September - October 2015
The Health and Education Issue
Charlotte’s African-American Magazine
proudly sponsored by
Athletics in Private Schools: Preparing students for life
Are You at Risk? Top ten causes of death
Honey Chile!
Meet a black beekeeper
Giving Backis a Priority Premier focuses on community service
HealtHy eating made easy We are committed to providing you with fresh produce and meats that will inspire... all at affordable prices.
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Premier, Inc. is pleased to be the lead sponsor of Pride’s Health and Education issue
H
ome and community: these are words that mean a lot to the people of Premier. I am no exception. Coming home took on new meaning for me when our company relocated its headquarters here from San Diego in 2009. After all, I am a proud graduate of Quail Hollow Middle School and South Mecklenburg High School. Saying Charlotte is a great place to live and work sometimes feels like an understatement. But the people of our company feel the same way about all of the communities nationwide where we are partnering with hospitals and healthcare systems. Across the United States, Premier is improving care and the health of populations through data analytics, supply chain advancements and new healthcare delivery models. Our organization is focused on transforming America’s healthcare. So for the men and women of Premier, investing in the towns and cities that we call home makes good personal and business sense. That is why you will see individuals such as Gwendolyn, shown on the cover, serving alongside you in local nonprofit groups, and tools such as “CommunityFocus”, which you can read about in this issue, supporting local health systems’ efforts to better target the services they offer. The values that drive Premier – integrity, performance, innovation and people – are helping us rethink an entire industry. But we need individuals such as you, who never settle for “good enough,” to join our team. Why? Incredible challenges require incredible people. If the thought intrigues you, contact us at premierinc.com/careers. Remember, hometown heroes are always welcome!
Susan DeVore Premier, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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Departments 8
September-October 2015
From the CEO
12 Notable Names 13 By Faith 14 The Mindful Parent 16 Book Review 17 Family Notes 48 Scene and Seen 50 Belk Fashion 58 Events Calendar
Health
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46
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26 Leading the Way
Improving Community Healthcare
27 Meditation
What are the benefits?
28 Honey Chile!
Meet a black beekeeper
Business 52 Innovation at Work
Happy Apple Juicery
54 Smart Money
Teaching kids to save
57 FYI News & Notes
Features
September - October 2015
The Health and Education Issue
Charlotte’s African-American Magazine
20 Giving
Back Premier focuses on community service
22 Do proudly sponsored by
Athletics in Private Schools: Preparing students for life
Are You at Risk? Top ten causes of death
Honey Chile!
Meet a black beekeeper
Giving Backis a Priority Premier focuses on community service
On the Cover Gwendolyn Welch of Premier makes giving back to the community a priority. Photo courtesy of Premier, Inc.
or Die Leading causes of death
32 Sports
in Private Schools Students score in life
42 STEMulate
Programs for your grade school child
44 Making
It Count Project One Scholarship Fund
46 Hometown
Hero Fellowship honors educator September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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Criteria PRIDE TRIUMPH AWARD
This prestigious award will honor an African American from the Charlotte region who has overcome many obstacles to achieve success in life. The awardee can be well-known or an unsung hero. This award is driven by courage, perseverance and determination to succeed despite the odds.
Pride Awards 2016 Saturday, January 16th
Westin Hotel The Pride Awards are presented annually to honor achievement in the African-American community. This year’s gala will spotlight “paths out of poverty." PREVIOUS PRIDE AWARD WINNERS AND NONPROFITS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. The gala will honor one outstanding individual who has become upwardly mobile despite the odds and a high school senior who needs a helping hand in order to move forward. This year’s monetary donation will be given to a nonprofit organization whose mission has been and is to create paths of upward mobility for many. Members of the community may submit nominations or qualified candidates may self-nominate. Celebrating excellent achievement of AfricanAmericans and Africans in Mecklenburg County for 23 years. The heroes who will be recognized at Pride Awards 2016 will be African-Americans who have overcome obstacles in order to succeed. They may be well-known citizens or behind-the-scenes individuals who have not been recognized. All qualified nominees will be considered. Nominees must be African-American residents of the Charlotte region. They must meet the criteria as outlined on this page. Employees of Pride Communications and their immediate families are not eligible. Winners will be honored at a black tie gala on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Westin Hotel. One nonprofit organization will be recognized for its "upward mobility" leadership and will receive a monetary donation.
N OMINATIONS M UST INCLUDE A nomination form along with any additional information and supporting material as specified in the accompanying criteria.
The DEADLINE for submitting nomination forms and all supporting material is
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015. Nominations may be emailed to: INFO@PRIDEMAGAZINE.NET or mailed to Pride Magazine: P.O. Box 30113, Charlotte, NC 28230 Or, you may hand deliver your nominations to 402 West Trade Street, Suite 102 Be sure to mark your package “Pride Awards 2016 Nomination.”
Nomination Form (Please print or type)
Please circle one category PRIDE TRIUMPH AWARD P RIDE YOUTH E MPOWERMENT AWARD PRIDE NONP ROFIT "PAT HS OUT OF P OVE RTY" AWARD
INFORMATION ABOUT THE NOMINEE Name: City/State/Zip: Email:
PRIDE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AWARD (The Youth Empowerment recipient must be an African American male or female senior currently enrolled in a Charlotte region highschool) Name: Grade: Phone:
Email:
INFORMATION ABOUT PERSON MAKING NOMINATION Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Business:
1. In what way does your nominee qualify to win this Pride Award?
3. Explain other relevant information about the nominee and his or her accomplishments. **Make sure all of the requirements listed under the criteria section are submitted either by you or the nominee.
Age:
School:
Email:
Please respond to the following on a separate sheet of paper. The quality of your responses will influence the selection.
2. How has your nominee been outstanding?
Address: Phone:
NOTE TO THE PERSON MAKING THE NOMINATION
THIS YEAR’S MONETARY DONATION WILL BE made to a nonprofit organization whose mission has been and is to help individuals become "upwardly mobile."
Deadline for nominations and all supporting materials:
FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2015 You may download a reservation form at www.prideawards.net
(If you are nominating someone, please include a one-page recommendation letter explaining why this person should win, including the information below. If you are self-nominating, please tell us your story as outlined below.) 1. How did you overcome the odds? 2. What were your greatest challenges? 3. Define what success means to you and who inspired you the most. 4. 2 letters of recommendation from persons who can validate your story 5. Any other relevant information
YOUTH EMPOWERMENTAWARD
This prestigious award will be presented to an outstanding Charlotte region high school senior who has overcome many obstacles during his or her school tenure. This person is set on a path of upward mobility with plans to attend college. He or she has excelled academically and has demonstrated a spirit of helping others. This person is set on a path of upward mobility with plans to attend college, but needs financial assistance. The following must be submitted: 1. A one page letter from the nominator stating what makes this student eligible for this Pride Award 2. A 2-page essay on why you are determined to succeed and who/what has been your greatest inspiration. 3. An official transcript 4. Two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors or others. 5. Any other relevant information
PRIDE NONPROFIT "PATHS OUT OF POVERTY"AWARD
This prestigious award will be given to a nonprofit in our region with a proven track record of helping others reach their dreams and move toward a solid pathway to success. This institution has touched the lives of a broad spectrum of individuals who have been in need and has become a key player with regard to empowering many in our community to “reach for the stars.” This organization is TRULY focused on caring and enriching the lives of those it touches. The nonprofit worthy of this award is driven by a skilled staff leadership team, has earned the trust and respect of the community and possesses a strong board, which guides the strategy, drives the mission and helps bring in funds to sustain the infrastructure. Nonprofit organizations interested in being recognized for this award and receiving the monetary donation must submit the following: (REMEMBER, PREVIOUS PRIDE AWARDS WINNERS ARE ELIGIBLE.) 1. A one-page letter from the nominator stating why this nonprofit should be considered 2. A two or three page summary, which outlines a brief history of the organization, along with its vision and mission. This summary must also include: a. a description and concrete statistics regarding goals and outcomes achieved b. strong evidence of how the lives of people served have been impacted positively c. examples of working with other organizations in the community d. Plans for the future 3. Two testimonial letters from individuals impacted by the organization 4. A video and other relevant information.
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Charlotte’s African-American Magazine
CEO/Publisher Dee Dixon
Editor-in-Chief Lashawnda Becoats
Copy Editor Polly Paddock
Lead Writer Angela Lindsay
Design & Production SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com
Creative Director Larry Preslar
Lead Designer Merissa Jones
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Account Executive Nikelle Fesperman
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Intern
Patresha Williams
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$13.25. Please subscribe online at www.pridemagazine.net, mail to P.O. Box 30113, Charlotte, NC 28230 or call 704- 375-9553
Letters to the Editor Please send an e-mail to info@pridemagazine.net fax to 704-375-9550 or mail to Pride Magazine 402 W. Trade St., Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28202 www.pridemagazine.net
Copyright© 2015 Pride Magazine All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited.
Pride Magazine prints with soy ink. Vol. 23 No. 5 September-October 2015 All rights reserved for PRIDE Communications Inc. Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/NCPrideMagazine September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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FromTheCEO
It's Time to Wake-Up By Dee Dixon
W
PRIDE Awards 2016 is Getting Ready to Roll We plan to take a look at upward mobility as we explore “paths out of poverty� for our theme this year. It's going to be different. It's going to be eye opening. It's going to be fun. We're set for Saturday, January 16 at the Westin. We are seeking to bestow honors in three categories this year. We are looking for (1) an African American from the Charlotte region who has overcome many obstacles to achieve success; (2) a college-bound high school senior who is upwardly mobile with a true financial need and (3) a well established nonprofit organization that has helped many on the path to upward mobility. (Previous nonprofit winners ARE eligible to apply again.) Please review all of the details on page 6 and nominate yourself or someone else worthy of recognition.
elcome to our fall issue. It was a fairly grueling summer, at least in our neck of the woods. In addition to the customary trauma of producing a magazine and running a small business, a big-ticket item for us was having to find new office space. Our former building is being demolished and replaced with what Charlotte is building with steroids-high-rise apartments. Plus, I decided to have something else replaced-- both my knees...at the same time. No, I didn't do this out of bravery. Sheer necessity was the driving force. Thank God the surgery went well, but through it all, I've found a new companion--PAIN. However, with my four year-old grandson, Chase, by my side, I made it through some of the toughest days with a smile. 10 Leading Causes of Death for African Americans I beseech you to read this article on page 36. We want it to be a wake-up call. (It certainly woke me up.) I was shocked by No. 8. I mean, really...homicide is the eighth leading cause of death for African Americans?? How can this be? Now, I can digest most of the other leading causes of death for us, including heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. These diseases are prevalent among all races, if that's any consolation. Unfortunately, however, African Americans fall victim to health disparities and are dying from these diseases faster than any other race. I was taken aback, though, with No. 5 (unintentional injuries) and No. 9 (septicemia). Unintentional injuries include such things as poisoning, suffocation, accidental firearm discharges, car crashes and more. The voice I hear on this one is that we are dying needlessly in many cases, due to carelessness!
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Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net
Recuperating with four year-old grandson, Chase.
Septicemia relates to health careassociated infections, which literally means we go to a health care facility for treatment and get infected there with some kind of major bacteria and die from it. This is startling! Back to homicide. Journalist Juan Williams proclaims the No. 1 cause of death for African-American males 15-34 is murder. Let it sink in. Why are we killing each other? This is the question to be answered. Let's explore this more in our January Men's issue. Moving on.
A Big, Big "Thank You" to Premier, Inc. We have been truly blessed to have Premier, Inc. sponsor this issue. (FYI, please don't confuse them with a bank by the same name.) If you don't know much about this organization, you are definitely in for a real enlightenment. They are amazing! Led by one of Charlotte's own, Susan DeVore, Premier is improving health care across the nation in powerfully inspiring ways. Read and learn. Time to run. Come visit us at our new location- 402 West Trade St., Suite 102. It's right down the street from our old office. Office warming treats will gladly be accepted. P
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NotableNames By Patresha Williams
MARK WILLIAMS
EDDIE BELL
FRED SHROPSHIRE
STICK WILLIAMS
Mark Williams has been appointed the director of business development at Throwing Words. Throwing Words is a workforce innovations company that helps unlock the collective potential of an organization by uncovering the strengths of the people that make it up. Williams will continue to build the company’s branding and service offerings throughout the United States, while further developing existing client relations, as well as new ones. He was featured in the June issue of Fast Company magazine as one the 100 Most Creative Individuals in Business. The innovative business methodology, Design Thinking or human centered design, inspired his youth literacy program, Shakespeare In a Chair, in which-where kids are taught Shakespeare in local barbershops. “Always learn and always challenge yourself, and don’t be afraid of things that are new and different; embrace it,” says Williams. Williams is a graduate of Pace University– Pleasantville with a bachelor’s of business administration in marketing management. The New York native lives in Charlotte with his wife, Isabel, and their four children. In his free time, he enjoys Shakespeare and roller-skating with his family. P
Fred Shropshire has joined WCNC-TV as an evening news anchor. Shropshire hails from Raleigh, where he spent the past eight years at WTVD-TV as a news anchor. Shropshire began his career at WCTI in New Bern, then went on to work at WXII in Winston-Salem, before his stint at WGN in Chicago. “After a nationwide search, we discovered the perfect anchor to join our team was in our own backyard, right here in North Carolina,” said WCNC General Manager Deborah Collura. “We are thrilled to have such a distinguished journalist join our news team.” “I’m so looking forward to being a part of a dynamic team that values building personal relationships with viewers through delivering quality content and providing community service,” says Shropshire. Shropshire is a graduate of the University of North Carolina with a degree in journalism. He lives in Charlotte with his wife, Sheyenne, and their two children, Carolina and Ezra. P
Eddie Bell was recently presented the “Trailblazer Award” from the State University of New York at New Paltz First World Reunion. Bell received the award for his efforts in opening the doors of the university to students of color beginning in 1968. He is also responsible for the first work of art by an African American to be added to the White House permanent art collection. His feat was mentioned in 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton’s book, “Invitation To the White House,” as well as in The New York Times. The self-taught writer, photographer and author has published several books. His most recent book, “Our Children’s Keepers,” is a step-by-step guide for churches that want to help youth go to college. “Education is everything,” says Bell. “Go to school, don’t drop out, but not only just go to school, but be the best student.“ Bell is currently researching a biography of Leslie S. Franklin, the founder of the Shaka Franklin Foundation, a suicide prevention community organization based in Denver, Colorado. In 2013, Bell moved to Charlotte with his wife. He is a retiring board member of the Charlotte Writers’ Club, a member of the Charlotte Film Community and a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. He received his undergraduate degree at Tennessee State and his graduate degree at Michigan State, both in physical education. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, fishing, writing and spending time with his family. P
Stick Williams was one of three fathers honored at the 15th annual Father of the Year Awards, a fund-raiser for the American Diabetes Association. Jim Kelligrew, 2015 co-chair of the Charlotte Father’s Day Council, said, “We are proud to honor these exceptional fathers, who have so admirably balanced their personal lives with such successful careers and community service records.” Williams, who is the Duke Energy Foundation president, was honored for helping raise $490,000 for the organization. “All of our dads have seen the devastation that people with diabetes and their families, friends or colleagues face each day,” says Tom Jones, 2015 co-chair. “So they understand how important the resources and information available from the ADA are to help diabetics lead healthier, more productive lives.” The Greensboro native lives in Charlotte with his wife, Teresa. They have three daughters and one granddaughter. Williams holds a B.S. in accounting from the University of North Carolina. In his spare time, he loves golf, yard work and spending time with his family. P
DID YOU KNOW? Daniel Hale Williams performed the world's first successful heart surgery in 1893. Williams also founded the first black-owned hospital in America called Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses. 12
Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net
ByFaith
Cultivating Your Spiritual Health
By Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond
I
n today’s culture, the masses are consumed with outward appearance, body image and physical attractiveness. People tend to expend energy to develop, maintain and enhance their physical health, while often overlooking their spiritual health. Being convinced that our physical bodies are the totality of our being can cause us to miss the opportunity to focus on and enhance our spiritual health. For example, we eat and avoid certain foods, develop customized fitness routines, institute weight management programs and even choose to make personal cosmetic alterations, which all ensure optimal health and appearance. Without hesitation, we commit countless hours to hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, shopping malls and gyms, which all point to the development, maintenance and enhancement of our physical appearances. Why? Because we live as if this world and our bodies are the totality of life. 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, and the human soul is immaterial. After death, the body will return to the earth and the soul will live forever (2 Corinthians 5:8). Since our bodies will one day return to the earth and our soul will live forever, shouldn’t we develop a more balanced approach to stewarding our entire beings? 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. Guarding our physical health from deterioration and avoidable diseases or illnesses, we avoid certain foods, patterns, habits, environments and people in order to maintain vibrancy. Similarly, we must have a prevention plan for our spiritual health. What are you “consuming” that could deteriorate your faith in Jesus Christ? Are you indulging in literature, media, habits, activities or relationships that diminish your faith? Have you selected a church based on its ability to enhance your spiritual growth, or have you settled for a
church based on its ability to make you feel good, to provide networking opportunities or to enhance your social status? In order to maintain spiritual health, it is helpful to consistently “digest” the word of God (Bible). 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. Prayer is vital for spiritual health. Reading and studying God’s word allows us to hear from God and spending time in prayer allows God to hear from us. Ask yourself, “How is my spiritual health?” 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, “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.” P Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond is the lead pastor of Wellspring Church.
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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TheMindfulParent
Reflect and Set By Christina Christian, PhD
A
s we transition into a new school year, let’s reflect on our children’s past achievements and set higher goals and expectations for their future performance. With so much emphasis placed on grade point averages and standardized test scores, I hope readers understand that “reflect and set” merely means focusing on improving student academics. While I am an advocate of academic excellence, there is another area of performance that I find to be of equal importance – soft skills. The term soft skills is relatively new and embodies, among many other behaviors, what was once referred to as good manners, etiquette or emotional IQ. Unlike the intentional instruction and eventual mastery of reading, writing, and arithmetic, soft skills -- interpersonal communication, problem solving, decisionmaking, teamwork and collaboration -- are largely taught incidentally. Because such social norms vary so greatly and are no longer deliberately developed, there is a natural tendency for some parents to relax the behavioral expectations that are placed on their children. As a result, a child’s blatant disrespect at home may be treated differently from her disrespect in school, the mall or the church. This is likely due to the pervasive distrust that may exist among parents, school and community leaders,; distrust based largely on our own past experiences. Rather than using inappropriate behavior to reflect on the current need for our children to learn and grow into healthy, educated adults, the consequences of our children’s erroneous behavior triggers our past pains. A parent’s focus on the consequence or the person yielding the punishment often prompts him or her to excuse, protect or defend the child’s behavior. Excusing or defending disrespectful behavior one time creates confusion or misunderstanding, should you decide to punish your child in the future. In addition to the confusion, parents unwittingly create opportunities for the behavior to be demonstrated again. Parents of past generations understood the impact of their responses to our
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behaviors. They recognized the need for quickly and consistently addressing all misbehavior. For that reason, they did not delay doling out punishments. At times they were too swift; not giving time for investigation, explanation or coaching. When children of these past generations reflect on the isolated but deleterious punishments of the past, they often use them as “the reason I will never…” The decision not to punish is due in large part to the pain that was experienced so many years ago and not the issue that the child is experiencing. The inconsistent parenting practices brought on by past pains and
lowered expectations are wreaking havoc on present and future generations. Therefore, as you reflect and set newer goals and higher expectations for your children, understand the need for balanced discipline verses no discipline and consistency verses inconsistency. Finally, for our children’s sake, let us choose between our past pains and their need to develop into healthy, educated adults. Let us choose the future rather than the past. P For more information about parenting, visit: www.drchristinachristian.com
BookReview
“Dick Gregory’s Natural Diet for Folks Who Eat:
Cookin’ with Mother Nature” By Angela Haigler
A
comedian, civil rights activist and family man, Dick Gregory is now 83 years old. His 1973 classic, “Dick Gregory’s Natural Diet for Folks who Eat: Cookin’ with Mother Nature,” is just as timely now as it was then. It’s a book often recommended by the experts as an introduction for those wishing to explore vegetable-focused eating habits. Starting with a chronicle of his own life as an omnivore, Gregory shares how he slowly transitioned from a person who ate everything to one who eats only raw fruits and vegetable juices. It turns out the motivation was related to his civil rights activism. Written in a very readable style and peppered with humor, the 42 year-old to me seems amazingly up-to-date with today’s health trends, touting the benefits of drinking filtered water and examining how our eating habits can impact our health. A man of extremes and strong opinions, he’s a proponent of regular enemas and often fasts for long periods of time. If you’re looking for recipes that can be “cooked” in the traditional sense, you won’t find those here. Gregory believes in “cooking with Mother Nature” which means that the recipes he suggests are raw, not heated in an oven or on top of the stove, although he does advocate steaming. Tasty-sounding recipes such as avocado dressing, French dressing and lemon mayonnaise. Lemonaise substitutes nuts and other flavorings for animal-based fats in salad dressings. Gregory also offers suggestions for putting on or taking off weight, as well as ideas for raising meatfree babies. “Cookin’ with Mother Nature” is also a unique insight into understanding Gregory himself, as the book is a history lesson. Readers learn tidbits from his early life as a comedian and his days as a civil rights activist, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He has been married to his wife, Lillian, for 56 years; the two have nine living children. Whether you’re reading this book for the first time, or taking a second look, “Cookin’
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with Mother Nature” is a treasure trove of tips and pointers for healthful living through diet that Gregory himself has tried. He does not claim to be a doctor and advises those who are interested in trying his techniques to consult a physician. The book is out of print, but copies can be obtained from popular shopping websites, used bookstores or borrowed from a library. P Angela Haigler explores the literary world at www.angelicmusings.wordpress. com and on Twitter @angelicmusings.
The now 83 yearold Dick Gregory wrote his 1973 classic as an introduction for those wishing to explore vegetablefocused eating habits.
Whether you’re reading this book for the first time, or taking a second look, “Cookin’ with Mother Nature” is a treasure trove of tips and pointers for healthful living.
FamilyNotes
Compiled by Lee McCracken
Moms Command Respect On May 2 in The New York Times, Ylonda Gault Caviness said, “When it comes to discipline, we are far more authoritarian.” In her piece, “What Black Moms Know,” the author and lifestyle journalist offered her smart (and funny!) opinion on the child-rearing differences between African-American and white mothers. Find out more in her book, “Child, Please: How Mama’s Old-School Lessons Helped Me Check Myself Before I Wrecked Myself” (May 2015, Tarcher), available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Healthy Kids League One in four — that’s the number of children (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health statistics), who have type 2 diabetes. Some 35 percent of children in North Carolina are obese, with the state being ranked one of the worst in the country. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and Levine Children’s Hospital have launched a national campaign to get kids away from screens and out the door. Parents are invited to encourage their children to take the 5-2-1-0 pledge and sign up to get a free wristband showing their commitment to health. The 5210 League vow features eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, agreeing to only 2 hours of screen time, being active for least 1 hour and consuming 0 sugary drinks. Children can sign up for the 5210 League www.carolinashealthcare.org/healthytogether.
at at
Walk for Wishes Help the community celebrate seven years of granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses on Saturday, October 31. Walk for Wishes® is a family-friendly event that benefits Make-A-Wish® Central and Western North Carolina. At Romare Bearden Park, kids and adults can kick off their Halloween to help celebrate the hope, strength and joy that a child’s one true wish captures. Activities begin at 9 a.m., and the free, at-your-own-pace three-mile walk starts at 10 a.m. Register at http://walkforwishesclt.kintera.org, or make a donation to grant wishes to local children.
Fries for the Eyes Packed with antioxidants, betacarotene and fiber, carrots are high in vitamins A and C. The simple go-to snack also is known for its health benefits for good vision. Looking for a way to get children to eat carrots without a fat- and sugar-laden dips? Check out this recipe from Parents.com: Crinkly Carrot Fries Slice 1 pound of carrots into 1/2-inchwide sticks using a crinkle cutter. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes (or until soft) on a parchment paper-lined pan.
Planets and Pandas This fall, the giant dome screen at the IMAX Theatre at Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St., takes families on a mission to Mars and a visit inside a panda preserve in China. Beginning September 15, “Journey to Space” gives a behind-the-scenes tour of the international effort to send astronauts to Mars within the next 20 years. See the spacecraft, habitats, landers and vehicles that will be necessary to achieve interplanetary travel, touchdown and colonization on the Red Planet. Starting November 14, “Pandas: The Journey Home” offers a glimpse of the highly endangered giant pandas living in Wolong National Nature Reserve in the People’s Republic of China. Meet the many pandas at the nature reserve as they get ready for new lives in the wild, and see their fun hijinks! Visit www.discoveryplace.org/imax for show times and ticket prices.
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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Transforming the healthcare industry is not just what Premier Inc. does. It is who we are. We provide healthcare systems with 360° business intelligence – data integration, software development and supply chain management. Why? To better the health of our community and our nation.
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Premier Focuses on Community Service
J
ust like the company she works for, Gwendolyn Welch believes deeply in community health and service. “There’s always someone you can bless, with just a smile or even with your attitude. For me, giving back is top priority,” says Welch. That is a key reason why she was drawn to Premier Inc., a national health care improvement company, headquartered in Charlotte. Community reinvestment is a key priority of Premier and its more than 1,800 employees. The organization partners with more than two-thirds of U.S. hospitals on software development, data analytics
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and supply chain solutions, with a goal of transforming healthcare. Bettering the health of the community in which she lives and works is a fundamental belief of the senior administrative coordinator. That is why Welch volunteers as a fashion consultant with disadvantaged clients at the Charlotte affiliate location of “Dress for Success.” The organization helps women secure employment and achieve economic independence. “When I moved to Charlotte, I researched ways to help others,” Welch says. She recalls discussing the volunteer request with her manager for the first time, and learning more
about Premier’s paid volunteer hours and matching gift donations. “I think it makes a big difference when you have a company that’s supportive,” she says. Premier not only supports Welch’s volunteering, but also has a strong corporate culture of community service, encouraging employees to donate both money and time. In Premier’s most recent fiscal year, Premier employees collectively donated over $235,000 to nonprofit organizations and volunteered more than 800 hours. Premier matched those dollars and hours with nearly $120,000 in donations to the nonprofit groups served.
The company also conducts “Premier Gives Back,” a time of collective volunteerism held each fall as part of its annual employee conference. At the most recent event, employees performed more than 5,000 hours of service on behalf of Charlotte-area nonprofit organizations. “Premier’s mission is to improve the health of the communities,” says Susan DeVore, Premier president and Chief Executive Officer. “We do that by reinvesting in the communities in which we live and work.” Welch finds that attitude refreshing, both as a professional and as a mother. It also is why she values her time volunteering. “I don’t think enough people understand the roles of women and all the hats they wear – child, teenager, wife, mother, professional and more. That is why I love being part
“I love being part of providing a safe, comfortable place for women, regardless of their situation, and helping them feel more confident about themselves.”
—Gwendolyn Welch
of providing a safe, comfortable place for women, regardless of their situation, and helping them feel more confident about themselves,” says Welch. “Dress for Success” clients are offered suit-fitting services by the onsite seamstress. Once a client secures a job, she is allowed to receive five additional pieces to carry her through the week. Personal preferences are taken into consideration during the private consultation. From there, the client is offered a variety of other financial and career services, based upon her specific needs. “If you only have a pair of slacks to wear for an upcoming interview, what do you do? What if you just experienced something traumatic, but you still need to support your family?” Welch continues. “Dress for Success provides a safe, comfortable place for women, regardless of their situation.” Welch particularly enjoys getting
to work with them on a personal level. “Unemployed clients come in and aren’t sure what to do next. I enjoy making the transition less stressful,” she says. Kerry Barr O’Connor, executive director of “Dress for Success” Charlotte, believes that clients leave “four inches taller” than when they walk in, and it has nothing to do with the shoes they are wearing. “Gwen is part of a special group of style consultants who create an environment where women believe in their ability to succeed,” O’Connor says. “One volunteer hour can change the direction of someone’s life and community.” Welch agrees, saying, “When I decided to spend more time helping women oneon-one, I approached this journey knowing that to make an impact it only takes one [person]. I consider the clients my friends. I suited one client and she got the job the next day. I will never forget that!
“Just the joy of watching someone leave with a bag full of items to put on and go to an interview,” she continues. “It allows them to be confident and positive about the next step of their lives. It builds self-confidence.” Like her grandparents, Welch believes it’s important to lead by example. Community service, she says, “gives me a different perspective and makes me more grateful as a mother and a woman. I want to make sure that when I leave this world, someone knows they are special and that someone cares about them.” P
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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Do … or Die Lifestyle changes are essential to combat chronic illness 22
Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net
By Lee McCracken
S
eptember is here — that means summer slacking and snacking are no more. The health of the Black community in Charlotte is in dire straits. The majority of African Americans are fat and on the fast track to death. The obesity epidemic is at an all-time high. The top killers in the Black community are 1) heart disease; 2) cancer and 3) stroke, due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Type 2 diabetes also is taking a toll on families. In 2012, some 1.7 million new diabetes cases were reported among middle-aged and older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sedentary and overweight adults ages 45-64 are developing diabetes even faster than those 65 and older. “We definitely are seeing a decrease in life expectancy,” says Dr. Patrick Evivie, director of medicine at PrimeCare Medical in Charlotte. He adds that the average African American is aware of the health risks of his or her lifestyle but is lacking the fortitude to make a change. Worse yet, children are being adversely affected. Some 20-50 percent of type 2 diabetes diagnoses are children and
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LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS
The average American can expect to live 78.7 years, according to the 2013 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Disparities & Inequalities Report, but the average African American can expect to live only 75.3 years. The report also noted the Black community has the highest death rates from heart disease and stroke even among age groups younger than 85. The prevalence of diabetes among African American adults also is nearly twice as high as that among white adults.
Top causes of death in the Black community: 1. Heart disease 2. Cancer 3. Stroke 4. Diabetes 5. Unintentional injuries 6. Kidney diseases
7. Chronic lower respiratory disease 8. Homicide 9. Septicemia (blood poisoning) 10. Alzheimer’s disease
teens. According to an article in JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association) in May 2014, the number of youth with type 2 diabetes is projected to quadruple by 2050. Obesity is two times higher in African-American children compared with white children. “People need a tangible wake-up call,” says Dr. Clarence Ellis of Metrolina Internal Medicine. “The general attitude is that if they don’t feel sick, then the problem isn’t bad enough.”
Sick to Death While the U.S. Census Bureau estimates there will be 74.5 million African Americans (nearly 18 percent of the total population) in the United States by 2060, physicians forecast being slammed with chronically ill patients. Today’s children are going to grow up into diseased adults. Poor diet and lack of exercise are key factors. But, says Ellis, most patients still want to rely on medication instead of making a change in their lifestyle. “People are very convinced the answer to all their problems is a pill.” It’s the perceived easy solution. Learning proper nutrition and how to buy (and afford!) healthy food takes time and effort. Change is hard, but staying with the status quo can kill. “Many people don’t understand the implications of what they’re eating,” says Evivie. “They know soul food is salt-ridden — no wonder so many of our patients are hypertensive — but it’s a tradition not many want to change. People think they are eating healthy, but some fruits are high in sugar, and salads can be loaded with calories.”
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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Evivie adds, “And there’s still a high incidence of people who smoke.” Some 82 percent of African American women compared with 63 percent of white women are obese, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. They have a body mass index (BMI) above 25 percent, the threshold for being overweight or obese. Smoking and weight affect cancer risk, and African American women are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. Men aren’t in the clear. Nearly 70 percent of African American men are obese. A study published online in JAMA Oncology in April revealed Black men have the highest rate of prostate cancer and the highest rate of death from prostate cancer in the country. Very obese black men (BMI of 35 or greater) have a 103 percent increased risk of prostate cancer compared to extremely obese white men.
Making Good Choices Doctors advocate continued education about diet and exercise, families being active together and local leaders modeling health and wellness. Evivie says parents must move from the mind-set of “convenience food” toward proper nutrition. PrimeCare Medical hosts free classes weekly for those who want to learn how to buy and prepare healthful foods, as well as sessions for diabetes education. “There is the perception that our health is beyond our control — that being overweight, having diabetes or high cholesterol is too big a problem for eating better or getting off the couch,” says Ellis. “The general attitude is, ‘What difference is it going to make?’” He adds, “Unfortunately, it often takes something serious
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— a major health complication, even with a family member — to get motivated.” Communities are striving to help people make good choices by removing obstacles to healthy, affordable food, as well as accessible, safe places to exercise, according to stateofobesity. org. In Charlotte, more local markets and grocery chains are selling fresh produce, and there are myriad farmers’ markets in the metro area. “Some churches have health ministries, but we need more,” says Ellis. “What’s wrong with setting a good example by bringing a healthy dish to a church breakfast or picnic? Faith leaders in our community can help educate people.” The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, with its My Y Pricing membership program, and other organizations are helping people of all socioeconomic levels maintain healthy physical activity. Black Girls Run and Girls on the Run are signing on more and more participants, too, and hosting local events. Both organizations got a boost when Regina Benjamin, during her tenure as the U.S. Surgeon General (2009-2013), spoke publicly against African American women avoiding exercise so as not to mess up their hair. During a 2012 interview on National Public Radio, she emphasized the magnitude of obesity as a public health issue. “Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. This leads to diabetes, hypertension, strokes and amputations. It affects not only their families and their communities, but their work; it affects the economy.” She continued, “Health is no longer in a doctor’s office and the hospitals alone. Health is where we live, where we learn, where we work, where we play, where we pray. Health is in everything we do.” P
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September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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PrideHealth
Keith Figlioli
I
Dr. Alejandro Reti
Leading the Way in Improving Community Healthcare
n hospitals across the country, there is a quiet revolution underway. What you may not know is that one of the companies in the forefront of pioneering this revolution – Premier Inc. – is based here in Charlotte. Hospitals nationwide are being provided with incentives to assess their community’s health needs, and to improve care both inside and outside of hospital walls. This healthcare approach is called “population health” – an approach that perfectly aligns with Premier’s mission of improving the health of communities. Since Premier provides healthcare improvement services to more than twothirds of U.S. hospitals, when the new healthcare reforms were passed, it began partnering with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). The goal: creating a software application that would help hospitals identify the specific health needs of their communities and further the health of their neighbors. The new state-of-the-art app is called “CommunityFocus” and it is enabling hospitals and healthcare systems to get education and treatment to those who need it most, well before symptoms turn into more serious, costly and potentially lifethreatening medical problems. “Put simply, this means hospital leaders sometimes find they are better off investing in a community program than building a new hospital wing,” says Dr. Alejandro Reti, Premier’s vice president of population health. Premier is leveraging the public research university’s academic expertise, the unique community health technology developed by UNCC College of Health and Human Services’ Dr. James Studnicki and the frontline experiences of healthcare providers nationwide. The tool collects and analyzes data from a wide variety of public and private healthcare databases, giving local hospitals insight into the surrounding area’s healthcare issues before they become chronic problems. Problems such as obesity, diabetes, mortality, emergency department discharges, mental
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health needs and infectious diseases are all at the healthcare experts’ fingertips. “Having data in one place helps healthcare providers develop and track more effective improvements and interventions that truly benefit communities in need,” says Keith Figlioli, Premier’s senior vice president of healthcare informatics. With this kind of robust data, Reti says, health systems are able to connect the dots between the care their community needs and the services the health system provides. Using “CommunityFocus,” for example, a hospital might see that an increasing number of people in a given community are developing diabetes. Digging deeper, the hospital could identify the hardesthit demographic groups, the areas in which they live and how diabetes ranks compared to other chronic conditions in terms of prevalence and mortality.
This powerful insight helps hospital leaders identify strategies to help those most vulnerable, educating them about the importance of early diagnosis, managing their blood sugar and maintaining healthy behaviors to slow the disease’s progression. “As a health system that serves well over five million people, access to integrated, trustworthy data helps us more easily develop effective community health improvement plans… and create outreach programs that allocate resources for people who need them the most,” said Rebecca Sykes, senior vice president for operations support and chief information officer at Mercy Health, a healthcare system that helped develop and currently uses “CommunityFocus.” For more information about Premier and “CommunityFocus,” go to premierinc.com. P
PrideHealth
Meditation Demystified By Jimese Orange
Y
Where to Go
ou may have heard about meditating and wondered what’s the deal. With celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra offering meditation challenges online, as well as guided audio meditations on YouTube, iTunes, and groups on Meetup. com popping up, it seems mediation is becoming the new trendy thing to do. But mediation isn’t a trend. There are advantages to this ancient practice, including healthful benefits. Here’s a look at what you should know if you’re interested in incorporating meditation into your life.
What is Meditation?
“Meditation is relaxation for your mind, body and spirit,” says Guru Ranjit Deora, the founder of Charlotte Meditation, a center offering instruction on meditation. “Meditation is a technique of how to get to that place of peacefulness within you. It is an exercise of the mind.” He adds, “It is not a religion, nor a philosophy or a lifestyle. It transcends all of that.” And John Love Jr., who leads weekly guided visualization meditations around Charlotte, sums it with “Ultimately, meditation is a decision to focus.” Indeed, it is all of those things.
Benefits of Meditation
Hundreds of scientific studies have been done on the benefits of meditation. A recent study from Harvard and the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program found that meditation is physically most beneficial to the nervous system, as it improves brain function by impacting brain waves and actually grows the brain in important ways. Findings from the study also proved that meditation is directly linked to lowering blood pressure. Emotional well-being is impacted as well by the fact that meditation lessens anxiety, stress, fears and depression. Mental health benefits include increased focus, productivity, memory, better cognitive skills and creative thinking. In less tangible but equally real ways, meditation cultivates clarity, peace and finding sustainable, longterm happiness within. “What attracts me
Photo by Michael Dantzler
Meditation savant John Love Jr., meditating in chair pose.
especially to John Love’s meditations is the calmness and peace I feel afterwards and the clarity it gives me. The biggest change is in my energy and relationship with myself and being kinder to myself and more loving (toward) myself,” says longtime meditator Jamie Simmons. “The more I love myself, the more I love others. The less I judge myself, the less I judge others. It all starts with self-love.”
Types of Meditation
Three of the most popular and easiest techniques are mindfulness, guided imagery and mantra-based meditation. “There are many modalities of meditation,” says Love. “It is the question of what is the alignment of your innate gifts, your places of inspiration and then the modalities that work with that.” Mindfulness meditation involves focus on the inhalation and exhalation of breath to foster present-moment awareness. Living in the moment and feeling the experience fully is mindfulness. It calls for acknowledgement and observation of thoughts and feelings that arise while meditating, then releasing and detaching from them without judgment.
Here are a few meditation resources in Charlotte. Charlotte Meditation http://www.charlottemeditation.com/ (704) 277-6049 John Love Jr. Guided Meditation and Creative Visualization (704) 807-1110 Vajradhara Buddhist Center http://meditationcharlotte.org/ (980) 224-0129 Insight Meditation Community Charlotte http://www. insightmeditationcharlotte.org/ insightmeditationcharlotte@gmail.com (704) 995-4860 Charlotte Zen Meditation Society http://www.meetup.com/CharlotteZen-Meditation-Society/ Yoga For Life http://yogaforlifecharlotte.com/ meditation/ (704) 344-9642 Guided imagery is a visualization technique that focuses and directs the imagination to a meditative state. Love, who is renowned for the guided meditations he facilitates, says he uses creative imagery and visualization to enable individuals to use their conscious minds and imaginations to align their subconsciouses with their highest good. Mantras are words, sounds or phrases that are repeated out loud or internally as objects of meditation. Focus on the mantra during meditation helps to transcend thoughts and clear a mental and spiritual path to go deeper within oneself. To reap the most benefits from meditation, experts suggest practicing 15 to 20 minutes, twice per day, preferably upon waking and before going to sleep. However, meditation is the ultimate judgment-free zone. Do what you can. The beauty of meditation is that you can take these techniques with you anytime and anywhere. Gift yourself with this sacred quiet time and unlock the wealth of power you have within. P
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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Richard Gillespie of J&R Farms in Cheraw, S.C.
Honey F Chile! The Life
By Edward Henderson Photos by London Becoats
or many people, hearing the sound of buzzing bees in the distance evokes a fear rooted in adolescent encounters – no one wants to get stung. However, beekeeper Richard Gillespie of J&R Farms welcomes the symphony with a passion that’s fueled his second career for the past five years.
Family Business
of a Black Beekeeper
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Gillespie, 70, hails from Cheraw, S.C., and grew up on a farm with his parents and two brothers. Bees were always present during Gillespie’s formative years, as he performed the arduous work required to maintain crops. “It was one of those things where you say ‘I’m never going to do this again,’” Gillespie joked. Gillespie moved to Charlotte after serving in the Vietnam War and took a job with AT&T. After 37 years with the company, he retired as a computer network
A beehive smoker is used to calm the honey bees after the beehive box is opened.
Bees on outside of the beehive box.
analyst. His brothers were also retired and decided to reach back to their roots and form J&R Farms as a post-retirement career. They started with basic crops such as watermelons and tomatoes; then bees came into the mix. “We had no intention of being beekeepers … it was more to have bees pollinating the crops,” Gillespie said. “We bought three or four beehives and it exploded from there.” Today, Gillespie and his brothers manage 60 hives with anywhere between 40,000 and 80,000 bees per hive. Each hive produces 60 to 100 pounds of honey, which they sell year-round.
Bee-Keeping 101 Gillespie’s work in the hives begins around 10 a.m. Most of the bees are out collecting pollen at this time so he has less to worry about than he would at other times. Gillespie checks to see if the bees are healthy and removes threats from the hive, such as beetles and moths. He repeats this process every two weeks. When there is enough honey in the hive, honeycomb sheets are placed in a centrifuge encasement and the honey is spun against the walls. It is then drained out, to be placed in jars and taken to the market.
The honey comb being extracted.
Bee products have become J&R Farms’ main source of income. The brothers also rent hives to farmers and sell bees to help other beekeepers get started. In case you were wondering, Gillespie gets stung an average of eight to 10 times while making his rounds. He’s become immune to any side effects, however, and is hardly bothered by the occurrence. Gillespie believes more African Americans haven’t gotten involved in the bee-keeping business due to the lack of tradition surrounding the profession in our community. He encourages others by citing bee-keeping as an excellent source of supplemental income.
What we can learn from bees Gillespie has developed a profound respect and admiration for how bees operate and believes the African-American community can learn a lot from their behavior. “They’re communal. If you have a colony of bees, they become a colony that takes care of each other.” Gillespie said. “It would be great if our communities were like that.” P
HEALTH BENEFITS OF HONEY All-Natural Energy Drink: Honey is an excellent source of all-natural energy. This unprocessed sugar enters the bloodstream directly and can deliver a quick boost of energy.
Boosts Memory: Honey’s ability to help the body absorb calcium helps aid brain health. The brain needs calcium in order to process thought and make decisions.
Sleep Aid: Similar to sugar, honey can cause a rise in insulin and release serotonin. The body converts serotonin into melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates the length and the quality of sleep.
Treats Dandruff: A 2001 study published in the European Journal of Medical Research found that applying honey, diluted with 10 percent warm water, to problem areas and leaving it on for three hours before rinsing led to itch relief and no scaling within a week.
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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Ready. For. Anything. Ready to explore. Ready to create. Ready for whatever life has in store for me. Country Day Ready.
charlottecountryday.org/Pride (704) 943-4530
Open House Dates: October 7
October 27
November 5 (Grades 9 – 12)
Kindergarten)
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Call or Come Visit: (704) 943-4530 or charlottecountryday.org/Pride
Igniting curious minds. Where your child is known & loved. Building leadership from K to 8th grade. Growing kind students with servant hearts. Teaching & learning in Uptown for 15 years.
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instilling honor and respect for others. Find out more at www.TEScharlotte.org
Sports in Schools Help Students Score in Life
Photo courtesy of Charlotte Latin
By Angela Lindsay
D
Jesse Parker, IV plays soccer and swims with a private program like most of our students. will play on a private basketball team this fall. Photo courtesy of Brisbane Academy
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iscipline. Teamwork. Leadership. These are all excellent qualities for anyone to possess in adulthood. They are also ones that many adults learn as youth by participating in sports in school. Area private and independent schools recognize these benefits, which is why they have not only kept sports as an extracurricular option for students, but also have made them an essential part of overall student development. “Through sports, students learn discipline, time management, work ethic and the importance of preparation,” says Ed Prisco, sports information director at Providence Day School. “There is an obvious correlation between these traits and success in a game. Likewise, these same traits have an identical correlation to success in the classroom. Once a student masters these traits and sees the benefits of incorporating them in their everyday life, he/she is able to achieve their full potential. Success in athletics
Brisbane Academy student Omarion Dawkins a third-grader who plays basketball and football with a private league. Photo courtesy of Brisbane Academy
builds confidence in an individual, and that confidence transitions to everything a student does, especially academics.” Today’s students don’t just gravitate toward football, basketball and baseball. Other sports such as field hockey, volleyball and track and field are also very popular, while lacrosse, soccer, golf and dance have etched solid places in many school programs, as well. All of these sports are offered at Charlotte Latin School. Each of its teams have full rosters, with 78 percent of its Upper School students participating on at least one sports team. This statistic reflects one of the athletic advantages accompanying matriculation at private and independent schools. According to research by The Randolph Macon Academy, there are a lot of students competing for a limited number of positions on a sports team in larger schools, and often unless you are a standout athlete, your chances of making the varsity team are pretty limited. The study finds that things are different in smaller private schools, which “tend to have as many sports as they can field within the facilities and personnel constraints they face. Depending on the school’s mission and philosophy, having a solid athletic program may be part of the belief of developing the ‘whole child’.” This concept is on full display at Trinity Episcopal School (TES), where the middle school students in grades six through eight are allowed to participate in sports. “Having coached in a public school conference before, I am all too familiar with schools that tend to value the athlete-student over the student-athlete,” says Leigh Fresina, TES teacher and volleyball coach. “Trinity does an admirable job of focusing on the student first, while fostering competitive teams. I am impressed with
“Through sports, students learn discipline, time management, work ethic and the importance of preparation.” -Ed Prisco, Providence Day School how readily our players accept responsibility for their academics, regardless of their athletic schedule.” The same is true at The John Crosland School, where the most popular sport is cross-country track. Portia Eley, director of admissions at the school, says sports not only gives students a sense of confidence, but also assists with academic performance, as they have to maintain a certain GPA to participate, and they also receive tutoring from the coaches and athletic director. Privateschoolreview.com gives another fundamental difference between public and private schools regarding sports: funding. “When money has to be trimmed from a public school budget, it is often trimmed from the athletics budget because the school board continued on page 36
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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A LIFETIME OF LEARNING BEGINS WITH A WALK THROUGH OUR DOORS. Charlotte Prep understands children are inherently hungry to learn. Our child-centered focus and innovative approach to education ensures that each one of our children reaches their full potential.
Visit us today: charlotteprep.org | 704-366-5994
You are invited to attend our
ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSES TK - GRADE 5: October 9, 2015 9:30 a.m. | GRADES 6 - 12: October 16, 2015 9:30 a.m. www.charlottelatin.org/OpenHouseRSVP
‌lives well lived 9502 Providence Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28277 Admissions Office: 704.846.7207
www.charlottelatin.org Financial assistance is available. Please inquire about the Malone Scholarship for gifted students in Grades 7-12.
CLS PRIDE Full Page OH.indd 1
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Toby Okwara earned All-American honors in the 2014 National Prep Wrestling Championships. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Latin
continued from page 33
His curiosity opens new worlds of learning.
JrK – Grade 12
Est. 1969
Join us for a JrK-12 Open House Thursday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 9, at 1:00 p.m. Come to Cannon. Go Beyond.
Concord, NC | www.CannonSchool.org 36
Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net
would rather trim that expense than to lay off more teachers. It is a tough choice which most private schools don’t have to make and will not make in most cases,” the website says. This type of dedication to sports programming helps school pride soar at private and independent schools. Abe Wehmiller, athletic director at Charlotte Country Day School, says its their athletics program, in particular at the varsity level, is a primary vehicle for school and community spirit, and that students and their families proudly turn out in large numbers to provide fan support for those teams. “On a more individual level, the program allows many of our student-athletes to experience what it means to make a meaningful contribution to the life of their school,” he says. “Athletics provides us with another tool to teach our students valuable life lessons, including lessons in sportsmanship, leadership and resilience. It provides us with a rallying point for school and community spirit. And it provides us with opportunities for positive interaction with other schools and communities beyond our campus.” Although Brisbane Academy Preparatory School does not offer athletic programs, the influence of sports on students isn’t lost on its founder, Geri Brisbane Crooks, who says sports in schools promote “positive health benefits and high morale in students and parents.” Many of its students participate in AAU programs or on private leagues, such as Jesse Parker IV, a first-grader who plays soccer and swims at a local recreation center and will play on a private basketball team this fall, and Omarion Dawkins, a thirdgrader who plays basketball and football with a private league. For students who excel athletically in school, there may be continued on page 38
ripple effect
Student Anna Cockrell running the jumping hurdles.
Make a statement far and wide.
Photo courtesy of Providence Day
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continued from page 36
an opportunity to parlay their talents into a professional career, such as Charlotte Latin alums Brenton Bersin, currently a wide receiver with the Carolina Panthers, and Chris Canty, currently a defensive end with the Baltimore Ravens. While school spirit at Charlotte Latin is not solely the result of the athletic program, cheering for the Hawks definitely adds excitement to school life and helps to create the great sense of camaraderie that is a morale boost for the school community, says the Charlotte Latin School administration. These educators also know that the lessons learned from the experience of playing sports in school can translate well onto any life path. “Students will be faced with competition their entire lives, whether it’s for a job, a spouse or a lifestyle,” says Prisco. “In order to progress successfully through life, goals need to be established and achieved. Participating in sports is one of the best ways to understand the importance of goalsetting and establishing action plans in order to accomplish those goals.” P
7/29/15 2:29 PM
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Photo courtesy of The John Crosland School
Your extraordinary child deserves an extraordinary education. Visit us today to see how Charlotte’s #1 LD and ADHD school can create opportunities from challenges and success from frustration.
5146 Parkway Plaza Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217 | 704.365.5490 /JohnCroslandSchool | JohnCroslandSchool.org
Admissions Mini-Tours:
Admissions Open Houses:
RSVP:
Friday, September 11, 8:30 - 9:30 am Monday, September 21, 8:30 - 9:30 am
Wednesday, October 14, 8:30 – 10:30 am Thursday, November 12, 8:30 – 10:30 am
704.365.5490 or peley@JohnCroslandSchool.org
Crosland does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, marital status, disability, religion, creed, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions, financial aid policies or employment practices.
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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my inspiring moment
Six broken pieces later - “It always feels more rewarding and exciting to finish a piece that had lots of obstacles than finishing a piece that was easy...” – Caroline, Studio Art
ProvidenceDay.org/Admissions
celebrate COMUNIDAD The Latino population in the South has grown by 60% over the past 15 years. Discover the surprising ways Latinos and the South are influencing each other at ¡NUEVOlution! — an exhibit featuring the powerful, personal stories behind the statistics. Join us and explore the newest New South.
YOU READ THEY SUCCEED Did you know that only 40% of Charlotte third graders can read proficiently? That means nearly 5,000 kids in Charlotte are four times more likely to drop out of high school.
You can help! By giving just 1 hour each week, you can contribute to Charlotte’s community-wide initiative to double third grade reading proficiency rates.
Opening September 27
Volunteer to read one-on-one with students in the Y Readers Afterschool program and help change a child’s life. To learn how to get involved visit, ymcacharlotte.org/yreaders
Presented to the community by
YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. For more information, visit museumofthenewsouth.org
STEMulate Your Grade School Child Programs to prepare students for the 21st century workforce By Tonya Jameson
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hroughout the year, Pride magazine highlighted various aspects of the growing number of careers for minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (known as STEM). In an effort to help our Pride parents, in this issue we focus on STEM programs in CharlotteMecklenburg Schools. CMS has nine STEM schools — three elementary, four middle and two high — throughout the county. STEM programs are the building blocks for students to learn engagement, logical reasoning, collaboration and investigation. The goal is to prepare students for post-secondary study and the 21st century workforce. STEM programs often have specially certified teachers for these subjects. Students enter the STEM program by applying through the CMS magnet lottery system. Although students can apply to any STEM program, they are prioritized by their school transportation zone. Students can enter STEM magnet schools at any grade level through the district lottery process. However, to get into a STEM program in grades six and above, students must have earned a level 3 in math and science. In addition to STEM magnet programs, CMS also has Project Lead the Way (PLTW). This curriculum and development program is used in middle and high schools through the state’s Career & Technical Education department to advance STEM education. There are more than three dozen PLTW programs within CMS, many of which are at STEM schools. Here’s a snapshot of a CMS STEM program at an elementary school and the high school it feeds into:
CMS has nine STEM schools. STEM programs are the building blocks for students to learn engagement, logical reasoning, collaboration and investigation. blades. Eight students competed in the regional UNC Charlotte science fair.
Phillip O. Berry Located in West Charlotte, Phillip O. Berry is a crown jewel of the STEM magnet program. Berry has three STEM academies: the Academy of Engineering, the Academy of Information Technology and the Academy of Biomedical Sciences. The school offers more than 40 career and technical education courses within the three academies. Berry is academically rigorous. For example, to graduate, students must successfully complete a minimum of four years of rigorous mathematics courses, sequenced program in a career/technical education, a senior
research demonstration project and an experiential learning senior internship. The tough standards have paid off. Berry routinely sends students to regional and state science fairs. It launched a student science research team, a robotics team and a host of other programs to integrate STEM into the community. In the most recent academic year, the school’s StatSquad, which analyzed sports statistics for eight sports, won the 2015 WTVI/CPCC STEM Award in the sports division. Berry is the only school in the state, and one of 10 nationwide, which received a $10,000 grant from the Lenovo Scholar Network to develop mobile apps. Two apps created by students in the Lenovo Scholars Club were entered into a national competition this summer. P
John Motley Morehead STEM Academy Morehead is the county’s first STEM magnet and the only K-8 STEM magnet school in the district. The academic curriculum integrates math and science concepts in reading, writing and social studies. Students should leave Morehead with the skills to use advanced technology, analyze information and pursue college level math courses before graduating from high school. Morehead has a full-time certified robotics/ engineering teacher and a full-time technology/engineering teacher. In the most recent academic school year, a team composed of fourth and fifth graders won first place in the CMS robotics competition. Energy and the environment students designed rotor
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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MakingItCount
Paying It Forward With Project One
By Tiffany Bell
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oday, children in single-parent families are at a greater educational disadvantage than they were two decades ago. According to an “Inside Higher Education” report, these children complete college at a rate that is 26 percentage points lower than those from two-parent families. Among other factors, income plays an integral role in the correlation between family structure and the realization of educational goals. Further, this pattern is not relegated to minority groups; it crosses racial and cultural lines. The statistics alone paint a stark picture. However, thanks to Neal Emmons, founder
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and executive director of Project One Scholarship Fund, children from singleparent families who demonstrate key indicators that they will do well in college have the opportunity to achieve that goal. While he was growing up in Texas, Emmons’ parents divorced when he was 10 years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his sister. “My mom worked a fulltime job and, often, two part-time jobs to make ends meet. My friend’s grandfather knew our situation and paid for me and my sister to go to college,” says Emmons. This selfless act served as the impetus for starting Project One. The program’s broader vision, he says, is “to help break the cycle of poverty one mind at a time through the
power of a college education. We want to employ that through our mission: sending kids from single-parent families to college.” In 2008, Emmons relocated from Dallas to Charlotte with his wife and two children. The organization was started in 2009 and was granted 501c3 nonprofit status in 2010. Project One Scholarship fund is designed to provide scholarships to children from low-income, single-parent families who meet the following criteria: (1) resident of Mecklenburg County, (2) minimum high school GPA of 2.5 and (3) active participation in an extracurricular activity, i.e., student government, sports, community service or even work experience. Also, if a single parent with
Neal Emmons, founder and executive director of Project One Scholarship Fund with Dr. Eduardo Haynes, Ramona Holloway of 107.9 FM and former Carolina Panther Mike Minter.
two kids is making roughly $40,000 per year, the children are eligible. What distinguishes this scholarship program from most is its emphasis on student support. “We want to have a relationship – not just a transaction – to make sure the kids are successful,” says Emmons. There are three components to the program. The first is mentoring, which partners scholars with mentors during each year of college to provide encouragement. The second is financial literacy course participation; students learn healthy personal finance habits so they know how to manage their salary once they graduate. The third involves determining gifts and talents. According to Dr. Eduardo Haynes, mentor/board chair, “We want to make sure they understand what they like and what they don’t like prior to graduating. That way, when they start looking for a job, they’ll have a better idea of where they fall in the professional spectrum.” Project One partners with guidance counselors at West Charlotte, West Mecklenburg, Phillip O. Berry, Garinger and Olympic high schools. As educational advocates, counselors recommend up to three of their best students who meet the program criteria to become Project One scholars.
Each recipient is awarded up to $25,000, which is paid out over a four-year period. The payments are made directly to the college of the student's choice... the only stipulation currently is that the college is an NC-based college. Currently, there are 13 Project One scholars, and roughly $325,000 in scholarship funds has been paid out to date. Scholar Jordan Rice, a 19-year-old East Carolina University student, is grateful for his experience. “They won’t just give you money and not talk to you again. They keep in contact so that you can reach your highest potential,” says Rice. Emily Mallobe, a 20-year-old scholar who also attends East Carolina University, says: “It’s been really helpful. Communicating with my mentor on a monthly basis has gotten me to come out of my shell.” Local businesses and foundations, such as Wells Fargo and the Leon Levine Foundation, have partnered with Project One by providing grant funding. Emmons hopes to further engage corporations by enlisting them to provide internships and employees to become mentors. P
Photo courtesy of Project One
We want to have a relationship – not just a transaction – to make sure the kids are successful. —Neal Emmons
For more information about Project One, visit www.projectonescholarshipfund.org.
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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Hometown
Hero
Fellowship Honors Educator Leroy “Pop” Miller
By Charles Kelleher Harris Photo courtesy of Teach for America-Charlotte
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hile teaching is arguably one of the most important jobs, education is one of the lowest salaried positions in the country. A January 2014 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, survey found that N.C. teachers make, on average, less than $40,000 a year, ranking the state 46th of 50. “We are at a crisis point when it comes to our teacher pipeline and our teacher retention in North Carolina,” says Tiffany Capers, managing director of public affairs for Teach for America-Charlotte. TFA is a nonprofit group dedicated to providing skilled teachers with opportunities to continue their education and develop their skills to benefit students with the best possible scholastic possibilities. In addition to salary, TFA participants are given a “voucher” from TFA as an extra incentive for retention. TFA-Charlotte has recently developed a fellowship in honor of the late Leroy “Pop” Miller, a longtime teacher and principal in the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system. During his tenure as an educator, Miller became well-known for his dedicated leadership. “He was seen as capable to set the standard for his schools, regardless of the [makeup] of his faculty and student body,” says Capers. “His students and faculty rose to meet his expectations.” Keith Pehl was 15 when he attended East Mecklenburg High School, where Miller was principal at the time, in 1978. “[I remember that] everyone respected him,” Pehl says, “They may not have liked him, but they respected him. [And] he treated everyone with respect. He always made everyone respect everyone else.”
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Miller, who died in March 2014 at age 94, spent almost four decades in the CMS system. A veteran of World War II, Miller began teaching in the mid1940s at West Charlotte. In 1973, Miller became principal at East Mecklenburg under the shadow of integration that had gripped the nation. Miller was greatly respected and characterized by his “tough love.” According to legend, Miller gained the nickname “Pop” when he threatened to spank an unruly student who when pleading called him “Poppa Miller.” Gerald Johnson, publisher and CEO of The Charlotte Post, who was a student at West Charlotte, recounts a story that demonstrates Miller’s no-nonsense approach to discipline. “One of my most memorable moments about Pop in action was when rival gangs started a fight in the cafeteria,” says Johnson. “Chairs, tables, people were flying in every direction. It was complete chaos. Then I saw Pop running to the cafeteria, rolling up [his] sleeves. [He] came in, threw a few people around, and Pop brought immediate calm and complete control to a very chaotic situation.” After retiring in 1982, Miller continued to work with education advocacy. Recently, TFA-Charlotte won an innovation award and wanted to use it to encourage teachers to stay in education longer. Capers says that TFA-Charlotte came up with Miller’s name after a conversation she had with Pehl. “Keith shared with me just how much of an impact Mr. Miller had on him. We wanted to pay tribute to his work and legacy, and we also wanted to express TFACharlotte's commitment to Charlotte.” The Miller Fellowship is used to help with teacher retention in the Queen City. The fellowship funds allow for TFA participants to extend their two-year teaching commitment by an additional two years. “The ultimate goal the fellowship is working to achieve is the ability to produce highly skilled teachers that will one day become educational leaders that will fight for educational equity for all students, just as Miller did,” says Tomiaka T. Wingard, TFACharlotte’s director, corps member retention and innovation. “We are invested in this community, and we are hoping to inspire teachers who will use Miller's career as a source of inspiration as they continue what we hope is a long-term commitment to a career in education,” Capers says. P
I am a twin I am a miracle I am a heart surgery survivor
Leslie, 8 months
#I am LCH I AM LevIne CHILdren’s HospItAL
share your Levine Children’s Hospital story LevineChildrensHospital.org
SceneandSeen
Exhibit opening for AfriCOBRA Now:
An Aesthetic Reflection, Charlotte Collects Elizabeth Catlett: A Centennial Celebration and Intergalactic Soul at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. Photos by Tyrus Ortega Gaines
Southern Soiree at Rooftop 210 Photos by Garrett Kerr of One G Shot Media
Jazz Diva presents Summerfest 2015 at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Photos by Glyn A. Stanly Photography
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PROUD TO GIVE BUSINESSES A LIFT CATS is proud to provide opportunities for businesses to create local jobs through the advancement of transit projects. CATS also seeks to create an environment that gives small and socially or economically challenged local businesses the opportunity to compete for publicly funded contracts by participating in the Small Business Opportunity (SBO) and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs. To date, 100 DBE firms have been awarded contracts of $76 million to help build the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail Extension. As the major provider of public transportation to Charlotte and the surrounding region, CATS relies on the communities we serve to build and operate the service every day. By working together on these new opportunities, we can all keep our communities moving in the right direction. For more information, visit ridetransit.org.
CATS. YOUR RIDE IS HERE.
PrideStyle
Courtesy of
Fall is here and it’s time to mix it up with the season’s key pieces. Lush, so-soft fabrics. Dramatic eye color. Bolder-than-ever accessories. Plus, styles to complete the modern, Southern gentleman’s look. See them, want them, love them. Let’s go.
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Women’s Most Wanted Coatigan Fringe Boot Fringe Bag Dramatic Eye New Skirt Longer Shirt Trapeze Dress Blanket Wrap Anything Fur Long + Layered
Men’s Most Wanted Compression Legging Fashion Sweatshirt Jog Pant New Puffer Happy Socks Male Bag Chukka Boot Plaid Sportcoat Shawl Collar Corduroy Pant
September-October 2015 | Pride Magazine
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PrideBusiness
Innovation at Work
Happy Apple Juicery By Eren Simpson Photos by Maya Elious and Rae Images
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ne year after getting laid off from her job at Bank of America, 36-year-old Setarra DeVaux is now running a successful start-up business and sees only potential. After 13 years at Bank of America, DeVaux was initially at a loss for what to do next. “I knew it was time to do something I really wanted to do,” she said. And one day, while standing in her kitchen, it hit her. “I wanted to start a juice truck.” The idea got good feedback from friends and family, and in November, just six months after her layoff, DeVaux launched Happy Apple Juicery. DeVaux, who has always been passionate about health and wellness, received her health coach certification six years ago, but hadn’t figured out what to do with it yet. So DeVaux now couples her love of juicing with her love of educating, and uses Happy Apple Juicery to provide her customers with the healthiest product she can, and educate them about the benefits of juicing and an overall healthy lifestyle. So what makes Happy Apple Juicery stand out from other area juicers? DeVaux said the cold-pressed juicing process sets her product apart from what’s available in the big-box stores. “A lot of other juices have to go through pasteurization to extend their shelf life for up to 21 days, but ours have a shelf-life of four to five days,” DeVaux said. And her customers notice the difference. “When I think about the juice cleanse from Happy Apple Juicery one word comes to mind… extraordinary,” said customer Kelley Carboni-Woods. “The juices were delicious. The plan was filling and it made us feel great. I recommend it to anyone looking for a reset, a way to reconnect to real food or clean up your diet.” Happy Apple Juicery products are available only via delivery. “I believe most people have good intentions when it comes to being healthy,
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but in this busy world, everyone is looking for convenience, so I wanted to do a juice truck model to make it more accessible,” she said. DeVaux takes orders Monday-Thursday, and with the help of two ladies, produces about 150 bottles of juice every Saturday in her commercial kitchen, for delivery on Saturday. Happy Apple Juicery currently delivers to the university area, Plaza Midwood, uptown and NoDa. With the anticipated launch of the official Happy Apple Juicery juice-truck - a renovated school bus - DeVaux hopes to be able to amp up production, as well as delivery.
Setarra DeVaux, owner of Happy Apple Juicery
To learn more about Happy Apple Juicery visit www.happyapplejuicery.com P
ADVERTISEMENT
The Down Payment Resource Center Try a new online tool that may help make buying a home more affordable.
By Glenda Gabriel Neighborhood Lending Executive, Bank of America
If you’d like to buy a home, but you’re not sure you can afford the up-front costs, you’re not alone. Almost half of first-time homebuyers cite affordability as one of the reasons they’ve delayed the decision to purchase a home. This one factor can be a key barrier that prevents people from becoming homeowners.1 The good news is that Bank of America participates in many down payment and cost savings programs that can make buying a home more affordable. These programs are offered by state and local housing agencies, nonprofit organizations and employers to help eligible homebuyers pay for up-front expenses such as down payment or closing costs.2 And now you can find information about these programs by using the Bank of America Down Payment Resource Center. It’s a web-accessible tool that connects you to information about the programs, in an accessible and easy-to-use way.
According to findings from the second annual America at Home Survey commissioned by NeighborWorks America, 70% of U.S. adults are unaware of down payment assistance programs that are available for middleincome homebuyers in their communities.3
Learn more about programs that may help you buy a home. The Down Payment Resource Center’s searchable database includes information about more than 1,000 programs that could help you get the assistance you need. You can: • Use the online form to search for down payment and cost savings programs you may qualify for that are offered by local housing finance agencies, nonprofit organizations and employers • Review a brief description of the program you may qualify for based on the search in the online tool • Connect with a mortgage specialist to get more information and learn about your next steps You’ll also find links to Bank of America webinars and other resources to help you become more prepared for home buying and homeownership. Get help from a local mortgage specialist. Once you’ve found programs in your area, you can get in touch with a local Bank of America mortgage specialist who has access to a database of each of these programs, with details and contact information. Our mortgage specialists are available to talk with you about your home buying goals and give you a step-by-step demonstration of how the Down Payment Resource Center can help you. To check out everything the Bank of America Down Payment Resource Center has to offer, visit bankofamerica.com/downpaymentcenter.
Bank of America First Time Homebuyer Research 2014. Down payment and/or closing cost assistance programs may not be available in your area. Down payment and/or closing cost assistance amount may be due upon sale, refinance, transfer, or repayment of the loan, or if the senior mortgage is assumed during the term of the loan. Some programs require repayment with interest, and borrowers should become fully informed prior to closing. Not all applicants will qualify. Minimum credit scores may apply. Sales price restrictions and income requirements may apply. Homebuyer education may be required. Owner-occupied properties only. Maximum loan amounts may apply. 3 Second annual America at Home Survey commissioned by NeighborWorks America, October 2014. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ©2015 Bank of America Corporation. ARMVFLQR 08-2015 AD-07-15-1054 1 2
PrideBusiness
Smart Money: Teaching Kids How to Save at Every Age By Marsha Barnes
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ost parents want their children to experience bright futures drenched with the best of everything, from education and health to careers and financial prosperity. Children develop great habits by observing others, and taking note of the dos and don’ts of life. As our nation continues to grapple with rising costs and in-your-face marketing, young minds begin to become incredibly impressionable and eager to purchase what they perceive as the latest and greatest gadgets, clothing or whatever is trending at the moment. How do we teach our children the importance of saving and having financial security to becoming self-sufficient as adults?
Let’s explore a few creative ways of teaching our youth about saving, spending and sharing.
Ages 5-8
Children at this age are full of energy and eager to learn. This is the time to introduce basic money values and vocabulary. • How to Save: Introduce the word “SAVINGS” to your child by teaching her/ him how to spell it and what it means. • How to Give Back: Get a plastic mason jar. Each week, provide your children with any spare coins. Have them place the coins in the jar, and at the end of the month, allow them to decide who they would like to donate their funds to.
Ages 9-12
The age of curiosity. • How to Save: Teach kids to comparison-shop. Visit the grocery store you frequent the most, and then visit its competition. Have an open conversation about the value of spending smart. • Fund a Project: Make a clear connection between what your child is passionate about and money? Introduce him/
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1265678_15654 4.875x9.875 her to role models or someone in the 4C industry of his/her dreams. Have your child job-shadow business owners to discuss what steps were taken for those individuals to fund their dreams.
Make your great event happen today
Ages 13-15
The age of “I gotta have it.” • How to Save: Open a savings account and attach a goal to your child’s savings plan. This is a perfect time to explain that independence comes with saving for wants. • How to Handle Credit: If you have any credit cards with a balance, review the statement with her/him. Allow your child to explain to you how much you’re paying out in interest each month. This is an overall family teachable moment.
Ages 16-18
The age of preparing to take on the world. • How to Save: Suggest that your child set a savings goal for a used car. Allow him/her to calculate how long it will take to reach the goal. • How to Use Money to Give: Ask your kid to make note of three causes or charities that matter to him/her. Allow him/her to create a money plan to donate to each cause. (Example: $10 a month from the child’s allowance.) The overall goal in teaching your kids about the importance of financial awareness is for them to understand how money plays a part in their future. Fill them with determination and equip them with small levels of independence. Regardless of what tools, resources or activities you use, create a safe space for them to openly discuss their needs and wants.
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From July 1 through September 30, 2015, qualified Wells Fargo customers receive even lower rates with special interest rate discounts on select new loans and lines of credit. Now’s the perfect time to spice up your home, downshift your car payments, and even grow your business. Come in today to let us help you make your great event happen.
For more information, stop by Wells Fargo, call 1-866-578-5671, or visit wellsfargo.com/greatrate
For more information, visit www.thefinancebar.com P
The Great Rate Event promotion provides special interest rate discounts for select products on new credit applications submitted July 1 through September 30, 2015, with a qualifying Wells Fargo relationship. Additional restrictions, limitations, and exclusions may apply; please contact a Wells Fargo banker for further details. This promotion may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice and may not be transferable. Terms and conditions of accounts, products, programs, and services are subject to change. All applications are subject to approval. Deposit products offered by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801 (1265678_15654) 1265678_15654 4.875x9.875 4C.indd 1
7/27/15 1:29 PM
Trinity Episcopal School invites families to learn about Boarding Schools at the annual
Regional Boarding School Fair Wednesday, October 7 6-8pm Trinity Episcopal School
750 E. 9th Street | Charlotte NC 28202
Questions? Contact Jabari Spruill T | 704. 358. 8101
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PrideBusiness FYI
By Patresha Williams
Care Ring Nurse-Family Partnership Awarded a High-Impact Fund Grant
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he Women’s Impact Fund recently awarded Care Ring Nurse-Family Partnership a high-impact grant for its Nurse-Family Partnership Program at the annual meeting of the Women’s Impact Fund. The $380,000 grant was given to five local nonprofits in the areas of arts, culture, education, health, human services and environment. This project will further its current efforts by giving the organization an opportunity to engage and provide support to the Latino community through hands-on, face-to-face interaction. Program Manager Ursula Douglas says, “WIF is allowing us to make an impact on the growing Latino community. We are appreciative of their support to help our neighbors in need.” Says Deborah Majewski, chair of the Women’s Impact Fund grants committee: “We are thrilled to be awarding this grant to Care Ring Nurse-Family Partnership. Our hope is that this award will help Care Ring both achieve their mission and strengthen our entire community.”
Heart Math volunteers working with students at Winterfield Elementary school.
Helping Students One Equation at a Time Many Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools test below grade level in math, but the Heart Math Tutoring program aims to improve those scores. Founded in 2010, the nonprofit links volunteers to elementary school students to help develop a strong foundation in math. Heart Math Tutoring operates in partnership with CharlotteMecklenburg Schools and serves 50 students in each Title I school. For example, last year students at Billingsville Leadership Academy, Highland Renaissance Academy, Montclaire Elementary, Westerly Hills Elementary and Winterfield Elementary worked with 250 Heart tutors. Piney Grove and Sedgefield elementary schools will join the program this year. To volunteer or learn more, visit heartutoring.org. P
Carolinas HealthCare System Announces Commitment to Antibiotic Stewardship at White House Forum
Carolinas HealthCare System was invited to the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship, where top leaders from health care, diagnostics and food industries were challenged to leverage their expertise and resources to more aggressively combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria at the national level. Carolinas HealthCare System has been working to reduce the overuse of antibiotics since 2009. CHS is committed to making additional changes over the next five years to slow the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Plans include: • Implementing stewardship programs in all system inpatient locations within three years, including a requirement for antibiotic use reporting. • Developing and implementing stewardship programs for skilled nursing facilities and ambulatory outpatient care practices over five years, including development of antibiotic use reporting. • Incorporating antibiotic indicators and appropriate duration of therapy within the system’s electronic medical records. • Developing disease-specific care pathways that provide best practices for antibiotic prescribing. “Carolinas Healthcare System is excited to contribute to this larger conversation on preventing and combating the overuse of antibiotics, both in health care and other settings,” said James C. Hunter, MD, chief medical officer for the system, who attended the forum. “We are proud of the work we are already doing in this area and applaud the White House for placing additional emphasis on this important topic.”
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EventsCalendar Queen City Bike Fest 2015 Charlotte’s premier motorcycle event is returning to Charlotte. Ride out for a great cause. Part of the proceeds will benefit the charitable organization USO of North Carolina. Visit website for additional information. 980-819-1475. queencitybikefest.com
Mint Museum Potters Market INVITATIONAL 2015 Over 50 N.C. potters will be selling their creations. Pottery demonstrations, food, live music and more. Mint Museum Randolph. 2730 Randolph Rd. $10 (includes Mint Museum admission). 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org
September 7
September 16
September 4-6
charlottelabordayparade.shutterfly.com
Lisa Fischer Known for her Grammy Award -winning Single, “How Can I Ease The Pain,” singer and songwriter Lisa Fischer will be gracing McGlohon Theater stage. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. Tickets start at $20. 7:30 p.m. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org
September 9
September 17
The Charlotte Labor Day Parade The annual Charlotte Labor Day Parade will be marching throughout the streets of uptown. Uptown Charlotte. 11 a.m. Email LaborParade@aol.com or call 704877-6914 for additional information.
Epic Rap Battles of History: Nice Peter & EpicLLOYD Best recognized for co-creating “Epic Rap Battles of History,“ Nice Peter and EpicLLOYD are making a stop in Charlotte on their epic summer tour. The Chop Shop. 399 E. 35th St. $25. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. chopshopnoda.com
September 11
Van Halen & Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Rock royalty Van Halen, along with singer-songwriter Kenny Wayne Shepherd, will be performing in Charlotte on their much anticipated North American Tour. PNC Music Pavilion. 707 Pavilion Boulevard. 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $30-$160. 704-549-5555. livenation.com
September 11 -13
Southern Ideal Home Show Come and check out the latest products, services and ideas for your home.The Park Expo & Conference Center. 2500 E. Independence Blvd. Visit website for ticket prices. Friday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday: 11a.m.-5 p.m. 704-3766594. southernshows.com/hfc
September 12
PurpleStride Charlotte Walk it out in an effort to raise awareness and funds that advance research of pancreatic cancer. Visit website for donation and registration information. Registration opens: 7 a.m.; opening ceremonies: 8 a.m.; run/walk begins: 8:30 a.m. Marshall Park. 800 E. Third Street. purplestride.org/charlotte
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The Annual Echo Award Ceremony “The ceremony will honor those who have chosen to take risks within their own sphere of influence to challenge, nurture and give life to productive change.” Former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will be honored and will deliver the keynote address. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. 345 N. College St. Individual tickets: $300 per person for the award ceremony and gala reception; $85 for the keynote address and award ceremony (limited number of tickets available). 6 p.m. 704347-3844. Echofoundation.org
September 18
Jazz Room Special Edition: Sasha Masakowski sings Antonio Carlos Jobim and the music of Brazil Sasha Masakowski will be paying tribute to Brazilian songwriter, composer, arranger, singer and pianist/ guitarist Antônio “Tom” Carlos Jobim. Blumenthal Stage Door Theater. 130 N. College Street. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. 704-3721000. blumenthalarts.org Janet Jackson: Unbreakable World Tour Janet Jackson will be making a stop in Charlotte on her long-awaited Unbreakable Summer World Tour. PNC Music Pavilion. 707 Pavilion Blvd. Tickets start at $38. 8 p.m. 844-8541450. livenation.com
September 19
Tosco Music Party The evening offers an eclectic mix of music, along with Tosco’s trademark sing-alongs. Knight Theater at Levine
Pride Magazine | www.pridemagazine.net
Center for the Arts. 430 S. Tryon St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $17 - $23. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org
5K timed: 7:15 a.m., 5K untimed: 7:50 a.m. Registration fees range from $15 $40.704-347-8181. komencharlotte.org
September 22
October 9
7th Annual PEEP Mentoring Luncheon This annual luncheon is a “Power Lunch” packed with information for hundreds of high school students! The students get to dine with entrepreneurs, career professionals and business executives from a variety of industries to discuss careers and education. New in 2015: interactive booths! For sponsorship information contact Peep Charlotte@Pridecommunications.net or call 704-375-9553. The Westin. 601 S. College St. For sSponsorship and volunteer opportunities, call 704-3759553. peepcharlotte.org
September 25-26
National Family Empowerment Conference & Expo “The Queen City’s Largest Networking Event,” with Dr. Dennis Kimbro as the keynote speaker. Carole Hoefner Event Center. 610 E. Seventh St. Visit website for event times and ticket prices. Tinyurl.com/NFECEXPO
September 25-27
51st annual Festival in the Park Three-day free event for all ages. Music, food, art and entertainment. Freedom Park, 1409 E. Blvd. Free. Friday: 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sunday: 11a.m.–6 p.m. 704-338-1060. festivalinthepark.org
September 29-October 4
‘Beauty and the Beast’ The classic tale of “Beauty and the Beast” is coming to a stage near you. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. 130 N. Tryon St. Visit website for show times. Tickets start at $25. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org
October 3
Oktoberfest Live entertainment, games and food. NC Music Factory. 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. 12:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Visit website for ticket prices. Email charlotteoktoberfest.com/ contact for additional information. charlotteoktoberfest.com
Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure Join in the fight against breast cancer at the 19th annual Susan G. Komen for the Cure 5k., Marshall Park. 800 E. Third St., uptown Charlotte.
Festival of Praise Tour: Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin & Kim Burrell Gospel greats Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, and Kim Burrell will be performing along with special acts Isaac Carree, Jessica Reedy and Zacardi Cortez. Ovens Auditorium. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $79. 704-372-3600. livenation.com
October 9 -10
Hip Hop Convention The two-day celebration will feature live DJs, graffiti artists, hip-hop dance workshops, free performances, after parties and more. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts. 430 S. Tryon St. Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: 7:30 p.m. Visit website for additional information. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org
October 16-18
Charlotte Contemporary A showcase for over 100 contemporary artists from across the country. The Park Expo & Conference Center. 800 Briar Creek Rd. Friday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. $20. Seniors; $15; student with ID $7; 12 and under free. 704-333-7709. charlottecontemporary.com
October 17
Frank Caliendo Comedian and impressionist Frank Caliendo will be hitting the stage. Ovens Auditorium. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 7 p.m. Visit website for additional information.1-800-745-3000. ovensauditorium.com
October 31
Spinning Spiders and Creepy Crawlers Dress up your kids in their favorite Halloween costumes for the spooky, funfilled celebration. Puppet shows, story time, crafts and more. Charlotte Nature Museum. 1658 Sterling Dr. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ages 2 and up, $6; Under 2, Free; Groups of 15 or more, $4. 704-372-6261. charlottenaturemuseum.org
Save the date!
Saturday, January 16, 2016 Pride Awards 23rd celebration of this annual gala at The Westin. 704-375-9553. www.pridemagazine.net
PRIDE |
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015
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THE HEALTH AND EDUCATION ISSUE
www. PRIDE magaz i ne.net