Pride Magazine - 2021 September/October "Health & Education" Issue

September-October 2021

The Health and Education Issue

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

The Jacobs Family Battles Illness with

Hope and Resilience Private and Independent Schools Promoting diversity and inclusion

Breaking Down Barriers

Unite Charlotte expands opportunities

Language Immersion Schools

Cultivating world leaders

e tt o l r a Ch

E R O M T I GO THAN I s g n i v a s R O F D E N I A G R A B Look for these MVP savings throughout our store every week!

Download our App!

Everyone and every moment matters.

At Truist, our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities. And every day, the pursuit of better drives us—to empower clients with more choices, teammates with more fulfillment, and communities with more hope. We boldly believe in the power of what we can achieve together.

Truist.com Truist Bank, Member FDIC. © 2021 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, the Truist logo and Truist Purple are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.

Sure, there were fewer in-person classes this past year, but thanks to teachers, we never stopped learning. As vaccines are administered at our facilities and vaccination events, we can get back to in-person living… and learning. Marcus was ready. Are you?

September – October 2021

Departments 8

From the Publisher

10 Notable 11 By

Names

Faith

12 Book

Review

Business 50

B ank of America Successfully working with diverse vendors

54

FYI News & Notes

18

31

46

57

Health T ools for a Joyful LIfe Maintaining substance use recovery

58

H eart Disease What women should know

Features 14

17

18

21

S urviving Adversity The Jacobs family faces illness with courage G reenway Park Elementary School Art teacher and students beautify school A pplauding Two Charlotte Women An actress and a mental health advocate blaze trails R anking the Schools Top five high schools in Charlotte

Log on to pridemagazineonline.com for more features.

25

T eaching Truth Debunking falsehoods about critical race theory

26

S chool Diversity Report CMS needs more Latino teachers

28

C reating Global Citizens Language immersion schools nurture world leaders

31

P rivate and Independent Schools Promoting diversity and inclusion

41

B reaking Down Barriers Unite Charlotte funds community initiatives

46

B ringing Up the Lights Charlotte arts organizations come alive

Photo by Tye Feimster

57

On the Cover: The Jacobs Family Back row (left to right): Frank Jr. and Frank Jacobs Sr.; Front row (left to right): Ivan, Kimberly Jacobs (holding photo of Gabriel), Jeremiah and Jayla

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

5

Millions of Americans have safely been vaccinated for COVID-19. And for our physical and economic health, we all need to get a vaccine, too. All of the vaccines have been proven safe in clinical trials with thousands of volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Years of previous research on similar viruses gave scientists a head start in creating the vaccines without any shortcuts. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccines. And they’re FREE. Please, get yours as soon as you can.

GET THE FACTS YOU NEED AT MECKNC.GOV.

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon

Editor

Alicia Benjamin

Copy Editor

Sonja Whitemon

Lead Writer Angela Lindsay

Creative Director Larry Preslar

Design & Production SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com

Distribution Watch Dog Entertainment®

©

Account Executive Nikelle Fesperman

Public Relations Nepherterra Estrada

Subscribe to Pride

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

Letters to the Editor

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

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

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

Pride Magazine prints with soy ink.

Vol. 29 No. 5 September-October 2021 All rights reserved for PRIDE Communications Inc. Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/PrideMagazineNC Find us on Instagram: @pridemagazinenc

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

7

FromTheCEO

By Nikelle Fesperman, Sales Manager, Pride Magazine

Diary of a Wimpy, Working Mom During the Pandemic

W

hat hit me the hardest during the Coronavirus pandemic was the fact that schools closed, and I had to work from home while helping my 10-year-old son with remote learning. By the grace of God, we made it through the school year, but in the beginning, chaos reigned in our household.

It was a huge adjustment for me and my husband, as we were now forced to take on the new and unfamiliar role as teacher. (I’m including my husband to be kind, but to be honest, I was the one doing most of the teaching.) The school provided the curriculum, but it was up to me to make sure he understood the assignments, completed them ON TIME, and stayed focused during Zoom class. Did I mention, my son attends a Spanish immersion school and half of his lessons are taught entirely in Spanish?!

The first couple of days were reminiscent of a horror flick. There was crying, screaming, yelling, running, and more crying (and I’m talking about myself)! I remember one day, I was preparing to work in my office i.e., kitchen table. My son was in his room starting his Zoom class, and I assumed he had everything under control. As I was talking on the phone with a client, he walks out of his room, and quietly hands me this note:

Ten-year-old Chase, trying to remain focused during zoom class

8

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

SAVE THE DATE Pride Awards 2022 is gearing up for an in-person luncheon during Black History Month on Thursday, February 24 at the Westin Charlotte.

More details to come!

I hung my head low, knowing that we were going to have a long road ahead of us.

For me to survive this, I knew I would need to make some lifestyle changes, so I just “Let Go, and Let God.” Here are a few things I let go: • Deodorant – An underarm detox was long overdue.

• Showering everyday – Does the human body really need to be washed every. single. day? Just asking.

• Exercise – It’s overrated.

As time went on though, we slowly got into a routine, and I actually learned a couple of things about myself that I’m not necessarily proud of: 1 I am a helicopter parent. During some of his Zoom classes, I couldn’t refrain from hoovering over his shoulder, being careful not to be seen by his classmates and teacher while whispering commands like “Pay attention!” “Raise your hand, you know the answer!” “Hurry up!” “Slow down!”

2 I am a master at multitasking. I learned how to eat standing up, meal prep, help solve a math problem, take client phone calls, and respond to emails all at the same time. Side note: I am proud to say that I am now an expert at fourth grade math and can multiply double digits using area models and partial products.

Clearly, we did not have it all together but with prayer, patience, and teamwork, we figured out how to make it work. I now have a whole new appreciation and respect for teachers and educators who make it look so easy!

NotableNames

By Ryan Kouame

CLAYTON CARTER

Aisha Strothers is a dedicated nonprofit leader and the executive director of Greater Steps Scholars, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to create healthier communities through charitable good and philanthropic opportunities.

Strothers devoted more than 20 years of her career to providing educational and economic opportunities to young people in underserved communities. After joining Greater Steps Scholars as the executive director in August 2015, Strothers designed a mentor program that implements career readiness components to equip students with the necessary tools to succeed.

Strothers is a member of the Junior League of Charlotte and has served as chair of project development and chair of the mentor program. She currently serves on the Mount Vernon YMCA Board, volunteers with Girl Scouts, and mentors several college students. Strothers received her master’s in public administration from American University and her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Howard University.

10

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

TIZU MENELIK

Photo courtesy of Aisha Strothers

AISHA STROTHERS

Clayton Carter is a seasoned sales director and the outreach director at Oak Street Health, a network of value-based primary care centers dedicated to rebuilding the healthcare model to be focused on quality of care over volume of services.

Carter is a talented team builder with more than 20 years of experience in hands-on leadership and has been recognized worldwide for building long-term partnerships throughout client and corporate levels. In this role, Carter leads a team of outreach executives responsible for growing the patient intake through relationship building and community outreach.

“All seniors should be treated equally regardless of their income, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. They are our most treasured assets as they have laid the foundation for other generations to accomplish great things,” said Carter.

Carter is from Florida where he received his bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of West Florida and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. .

Tizu Menelik is the managing director of Diversified Industries and International Corporate Banking teams at Fifth Third Bank. Menelik brings more than 20 years of corporate banking, commercial banking and private equity industry experience.

Before joining Fifth Third Bank in 2017, Menelik held various positions with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and its affiliates for more than 17 years, and her most recent role was head of the U.S. and Canada GCIB Global Loan Products (GLP).

Menelik is also actively engaged in international and community service organizations and is an avid supporter of various global not-for-profit organizations focused on social services. Menelik also supports the arts and is active in The Arts and Science Council, The Harvey B. Grant Center and the Mint Museum.

Menelik holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Central State University and an MBA degree from Indiana University. P

Photo courtesy of Clayton Carter

David Jacobs is the new vice-chair of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the surgery department at Atrium Health. Dr. Jacobs is a widely respected and accomplished leader nationally, not only at Atrium. He has held many leadership positions that include trauma medical director for the Carolinas Medical Center’s Trauma Center and the co-medical director of pediatric trauma at the Levine Children’s Hospital Pediatric Trauma Institute.

Dr. Jacobs is a valued community leader. He served as section chair and executive director of the surgical section of the National Medical Association, the largest and oldest organization in the country representing African American physicians and their patients. He also advocates for youth violence prevention and earned numerous awards for his volunteerism.

“Embracing a culture within the Department of Surgery where all people and perspectives are valued, respected, and nurtured is critical to advancing our leadership role in American surgery, and I am grateful and humbled by the opportunity to help lead this important work,” said Dr. Jacobs.

Photo courtesy of David Jacobs

DAVID JACOBS

ByFaith

By Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond

How to Maintain Spiritual Health in an Evolving Pandemic

Chat Karen Studio / Shutterstock.com

S

ince the pandemic started in March 2020, we have all personally been managing the effects of COVID-19 — masking, quarantines, isolation, grief and loss. During this season, many people have accumulated unwanted psychological stress and physical pounds, endured emotional challenges and heartache, experienced interrupted routines and sleep patterns and have been plagued with mental and physical fatigue. The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone. We have all been overwhelmed by COVID-19.

Life is so different now.

Due to this reality, people are expending intentional energy to thrive and survive but also to develop, maintain, and enhance their overall health. And even now, some are more committed to physical exercise for the sake of stronger immunity, while others are doing their best to simply stay active. But now, in the midst of this pandemic, people are asking deeper questions. How can I move through this pandemic considering the emotional, mental, social and rational toll that it’s taken on me? Is there more to life that I should be thinking about other than my physical reality?

Is the body all there is to life? When God created man in Genesis 2:7, He “formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” God used a physical substance to create man and then breathed life into man giving him a living soul. Consequently, the human body is material while the human soul is immaterial. After death, the body will return to the earth and the soul will live forever (2 Corinthians 5:8).

Witnessing loved ones die during this pandemic has awaken all of us to the finality and preciousness of life. Life doesn’t go on forever. Everything doesn’t line up our way. People do die. We are vulnerable and delicate beings. Can we begin making more room in our lives to develop a more balanced approach to stewarding our entire beings? Emphatically, yes!

For the Christian, one who has placed their faith in the finished work of Jesus

Christ on the cross, spiritual health must be a priority. Developing spiritual health begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is rooted in faith. After establishing a relationship, growth in faith becomes a life-long journey in discovering the amazing grace of God. What is spiritual health? Spiritual health is our stewardship responsibility to maintain, nourish and strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ for long-term growth and sustainability until eternity. Every plan for stewarding our spiritual health must include prevention, maintenance and enhancement.

In order to guard our physical health from deterioration and avoidable diseases or illnesses, we avoid certain foods, patterns, habits, environments, and people so we can maintain vibrancy and enhance immunity.

Similarly, we must have a prevention plan for our spiritual health. What are you “consuming” that could deteriorate your faith in Jesus Christ?

During this complex pandemic season, are you indulging in literature, media, habits, activities or relationships that diminish your faith? Are you attending a church in-person or online where the pastor clearly preaches and teaches primarily from the Bible? Have you selected a church based on its ability to enhance your spiritual growth and development? Or have you settled for a church based on its ability to make you feel good, provide networking opportunities, or enhance your social status?

In addition to prevention, we must also consider the maintenance of our physical

health. Exercise and diet play a huge role in physical sustainability. Maintaining and enhancing spiritual health come from consistently “digesting” the Word of God (Bible). Paul says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3: 16, 17).” Our souls need a healthy diet of the Word of God as well as opportunities to exercise what we are learning. As we study God’s Word, we are able to live out what we learn, and even discern whether those who shepherd our souls are contributing to or hindering our spiritual health.

Maintaining and enhancing vibrant spiritual health takes place also through prayer. Reading and studying God’s Word allows us to hear from God and spending time in prayer allows God to hear from us. The psalmist in Psalm 54:2 says, “O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.” Prayer is vital for spiritual health.

Ask yourself, “How is my spiritual health?” Is it growing, developing, stagnant or non-existent? Honestly assess your life to determine where you are spiritually.

Are you cultivating your soul’s health or has your physical health become your sole priority? Our families, neighborhoods, communities, and cities are desperately in need of spiritually healthy Christians who are thriving in their faith in Jesus Christ.

As John says in 3 John 2, so I say to you, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

Surviving and thriving during a pandemic requires a priority to be given to health and safety. But it also requires a priority to our spiritual health, especially as we grow to realize that all to life isn’t just physical; it’s also spiritual. May you give attention to cultivating a healthy spiritual life during this difficult season. P The Rev. Dwayne Bond is the lead pastor of Wellspring Church.

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

11

BookReview

By Angela Haigler

Great Fiction and Nonficton Books for the Fall

“Walk with Me: A Biography of Fannie Lou Hamer”

“Black Girls Must Die Exhausted”

by Kate Clifford Lawson

In her debut novel, Jayne Allen writes the “Girlfriends” of the 2000s. Said to have been inspired by life in her 30s, Allen gives us characters that are rich in charm, humanity and humor.

The main character, Tabitha, is an enviable everywoman who seems to have it all: great job, great boyfriend and wonderful friends. When life throws her a curveball, she dodges and weaves, then cracks the bat to serve it back. Allen aptly captures Black Girl Magic and Black Girl Reality with a genius swipe of her golden pen.

From the sharecropping fields to the fields of freedom, Fannie Lou Hamer found her voice through personal pain and a love for her people.

This comprehensive new biography about the Human Rights icon offers new information from FBI files and Oval Office transcripts.

Kate Clifford Lawson reports on it all with passion.

Lawson, a white woman, is an American historian and Harriet Tubman scholar.

by Jayne Allen

“Give My Love to the Savages: Stories”

by Chris Stuck

by Barbara Chase-Riboud

Does provocative Black satire interest you? Need a fresh new voice to bring the pain? Look no further than these nine stories from Chris Stuck’s inaugural short story collection, called a “Black man’s life in scenes.” Prepare to be shocked, poked and forced to examine what it means to be Black from an unapologetically black, unapologetically biracial and most definitely talented new male voice in fiction.

Born two years before Madame CJ Walker, Hannah Elias would also amass an amazing fortune. Elias owned four midtown New York properties, and a Central Park West mansion. Passing for white and labeled the “Negro enchantress,” Elias was involved in a salacious scandal.

Her secret white lover sued her for blackmail, but she won.

The award-winning author of Sally Hemmings once again presents real-life in a skillful way that feels like fiction.

For the young reader “Touchdown Time”

by Bryson Best (Children’s Choice) In this heartwarming story, kid YouTuber Bryson Best gives a child’s perspective on why playtime with Daddy is important. Using his true-to-life experiences as the inspiration, Bryson shares how much he and his brother Brayden love spending time with and learning about sports from their father. This book is the perfect companion to young Bryson’s YouTube channel, “The Kid Knows Sports.” P

12

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

“The Great Mrs. Elias”

Ballantyne | Gaston | Huntersville | Matthews | Pineville | SouthPark | Steele Creek | Uptown | Waverly

When your doctor is independent, The difference is personal.

As an independent practice, we are able to remain true to our principles, while delivering award-winning care rooted in stronger relationships.

See the difference at tryonmed.com

The Jacobs Family Battles Illness with

Hope and Resilience

By Angela Lindsay

Photo by Tye Feimster

The Jacobs Family: Kimberly Jacobs (front).

Top row (from left to right): Jayla, Frank Jr., Ivan, Frank Jacobs Sr., Jeremiah

K

imberly and Frank Jacobs Sr. of Huntersville were shocked when they suddenly lost their son Gabriel in 2015, when he was playing basketball in the backyard and died from sudden cardiac arrest.

Their son was only 12 years old. They were unaware that he had an undetected heart defect.

14

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Their daughter Jayla, now 13, was hospitalized with pneumonia and doctors discovered that she had irreversible lung damage when she was five. She was also diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). Then the Jacobs received another blow. Their son Ivan, then 17 years old, was diagnosed with CF and the heartache of having a child with a chronic illness returned.

Following Ivan’s diagnosis, Kimberly and Frank decided to have Jeremiah, now 16, and Frank Jr., now 24, tested. That’s when they discovered that Jeremiah also has the disease. Frank Jr. tested negative for the illness. The Jacobs will never know if their son Gabriel had CF. The Jacobs learned that Ivan had CF after a series of emergency room visits

From left: Kimberly Jacobs; Gabriel at a football award ceremony in 2015; Kimberly Jacobs and her children hold a photo of Gabriel. From left to right: Frank Jr., Jeremiah, Kimberly, Jayla and Ivan

for her children that other parents have for theirs.

“As a parent, the ultimate challenge of raising children with CF is the same for raising children that don’t have it,” she said. “It’s never knowing when they will leave this earth. As a Christian, I’m comforted in knowing it has already been promised by Jesus Christ that we will live again eternally and reunite with Gabe.”

Kimberly recalls what a special child Gabriel was. “Gabe was not just a son and a brother, he was an anti-bullying mediator who sought to bring peace between people,” she said. “He wanted others to be happy. Gabe made everyone feel like they were his best friend.”

More than 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. are living with cystic fibrosis (CF), according to cystic-fibrosis.com.

While it is one of the most common genetic disorders in white children, occurring in one of every 3,200 live births, one in every 17,000 African American children are born with the disease.

the lungs, sinuses and gastrointestinal tract and can also affect the liver, bones, and genitourinary tract,” said Ashley Chadha, MD, one of the doctors at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Specialty Center (LCSC) treating the Jacobs children.

“Many advances, such as CF modulators, have added to the years and quality of life of people living with CF,” said Dr. Elizabeth Champion, who treats the Jacobs siblings at LCSC. Dr. Kenneth Coggins, an adult pulmonologist, now cares for Ivan.

“In the 1950s, children born with CF were not expected to live past early childhood, she said. “Today, people with CF grow up and attend college, pursue careers, get married and have children of their own. However, there is currently no cure for CF, and research is ongoing to realize this ultimate goal.”

A typical day for the Jacobs’ children involves a different schedule of care for each sibling from taking a variety of medications, vitamins and supplements

to undergoing respiratory treatments to improve lung function.

“Therapies for CF target preventing infection, thinning tenacious mucous in the respiratory tract and optimizing nutrition,” said Dr. Dennis Schellhase, who also treats the siblings at LCSC. “People with CF have a demanding treatment regimen, including multiple breathing treatments, taking enzymes and vitamins, and getting daily chest physiotherapy.”

“The Jacobs children and their parents are truly amazing,” said Dr. Champion.

Photo by Tye Feimster | Photo of Gabriel by Tanya Butler, Studio B Photography and Art

According to the Mayo Clinic, CF is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis causes the cells that produce secretions that are normally thin and slippery like mucus, sweat and digestive juices to become sticky and thick. Instead of acting as lubricants, the secretions clog up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.

“Symptoms include chronic cough, frequent lung infections, poor growth and greasy stools. Cystic fibrosis affects

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Jacobs

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Jacobs

following football games. They were initially told that his significant muscle spasms were caused by being severely dehydrated and salt depleted; however, after visits to a series of specialists, Ivan was tested for and diagnosed with CF. It was crushing news for the UNCC student who for years had seen his younger sister Jayla go in and out of the hospital for 10 days at a time.

The emotional toll it takes on parents when they discover their child has a serious illness can be crippling, but Kimberly said she has the same concern

“The road traveled by our patients with CF is a difficult one,” she said. The treatment regimen to prevent disease progression is very time consuming.

The clinic visits are long and consist of blood draws, throat swabs, X-rays and meeting multiple providers. Despite this, the Jacobs and their children are always patient, polite and appreciative. Their resilience and positive outlook on life is inspiring.”

The Jacobs have remained incredibly hopeful, positive and productive through all their health challenges. Kimberly hosts an online talk show, The Kim Jacobs Show on YouTube, and Frank Sr. is a senior pastor at The Rock Worship Center and Quest Church.

Frank Jr. is a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ivan wants to be the first CF patient to play

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

15

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Jacobs

Photo by Alicia Benjamin

in the NFL. “He plays in honor of his brother Gabe,” Kimberly said.

“CF is a serious disease, but don’t treat us any differently,” said Ivan, who has managed to play college football, enjoys trying new healthy TikTok recipes and has a goal to inspire people through dedication and persistence.

Jeremiah studies theater and dance at Northwest School of the Arts and hopes to become a successful actor.

Jayla creates content on her own YouTube Channel, WonderBeast, and she’s currently writing a science fiction/ fantasy novel. She also wants to become a Christian missionary. The oldest Jacobs sibling Frank Jr., said having family members with CF has given him “more patience and understanding.”

“CF is a very significant thing, and their journey is very different than mine,” he said. “I’m more caring towards them and listen to their problems with an open mind,” he added. “I try to help them solve their issues in their own unique way. I go to the extreme to help them shine.”

Kimberly Jacobs and her daughter Jayla

Jeremiah adds, “I would like everyone to know that CF is a disease that affects a lot of people who don’t even know they have it, so I would like everyone to go get checked. The most challenging part of having CF is, honestly, what may happen to me in the future, but I know God and Gabe are watching over me, so I don’t sweat it.”

We’re honored to present Pride Magazine’s “Closing the Wealth Gap” Summit Saturday, Saturday, October 2, 2021.

Left to right: Gabriel, Kimberly and Jeremiah

Kimberly believes that God doesn’t allow more than we can handle. “I believe that he has equipped me with everything I need for this journey,” she said. “He already knows the extreme seasons that I would experience as a mother, and I know that He has our best interest at heart.” P

Doctors for adults on Medicare.

Call to schedule an appointment

(888) 913-6034

For more information and to register, visit pridemagazineonline.com

Truist Bank, Member FDIC. © 2021 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, the Truist logo and Truist Purple are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.

16

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Ad3_6x4_875.indd 2

11/17/2020 10:21:33 AM

Reflecting Art

Outside Greenway Park Elementary School

By Kesh McGee

hortly before the global pandemic outbreak, the Greenway Park Elementary School’s PTA planned to integrate more visual art in and around the school’s campus. The idea was to create an arts project outside the school building that would reflect the visual arts, music, theater and dance that students were exploring inside the school. Then came COVID-19.

Like many schools around the country, Greenway Park, a creative arts and sciences magnet school, had to shift to sometimes teaching a minimal in-person student model and also to virtual learning during the 202021 school year. Elementary art teacher, Gregory Pope, decided to make this time count. He created a plan to work with his smaller classes of fifth graders to bring the

represented one of the four major disciplines taught at the school: visual arts, music (band and orchestra), theater and dance.

Pope previously taught art at Bruns Academy and also coached middle school basketball. He earned his Bachelor of

At Greenway Elementary, from as early as the third grade, students decide what they want to study and they make it their “major.” Once they decide on their area of focus, “it gives us more time to work with the students in that specific art genre,” Pope said. “Our main goal is to help them to grow in their craft and to prepare them for the next stage after elementary school.

It’s really all preparation for what will be their next level. We want them to be ready for art in middle school or to get them ready to go on to Northwest School of the Arts — if that’s something that they want to do.”

“My goal is just to encourage creativity with the students,” Pope said. “I actually do art. I create art and design products. I actually live it. I'm teaching the students art and I do it with a passion. I’m showing them by example that if you love art, art is something that you can actually do.”

archways of the school building alive with painted murals.

Pope instructed small groups of students to try to transform an archway. He worked alongside each group to complete the project. “We did it together,” Pope said.

At the end of the project, the students turned each archway into a colorful mural with bright bold colors. Each of the arches

Science degree from Georgia Southern University. “I’ve been creating art since I was a kid,” he said. Although he didn’t have access to art classes in elementary school, he took college-level art classes in high school. “I really wanted to teach and also coach,” he said.

Pope eventually found a teaching home at Greenway Elementary in Charlotte.

Pope said he has received positive feedback from the school community. “The murals, well that was a start,” he said. “I want to do other projects around the school next year. And having more students would help us to be able to do that. With more students we would certainly be able to continue to make this school look even more like a magnet school.” P

Photos courtesy of Gregory Pope

S

Gregory Pope teaches visual arts at Greenway Park Elementary School.

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

17

Johanna Poetsch / Shutterstock.com

Two Charlotte Women Blaze Trails in the Arts and Mental Health Advocacy Professional Charlotte actress balances arts and academics

Suicide prevention advocate Fonda Bryant wins national award

Ashley Rae Harper appears in a recently released Amazon Prime film.

Fonda Bryant, mental health and suicide prevention advocate

A

A

native Charlottean, Ashley Rae Harper, is on a trajectory to stardom at just 19 years old. She was recently featured as “Young Renee” in the Amazon Prime film, All We Got, a drama that follows a woman returning home to face her dysfunctional siblings and execute their deceased mother’s final wishes. The movie was an official selection of the 2021 Charlotte Black Film Festival.

18

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

fter winning the Remarkable Woman of the Year Award in Charlotte earlier this year, mental health and suicide prevention advocate Fonda Bryant went on to win Nexstar’s 2021 National Remarkable Woman of the Year competition in Hollywood, California. The competition honors women who have greatly influenced public policy, social progress and quality of life in the U.S.

This remarkable woman is on a mission to help save lives. Bryant, an attempted suicide survivor, said she can teach anyone how to identify someone who is suicidal, listen and respond in a non-judgmental way, and find the person in distress the help they need. She teaches these three simple steps in QPR or Question, Persuade, Refer. QPR is an emergency mental health intervention technique used to save the lives of individuals experiencing mental health issues. Trained certified QPR instructors like Bryant learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help.

Harper began acting when she was 10, starring in the musical Annie Jr. Not only does Ashley act, she also writes, produces and directs. She is engaged in quite the balancing act. Currently enrolled in Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), she is pursuing her Associate’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. She’s hoping to use her knowledge in the field to help other youth when she’s not working on set.

"All We Got" was an official selection of the 2021 Charlotte Black Film Festival.

In her down time, Ashley prepares for auditions, attends talent manager meetings and writes film scripts in the teenage drama genre. She sets aside a period for brainstorming each day — usually during evening hours, and her subject matter runs the gamut from LGBTQIA issues to kidnapping to divorce. Her ideas tend to morph into series or short films.

Additionally, Ashley created a talk show, Ashley & Friends, where she interviews other teens in the entertainment industry. The show, which airs on IGTV, is gaining a lot of traction. It has become extremely popular among her target audience as guests discuss topics that include juggling undergrad and life in the entertainment industry, setting boundaries, journeys into entrepreneurship and coming of age as YouTube personalities and influencers.

You can catch Ashley & Friends bi-monthly on Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. on Instagram Live @ashleyraeharper. P

Through her own struggles with mental health, Bryant understands that assisting others comes down to offering “empathy, compassion and kindness.”

Bryant wields this knowledge as a skillful sword that slashes taboos surrounding mental health in Black communities — where it is widely propagated that depression should be handled differently, or outright ignored. “Think about our culture — pray about it, don’t claim it, give it to God, it’s a sign of weakness,” Bryant laments, echoing a litany of harmful fallacies responsible for many Black people failing to seek proper treatment for mental illness. “There’s no shame in it. Go get help.

Everybody needs to go to therapy twice a year at least.”

At 26, while working as a pharmacist technician, Bryant devised a plan to take her life. After an atypical conversation with her beloved Aunt Spankie on the day she premeditated her own death, Spankie called Bryant back and asked, “Are you gonna kill yourself?” Fonda said, “Yes.” Eventually, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officer arrived at Bryant’s home and took her to a psychiatric facility. There, she was diagnosed with clinical depression.

While at the facility, Bryant began her journey to selfcare and therapy, and gained tools to help her live with depression. Although Bryant attempted suicide again in 2014, because she had gone through therapy, she decided to reach out again to her therapist for help.

Through her own struggles with mental health, Bryant understands that assisting others comes down to offering “empathy, compassion and kindness.”

Bryant, who sits on the board of the North Carolina branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will be featured in an upcoming PBS documentary highlighting her life and focusing on mental health awareness. Donations can be made to her non-profit, Wellness Action Recovery at wellnessactionreceovery.org. P

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

19

MIGRAINE WA RRIOR

YOUNG AT HEART

MU LT ITASKING MAST ER

Care for Every Woman You Are, All in One Place.

Waiting for you at Novant Health Women’s Center at SouthPark.

Our new Women’s Center at Novant Health SouthPark Medical Plaza is specifically designed to provide unrivaled care for every woman’s unique health needs.

It’s the only place you’ll find head-to-toe women’s care in one location, with experts in everything from brain, heart and OB-GYN care to pelvic and sexual health and beyond. Added amenities like concierge services mean it’s easier than ever to care for your complete health at every age, stage and walk of life.

Discover care designed with you in mind NovantHealth.org/womenscentersouthpark © Novant Health, Inc. 2021 7/21 • NH-844364

Here Are the Top Five Ranked High Schools in Charlotte

By Ryan Kouame

A

s the pandemic continues and vaccines are being administered, CharlotteMecklenburg Schools are starting to open for the 2021-2022 school year. Most campuses transitioned to online learning when the pandemic began, but that didn’t stop CMS high school students from reaching their milestones.

U.S. News & World Report released its ranking of the best high schools in the U.S. earlier this year, factoring in state assessments, college readiness, graduation rates, and reading and math proficiency for more than 24,000 public high schools. North Carolina high schools ranked 27th with many CharlotteMecklenburg County high schools making the list.

“We are pleased that a national publication has recognized several of our schools as among the best in the nation,” said Executive Director of Communication for CharlotteMecklenburg Schools (CMS), Eve White.

“District leaders are committed to providing all our students with the best possible environments in which to learn and develop,” White said.

Below is a ranking of the top five schools in the region, their history and what makes them stand out:

1 Ardrey Kell High School

Established in 2006, Ardrey Kell is a public high school serving grades 9–12 in

News & World Report’s 2021 Best High Schools List, the school ranked first place in the county and 15th in North Carolina with an overall score of 96.71 out of 100.

2 the Ballantyne area. The school was named after two prominent families from the Lower Providence area who served as farmers, physicians, educators, politicians and church leaders. Their rich tradition of excellence in academics is consistently ranked best in the state. According to U.S.

“We are pleased that a national publication has recognized several of our schools as among the best in the nation.

District leaders are committed to providing all our students with the best possible environments in which to learn and develop.”

— Executive Director of Communication for CharlotteMecklenburg Schools (CMS), Eve White

Providence High School

Providence High ranked second place with a score of 96.24 out of 100. The secondary school opened in 1989 and currently serves more than 2,000 students. They have since added a technical building, a greenhouse, and a gym that houses a swimming pool.

Providence ensures their students are well-equipped for the challenges of college and the world of work. They have the highest average SAT score and advanced placement course passage rate in the region.

More than half of their teaching faculty have master’s degrees or higher and 68% have more than 10 years of experience. They are also a blue-ribbon school, which is the highest national recognition available.

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

21

3

“I have a gift, I am talented, I am a doer — not a quitter. I matter to myself and others, and that is why I will be good to myself and others. I am a leader and I will walk in my excellence.”

Corey Mitchell, former Northwest School of the Arts theater teacher, wins the first Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award in 2015.

Northwest School of the Arts

Photo by Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

The Northwest School of the Arts (NWSA) is a magnet school that provides specialized arts education for students in grades 6-12. The school ranked third statewide with a score of 94.56 out of 100 and currently enrolls around 1,100 students.

Northwest School of the Arts opened in 1991 and has since created an avenue for students to pursue performing arts that include theatre, ballet, dance, jazz, choir, orchestra and band. The school also offers visual arts such as painting, drawing, studio photography, communications, printmaking, sculpting and ceramics—all without sacrificing their core classes.

Notable NWSA alumni Eva Noblezada is a two-time Tony Award nominee and actress who currently stars as Eurydice

Photo courtesy of William A. Hough High School

Northwest School of the Arts begins every morning with a daily affirmation that states, “I have a gift, I am talented, I am a doer — not a quitter. I matter to myself and others, and that is why I will be good to myself and others. I am a leader and I will walk in my excellence.”

Northwest School of the Arts alumna Eva Noblezada attends the Tony Awards in 2017 at Radio City Music Hall

22

— Northwest School of the Arts morning affirmation

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

4

William A. Hough High School JROTC

William A. Hough High School

William A. Hough High ranked fourth with a score of 90.07 out of 100. The

school opened in 2010 because of a growing northern Mecklenburg County.

Hough High School offers advanced placement courses in the four core areas along with a variety of electives to enrich student education, including: • Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in business, marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

• Occupational study where students with disabilities go to various businesses in the community and train as school/work associates to earn credits towards their diploma.

• The distinguished Hough Orchestra program where many graduates go on to earn positions with local and regional orchestras.

Photo courtesy of Myers Park High School

Photo by Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

in the Broadway musical “Hadestown.”

Former theater teacher Corey Mitchell won the inaugural Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award, and he also won the first Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award in 2015.

5

Students on the campus of Myers Park High School

Myers Park High School

Myers Park High School serves students in grades 9-12 and ranked fifth with a score of 88.08 out of 100. Myers Park opened its doors in 1951 and has since established a rich legacy of academic success throughout the region.

Previously serving as a community college, the campus boasts a 62-acre campus with 13 buildings.

Each student at Myers Park is recognized as an individual with an array of interests, talents and needs.

They offer advanced placement (AP), international baccalaureate (IB), and honors courses in many academic areas in addition to vocational offerings, college prep, apprenticeships and internships. P

ANSWERS MEGHAN BRAGG

VANESSA RUFFES

SEE SOMETHING THAT YOU'RE CONCERNED MIGHT NOT BE TRUE? WANT TO GET IT VERIFIED? Submit your Verify questions by texting us at 704-329-3600 or by emailing verify@wcnc.com

See the Difference

LUNCH & LEARN

Get Your Legal Ducks In A Row TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 | 1PM

From nature to nurture.

Learn how Aldersgate, a 62+ Life Plan Community, is helping plan for peace of mind.

Sip mimosas and enjoy a light lunch while our guest speaker discusses the legal ins and outs of aging and estate planning. Have fun and enjoy a delicious way to get your affairs in order!

To learn about more events or schedule a tour, call (704) 318-2035 or visit AldersgateLiving.org.

3800 Shamrock Drive • Charlotte, NC 28215

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

23

What makes ArchWell Health different from your typical doctor’s office?

We’re glad you asked.

Live in Color.

Food is life. The sweet and the savory pop with color so we taste it with our eyes even before taking the first bite.

At Sharon Towers, we think your senior living dining should be joyous, inviting and bursting with delicious color.

At ArchWell HealthTM, we work to keep seniors healthy, not just treat you when you’re sick. Our doctors will give you generous doses of personal attention in comfortable centers where you can feel at home and enjoy the company of other seniors.

ArchWell Health is coming to Eastway and North Charlotte in late 2021, so visit us online to learn more.

© 2021 ArchWell Health

TM

primary care doctors for seniors

To learn more, go to SharonTowers.org or contact our Marketing Department at 704.556.3231.

Charlotte 704.251.8341 • ArchWellHealth.com •

24

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

5100 SHARON ROAD | CHARLOTTE, NC | 28210

GuestOpinion

By James E. Ford

Don’t Believe the Hype About Critical Race Theory

D

“

on’t Believe the Hype” was a phrase popularized in 1988 by the overtly pro-Black political rap act Public Enemy in their self-titled smash hit. The song was a call, admonishing citizens to not be so easily swayed by the media or buy into controversial stories. Fast forward to the present. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably at least vaguely familiar with the hoopla surrounding so-called “Critical Race Theory” in schools. While it may be 2021, and I’m certainly not lead emcee Chuck D, I also want to encourage you to not “believe the hype.”

For the past few months, nearly every day of coverage on the news has been dedicated to discussing this decades-old legal theory created by Black and Brown scholars to understand the function of systemic racism in American policies and law. In the process, the reputable academic framework known as Critical Race Theory (CRT) has instead been wildly misrepresented and used as a catch-all phrase to reference any discussion or analysis of racism whatsoever. Critics across the country are alleging that it is pervasive in public school classrooms and teaches white children to hate themselves or feel guilty due to the color of their skin. Supporters assert that educators are not teaching CRT, but rather — they are giving students a more accurate historical picture of the country that confronts the true legacy of racism. I am transparently the latter.

So, how did we get here? The short answer is, an organized and well-funded disinformation campaign led by far-right think tank personalities like Christopher Rufo, Senior Fellow of the Manhattan Institute, who by his own admission sought to lump all matters dealing with race and diversity under the term CRT and make it toxic in the eyes of the public. In some respects, he has been successful -- mostly with white citizens -- with the assistance of groups like Parents Defending Education in fomenting reactionary outrage. The so-called “anti-CRT” movement thus far inspired a rash of bills in state houses across the country seeking to limit how racism is taught. North Carolina has one such bill

Screen capture of Christopher Rufo’s Twitter account

under consideration (HB 324) that would prevent any honest investigation of issues of race or gender. It was passed in the House but remains in the Senate, sitting in committee.

The longer answer is, we’ve always been here. This sort of thing is part of what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. refers to in Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? as the “white backlash.” The allergic and apoplectic reaction to even the slightest cultural shift in the direction of non-white people is sadly predictable. Dr. King writes, “It is a surfacing of old prejudices, hostilities, and ambivalences that have always been there …The white backlash of today is rooted in the same problem that has characterized America ever since the black man landed in chains on the shores of this nation.” The tragic irony is opponents have attempted in vain to use King’s words to denunciate any recognition or study of race, arguing that he had a dream for individuals to be judged by “content of character” and not color.

So, what should we do about it? An accurate rendering of history tells us everything we need to know. Regressives always do this. With every advancement, every modest push for reform, every step in the direction of progress, they cry “bloody murder.”

Whether it be abolition, desegregation, or simply a more inclusive history curriculum, they can be seen kicking and screaming about the sky supposedly falling. They use the same ultra-thin playbook, labeling every counter-cultural idea “socialist,” “Marxist” or “Communist,” hoping to use fear to motivate. Charges of CRT are no different. They did the same thing to Dr. King. Our charge is to keep pushing forward and do what we’ve always done — lead in the face of opposition.

In sum, it’s important to know this debate is actually not about Critical Race Theory at all. It is about a fear of being “replaced.”

Many white Americans struggle with the fact the country has changed — both in culture and composition. They cannot see a world where other stories and perspectives are part of the narrative within a multiracial democracy. They instead choose to see it as losing their way of life. But facts are stubborn things, and another way is possible. We cannot go back to the America of 50, 100, or 200 years ago. However, we can learn from the critical mistakes of the past so as not to repeat them in the future. But this means we must let go of our favorite myths and teach students to confront hard truths. Yes, this includes systemic racism. P James E. Ford is an award-winning educator and consultant on equity issues based in Charlotte. He is the Executive Director of the Center for Racial Equity in Education (CREED) and an at-large member of the North Carolina State Board of Education.

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

25

CMS Needs More Latino Teachers

By Alicia Benjamin

A

pproximately 60 million Latinos live in the U.S., which represents 18.5% of the population, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau statistics. In Charlotte, Latinos make up 14.3 percent of the population or about 133,000 people.

But in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), where the Latino population is 27%, only 2.3% of the teachers are Latino, according to the 2020-21 CMS School Diversity Report.

“We need more Latino teachers in the classroom, because they understand the culture,” said Board of Education ViceChairperson Thelma Byers-Bailey. “Children need to see someone who looks like them,” she said. “They need role models. That is important. It’s essential.”

Two teachers at Charlotte East Language Academy (CELA), a partial Spanishimmersion magnet school in East Charlotte with a 63% Hispanic student population, have some ideas about why it’s important for CMS to hire more Latino teachers and what some of the impediments are.

Luz Pachon Gonzalez, who is originally from Colombia, has been teaching for 25

26

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

years, including 11 years in the U.S. Gonzalez, currently a Spanish Immersion facilitator at CELA, said one reason CMS needs to hire more Latino teachers is because bilingual education will open more opportunities for students when they become professionals.

“Spanish is becoming more relevant in the business world,” she said. “One of the objectives of education is to prepare our students for the world and part of that will be to prepare them to speak more than one language.”

Gonzalez said it makes her sad that many of the Latino students at CELA don’t speak much Spanish. “I want to open the eyes of the Latino parents who think their children will suffer in this country if they don't focus strictly on English.”

Many of the students’ family members struggled in the U.S. because they only spoke Spanish, Gonzalez said.

So, they want their children to only speak and learn English, she Luz Pachon added. “They are killing Gonzalez

the language at home. It hurts my heart when I speak to a Hispanic student and they say, ‘I don’t speak Spanish.’ We have to teach even our Hispanic population to see Spanish as a treasure and to value the language.”

Eduardo Real-Rodriguez has been teaching for 21 years, including five years in the U.S. Real-Rodriguez, who is originally from Colombia, works as a Spanish immersion teacher at CELA. He and many of the teachers at the school were recruited by a cultural exchange agency that places and supports international teachers in U.S. schools. Eduardo RealRodriguez Programs such as Educational Partners International are approved by the U.S. government and the North Carolina Department of Instruction and allow qualified international teachers to serve as educators in U.S. schools for up to five years. These agencies have recruited several teachers from Central and South America to work in CMS schools, RealRodriguez and Gonzalez said.

“People who decide to come through these programs are willing to share what we know and to give something to America,” Real-Rodriguez said. “Our main goal is not only academics. It’s also to support families, children and the whole community.”

The U.S. government should develop plans that would allow teachers from other countries to stay in the country longer so that they can have a greater impact at their assigned schools, Gonzalez said. Also, CMS should create more programs that encourage and support Latino high school students who show an interest in teaching, she added.

“I see myself as an important person because I really try to have a positive impact on all of the community,” RealRodriguez said. “One person told me that we are changing the course of the river,” he added.

“It would be good for the Black students to see more Latinx teachers also,” ByersBailey said. “It’s important for them to see teachers of color putting on that professional hat. It would be good for everybody.” P

ONLY RECYCLE THESE SIX ITEMS

No Plastic Bags September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

27

Language Immersion Programs Nurture and Grow Global Citizens

By Alicia Benjamin

K

nowing a second language in our globalized world economy is increasingly becoming a necessary skill for students in the U.S., as people from diverse cultures are connecting more frequently.

If students in this country want to compete with those around the world, language learning will need to become a central part of school curriculum, starting in the early grades, according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

“Employers and businesses are seeking applicants who can navigate the modern global economy,” according to ACTFL. “Simply put, language learning is necessary for students to effectively function in the modern global marketplace.”

Dr. Amy Felicia Eybl, principal of South Academy of International Languages (SAIL) in Charlotte, enthusiastically promotes the school’s language immersion Dr. Amy Felicia Eybl program for young students. Eybl, who has been an educator for more than two decades, has served as the leader of SAIL, formerly Waddell Language Academy, since 2015.

Eybl said it’s best to introduce international languages to children when they’re very young. “If they can’t start as babies, then the next best thing is to start in kindergarten,” she said. “The earlier you learn a language, the easiest it is, because their brains are like sponges and they’re just soaking it up.”

According to Eybl and ACTFL, the benefits of language learning include: • Enhanced problem-solving skills • Enhanced creative thinking capacity • Higher standardized test scores • Higher reading achievement • Expanded student vocabulary in their first language • Higher academic performance in college South Academy of International Languages offers immersion programs in

28

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Chinese, German, French and Japanese to students in kindergarten through 8th grades. The school, one of seven language immersion or world language (non-immersion) schools in CharlotteMecklenburg Schools, offers beginning Spanish to its middle school students.

Currently 1,300 students attend SAIL. South Academy has been recognized by the Magnet Schools of America as one of the top magnet programs in the country. The local Spanish consulate and Cui Tiankai, the former Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., have both visited the school.

study the required curriculum in English and continue to study their target language.

Learning languages other than English helps students learn about other cultures and encourages them to be open-minded about the world, Eybl said. “Not only are they learning mandarin, or Japanese or German or French, but they’re also learning about the culture — how those people live.”

Studying other languages also opens more opportunities for students in the future. “It’s about becoming a global citizen and understanding world impact,” Eybl said. “A student may want to move to

Students at South Academy of International Languages host Japanese exchange students

South Academy students, teachers, and German Exchange students

Eybl, a native of Fayetteville, N.C., started studying Spanish in college, but at Ohio State University she met a German man who she eventually married. That’s when she began her journey to mastering the German language. The couple lived in Germany for 17 years and their two children were born there.

Students at SAIL learn the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in the target language. In middle school, students

Germany and study engineering. If they’re already fluent, that helps when they’re applying for the job, and they're already prepared to work in that country.”

Learning international languages helps students become effective leaders in an increasingly multicultural world. In the words of Nelson Mandela, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” P

The future looks bright We at Providence Day School are excited about the possibilities ahead. Through our TK-12 global curriculum, we prepare our students to be empathetic problem solvers and active global citizens, to collaborate and lead in our diverse society.

We’re ready for what’s next!

Providence Day School will conduct Open Houses this fall for all rising grades. Please visit www.ProvidenceDay.org/Admissions for more information or to schedule a tour.

We exist to inspire.

Gaston Day School One of Greater Charlotte’s Most Awarded Schools FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS Preschool-12th Grade

|

704.864.7744

|

gastonday.org

Private School Feature

Trinity Episcopal School

The Path Forward

Private and Independent Schools Champion Diversity and Inclusion

By Angela Lindsay

C

harlotte area private and independent schools are dedicated to making a lasting and positive impact on their educational communities and the entire region through leadership efforts, the work of the board of trustees, and the participation and involvement of the schools’ families and students.

Lessons learned because of elevated cries for social justice and the world health crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic have given private and independent schools opportunities to reflect on their own commitments to humanity which is reflected both in-house and through their outreach efforts.

“Our hope was that by starting the year on campus with safety protocols in place, we would provide a model for

public schools to use as they sought to open on-campus learning as well,” said Jay Hancock, head of school at Carmel Christian School. “Unfortunately, those who had access to private school education were much more likely to experience in-person education last year.”

A 2017 study by the Urban Institute found that family wealth is an important factor in promoting greater educational achievement. “The U.S.

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

31

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Country Day School

wealth gap is fueling an education and upward mobility gap,” the study states. “Young people in families with more wealth can focus on the academic challenges of higher education instead of the financial ones,” according to the study. Because education is a primary way to gain economic independence, increasing access to wealth means increasing access to opportunity.

“The racial wealth gap certainly contributes to educational disparities, but racism is the root cause of both issues,” said Sonja Taylor, assistant head of school at Charlotte Latin School. “Racism has created barriers to wealth accumulation and with minimal resources, many students and families are unable to access the kinds of educational opportunities that prepare them for careers of the future.”

Located in the center of uptown Charlotte, Trinity Episcopal School (TES) is uniquely situated to “provide opportunities to break down barriers” through its service-learning partnerships for all grades with organizations like Roof Above, Loaves and Fishes, InReach, Friendship Trays and others.

Photo courtesy of Providence Day School

Private School Feature

Ayeola Elias, director of diversity, equity and belonging and admission advisor at TES. “We’re also in the process of conducting an equity audit which will support our work to provide more opportunities to build equity,” she added. Trinity is committed to providing financial support that helps

Charlotte Country Day School “This is ongoing work that our school has done since its founding in 2000 and will continue to do as part of its commitment to embracing diversity, a core value of the school which values social justice,” said

32

Providence Day School

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

the school build a student body that represents the population of Charlotte, she said. In the 2020-21 school year, TES gave more than $2 million in financial support to over 30% of its student population, said Elias.

“Our hope was that by starting the year on campus with safety protocols in place, we would provide a model for public schools to use as they sought to open on-campus learning as well. Unfortunately, those who had access to private school education were much more likely to experience in-person education last year.”

— Jay Hancock, head of school at Carmel Christian School In the same vein, Charlotte Country Day School (CCDS) believes that a diverse classroom is the best learning environment for all students and makes increasing the diversity of its student body a top priority.

Every school has a story

...welcome to ours!

Carmel Carmel Christian Christian School School is is aa greater greater Charlotte Charlotte area area private private Christian Christian school. school. We We offer offer an an excellent excellent education education built built upon upon biblical biblical truth, truth, which which equips equips students students to to impact impact the the world world for for Jesus Jesus Christ.

Christ.

Students Students participate participate in in aa challenging challenging college college preparatory preparatory curriculum taught through the lens of a biblical curriculum taught through the lens of a biblical worldview. worldview. We We are are aa community community in in which which academic academic excellence, artistic expression and athletic excellence, artistic expression and athletic distinction distinction are marked by intentional discipleship.

We are marked by intentional discipleship. We partner partner with with Christian Christian parents parents to to nurture nurture and and challenge challenge the the potential potential of of each each individual individual student. student.

CCS CCS seeks seeks to to graduate graduate aa student student who who aspires aspires to to the the traits traits of of our our Portrait Portrait of of aa Graduate-Graduate-- prepared, prepared, relational, relational, responsible, responsible, gospel-driven gospel-driven and and passionate. passionate. Our Our students students are are part part of of aa legacy legacy of of disciple-making disciple-making education education which which explores explores the the truths truths of of time time and and eternity eternity in in aa sanctuary sanctuary we we call call school. school.

QUICK QUICK FACTS: FACTS:

•• Student Student Population: Population: Over Over 1,000 1,000 students students Grades Grades K-12 K-12 •• STEM: STEM: Award-winning Award-winning International International Space Space Station Team Station Team •• Athletics: Athletics: Middle Middle & & High High School School Athletic Athletic Teams Teams Varsity State Championships, All-State Athletes Varsity State Championships, All-State Athletes & & Collegiate Collegiate Athletic Athletic Signings Signings •• Arts: Arts: Elementary, Elementary, Middle Middle and and High High School School Musicals, Musicals, Visual Art, Digital Art, Theatre, Choir, Band Visual Art, Digital Art, Theatre, Choir, Band & & Dance Dance •• Missions: Missions: Students Students serve serve locally locally and and internationally internationally •• Class Class of of 2021: 2021: 100% 100% accepted accepted to to the the colleges colleges and universities of their choice and universities of their choice

Accepting Accepting Applications Applications for for 2022-2023 2022-2023

Discover Discover our our story story when when you you tour tour with with us! us!

Click on the ADMISSIONS START HERE tab to schedule Click on the ADMISSIONS START HERE tab to schedule your your visit. visit.

Serving Serving Students Students Grades Grades K-12 K-12 || carmelchristian.org carmelchristian.org

Charlotte Latin School

Charlotte Christian School enhance the student experience. We’ve also increased our resources for social emotional health by expanding our access to counselors of color,” Wise said.

As one of the many independent schools in the Charlotte area that was founded during a time of desegregation, Providence Day School (PDS)

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Christian School

“We know that support of the social and emotional health of students of color is very important,” said Brian Wise, director of diversity planning at CCDS. “Therefore, we've added an associate director of diversity planning to further

acknowledges its past, adding that academic institutions that developed in response to desegregation have come to be known as “white flight schools.”

“While we acknowledge this history, we would like to highlight that for the last 20 plus years, our school has been at the forefront of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Tyrone Jean, PDS’s director of equity, inclusion and belonging. “We recently celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the establishment of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (now the Office of Equity, Inclusion & Belonging),” he added.

The wealth gap and race are intricately linked and the pandemic illuminated existing disparities in public health along racial lines. The impact was equally felt within educational institutions in similar ways—along both race and socio-economic lines, Jean said.

“Additionally, there are no singular disparities in education, but nuanced disparities including access, food insecurity, financial resources, discipline and curriculum, and these disparities have real impact on peoples’ lives,” said Jean. “At PDS, we remain committed to educating and preparing our community to address and combat these nuanced issues.”

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Latin School

Private School Feature To help combat these impediments, area private and independent schools have robust assistance programs in place. At Gaston Day School (GDS), over 40 percent of students receive “substantial amounts” of need-based financial aid, making it possible for students from lower-income families to attend the school.

“Educational disparity involves both wealth and culture,” said Richard Rankin, head of school at GDS. “The wealth gap obviously affects individuals of all races as it limits opportunities, but implicit racial biases are real and impact education for people of color too,” he said. Gaston Day is strongly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion as part of a strategic plan the school adopted three years ago, Rankin said. "The last two years have only confirmed the importance of that work," he added.

“Carmel Christian School desires all families who want a Christian education to be able to attend CCS regardless of their financial situation,” said Hancock.

“We gladly participate in the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship and Disabilities Grant program. In addition,

“We know that support of the social and emotional health of students of color is very important.

Therefore, we've added an associate director of diversity planning to further enhance the student experience. We’ve also increased our resources for social emotional health by expanding our access to counselors of color.”

— Brian Wise, director of diversity planning at Charlotte Country Day School September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

35

Did you know?

Ready. For. You. As a school, we seek to admit talented and motivated

•

100% of Country Day graduates are accepted to colleges and universities around the world; the Class of 2021 received $10.6 million total scholarship offers based on academic merit, athletic abilities, or special talents

•

20% of our enrollment comprises students of color

•

100% of our faculty engage in professional development each year including diversity, equity, and inclusion

•

Over 20% of our Board of Trustees comprises people of color

•

Learn more about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Country Day: charlottecountryday. org/about/dei

students from diverse backgrounds. Central to preparing our students for this world is creating a diverse academic community, including socioeconomically, racially, and ethnically. In fact, research has proven that a diverse environment leads to better learning outcomes for all students. Families who feel the full tuition cost is out of their reach should not hesitate to visit or apply to the school. We are here to help you determine the best options for your family with this very important educational investment.

Call us today to learn more about the opportunities at Country Day! charlottecountryday.org | (704) 943-4530

Teaching and Learning at Charlotte Latin School

To learn more about teaching opportunities at Charlotte Latin School, contact Dr. Sonja L. Taylor, Assistant Head of School, at 704.846.7294 | sonja.taylor@charlottelatin.org

CharlotteLatin.org | 704.846.7207

Christ-centered.

College preparatory.

Educating the whole child.

Charlotte Christian welcomes

A Closer Look:

visit campus and experience the Charlotte Christian community

JK - grade 5

Wednesday, Oct. 13 Wednesday, Oct. 27

10 a.m.

10 a.m.

Grades 6-12

Saturday, Nov. 6

11 a.m.

Questions, please call (704) 366-5657, ext. 6502.

To R.S.V.P., visit www.charlottechristian.com/admissionsregistration.

Jozi Walker Director of Diversity and Belonging

to our community.

Along with her passion for Christ, she brings with her 15 years of experience in education including designing professional development, serving in school leadership and leading in the classroom. Mrs. Walker and her family will join the CCS community for the 2021-22 school year.

we offer financial aid based on need,” he said.

Financial need should not be a barrier to attending Country Day, Wise said. Its financial aid awards are based on the need of the family rather than race, color, religion, sexual orientation or ethnic origin.

“For underrepresented families, we encourage you to give private school education a chance,” he added. “Don't let the cost be a reason not consider the opportunities that will be available to your child. Explore the benefits and value for your family as financial barriers can be addressed. Come see us.”

Learning at Charlotte Preparatory School involves listening to and working with others, considering and embracing different lived experiences, and empathizing with and understanding multiple perspectives, said Seher Khanna, associate director of admissions at Charlotte Prep.

“In our classrooms and school community, we continually work to build an inclusive learning environment which we believe is best achieved through diversity in viewpoint and perspective-taking,” said Khanna.

“Through open, honest dialogue

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Prep School

Private School Feature

aboard voices and expertise that are creating intentional links to the Charlotte community at large.”

A commitment to social responsibility is embedded in the fabric of Providence Day School with faculty dedicated to addressing equity in their curriculum

“In our classrooms and school community, we continually work to build an inclusive learning environment which we believe is best achieved through diversity in viewpoint and perspectivetaking. Through open, honest dialogue and purposeful, ongoing inquiry, all members of our community gain awareness, wisdom, and the capacity to act as responsible, engaged citizens.”

— Seher Khanna, associate director of admissions at Charlotte Prep and purposeful, ongoing inquiry, all members of our community gain awareness, wisdom, and the capacity to act as responsible, engaged citizens.

In a particularly tumultuous time, we’ve pursued and prioritized human connection and we continue to bring

and teaching, said Leigh Dyer, director of strategic marketing and communications at PDS. For instance, the school has had a 10-year partnership with Freedom School Partners—the only independent school in the nation to host a Freedom School site on its campus.

Charlotte Prep School Freedom School Partners promote the long-term success of children by preventing summer learning loss through igniting a passion for reading and learning.

In fulfilling the professional development requirement for all TES employees throughout the school year, the focus is on cultural competency training, social justice and cultural responsiveness. One such example was having all faculty and staff watch the Netflix series, “Amend: The Fight for America,” as part of its emphasis on “learning together.” The film examines the fight for equal rights after the 14th Amendment granted citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. “The past 18 months have presented so many lessons about school, teaching and learning, and the value of humanity,” said Taylor. “The calls for racial justice and equity emphasized the need to critically examine the role of schools in raising awareness about social justice issues … ensure diverse voices are represented, encourage perspective taking and to contextualize historical and current events,” she said. “We were already doing some of this work before the pandemic, and our efforts will continue moving forward.” P

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

39

Unite Charlotte Promotes Healing and Expands Opportunities With Funding

By Vanessa Clarke Sam Smith, Director of External Engagement at United Way of Central Carolinas

The Premier Foundation of North Carolina community fair

F

ounded after the social unrest that erupted following the Keith Lamont Scott killing in 2016, Unite Charlotte, a United Way of Central Carolinas initiative, has given new life to local grassroots organizations in the Charlotte area that work to advance racial equality and address economic mobility.

Unite Charlotte has flourished under the leadership of the Director of External

Engagement, Sam Smith. Since Smith began working with Unite Charlotte in 2019, the program has transformed into one that helps to break down systemic barriers that often impede organizations that have Black and Brown leaders that are committed to serving marginalized groups. Unite Charlotte seeks to give organizations led by people of color a more pronounced voice in how they want to change and uplift their communities.

By the end of this year, Unite Charlotte will have awarded $2.2 million in funding to 33 organizations. Leaders of these agencies will also have an opportunity to earn a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University to help amplify their community impact.

The Unite Charlotte program has a few requirements that Smith said “helped United Way move more toward a racial equity space... as this will be the face of what United Way will look like.” The organization must be led by a person of color, work toward racial equity and make below $250,000 in revenue. Unite Charlotte recipients must also submit a report detailing how they will use the funding. The final selections are made by an annually rotating panel of community leaders, clergy, elected officials, activists and other community members.

Funding that Unite Charlotte gives to the chosen nonprofits has an unrestricted use and allows the leaders to use the funds for “anything that helps the health of the organization, such as salaries, supplies, utilities, and other things,” Smith said.

Three outstanding nonprofit organizations that have received Unite Charlotte funding are The Academy of Goal Achievers, the Premier Foundation of North Carolina and GardHouse.

The Academy of Goal Achievers

When Courtnie Coble was preparing to apply for college, the only research she did was searching the internet.

That’s why she founded The Academy

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

41

There are no limits to what you can accomplish.

You have the power to redefine what’s possible. From being the first to graduate college to becoming the next big star in your field — you work relentlessly to knock down barriers and build a stronger legacy. We call that being empowerful. As you continue to create more financial stability for you and your family, Wells Fargo will be right by your side helping to make it happen.

You’ve come this far. We can help you go further.

Learn how at:

wellsfargo.com/empowerful © 2020 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-26258

Recent graduating cohort of The Academy of Goal Achievers

health experience for the Grier Heights community of Charlotte. The organization hosts programs that focus on mental health, physical health and financial wellness, all with a focus on community outreach, regardless of age. In 2020, PFNC went from face-toface work with the community to Zoom fatigue as they dealt with some families not having access to the internet or a computer. PFNC had to find a way to continue their hard Kenneth Johnson, President, work in the community during The Premier Foundation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Carolina They used the relationships and community that they built around them and became a hub of information and resources for the neighborhood, including leading in the effort to get community members vaccinated.

Kenneth Johnson, PFNC president, says that one of the benefits of the Unite Charlotte program is not just the funding, but that “the resources were provided upfront” to allow for immediate use without stipulations. Because PFNC’s work is not restricted to a specific age group, their efforts to provide

Courtnie Coble (center), Founder of The Academy of Goal Achievers

of Goal Achievers (TAOGA) in 2015 to help families support their children’s transition to college. TAOGA holds sessions on preparing for college that include financially planning for college, building self-esteem within the home and outlining the steps to the college application process. In the first year of the organization’s four-year program, there were 15 students in the cohort. Today TAOGA has 124 students.

When she saw the students’ parents waiting in the parking lot for their children, Coble decided to create a special program for them. The parents’ program coaches parents on supporting their children through post-secondary school life and also helps them discover new paths for themselves. Just before the pandemic hit, TAOGA sent their first parent back to school.

But high school students are the main focus of the organization. TAOGA has a zero percent dropout rate (even through the pandemic) and they have a 100 percent high school graduation rate with 94 percent going to college and the other six percent choosing other education and career paths.

The Premier Foundation of North Carolina

Started in 2015 by Dr. Martez Prince, The Premier Foundation of North Carolina (PFNC) provides a holistic

HISTORIC BROOKLYN LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF CHARLOTTE’S PEOPLE, PLACES, AND PROMISES

Download KnowCLT to explore Charlotte’s historic Brooklyn neighborhood.

Photos: Courtesy of the RobinsonSpangler Carolina Room – Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

SPONSORED BY

TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN BY

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

43

Members of the GardHouse Team

services to the community as needed have not been hampered; though, it is not lost on Johnson that not as much would have been possible without the relationships built on community trust.

GardHouse In 2019, Jonathan Gardner formed GardHouse to focus on postgraduate success. In addition to assisting community members in finding employment, GardHouse looked

44

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Jonathan Gardner, Founder of GardHouse

at the needs of the students and the community and wanted to address the social capital deficit. Their model mandates paid internships at minorityled businesses, creating space to foster social capital that will help students advance as industry leaders with the expectation of a competitive pay rate.

For Gardner, it was important that the students made the $2,500 a semester they were qualified for. “They are getting opportunities at corporations

that they feel they may never have had the chance to work for,” said Gardner.

Having learned perseverance from his single mother, Gardner channeled that energy once the pandemic hit.

GardHouse connected students with paid internships in 2020 and collaborated with its fellow Unite Charlotte grant recipients. GardHouse lived by the words of its founder, “You can have dreams, but work your butt off to get it!” P

Celebrate years Presented by:

CHARLOTTE BALLET

with

OCTOBER 7-9 BELK THEATER

Artistic Director Hope Muir has curated a celebrated evening of dance honoring the Company’s 50 years.

Featuring bold, contemporary works from two of today’s most sought-after choreographers as well a re-imagining of former Artistic Director Salvatore Aiello’s masterwork The Rite of Spring, it’s a program like no other!

PLEASE NOTE: this performance series deals with adult themes and has been given the rating of PG-13.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

CHARLOTTEBALLET.ORG Photo by Todd Rosenberg

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

45

The Show Must Go On! Charlotte Arts Organizations Come Alive Again

By John Burton, Jr.

Upcoming Culturally Diverse Events in Charlotte The Charlotte Ballet 50th Anniversary Celebration / Oct. 7-9, 2021 Nutcracker / Dec. 2021 Sleeping Beauty / April 2022

Charlotte Shout

Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Film Director Spike Lee / Sept. 21, 2021, Belk Theater

Spike Lee wins the adapted screenplay award for “BlacKkKlansman” during the 91st Academy Awards. Lee will speak at the Charlotte Shout! festival on September 21, 7:30 p.m. at Belk Theater.

46

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

of the world reopening, although cautiously — comedy, dance, fine arts and music are ready to take the spotlight once more.

During the global crisis, the arts and culture communities struggled to maintain their missions amid a myriad of difficulties, operationally and economically, with pressing public health uncertainties. Once it was evident the coronavirus wasn’t dissipating, the world had to pivot in order to persevere.

“When the pandemic hit, we had to learn to reinvent ourselves which meant embracing technology and integrating virtual programming,” said David Taylor David Taylor, executive

Photo courtesy of The Gantt Center

A

fter more than a year of darkened house lights, empty venues, and halted ticket sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts community is revving up to reemerge from the shadows. Part of getting America going again is recouping the arts and humanities sectors.

In March 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan, which appropriated $135 million to the National Endowment for the Arts to support national, regional and state arts organizations that have been impacted by the pandemic. Some politicians and others criticized the funding, calling it “wasteful spending.” Still, it’s the arts that help to translate the stories of our lives. With much

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center J Anthony Brown Watch Out Deh Now! Tour / Aug. 21, 2021, McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square Meshell Ndegeocello / Sept. 1, Booth Playhouse Ledisi / Oct. 19, Knight Theater A Conversation with Stacey Abrams / Nov. 17, 2021, Ovens Auditorium

The Charlotte Museum of History Language of Clay / Aug. 2021 Siloam School Project / 2022

The Harvey B. Gantt Center Classic Black Cinema / Monthly Masterpiece Moment / Biweekly Tommy Robinson Exhibit / Feb. 2022

The Levine Museum of the New South What Is It Going to Take? / Aug. 24, 2021 Brooklyn, The Walking Tour / 2022

The moving story of Martin and Coretta, who led a movement that would change a nation.

September 16, 18, 19, 2021 BELK THEATER FOR TICKETS Call: 704.372.1000 or Visit: OperaCarolina.org

presented by:

ACCELERATED BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS

ONLINE • ORANGEBURG • FORT JACKSON (COLUMBIA, SC)

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice ON-CAMPUS AND ONLINE

(803) 535-5573 | conedu@claflin.edu

APPLY NOW

RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing 100% ONLINE

(803) 535-5843 | nursing@claflin.edu

Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management ON-CAMPUS AND ONLINE

MS Criminal Justice

(803) 535-5573 | conedu@claflin.edu

Bachelor of Arts In Psychology 100% ONLINE

(803) 535-5573 | conedu@claflin.edu

Master of Business Administration (MBA) ON-CAMPUS AND ONLINE

M.ED.

(803) 535-5715/5200 | mba@claflin.edu

Master of Science in Criminal Justice 100% ONLINE

(803)535-5898/5573 civey@claflin.edu | conedu@claflin.edu

Master of Science in Nursing

MBA

ON-CAMPUS AND ONLINE

Earn Your Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in as little as 12-18 Months!

The Center for Professional and Continuing Studies (803) 535-5573 conedu@claflin.edu

Claflin Online (803) 535-5108 anparker@claflin.edu conedu@claflin.edu

www.claflin.edu/admissions-aid/how-to-apply

(803) 535-5843 | nursing@claflin.edu

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.) 100% ONLINE

(803) 535-5673 dwaymer@claflin.edu | mastersed@claflin.edu

MS Biotech

Master of Science in Biotechnology ON-CAMPUS, 2-YEAR PROGRAM

(803) 535-5459/5405 gmccutcheon@claflin.edu | ncherry@claflin.edu

MS Nursing

400 Magnolia Street | Orangeburg, S.C. 29115 | 1-800-922-1276 | www.claflin.edu

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

47

48

Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com

Ledisi will perform at the Knight Theater, Oct. 19.

Lev Radin / Shutterstock.com

Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Museum of History Photo courtesy of Levine Museum of the New South

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Stacey Abrams will speak at Ovens Auditorium on Nov. 17.

Ivan Dixon and Abbey Lincoln star in the 1964 film, “Nothing But a Man,” playing at the Harvey B. Gantt Center, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m.

executive director of the Charlotte Ballet. “We also performed in-person for limited-capacity, socially-distanced, masked-up audiences,” Douglas Singleton added.

Singleton Whereas many organizations have been able to implement virtual programming, nothing can substitute for live, in-person performances. Now that restrictions on in-person gatherings are lifting, courtesy of vaccines and patrons taking the necessary personal precautions with face masks, hand sanitizing and social distancing, venues are welcoming patrons back inside for live entertainment. Adam Burke, Artistic Director of the Children’s Theater of Charlotte, told The Charlotte Observer, “There’s nothing like a sold-out full theater. It’s a powerful feeling.”

Singleton and the Charlotte Ballet are most excited to be part of a show that feels “normal” this fall. “In October, our season opener, which is a celebration of our 50 years as a company, will take place at the Belk Theater with live music from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra,” Singleton said.

In the coming months at the Levine Museum of the New South, look forward to taking a walking tour through the Brooklyn community. “We’re excited that an 8-site walking tour is forthcoming,” Griffin stated. “People will be able to visit prominent sites and hear an oral history and telling of their biographies,” he added.

Part of the reemergence at the Gantt Center has a local connection. “We’re excited about so many things coming up at the Gantt Center this season and next year,” Taylor said. “One upcoming exciting show is the Tommy Robinson exhibit in 2022. Robinson is a pillar in the arts community in Charlotte. His work spans five decades.”

As many Charlotte arts and culture organizations seek to restart the arts with open doors and revamped programming to attract new audiences, our support of those arts organizations is crucial. Check your local listings for the many arts opportunities that may appeal to your artistic palate. Attend a concert, dance or exhibit to bolster the need and commitment to the arts in the Queen City.” P

Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Ballet

director of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture.

The Gantt Center “Unmasked” series, a virtual-only dialogue on a variety of topics affecting the Black community, was one of the Center’s most popular programs to date, gaining virtual attendees from across the U.S. and internationally. “We had to find an innovative way to be the voice in the community while being a platform for others,” said Taylor.

Virtual programming has been a lifeline for many arts organizations in keeping their connection with the community. Although many organizations strongly considered the technological option of going virtual, many arts administrators didn’t believe they would have to adjust so quickly.

“We had no idea that we’d be pushed into the digital realm,” said Adria Focht, President & CEO of the Charlotte Museum of Adria Focht History. “It was a 10-year leap we made in a short period of time, thanks to our staff who stepped up and made it happen,” Focht continued. The Charlotte Museum of History, which was accustomed to educational field trip programming, had to discover ways to reach students who were learning from home. Like the Gantt Center, the museum acquiesced to a hybrid model for its constituents, part in-person and virtual. “Digital programming has allowed us to be even more creative. Through digital resources, we can create a renewed value in history and the arts,” Focht said.

“Having more of a digital platform has changed how we think about serving the community,” said Dr. Willie Griffin, staff historian at the Levine Museum of the Dr. Willie Griffin New South. “We had to close three months into our exhibit on the historic Brooklyn community in Charlotte. Now people can partake in a guided virtual tour,” he said.

The Charlotte Ballet used digital means to stay connected to its patrons also. “We filmed, produced and edited two dance-on-film projects for people to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes,” said Douglas Singleton,

Canopy REI - REVPrideHalfVerticalMarch2021.pdf

Proceeds from the 2021 Strides for Shelter 5K Run + Walk will benefit Hope House of Huntersville. Hope House provides transitional housing and supportive services to women and children who are experiencing homelessness.

3/25/21

Explore online options to begin your real estate career.

Join us to help meet unmet housing needs Strides for Shelter 5K is presented by the Canopy Housing Foundation, the charitable arm of the Canopy Realtor® Association.

The Foundation strives to promote affordable homeownership and provide funding to create housing opportunities.

1

Start and enhance your real estate career under our canopy.

C

M

Y

CM

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.

MY

CY

CMY

K

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

October 24, 2021 | 8:30 a.m.

McAlpine Creek Park | Charlotte, NC stridesforshelter5k.com

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

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

49

12:10 PM

SPECIAL SECTION

How Diverse Companies Can Build Their Business Pipeline

Vonshe Jenkins, Global Supplier Diversity & Responsible Sourcing Executive

50

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Kieth Cockrell, President of Bank of America Charlotte

A

s our community slowly begins to emerge from the pandemic, we know that small and diverse businesses are experiencing a slower economic recovery. Pride Magazine interviewed Kieth Cockrell, President of Bank of America Charlotte and Vonshe Jenkins, Bank of America’s Supplier Diversity and Responsible Sourcing Executive, to hear their advice on how diverse companies can build their business pipeline.

Pride Magazine: Kieth and Vonshe – welcome! Thanks for sharing your perspective. We’ll start with Kieth.

Since you’ve taken on Bank of America’s leadership for the Charlotte market, what are you seeing and hearing in the community?

Kieth: Charlotte’s resilience, vibrancy and commitment to making our city a better place has always inspired me. Even during a pandemic, we overwhelmingly passed a nearly $200 million bond referendum in 2020. I see and hear that same energy from business and nonprofit leaders.

But we know there’s still work to do.

We funded a recent study from the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute on minorityowned small businesses, which make up 37% of Charlotte businesses. That reaffirmed there’s a lack of trust in larger banks. We’re leaning into that gap.

We’re taking action. We’re piloting a Black-Owned Business Initiative with 15 business owners in Charlotte. We’re connecting business owners with the training, financial resources and contacts they need.

Pride: Vonshe, are large corporations really interested in working with diverse suppliers? What value do diverse suppliers add to these corporations?

Vonshe: Absolutely! We’ve worked closely with diverse vendors for over 30 years, and we spend nearly $2 billion each year with them. Why? Hands down, diverse vendors enhance our supply chain with flexibility, innovation and cost savings.

Diverse suppliers are a big part of the economic engine that drives the communities where we live, work and serve. We’re proud to hire diverse companies because when they succeed, the diverse communities we serve also experience tangible and sustained economic benefits that fuel dreams.

Pride: So, what are key attributes that corporations look for when selecting diverse suppliers?

Vonshe: We want our suppliers to be financially stable, have experience with servicing similar sized companies, have volume in production depending on the product, have a solid business model that can flex with our needs and know how to manage risks.

Certification as minority, women, disabled, veteran, LGBTQ and Hub Zone owned is important so we know we’re working with a diverse company.

Pride: How can diverse companies build or demonstrate these attributes?

Vonshe: Work with non-profits dedicated to enhancing diverse companies. The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) help diverse companies develop and prepare to do business with large orporations.

Get experience. Crawl before you walk; meaning get experience on smaller or local opportunities to get a better understanding of how requests for proposals (RFP) processes work and how to fulfill contracts end-to-end.

Diverse suppliers are a big part of the economic engine that drives the communities where we live, work and serve.

We’re proud to hire diverse companies because when they succeed, the diverse communities we serve also experience tangible and sustained economic benefits that fuel dreams.”

— Vonshe Jenkins, Global Supplier Diversity & Responsible Sourcing Executive

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

51

Be a catalyst.

Build a coalition to make tangible, long lasting change.

Never underestimate the positive impact you can make.”

— Kieth Cockrell, President of Bank of America Charlotte

Build a track record and reputation of outstanding performance and leverage that experience to work with larger corporations.

Pride: How can diverse companies get into corporations’ supplier diversity pipelines? And how can they network and increase their visibility?

Vonshe: Make sure your company is certified to expand your opportunities.

We partner closely with certifying organizations like the NMSDC, WBENC, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Disability: IN. Their priority is to connect their diverse business members to their corporate members through education, matchmaking and networking events.

Many corporations have external supplier registration portals. Do your research and register! Work your personal network. Ask your friends who work for large corporations to refer you.

Also, actively create and build content with your brand on LinkedIn. Pride: What are some tangible things Bank of America is doing to support diverse companies?

Kieth: I’m so proud of our company’s 5-year, $1.25 billion commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity.

In Charlotte, we’ve hosted business roundtables with Black, African American and Hispanic Latino business owners to understand how we can better serve them, and they continue to advise us.

We’re supporting workforce development and job skills training.

We’re donating $1 million to Central

52

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Piedmont Community College to spur jobs and innovative pathways to employment; $150,000 to The Urban League and Center for Community Transitions; and $100,000 to Goodwill Industries, Foundation for Girls and Profound Gentlemen.

We’ve hosted 15 Better Money Habits Financial Literacy Programs in English and Spanish for business owners, their employees and the community, and have 7 more scheduled.

This year we’ll donate over $3.8 million to support affordable housing and small businesses for communities of color.

Pride: Kieth, not every company can provide support at that level. Any ideas for what others can do?

Kieth: Our goal is to inspire others to join us in driving solutions. Here’s an example: We donated 10,000 Chromebooks and volunteer hours to support Charlotte students and their families. Our long-standing partnership with the city, schools and other companies helped us quickly get them to those in need.

Our 16,000 Charlotte teammates are buying from diverse businesses through a minority business directory and competitions.

Pride: Any last words of advice?

Vonshe: Take advantage of every opportunity. As you rise, bring others with you by providing advice, connections and opportunities.

Kieth: Be a catalyst. Build a coalition to make tangible, long lasting change.

Never underestimate the positive impact you can make. P

It’s our differences that make a difference The Bank of America Supplier Diversity and Responsible Sourcing program has relationships with thousands of businesses owned by minorities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, members of the LGBT+ community and others, spanning all 50 states.

We are proud to serve our communities by investing in diverse suppliers. We can only be successful when our customers, clients, communities and employees share in that success. bankofamerica.com/suppliers

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. ©2021 Bank of America Corporation

AD-07-21-0211

PrideBusiness FYI News & Notes

Atrium Health and Other Organizations Help Curb Food Insecurity

Compiled by John Burton, Jr.

54

Atrium Health is partnering with Feeding Charlotte and Morrison Healthcare to reduce food waste and improve access to nutritious food in Mecklenburg County for those who experience food insecurity.

Morrison Healthcare specializes in providing food, nutrition and hospitality services to hospitals and healthcare systems. An estimated 1,000 pounds of surplus fresh food that might otherwise go to waste will be distributed each week. The distribution will include vegetables, proteins, and other perishable items.

Limited access to nutritious foods has directly impacted Mecklenburg County residents who live in hungry households. Food insecurity contributes to chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. The partnership help thousands in the Charlotte area gain access to healthy food.

“We are proud to partner with Morrison Healthcare and Feeding Charlotte to feed Charlotte's hungry neighbors instead of local landfills and to reduce food waste across our community,” said Ken Haynes, president of the Greater Charlotte Region for Atrium Health.

The Charlotte Hornets Foundation (CHF) has named Brandi Long, a South Carolina-based chemist and fashion entrepreneur, the winner of its inaugural Innovation Summit.

The foundation announced the launch of the virtual innovation summit in January. The summit was created Brandi Long to help empower minority entrepreneurs in Charlotte by giving them access to social and financial capital, professional resources and skill development. The summit is part of a larger social justice initiative launched in 2020.

"When we first started this initiative, we weren't sure what to expect because we'd never done anything in this realm. Innovation is somewhat out of our typical focus area," said Betsy Mack, CHF senior director of corporate social responsibility and executive director.

After receiving 150 applications, the pool was narrowed to five finalists — three of whom were chosen by fan votes and two were picked by the foundation's internal committee.

Long's venture, The Jurse, was created in 2017 shortly after founding her company B. Long Fashion. The Jurse transitions from a jacket to a purse to meet the wearer's needs. Long received a $15,000 investment from the foundation.

New Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council CEO: Tayuanee Dewberry

Gift to College Aims to Increase Diversity in Healthcare

The Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council has announced Tayuanee Dewberry as their new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment comes after an extensive nationwide search.

“We’re excited to welcome Tayuanee to the Hornets’ Nest Council and believe she is the right person to lead Tayuanee our organization,” said Marie McLucas, interim chair of the Dewberry board of directors. “Her strong track record of nonprofit leadership and her passion for uplifting girls in our community are undeniable. We look forward to her fresh perspective on membership, programming and fund development as well diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.”

Dewberry possesses decades of nonprofit experience. She previously partnered with Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council on projects to support girls within the council’s footprint. The majority of Dewberry’s career as the executive director of Right Moves for Youth, where she revitalized and refocused the organization’s programs, led its rebranding efforts and rebuilt the organization into a thriving Charlotte nonprofit.

"I am tremendously excited about joining the Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council,” Dewberry said. “Empowering girls and young ladies to reach their greatest potential and develop into the best versions of themselves is essential to strengthening the fabric of our communities.

When they succeed, we succeed in making the world a better place."

Atrium Health Foundation has received a generous commitment from Charlotte business executives Todd and Janelle Collins to increase the diversity of Carolinas College Janelle and Todd Collins of Health Sciences student body and to remove barriers for underrepresented students who want to work in healthcare professions. The Todd and Janelle Collins Nurse Aide Scholars Program will provide full scholarships to qualified Charlotte-area high school students and graduates. Preference will be given to racial minority students and those living in Charlottearea underserved neighborhoods.

“We believe in the strength of Atrium Health’s Nurse Aide program and are honored to contribute towards helping applicants complete the program and begin their career in nursing,” said Todd Collins, founder and CEO of Red Hill Ventures.

In addition to providing a full-tuition scholarship for five recipients in its first year, the program will provide an additional stipend to allow for students to work part time while enrolled in the Nurse Aide program. P

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

Photo Courtesy of Janelle and Todd Collins

Photo Courtesy of Tayuanee Dewberry

Photo Courtesy of B. Long Fashion

Hornets Announce Brandi Long as Winner of First-Ever Innovation Summit

STORM SEASON IS COMING. LET’S GET READY NOW. We are preparing for the next big storm now – strengthening our system, upgrading equipment and investing in new grid technology. We continue to focus on improving response and restoration times by identifying potential issues in advance and installing technology that will allow us to reroute power to avoid outages.

Sign up online for phone or email alerts, or text REG to 57801 for text alerts.

There are three ways to report an outage: Text OUT to 57801, call 1.800.PowerOn, or report it online.

If you see a downed power line or other safety hazard, call 1.800.

PowerOn, or report it online.

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

WE OFFER MORE THAN OTHER SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES. MORE FOR YOUR MONEY MORE PEACE OF MIND MORE AMENITIES AND SERVICES Learn MORE reasons to choose retirement living at Windsor Run. Call 1-800-983-7609 or visit WindsorRunCommunity.com for your FREE brochure.

38749

Matthews WindsorRunCommunity.com

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

55

Life isn’t always easy.

Sometimes, you just need a little help.

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

**

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

Or visit us online at cardinalinnovations.org.

Mental Health | Substance Use Disorders | Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

PrideHealth

Tools for a Joyful Life in Recovery

And the most important habit for Rohi: “Prayer. It has really changed my character. When my character changed, my thinking changed. My whole way of life changed. It doesn’t matter what faith you have.”

R

ohi Rivers is an entrepreneur.

And a fantastic cook. He’s also a fiancé and will tie the knot in October.

Three years ago, he didn’t have a roof over his head.

“I was homeless and penniless. You might as well say hopeless,” Rohi said.

At that time, Rohi was staying in a substance abuse recovery center.

He didn’t think he’d have a home to return to after treatment. But then he got connected to Benjamin Johnson, a transition support specialist with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare.

“When I met Ben, everything changed,” he said.

Sergey Mironov / Shutterstock.com

A New Start

Ben helped Rohi apply to the Transitions to Community Living (TCL) program. TCL helps people with certain health diagnoses move to independent housing. Specifically, it serves those with serious mental health challenges.

TCL is different from other housing programs. It’s more than just arranging leases or rental agreements. Instead, TCL supports the whole person: their health,

their dreams and their feeling of belonging in the community.

Through Ben and TCL transition coordinator Jennifer Gomes, Rohi found housing. His team also connected him to mental health and primary care providers.

“They helped me get the assistance I needed to build a foundation,” Rohi said. “They gave me the tools I needed to become productive. And not only that, they also worked with me to help me get an understanding of how to use them.”

Three Coping Skills That Changed Rohi’s Life

Coping skills are key to maintaining substance use recovery. Rohi shared with us the coping skills he’s personally found to be most useful: meditation, journaling, and prayer.

“Sometimes we can get stuck,” he said.

“Meditation gives you the opportunity to regain focus. It helps us reflect on how our decisions will affect us in the long term.”

Rohi also journals frequently. “When we see things we want to do or have done on paper, we look at our lives from a different perspective. Journaling helps us reach our goals.”

How Rohi Gives Back

Giving back to your community can be an effective coping skill, too. Rohi gives back through volunteer work and his new construction company, R&R Services LLC. “So many people who came from the walk of life I came from can’t find jobs because of background checks—some of the things they’ve done. Society holds them back,” he said.

So, he doesn’t do background checks on potential hires. “I remember when I was in that position. I give them that chance.”

Rohi hopes his actions will inspire others struggling with unemployment, mental illness, substance use, or homelessness.

“The reason I’m always giving back: I want to be that vision of hope for somebody. Help is available,” he said. “If it can happen for a person like me, I know it can happen for you.” P For more information about Cardinal Innovations services and programs like TCL, visit cardinalinnovations.org. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, dial **ASK (star-star-2-7-5) on your cell phone or call 1-800-939-5911.

September-October 2021 | Pride Magazine

57

PrideHealth

H

eart disease is the leading killer of American women – a fact that usually takes people by surprise. Many incorrectly assume that breast cancer is the No. 1 killer.

But heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. Breast cancer kills 1 in 39 women; heart disease kills 1 in 5.

My interest in cardiology comes from a deeply personal place. As a child, I watched my grandmother suffer from cardiovascular disease. I now make it my mission to provide people with as much information as possible to empower them. Here are a few things about heart health I think everyone should know.

• About 80% of heart disease is preventable. There’s so much that’s beyond our control, but heart health is mostly within our control. Even small lifestyle modifications can lead to significant results.

• Heart attack symptoms can differ for men and women. Men having heart attacks typically present with chest pain.

Some women have chest pain, too, but they may also have indigestion, fatigue or difficulty breathing when having a heart attack.

• Black women, in particular, have a high risk of heart disease. More than 50% of Black women aged 20 or older have high blood pressure. That puts us at greater risk for heart disease. There are many theories as to why that’s so. It could be genetic. It may also be due to increased consumption of high-sodium foods and physical inactivity.

• The first symptom of heart disease is sometimes death. That’s the scariest thing about heart disease.

Sudden cardiac death can be the first manifestation that something is wrong.

Sometimes there’s no second chance.

• High blood pressure, high

58

Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazineonline.com

cholesterol and a family history of heart disease are among risk factors.

• Obesity is another prominent risk factor for heart disease. So, it’s important to know your body mass index (BMI). If it’s too high, take steps to lower it.

• Diabetes is a big risk factor. Patients diagnosed with diabetes are assumed to already have plaque buildup in their hearts. And women with diabetes are at greater risk for heart disease than men.

What can you do?

• Be your own advocate. Heart disease can go untreated or undertreated in women, and I think there can sometimes be an underlying bias. Doctors may not suspect you could have heart disease if you are young and “look” healthy.

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

• Get moving. Exercise is incredibly important. Try for at least 30 minutes

a day, five days a week.

When my patients say they don't have time to fit it in, I always say: Nothing is more important than your health. If you’re currently not exercising, start small.

Walk around the block. Walk in place while you’re on a phone call. Anything is better than nothing.

• Care for body, mind and soul. Mental and emotional health are connected to heart health. We are living in really stressful times, and women are frequently wearing the Superwoman cape and doing too many things at once. COVID19 has made things a lot worse on that front. These times can make us anxious, depressed, sleepless. All these things factor into heart health.

• If you're having any cardiac symptoms, get treated. Too many people are scared to seek medical attention now – because of COVID-19 – even when they have symptoms. So, more people are suffering and dying from heart attacks at home instead of seeking help. Bottom line: Do not be afraid to seek medical attention if you develop concerning symptoms. The sooner you seek care, the better!

September 29 is World Heart Day. It’s a great time to do a check-in with yourself.

How are you feeling? Are you taking control of your health? It’s not too late. It’s even possible to reverse any damage already done by eating whole foods, exercising and getting routine checkups.

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

Naumova Marina / Shutterstock.com

By Dr. Sandy Charles

What every woman needs to understand about heart disease

It shouldn’t matter where you come from or where you want to go.

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

Get the education you deserve.

cpcc.edu/afford