped in.”

“

Janice Diane Robinson, ​60, ​ Occupational Therapist

I​ organized a BLM march on June 7th under the name, "Ballantyne Families/Kidz March for Justice" that drew more than 1,000 participants. In conjunction with the march, we created a "Next Steps" document outlining ways marchers could engage in ongoing activities to effect systemic change.

We also created a Facebook page (Ballantyne Families for Justice and Change) to continue to get info out and keep marchers informed of actions we need them to take. ​Many in Charlotte feel Ballantyne residents live in a bubble. I wanted to show Charlotte and Ballantyne

residents that there were many of us out here in Ballantyne who also stood in solidarity with the BLM movement and against police brutality. Ballantyne residents were glad they had a chance to show their concern publicly. CMPD was very supportive as well. Capt.

Christian Wagner, then captain of the South Division, marched alongside me. ​Being an activist for me means speaking out against injustice, empowering those who are less resourced, and partnering with likeminded groups engaged in this work.” P January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

25

Westside Walk S and Talk A Moving Dialogue

By John Burton, Jr. Photos by Alvin C. Jacobs

Sean Langley (L) and Winston Robinson (R) founders of Westside Walk and Talk 26

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

ean Langley and Winston Robinson hope to create a movement in West Charlotte’s historic McCrorey Heights, one step at a time.

At 8:45 on Sunday mornings, the bell rings at First Baptist ChurchWest and a small congregation assembles. Not for morning worship per se, since the church worships virtually due to COVID-19. It’s another delegation that gathers ready to embark on a journey that feeds their mind, body and soul.

The walks began when the two neighbors, turned friends, met as each was out on a stroll with their children in the summer of 2020. Shortly after, another neighbor, Colena Corbett joined. As they walked, their conversations constantly veered towards social injustices like those involving Jacob Blake and Breonna Taylor. These talks were deemed fruitful for them and they knew other Blacks would benefit from having a safe space to talk about issues affecting the Black community; thus they launched the official “Westside Walk and Talk.”

The walks, beginning at 9:00 AM, consist of neighbors, friends, and people just interested in learning more about the historic neighborhood. Following brief introductions, the group is given a topic of discussion for the morning’s stroll. Topics ranging from finance, gratitude, and race serve as conversation starters for the day.

The McCrorey Heights community is home of some of Charlotte’s African-American elite. Situated minutes away from Johnson C. Smith University, the community was founded by the university’s president Rev. H.L. McCrorey in 1912. By the 1970s, it became the neighborhood of choice for the city’s educated and well-esteemed African Americans.

A native Charlottean, Robinson grew up in the Wilmore community, yet he always had McCrorey Heights on his mind.

Perhaps it was subliminal because as a child, his parents would drive the family through the neighborhood on Sundays following worship at nearby First Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church on Oaklawn. “They would point to different houses and tell us about the people who lived there. They were doctors, teachers, principals and so many other leaders in the Black community. I was amazed that those people lived right here,” Robinson said. His dream was realized when he moved into the community two years ago.

Along the walk, Langley and Robinson casually toggle in their storytelling about the community. Every so often, they get a chance encounter accompanied by an impromptu story by some of its residents like Charlotte legend Dorothy CountsScoggins. Although it’s about knowledge and a bit of exercise, walkers are encouraged to consider homeownership. “We not only want people to enjoy learning about the neighborhood but we hope we can convince them to move here too,” Langley, a 15-year McCrorey resident admits. McCrorey Heights, like so many other Black communities across the nation, is experiencing its round of gentrification. Both Langley and Robinson don’t want that to be the testimony of those in

McCrorey Heights. “We want to sell people on the community.

Although they could afford a 5-bedroom house somewhere else, consider moving here. Not only because of the history but it’s also a great future investment back into our community,” Robinson declares.

The cost-free tour has grown organically with its only marketing Instagram and word of mouth. “It was not supposed to be a thing but it has become one,” Robinson says. As to where they see the group going, Langley responds, “We’re not sure. Right now we’re just taking it week by week. We just want people to know the history, our history and embrace it.” P

Let’s get on the same page.

Racism and social justice are complex issues.

If we want to make progress, everyone needs to understand where we are and where we want to go. Put simply, it’s time we get on the same page.

The books selected for the 2021 Community Read explore these issues in ways that can bring our community together. We invite you to read, discuss and learn with us. cmlibrary.org/communityread

MARCH 2021

PRESENTED BY

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January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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Thriving Communities from the Past:

The Black Wall Street

By Bianca Cassidy

H

ave you heard of Black Wall Street? During the early 1900s, there were between 70 and 100 communities in cities across the United States that had districts composed of several adjoined street blocks with high-performing economic activity in which the population of the area was all African American. There was a landscape of African-American owned and operated grocery stores, libraries, churches, banks, barber shops, salons, hospitals, restaurants, insurance companies, movie theaters, organizations, even airstrips with airplanes.

They were the affluent and low income, professionals and laborers who lived there.

Probably the most well known of these communities was in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

From 1865-1921, Greenwood Avenue was a thriving economic powerhouse. During reconstruction it became known as a land of opportunity for African Americans. They could buy property, build houses, and start small businesses. One such enterprise was an African-American newspaper, the

“Tulsa Star.” It not only reported on the African-American community, it included articles that educated and encouraged entrepreneurship. One such article, “Local Realty: Colored Will Build a Three-Story Building,” appeared in the May 9, 1913, issue and featured an African-American enterprise with the capital to finance offices for founders of companies and for those who wanted to rent office space. Greenwood Avenue was a neighborhood in which entrepreneurs were common. The dollar never circulated outside the community, contributing to the area’s sustainability and high economic activity.

In May of 1921, a young Black man named Dick Rowland got on an elevator operated by a White woman named Sarah Page, leading to the massacre of Black Wall Street in the Greenwood Avenue district. When the elevator reached the bottom floor, the doors opened to screams from Page. Rowland franticly ran out of the elevator. The already hostile and prejudiced White citizens of Tulsa heard about this and a riot ensued.

As a result, hundreds of African Americans from Greenwood Avenue died

The Famous Greenwood Avenue and Archer Avenue of Black Wall Street in 2020. A mix of old buildings and new buildings in the heart of the historic community.

and more than a thousand homes and businesses were destroyed. Afterwards, there were no reparations given to the residents to compensate for their losses.

Page ultimately left Tulsa and the charges were dropped against Dick Rowland.

The White townspeople of Tulsa, who initiated the riot, were also not charged.

Some of the Greenwood Avenue residents left, while others remained and rebuilt.

Greenwood Avenue slowly re-established African-American owned homes and businesses.

In the late 1800s and the early 1900s, a Black Wall Street was formed in Durham, North Carolina. One of the principals was John Merrick who owned North Carolina Mutual. This business became the world’s largest black-owned business in its time.

This Black Wall Street extended from Parrish Street along four street blocks.

Charlotte also had a Black Wall Street between 1892-1960. The area Uptown once known as Brooklyn was on the streets of the 2nd Ward area and where the present Center City stands. It was also an area with street blocks that were exclusively African-American commerce.

Through an urban renewal project in 1960, it was removed. A couple of structures remain that are evidence of its existence — Grace A.M.E. Zion Church and the Mecklenburg Investment Company building. Both are on Brevard Street in Uptown Charlotte. Currently there are plans to develop a new Brooklyn. P January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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PrideBusiness

by John Burton, Jr.

Making An

W

hen Christopher Dennis signed the paperwork for his first commercial development deal on Beatties Ford Road and Lasalle Street, it was just what he had envisioned. The Sumter, SC, native knew his initial commercial project needed to be more than about the location but the legacy attached to it. “It needed to make an impact,” Dennis said.

In April 2020, Dennis’ firm, E-Fix Corporation, acquired the three parcels which were purchased for $1.25 million.

The project gained much acclaim last fall not only because of the revitalization of the area but its anchor tenant, JP Morgan Chase & Company, who will occupy about 3,200 feet for a branch projected to open early 2021.

Dennis’ life narrative has always been about impact. Born one of eight children and raised in a single-parent household, life was tough. To add to his struggles, he was labeled a child with learning disabilities. Refusing to let anyone define him, Dennis used those labels as his platform. He persevered, graduating in the top 10 percent of his high school class.

Following high school, and more than 20 years with the Air National Guard, Dennis set his sights on corporate America. He began his IT career with

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Impact

Wells Fargo and later held positions with TIAA and Bank of America. He also obtained an Executive MBA at Queens University. Although he had amassed a certain level of success, surpassing numerous expectations, something was still lacking. “Something was missing,” said Dennis. “I wanted to give back to people who looked like me.” Through his participation in Leadership Charlotte, Dennis was able to see the Queen City unveiled. This unveiling ignited his passion for community.

In 2005, Dennis did what some considered truly unorthodox, moving from the north side to Lockwood. “Many people said I moved from University to the hood,” he joked. Lockwood, once a flourishing community of Black blue-collar workers, was considered a brittle area due to the crime and decline. According to Dennis, Lockwood was named one of the top 25 dangerous communities to live in in 2010. After engaging with a few of the community’s seniors during an association meeting, he was convinced he made the right decision. “These women reminded me of my grandmother and I knew that I had to do something,” he said. The same evening, he was appointed as Lockwood community president and he leaped into action. Improvements to street lighting,

block parties, even a 5K race, which ran through the community, allowed many to witness the neighborhood’s gradual transformation over the years. It was while living in Lockwood that Dennis began his in-depth foray into real estate.

He purchased dilapidated and drug houses and renovated them through his company E-Fix Housing Resolutions, founded in 2011, to ensure the neighborhood’s progression with integrity.

His efforts garnered him the unofficial title of the mayor of Lockwood.

It was his work in Lockwood that opened the door for the Beatties Ford Road ventures. “Timing is everything,” he said. It was after meeting with Historic West End partners and a few others years ago that their ongoing connection led to conversations years later that birthed the project. In cooperation with a strategic partnership he also has obtained site control of 2020 Beatties Ford Rd. The plans for the project are still in deliberation.

Once labeled with a learning disability, Dennis has silenced many with his uncanny ability to succeed across diverse platforms. Regardless of his multiple accomplishments, the father of one says, “My only mission in life is to be better, to make an impact.” P

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PrideBusiness

Stay Put

by Dr. Shanté Williams

Deep Rooted Wealth

The dream is to move on up to that “de-lux” apartment in the sky. Owning real estate is key to building wealth. All too often we make the first property that we own a suburban home in a predominately white neighborhood. The idea of leaving the “hood” is complex. When the residents of an area leave, it creates an ownership vacuum. Leaving space for gentrification. A gentrifier comes into low- income neighborhoods and buys the real estate and then leases it back to the community making a large profit. Once enough outside investment comes in then the area becomes too expensive to live in. By no means should you not move your family to an area that may be safer or that will place your children in a stronger academic district, but we can do both.

The Hand Off

The Build Up

Building generational wealth will mean confronting some deeply ingrained behaviors and understanding how wealth is created.

Do not wear your status

Building wealth is not just about making money but saving it as well. This requires discipline. To save you must forego some luxuries today. There are historic reasons why African Americans invest in their outward appearance. They range from respectability politics to not historically being able to fully take part in the economy due to racist policies. Black Americans needed to be able to “look the part” to gain traction in certain career fields and in society circles. This has meant spending money on clothes, shoes, and even expensive hair to conform to a physical aesthetic standard. This behavior leads to living on credit or using costly payment plans. Save your money and wait until you do not need an arrangement. Wealth whispers—no need to announce it.

More than a piece of paper

The US tax code and legal system recognize the institution of marriage. It is not just a piece of paper. It is well documented that married couples have up to four times the wealth of single, divorced people, or even those living together in long-term relationships.

It is not as simple as they split the cost of living and they have more because there are two salaries. Married couples can move differently. They can make different financial choices, from choosing which spouse’s health insurance is best for the family to receiving interest rate discounts on car insurance and loans. Marriage creates an opportunity to build long term.

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So, what if you have not gotten married, bought your family home in your old neighborhood and your children are all grown up— it is never too late to start. Here are four simple tips that can help you start your wealth journey.

• Purchase Life Insurance. Leave more than clothes and memories.

Life insurance means that your final expenses are covered and possibly money is left to help the next generation get a start.

• Make an aging plan. Sit down and map out what is available to live on in your golden years. Make sure basic needs are met. Be transparent with your children about what you can and cannot afford as you age.

• Invest. Start with your 401k. Take advantage of employer matches if they are available. If you are self-employed look into platforms that allow you to invest. Freedman Capital, a Charlotte-based, Black-owned business is helping many get their start.

• Own. Get on the path to ownership. Buy your home, a plot of land, a small commercial building, or own your own business. Owning helps you build net worth and generate equity and more income.

Generational wealth may seem like a mountain that is difficult to climb, but we must remember that our roots run deep, and we have the strength to climb. P Dr. Shanté Williams is a distinguished venture capitalist, author, CEO of Black Pearl Global Investments, business owner, private investor, intellectual property strategist and chairperson of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce.

imagedb / Lightspring / Shutterstock.com

T

he Black community has been abuzz with the push to create generational wealth, and rightfully follow their dreams. Generational wealth has two key components — accumulation and passing it on.

Generational wealth requires that all that you have built is passed down. If the generation that you intend to pass the baton to is not well equipped to grow what you have built, they may be at square one in no time. Retaining generational wealth is difficult. In fact, 70 percent of families lose their wealth in the second generation while 90 percent lose it in the third. To improve the odds —educate and listen. Education is more than the formal institutional type. It includes making sure that your children are financially savvy. At an early age, have candid conversations about money. Show them how to budget and set reasonable expectations around gift giving. Then listen to what passions drive them. This is critical to the retention of wealth. For example, if you are passing a business to them that they have no desire in keeping they may run it into the ground or sell it off quickly due to lack of interest. Legacy alignment is necessary.

Fewer Hours. More Responsibilities. Same Rent.

Not only are many working mothers losing their hours or even jobs, they also have to take on remote learning responsibilities for their children.

But the rent stays the same and is due every month. Please help us help them.

Community Link

Support or learn more at CommunityLinkNC.org Fifth Third Bank is a proud sponsor of Community Link

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www.it-henhouse.com January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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PrideBusiness FYI News & Notes Compiled by Katrice Bryant

“M.A.D.E. To Lead” Makes the Gift of Leadership Accessible All Year Long

Urban Skin Rx® To Be Sold at More Than 750 Walmart Locations

M.A.D.E. To Lead, a boutique leadership development firm, has created a quarterly subscription box to make professional growth more convenient, accessible and relatable. The subscription box is curated by certified leadership and executive coaches of M.A.D.E. To Lead, a Black-owned company founded by husband and wife, Corey and Sharma Graham. The M.A.D.E. To Lead team was inspired to develop and launch the product to support managers, entrepreneurs, leaders and everyday individuals who have been positioned to pivot and take ownership of their next steps. Each quarter, recipients will receive a box that takes the guesswork out of professional growth.

Each box includes: a guide that explains the components of the box and its role in teaching one of four principles of Courageous Personal Leadership, two leadership or personal development books, two to four high-quality, theme-based gifts and more. For more information visit www.themadebox.com.

Urban Skin Rx® recently announced its retail expansion into 776 brickand-mortar Walmart stores. The brand will launch seven of their bestselling products in Walmart stores nationwide. The brand is currently available on Walmart.com.

The initial assortment sold at Walmart includes seven of the brand's most-loved products that can be used together as a complete skincare regimen, all of which have benefits for those concerned with dark spots and uneven skin tone.

The selection includes the best-selling Even Tone Cleansing Bar, Even Tone Super Glow Serum, Retinol Rapid Repair & Dark Spot Treatment, Clear Skin Cleansing Bar, Clear & Even Tone Clarifying Glycolic Pads, Pumpkin Pore Detox Mask and Scrub, and the Complexion Protection Moisturizer SPF 30.

“We are thrilled to further broaden our reach with Walmart as a partner, expanding the distribution and accessibility of Urban Skin Rx®,” said Rachel Roff, CEO/ Founder. “When we first extended our Urban Skin Rx® retail presence outside our direct-to-consumer model, the brand's goal was to bring inclusivity to the skincare industry by providing clinical-strength products catering to the needs of melanin-rich skin. That goal remains the same today."

Urban Skin Rx® was founded in 2010 to cater to specific concerns common for women and men with melanin-rich skin tones. Today, the brand is sold at over 5,000 retail locations in the U.S. Earlier this year, the brand began international distribution with its launch in Nigeria.

Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority Launches Trail Guides to Help Visitors Explore the City The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) recently launched the CLT Trail Guide on charlottesgotalot.com, an exciting new tool that gives visitors and Charlotteans the ability to choose their own adventure by selecting one of six interactive itineraries highlighting more than 22 miles of trails, dining with outdoor amenities, local businesses and attractions.

The new CLT Trail Guide is an interactive digital resource designed to provide a guide for navigating Charlotte’s outdoor recreation offerings. A neighborhood guide accompanies each trail, so users can take a deeper dive into the communities they’ll be passing through. Trails include biking, running or walking paths designed to be inclusive for all fitness levels. The itineraries also thread through some of Charlotte's most Instagrammable spots, so users are guaranteed to find the perfect backdrop for their next photo shoot.

The mobile-friendly trail resource allows users to send itineraries directly to their phones via text and/or through Google Maps to get around and visit recommended spots with ease. For more information visit: https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/trails

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Project to Save Historic Black School Gets Boost with $100,000 Gift from Lowe’s Foundation The Charlotte Museum of History has announced that the Save Siloam School Project is another step closer to reality, hitting a major fundraising milestone with a $100,000 gift from the Lowe’s Foundation. The foundation will contribute a $50,000 grant to the museum in support of educational programming at the renovated Siloam School and $50,000 in renovation materials.

The Save Siloam School Project aims to restore and preserve the historic Siloam School, a Jim Crow-era schoolhouse for African-American children in northeast Charlotte. When restored, the Siloam School will be the only preserved Rosenwald school in Mecklenburg County devoted to K-12 history education and history programming. To support the Save Siloam School project with a tax-deductible donation visit charlottemuseum.org/siloam

SPONSORED CONTENT

Introducing White Oak Terrace

New homes coming to Windsor Run No matter what the weather holds, you can swim, exercise, visit the on-site doctor, and even dine with friends at our on-site restaurants. The entire community is connected by glass-enclosed, climatecontrolled walkways.

A

t Windsor Run, a 60-acre continuing care retirement community in Matthews, you'll find everything you need to live a carefree lifestyle.

Windsor Run offers resident-run clubs and activities to stimulate, entertain, and enrich you—plus on-site medical center to help you stay healthy and independent.

Enjoy your retirement in a spacious maintenance-free apartment home just steps from dozens of convenient amenities and services.

Introducing new apartment homes

kitchen and double windows in the living and dining area.

Another is the Pembrook, a two bedroom, two bath with a porch. Double the windows add up to double the sunlight in this glorious corner home, featuring an open floor plan with a kitchen island as its centerpiece.

Due to popular demand for the Windsor Run lifestyle, we’re adding a new residence building named White Oak Terrace. Opening this summer, White Oak Terrace will feature 113 apartment homes with the most-popular home designs, plus one new floor plan and elegant finishes.

One of our most popular floor plans that will be offered at White Oak Terrace is the Carlisle, a one bedroom, one and a half bath.

For bright beautiful living, choose this open concept home, featuring a contemporary

Continuing care coming soon to Windsor Run…

Opening this summer, Windsor Run will offer multiple services at our on-site continuing care neighborhood. We will offer Assisted Living Services, Memory Care Services, and Long-Term Care Services.

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Don’t wait to learn more!

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January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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SPONSORED CONTENT

African Americans and

A

COVID-19

s COVID-19 continues to rage through the US, we know that it is spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, through close personal contact, or through touching your nose, mouth or eyes before washing your hands. The majority of cases occur in people between the ages of 18-64, and the majority of deaths occur in people 65 and older.

Everyone is encouraged to continue socially distancing whenever possible, but MASKS are still the most effective weapon against COVID-19. If you are going to be around people with whom you don’t live, you must wear a mask around them. If you must go out, keep extra masks in your car and in your bag at all times.

housing environments with close contact of large, multigenerational families; a lack of insurance, healthcare access, and trust; and other pre-existing disparities in social and economic determinants of health.

Even though the majority of people with COVID-19 may have mild to moderate symptoms, the disease can cause complications and severe long-term effects that may include: pneumonia; blood clots; permanent heart, lung or kidney damage; fatigue; depression and anxiety; muscle pain; headache; heart palpitations; rash and hair loss; and neurological problems with smell, taste, sleep, cognitive impairment, and difficulty with concentration and memory.

If you do develop COVID-19, be safe and practice all of the CDC’s safety guidelines and instructions for what to do if you do test positive or are exposed: cdc.gov/coronavirus Stay up to date on the latest treatment protocols as they are updated here: covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/whats-new/ COVID-19 is much more serious than the flu and most people should get the flu vaccine to protect themselves and to aid in differentiating their illness if they develop common symptoms.

Vaccines trigger your body to produce antibodies to fight the virus if exposed in the future. A flu vaccine can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact your health care provider today or visit vaccinefinder.org to find a convenient influenza vaccine location near you. VaccineFinder.org will be updated once COVID-19 vaccination is widely available to the public to help direct people to find a vaccine provider near them. Monitor COVID19.NCDHHS.gov/vaccines and CDC.gov/COVID-19 for alerts on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.

Take a COVID-19 test if: You are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; you were in close contact with someone with COVID-19; you are an elderly person and are at risk from other conditions; you recently attended a mass gathering or protest. Take the test 4-7 days after suspected exposure. Testing locations in Mecklenburg County: MeckNC.gov/COVID-19 or find NCDHHS No-Cost sites: ncdhhs.gov/testingplace

WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE In Mecklenburg County, African Americans are 1 out of 3 COVID-19 deaths even though they are only 1 out of 5 people in the population. And Mecklenburg County, in spite of our best efforts, is the NC county with the highest number of cases and deaths. Nationally, African Americans are believed to be 3-5 times more likely to suffer severe illness and to be hospitalized from COVID-19 than Whites. African Americans are also significantly more like to have certain underlying conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, smoking, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, and a weakened immune system from solid organ transplant. People with these types of health conditions can be up to 12 times more likely to suffer from severe illness from COVID-19.

Additionally, adults with the following conditions might also be at an increased risk: asthma; cerebrovascular disease; cystic fibrosis; high blood pressure; weakened immune; liver disease; pulmonary fibrosis; thalassemia; cancer; and type 1 diabetes.

African Americans are NOT genetically predisposed to COVID19. Factors that may be contributing to the increased risks Tear Tear and and Keep Keep for African Americans include: working conditions where it is COVID-19 COVID-19 INFORMATION AND AND RESOURCES hard to social distance, there is a lack ofINFORMATION fresh air, or air is RESOURCES shared by numerous people in close contact; misinformation about COVID-19;

While the majority of people will experience mild symptoms, if someone shows any of the symptoms shown, seek immediate emergency medical attention. This list does not include all possible symptoms

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, requests for food, housing, mental health, healthcare, educational services and other assistance have only increased. Contact the NCDHHS COVID-19 Assistance Hotline – 211 or (888) 892-1162 or Text COVIDNC to 898-211 for updates on COVID-19 response and resources.

CountOnMeCLT is a public health initiative sponsored

by Mecklenburg County and private industry to help our community to stay safe during COVID-19

SYMPTOMS SYMPTOMS OFOF COVID-19 COVID-19

IT’SIT’S IMPORTANT IMPORTANT TO WATCH TO WATCH FORFOR SYMPTOMS SYMPTOMS

Fever Fever

Chills Chills

Headache Headache

experiencing experiencing symptoms symptoms of COVID-19, of COVID-19, GETGET TESTED. TESTED.

Cough Cough

Fatigue Fatigue

SoreSore throat throat

for more for more information information visit:visit: MeckNC.gov/COVID-19 MeckNC.gov/COVID-19

Difficulty Difficulty breathing breathing

Muscle Muscle pain/ pain/ aches aches

Loss/Lack Loss/Lack of of smell smell or taste or taste

Nausea Nausea or or vomiting vomiting

Upset Upset stomach stomach or or diarrhea diarrhea

Nasal Nasal congestion congestion / / runny runny nose nose

• Symptoms • Symptoms maymay appear appear 2 to214 todays 14 days afterafter exposure exposure to the to the virus. virus.

• If you • If you had had contact contact withwith someone someone withwith COVID-19, COVID-19, or are or are

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• At•certain At certain testing testing sites, sites, the the testtest IS FREE. IS FREE. To find To find a test a test center center or or Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com personal personal information information will not will not be shared be shared withwith anyone. anyone.

• Your • Your • Do• not Do not think think twice twice about about it. If it. you If you are sick, are sick, seekseek help.help.

PrideHealth

Black Male Health in 2020:

Closing the Gap

By David G. Jacobs, MD

Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com

2

Why is Black Male Health So Poor?

020 has not been a good year health-wise for Black people in America, especially not for Black men. The coronavirus pandemic, and the multiple high-profile killings of Black men at the hands of law enforcement have brought into sharp focus the heightened health risks borne by Black men in America today. Being Black and male substantially increases the risk of not

to know where we stand health-wise as Black men in this country so that we can exert greater control over our futures.

Black men in the United States have worse health outcomes than any other racial group. In 2017, our lives were, on average, 4.6 years shorter than White

The overall poor health status of Black men in America is likely due to several factors. While genetics may play a role, equally or perhaps more important is the adverse impact of the so-called social determinants of health, which include, among other things, poverty, income inequality, high rates of incarceration, unemployment, food insecurity and lack

only contracting coronavirus infection, but also doubles the risk of dying from it. Having pre-existing diseases, and poor overall health, are also risk factors for coronavirus infection and death and this, in addition to generally lower socio-economic status, helps to explain why Black men seem to be disproportionately impacted by this disease. It is important, therefore,

men, an improvement over the 6.2 year gap from 2006. We also suffer from higher rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke, die at higher rates from both prostate and colon cancer, and have a much higher risk of developing HIV/AIDS in our lifetimes.

And homicide rates for young Black men are 20 times higher than those of our White counterparts.

of affordable housing. Each of these, alone or in combination, can contribute to poorer health outcomes. Within the healthcare system, institutionalized racism, unavailability of high-quality health services, failure to provide adequate health insurance, and absence of culturally appropriate care, simply magnify the extent of the healthcare disparities experienced by Black men in America.

Just How Bad Is the Problem?

January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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What Can Be Done?

Although some of the social determinants listed above may be beyond our individual ability to control, there are some things that we, as Black men, can do to improve our own personal health status.

Get Healthy. We need to eat wisely, exercise regularly, get an adequate amount of sleep every night, and keep our weight down. Admittedly, these can be difficult goals to achieve with limited access to quality food sources, and unpredictable work schedules, but doing these things substantially reduces our risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney failure. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. Too much alcohol can lead to major problems with your liver down the line—cut back or quit if you need to.

Get Smart. We need to learn all we can about any diseases we may have or may be at risk for developing. Understand that we are at higher risk for prostate and colon cancer, and screening for both of these diseases (colonoscopy for colon

1

2

cancer, and blood testing and a rectal exam for prostate cancer) should begin at age 45 unless these diseases run in your family, in which case, screening should begin earlier.

Get Connected. Establish a solid working relationship with your healthcare provider. We know that health outcomes are improved when there is trust, mutual respect and collaboration between provider and patient, so choose wisely! If you are not getting what you want and need out of the relationship, or have concerns or suggestions about our treatment course, you must speak up. If your medications are too costly, or have undesirable side effects, let your provider know. Many pharmaceutical companies can arrange for you to get your medication at substantially reduced cost, and that’s a lot better than skipping doses of your medications, or not taking them at all.

Get Cool. Regarding homicide, resolve to work on nonviolent approaches to handling conflict, since these situations can escalate quickly and result in serious injury and death. Guns

3

4

are the most lethal means of resolving conflict, and so the decision to own or carry a firearm should be undertaken only after carefully considering all the potential consequences. And, if you do decide to keep a firearm in your home, and there are children present, make sure to keep your firearm locked up and unloaded to avoid “accidental” injury or death.

While there continues to be a gap between the health status of Black and White men in this country, it is somewhat comforting to know that this health disparity gap is slowly being erased. We can hasten the elimination of that gap by working collectively to reduce the negative impact of the social determinants of health and by individually controlling those behaviors and risk factors under our own personal control. Here’s to a long, healthy life! P David G. Jacobs, MD is the immediate past Trauma Medical Director, and former Chief of the Division of Acute Care Surgery at Atrium Health-Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER. BE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY. In times of uncertainty, community comes together, supports each other, and shapes the future. Now and always, Central Piedmont is built to help navigate what’s next. Whether you earn an associate degree, work toward a four-year degree, or take a direct path to employment, here you can conquer possibility.

Learn more at ConquerPossibility.com.

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Explore new online options in the New Year to begin your real estate career.

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Canopy Real Estate Institute, formerly Mingle School of Real Estate, has grown into more than a school. We’re a real estate institute providing all the coverage you need for your career development and professional growth.

Real estate pre-licensing, post-licensing and continuing education classes are affordable and taught by award-winning instructors.

Explore our virtual real estate education options: • Early-bird discount ($40 off) for pre-licensing • Free drop-in tutoring offered online • Free reviews to help you pass the North Carolina real estate exam

Everything you need to succeed is under our canopy. canopyreinstitute.com | 704-372-2984

January-February 2021 | Pride Magazine

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PrideHealth

Men’s Health:

Why Finding the Right Provider Matters

A

man’s desire to appear strong, unbreakable, and capable of solving any problem alone can make seeking mental health care seem intimidating.

This goes double for Black men who may distrust the medical community based on past experiences or the past experiences of parents or grandparents, said George Ingram, Vice President of Network Development at Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.

Finding a provider that makes cultural competency a priority can make it easier to have difficult conversations and achieve your mental health goals, he said.

“People are uncomfortable when they don’t think you understand who they are,” Ingram said. “If people feel there’s some commonality – whether it’s linguistic, whether it’s cultural, or

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Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

religion or race – if they feel that there’s a bond that exists between you and them, it makes it a lot easier to have difficult conversations.”

Cardinal Innovations is a specialized health plan contracted with the state to support 825,000 residents in its 20-county region who receive Medicaid or are uninsured or underinsured.

Ingram joined Cardinal in September to lead the organization’s efforts to develop and maintain a highly skilled, culturally competent network of providers.

As a former elected official in Garden City, N.Y., as well as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), he has seen the difference it makes for a person who needs help to feel comfortable with their health care provider. He has also discussed related topics on the cable access TV show he has hosted since 2018 called “Healthcare Aware.” Disparities in

To learn more about cultural competence, visit the Cardinal Innovations website, www.cardinalinnovations.org. If you need mental health help, call Cardinal Innovations at 1-800-939-5911 or dial **ASK (star-star-2-7-5) from your mobile phone.

Makistock / Shutterstock.com

George Ingram

health care, social determinants of health, and men’s and women’s wellness were among those topics.

“You have to realize that a lot of men see illness – whether it’s physical or mental illness – as a weakness and this is especially true for Black men,” Ingram said. “Sometimes they don’t seek out help in a timely manner because we’re taught to be strong, to be able to stand on our own and so sometimes we don’t seek out help as quickly as we need to until we’re in distress and it’s forced upon us. They think if you go to the doctor, they’ll find something wrong with you.”

Ingram said his father is a prime example.

“My father had a massive heart attack at the age of 67. My father was overweight, he drank, he smoked, and he didn’t eat a healthy diet,” Ingram said. “I never saw my father see a doctor a day in his life. I would hear my mother say, ‘Well, you probably need to go to the doctor,’ and he would say, ‘I’m not going to any doctor. The doctors don’t know what they’re talking about.’ That was mistrust.”

Ingram said family members should encourage the men in their lives to seek help whether it’s behavioral health or physical health. Don’t let them push it off. Encourage them to find a culturally competent provider or a provider they feel comfortable seeing.

“The first visit should be an interview to see if you feel comfortable with (the provider),” Ingram said. “If you want to find out how they do things, say, ‘Tell me, how does this work?’” And if you feel comfortable with what you hear, then maybe this is the provider for you. People don’t have to take what’s given. They can interview people. They have choice.” P

Life isn’t always easy.

Sometimes, you just need a little help.

Cardinal Innovations Healthcare: Medicaid and public health services and supports to help people live their best lives.

**

For mental health help fast, call ASK (star-star-2-7-5) from your cell phone or 1.800.939.5911.

Or visit us online at cardinalinnovations.org.

Mental Health | Substance Use Disorders | Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Meet Marcus Smith Marcus Smith joined the faculty of Providence Day School in 2018. With a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University and a Masters from Harvard Divinity School, he has taught since 1993.

This year, he is bringing his own approach to teaching African-American literature.

“We have been looking at a body of texts through a thematic lens that roughly goes from the pre Civil War era through the post Civil Rights era,” he says.

The course is taught collaboratively, inviting in other expert faculty to introduce everything from a historical perspective on what the Constitution says about slavery to the political context of the 1953 graphic novel “Judgement Day.” Why collaborative teaching? “I not only wanted to encourage students to have conversations about ‘race’ and history, but I wanted to demonstrate, to some degree, what they can look like,” he says.

His hopes for his students: “Social media and media in general are often reactionary and consequently less in the business of understanding. If we don’t understand the narratives and historical echoes, then the pertinent questions around ‘race’ and more importantly, truth, evade us,” he explains. “I hope in some way that the class gives students the ability to see how African American writers have both helped define and preserve what it truly means to be an American. In turn, I hope this insight aids them in their own journey of understanding their own American-ness.”

Providence Day School has inspired students to be critical thinkers and astute problem solvers for 50 years. Learn more at www.ProvidenceDay.org.

Go for grade A safety when you go for care

These days safety is on everyone’s mind. It’s more important now than ever to get the safest care.

That’s why Novant Health is proud of all our Charlotte-area hospitals receiving a Grade A from Leapfrog – an industry leader in hospital safety. Leapfrog uses 28 different national safety performance measures. No one has a higher safety score in the region. Your health and safety will always to be our priority. We’re committed to keeping you safe and healthy during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Learn more at NovantHealth.org/safestcare

© Novant Health, Inc. 2020 12/20. NH - NH679121

Stop renting. Start owning.

For many families, buying that first home is generations in the making. The Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment™ can help you make it happen. You may get: Down payment 1 help up to

$10,000 or 3% of purchase price

Whichever is less. Product availability and income restrictions apply.2

Closing cost 1 help up to

$7,500 a lender credit

3

Down payments as low as

3% 4 Down

Income limits apply.

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/homeowner 1. Down Payment program and America’s Home Grant program: Qualified borrowers must meet eligibility requirements such as being owner-occupants and purchasing a home within a certain geographical area. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply. Minimum combined loan-to-value must be greater than or equal to 80%. The home loan must fund with Bank of America.

Bank of America may change or discontinue the Bank of America Down Payment Grant program or America’s Home Grant program or any portion of either without notice. Not available with all loan products, please ask for details.

2. Additional information about the Down Payment program: Down Payment Program is currently limited to two specific mortgage products. 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.

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. ©2020 Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment is a trademark of Bank of America Corporation. MAP3247013 | AD-09-20-0545.C | 09/2020