Charlotte teens study food and science technology
NASA Connections Charlotte middle schoolers create space project Where Change Starts Using art to help prevent gun violence
The Second Act More seniors choose to work past 65
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By Dee Dixon
Welp, my birthday cruise this past May to Alaska was underwhelming. Honestly, cruising is not my favorite way to see the world, and I knew this when I booked this seven-day trip. One is pretty much a hostage on a ship – a nicely treated hostage, but a captive nonetheless. However, after having heard so many positive reports about seeing Alaska by sea, I decided to take the plunge.
After a whole lot of back and forth, looking for deals, I booked a room with a small balcony on Holland America’s Eurodam – a small ship with about 2,000 passengers. I took a cruise once with just a small, port hole in the room and claustrophobia nearly did me in, so having some extra space was important, even though I didn’t sit out there much since the temperature never reached over 50 degrees.
area, close to my port and had a chance to do a little exploring. “Shocking!” The air permeated with the scent of homelessness, literally.
Moving on. Embarking was seamless and my cabin was nicely basic. The main thing I found amazing was how ORGANIZED everything was. There were many restaurants, but I mostly ate at the buffets because choices were plentiful, including great salads, seafood and vegetables. Customer service from the cabin attendants was beyond excellent. My two were very sweet and nice, so I didn’t mind giving them a big tip.
On the other hand, I found many of the ship activities full of gimmicks. As a solo traveler, I do tend to feel a bit isolated. Most people are in pairs or grouped up at the pool, gambling or attending latenight shows. This is ok, but I stuck to my routine of
My adventure started as I flew to and spent the night in Seattle before boarding the Eurodam on May 10. By the way, that airport in Seattle is weirdly small and “outdated” (trying to be kind here) for such a famous city. I booked a room in the downtown
going to bed and getting up with the chickens and working out. My IPAD was my trusty companion. It kept me in contact with family, devotions, movies and yes, work.
Now, the excursions I took were mediocre – too pricey for what you get. I debarked in Sitka where the main attraction was the totem poles and visiting a salmon farm in Ketchikan stands out. Ho-Hum. Cruising through Glacier Bay was beautiful.
I saw a big whale in Juneau (LOL) and learned an important fact at the museum there. However, I’m still wondering why it is the capital. It reminds me of a small town you need to be leaving. Did you know the U.S. bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million in 1867? This fact put things in perspective for me because the whole time I was in Alaska, it never felt like part of the United States.
u n i q u e l y p o s i t i o n e d t o m e e t a l l y o u r a u t o m o t i v e n e e d s
W h a t t r u l y d i s t i n g u i s h e s M i l l s A u t o m o t i v e G r o u p i s o u r s t e a d f a s t c o m m i t m e n t t o c u s t o m e r s a t i s f a c t i o n O u r k n o w l e d g e a b l e s a l e s a n d s e r v i c e p r o f e s s i o n a l s , s u p p o r t e d b y d e c a d e s o f i n d u s t r y e x p e r t i s e , a r e d e d i c a t e d t o p r o v i d i n g a b e s t - i n - c l a s s e x p e r i e n c e a t e v e r y s t a g e o f y o u r j o u r n e y
By Angela M. Haigler
“White Burgers, Black Cash: Fast Food from Black Exclusion to Exploitation”
by Naa Oyo A. Kwate
White Burgers, Black Cash uncovers how fast food evolved from excluding Black communities to deeply embedding itself within them—often to their detriment. With powerful storytelling and meticulous research, Naa Oyo A. Kwate exposes how racism shaped where and how these chains operate. This isn’t just about burgers—it’s about land, access, and targeted marketing cloaked as opportunity. Anchored in cities like Chicago and D.C., the book shows how fast food became both a symptom and a symbol of inequality. A necessary read that challenges what we’ve been sold about convenience and community.
“Heaven
by James McBride
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store is a layered, luminous story that uncovers buried truths and elevates everyday heroes. Set in a mixed neighborhood of Black folks and immigrant Jews, James McBride weaves a tale of quiet resistance, deep-rooted love, and fierce protection. Chona, Moshe, and Nate stand as pillars of courage, shielding the vulnerable when the system comes knocking. Through mystery and memory, McBride reveals how marginalized communities carry each other through injustice. It’s a soulful, compassionate reminder that the bonds we build on the margins often hold the most power.
“Coded Justice: A Thriller”
by
Stacy Abrams aka Selena Montgomery
Avery Keene is back with a bang in Coded Justice, diving headfirst into the shadowy side of AI in healthcare. Fresh off the Supreme Court and now with a D.C. law firm, she’s tapped to investigate a powerful tech company whose shiny promises may be hiding deadly truths. Stacey Abrams spins a sharp, high-stakes thriller that blends medical innovation with corporate secrets and legal intrigue. With help from her loyal crew, Avery peels back layers of danger, data, and deception. Smart, timely, and twist-filled — this one keeps you guessing and thinking long after the last page.
“Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church”
by Kevin Sack
Mother Emanuel is more than a recounting of tragedy — it’s a sacred testimony of endurance, faith, and radical forgiveness. Kevin Sack pulls back the veil on a Charleston church rooted in rebellion, resilience, and the Black South’s spiritual backbone. From 1817 uprisings to 2015 heartbreak, this book traces the unshakable path of a people who dared to worship freely and forgive boldly. It honors a congregation that stood tall through centuries of racial violence and still found grace in the rubble. This powerful, deeply researched offering bears witness to history — and to hope.
by Derrick Barnes (Ilustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice) Rasheed thinks his big brother Anthony is the greatest. From stormy nights to muddy adventures, Anthony has been his guide, his playmate, and his hero. As Rasheed grows, Anthony gently helps him level up with big-boy skills, even while learning to set healthy boundaries. When Rasheed struggles with not always being included, Anthony reminds him that love doesn’t take breaks. Soon the boys learn that a new sibling is on the way. Will Rasheed be ready to be a good big brother? P
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By Alicia Michele Benjamin
Tamara Williams, associate professor of dance has won a 2025 Arts & Science Council
Williams will use a Creative Renewal Fellowship grant of $15,000 to augment her dance research and performance practice with the study of Yoruba drumming. She’ll travel to Africa this summer to study in Benin and Nigeria and return in return in December. Throughout the school year, she will travel to Atlanta to study with Yoruba traditionalists who are masters of the West African percussive rhythms and songs.
Williams earned her B.F.A. in Dance from Florida State University and received her M.F.A. in Dance from Hollins University. She has performed with Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, Errol Grimes Dance Group, Millicent and Company, the Urban Bush Women’s apprentice company and others. Her choreography has been performed nationally and internationally including Serbia, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Mexico and Brazil.
Williams has researched and developed various community programs focusing on marginalized people in New York City and Charlotte. The programs provide opportunities for underserved communities to learn and practice dances of the African diaspora; histories and cultures which are strategically neglected in U.S. education systems.
The new Mecklenburg County Manager Mike Bryant was sworn into office in June. He will provide leadership for County departments serving over 1.2 million residents, manage a $2.5 billion budget and execute Board priorities. Bryant succeeds Dena R. Diorio.
Bryant joined the county in 2003 as a management and budget analyst. He was promoted to Director of the Office of Management and Budget in 2014, and to Deputy County Manager in 2020. He previously worked for the City of Durham, Duke University, Granville County, and the North Carolina Office of the Governor.
In his oath, Bryant pledged “accountability, balance, collaboration, and data, with a strong emphasis on ethics, fortitude, grit, high standards and a commitment to performance management.” The ceremony featured an invocation, spoken performance, musical performance, an award and the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.
During his swearing in ceremony, Bryant said, “As your new County Manager, I pledge to approach the work using the ABCs of leadership rooted in accountability, balanced collaboration and data with a strong emphasis on ethics, fortitude, grit, high standards, and a commitment to performance management.”
Pamela Gibson Senegal joined the YWCA Central Carolinas as the new CEO in March. She previously served as President of Piedmont Community College in Roxboro, North Carolina.
Senegal recently completed an ECU Honors Seminar in Economic Development, the Duke University NC Leadership Forum, and the prestigious Aspen New President’s Leadership Fellowship. This year, she was selected as one of 25 leaders nationwide to participate in the second cohort of the Aspen Institute’s President Fellowship program, an experience being customized for her new nonprofit focus.
Senegal has more than 25 years of experience in industry, education and economic development. Dr. Senegal serves on several boards, including EdNC, the NC Turnpike Authority and the NC Leadership Forum. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Senegal earned her bachelor’s degrees in political science and Spanish, a master’s degree in public administration, and a Doctorate in Adult and Community College Education — all from North Carolina State University. She is the mother of three sons -- a Hampton University graduate, a Winston-Salem State University graduate and a senior at Piedmont Community College’s Person Early College for Innovation and Leadership.
ByFaith
By Rev. Dr. Dwayne Bond
Life moves fast — often faster than our hearts can process the grief we carry. Responsibilities don’t pause. Work still demands attention. Children still need care. Bills still arrive. And in the middle of it all, death and loss disrupt our lives. Pain surprises us. Sorrow catches us off guard. And while the world keeps going, our souls are often left limping, struggling to catch up with the weight of what we’ve lost.
Emotional and mental health require space for grief. We can’t outrun sorrow. When grief is ignored, it doesn’t fade — it festers. It begins to bleed into all of life, making us emotionally reactive, spiritually numb, or exhausted. Grief must be acknowledged, named, and mourned. It’s not a sign of weakness — it’s part of the healing God invites us into.
The Bible doesn’t gloss over grief. It gives us story after story of honest sorrow: Jacob weeping over Joseph, Hannah crying out in anguish, David lamenting over Saul, Jonathan, and Absalom. Mary and Martha grieved the loss of Lazarus. And Jesus Himself, the sinless Son of God, stood at Lazarus’ tomb and wept. Grief is not foreign to faith — it’s woven through the fabric of redemption.
Genesis 23 offers a poignant example. Abraham, the father of faith, loses his beloved wife and covenant companion, Sarah. At 127 years old, her life ends, and Abraham doesn’t hide his pain. He weeps. He mourns. Yet this is not a man shaken by doubt, but a man seasoned by trust. He knows that loss is real, but God’s promises still stand.
Abraham takes the time to grieve, reflect, and honor Sarah. Then, in a profound act of faith, he purchases a burial site in Canaan — the cave of Machpelah. Why does this matter? Because this is the first piece of the Promised Land that Abraham owns. Even in death, Abraham moves forward — not in denial of grief, but in the direction of God’s promise.
He doesn’t go back to his homeland. He doesn’t retreat into comfort. He plants his hope in the land God said would belong to his descendants. Hebrews 11 tells us he was looking ahead — not just to Canaan, but to a better country — a heavenly one.
Many of us try to move on from loss too quickly, as if grief is a luxury we can’t afford. But Abraham shows us that grief and faith are not enemies. Grieving deeply and moving forward in hope are both acts of faith.
Sarah’s burial wasn’t just the end of her life — it was a marker in redemptive history. It pointed to resurrection. Like Abraham, we live between promise and possession. Jesus, our true and better Son of Abraham, has come. He died, was buried, and rose again, securing our eternal inheritance.
So, when we grieve, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We mourn — but we also look forward. Because in Christ, death is no longer the end — it’s a pathway to hope in Christ and a future resurrection. Take time to grieve with faith. P
Even in death, Abraham moves forward — not in denial of grief, but in the direction of God’s promise.
By Dawn Hilton-Williams
As late summer heat scorches the Queen City, the price of food and the weight of systemic disenfranchisement continue their unrelenting rise. Fresh produce, already scarce where it’s needed most, has been pushed even further out of reach as corporate and policy disinvestment pave the way for more fast-food chains and convenience stores that directly profit from the diet-related chronic illnesses their products help create.
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Across the region, vines hang heavy with rotting produce that will never be harvested, while immigration raids target hardworking laborers, mothers in hospitals, children in classrooms and families in sanctuaries. These strategic attacks, while designed to destabilize and divide, also call us to look more closely at what still heals and feeds us. So, as we steady our footing for this latest wave of injustice, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and plunge our hands deep into the soil to reclaim our agricultural roots.
Braided into hair, our ancestors brought native seeds with them. From okra and cowpea to millet and benne, the seeds represented a lifeline and memory through unimaginable grief. Swathed in remembrance and legacy, each harvest reminded them of what was stolen and what still lived. Even when Black and Indigenous communities were denied land and shut out of markets, gardens, no matter the size, were homesteads for healing and the unflappable declaration: we will gather, we will grow, and we will eat. The seeds our ancestors carried weren’t the only ones meant to survive. Indigenous nations across what is now North Carolina, including the Cherokee Nation, Lumbee Tribe, Coharie Tribe and the Haliwa-Saponi
Tribe, have preserved planting traditions through land theft, war, forced displacement and broken treaties. The Three Sisters method of growing corn, beans and squash together to protect and restore the soil remains a foundation of their agricultural wisdom. Through seed keeping, ceremony and land defense, they continue to protect tradition and honor legacy never surrendered.
Here are some resources for creating your own garden:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: Across the Queen City, library branches offer free heritage seeds like okra, collards, and basil. Each packet includes planting tips, crop rotation guidance, and seedsaving advice to support future growing seasons. The library also hosts seasonal Seed Swaps and hands-on workshops on edible gardening, seed keeping, and cultivating community through shared harvests.
Zealous Empowering Nurturer, Incorporated (ZEN): Founded by April Booker, Zealous Empowering Nurturer, Incorporated (ZEN) is an impactful grassroots initiative focused on lessening food insecurity by reconnecting communities to the land and the knowledge it holds.
Located in Charlotte’s Prosperity Creek area, ZEN offers regularly scheduled, free, hands-on classes that teach everything from seed starting and take-home starter plants to soil care, weeding, watering and harvesting techniques.
Johnson C. Smith University’s Sustainability Village offers aquaponics and hydroponics workshops open to community members, distributing seedlings and tools to fight food insecurity in West Charlotte. In partnership with local Black churches, the Village
also helps establish congregational gardens to distribute fresh produce throughout surrounding neighborhoods.
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens: UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens isn’t just beautiful; they also offer seasonal classes and community workshops. From seasonal planting and edible gardening to container planting, native plant propagation, and more, check them out.
1
Start small: with raised beds or containers, filled with compost-rich soil and topped with mulch to lock in moisture.
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Choose culturally resonant seeds: like collards, blackeyed peas, okra, basil; all available through library branches.
3 Turn surplus into solidarity: by donating fresh harvest to community elders, neighbors or local food pantries; transforming your garden into a source of communal sustenance.
4 Engage your children: by giving each child a plant to tend; teaching them nourishment from seed to plate.
Whether rebuilding community through shared labor or restoring traditions rooted in the land, each act reaffirms that well-being and freedom are ours to cultivate.
Seeds, long honored as blueprints for survival, health and cultural continuity, remain a powerful counter to the epidemics of chronic illness and systemic inequity, reminding us that planting is healing from soil to soul. P
Dawn Hilton-Williams AKA the Vegucator, is a whole food, plantbased (WFPB) certified nutrition professional, wellness equity activist, founder and clinically endorsed author and vegan chef.
By Brenda Porter-Rockwell
With more than 8,600 food scientists in the U.S., African Americans account for only 4% of that population, according to career industry website, Zippia.com. Enter Charlotte-based nonprofit George Washington Carver Food Research Institute Agriculture STEAM Academy. This twoweek summer immersion program for high schoolers is more call to action to increase representation in food science careers than traditional summer camp.
“This industry is the second largest industry in the world. There’s plenty of opportunity and space for our children to be able to have wonderful careers — whether they’re working internally for companies or externally having their own business,” said food scientist and the STEAM academy’s co-founder, Angela Cauley.
The foundation’s name and mission are a nod to the extraordinary work of George Washington Carver — best
Scientist, agriculturalist, inventor and educator George Washington Carver is the inspiration behind the creation of the George Washington Carver Food Research Institute’s Agriculture STEAM Academy.
known for his peanut research. But Carver was also a general agricultural innovator based on what we know today as science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) techniques.
Carver was a leading researcher at Tuskegee Institute. He’s best known for promoting crop rotation and sustainable farming in the South, introducing alternative crops like peanuts, sweet potatoes and soybeans to restore soil depleted by cotton.
Cauley said she and her husband/ business partner, Dr. Ian Blount, an agribusiness and applied economist, hope the students gain career insights as well as practical takeaways through STEAM exercises.
The academy launched more than a decade ago, after Cauley and Blount sold their for-profit food science business and transitioned their expertise into a nonprofit model that helps fill the pipeline for agricultural and food science innovators.
Cauley said the students explore, “The impact of food, where food comes from, how it arrives on the shelves and gets to you. You’re learning about how to eat to live to optimize your own health. If we plant those seeds inside a student, then they can go back and talk to their parents and their friends and create that change.”
Day one of this summer’s academy began with a personality assessment designed to introduce food science pathways.
International Development (USAID). But with the shuttering of all USAID work earlier this year, MANA needed a new audience for its product. Stepping up to the challenge, students pitched several solutions.
“We discussed the nutritional aspects and ramifications — like why is it okay for this product going abroad to have the sugar content that it had, and what is the detriment to consumers here in the United States based on a typical American diet?” Cauley said.
One team proposed reformulating to avoid using peanuts in a U.S.-targeted product, as peanuts are a big allergen issue here at home compared to0 other countries. The students proposed substituting navy beans for peanuts.
“The creativity was off the chains!” added Blount.
to use their newfound knowledge. Students walked the show floor and networked with companies, colleges and universities. While in the Windy City, students also toured a beef tallow plant to see how the product is made.
“It was going to be two full conference days of just ... Wow!” said Cauley.
Kennedy Williams, 16, of Charlotte, attended the camp in 2024 and again in 2025.
“One unforgettable experience from the camp was visiting a lab that’s used by several colleges and universities in North Carolina. We had the opportunity to use real lab materials, conduct titration experiments and participate in hands-on activities that gave us a true sense of what food scientists do every day,” said Williams. The teen also found value in touring a Black-owned farm.
“Seeing how much effort goes into producing the food we eat daily was eyeopening. I gained a new respect for farmers and for the incredible design of the land God created,” said Williams, adding that the academy has made her reconsider her future college major.
“I had planned to study biology on a pre-med track. But now I’m considering minoring in food science or incorporating it into my studies in some way because it relates to so many careers,” Williams said.
Williams eagerly recommended the academy to all students.
“Even if you’re not originally interested in food science, I highly recommend giving the camp a try,” said Williams. P
“The scholars were able to look at [results] then understand ‘what are my likes, my dislikes, my strengths, my weaknesses …’ and really get to the sole purpose of what it is that they’re put on this earth to do. And if it’s in the industry, that’s great. If it’s not, then that’s still okay,” explained Cauley.
Real-life problem solving with a corporate partner is a large part of the STEAM curriculum. This summer’s students brainstormed and pitched ideas that could help MANA Nutrition in Matthews find a new outlet for its product.
MANA had been manufacturing and distributing a peanut butter-based readyto-eat supplemental nutrition pack for malnourished individuals in developing nations through a humanitarian food aid partnership with the U.S. Agency for
Blount said a typical product cycle time from conception to product launch can be 18- to 24 months. In under two weeks, students developed a new supply chain, packaging prototypes, logos, pricing models and 30-second commercial bites for MANA.
“They did what your huge conglomerates do. Not to the level of granularity and specificity, but at the end of the day they created a product from the whole life cycle in eight days,” said Blount.
Stepping outside the classroom, some of the students headed to the Institute of Food Technologists’ (IFT) event called “IFT FIRST Event and Expo” in Chicago in midJuly. From the IFT stage, students shared highlights from their two weeks at the Academy, including how they’re planning
By Derik Hicks
In the heart of East Charlotte, a group of students from Albemarle Road Middle School (Albemarle Road) did the unimaginable. They designed a scientific experiment that was selected by NASA and sent to the edge of space. Yes, space.
Albemarle Road became one of 60 schools nationwide to win NASA’s TechRise Student Challenge, an elite national competition that immerses students in STEM by inviting them to submit and build real-world experiments for suborbital flight. Over 700 schools applied.
With limited resources but unlimited ambition, this group of middle schoolers created a radiation detector that measures radiation levels across different layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. On June 16, 2025, students from 60 middle and high schools witnessed their experiments launch aboard a high-altitude NASA balloon as part of
NASA’s TechRise Student Challenge –this included Albemarle Road students’ radiation detector.
It all started with one teacher’s commitment to giving her students an opportunity to dream.
Sharon Okoye, a science teacher at Albemarle Road, has a talent for finding opportunities where others see obstacles.
“I run a program focused on science, research and competition,” she explained. “I actively hunt for competitions that give my students the chance to shine.” When she stumbled upon the NASA TechRise
Albemarle Road became one of 60 schools nationwide to win NASA’s TechRise Student Challenge, an elite national competition that immerses students in STEM by inviting them to submit and build real-world experiments for suborbital flight. Over 700 schools applied.
challenge, she saw a golden opportunity and jumped on it.
Her enthusiasm caught on quickly with the students, who were encouraged to research and present potential project topics. One student, captivated by the topic of radiation, gave a compelling presentation that sparked class-wide curiosity. “It became a student-driven choice,” Okoye said. “They talked about Hiroshima, Nagasaki — and they wanted to know how radiation moves through the atmosphere.”
With guidance from Okoye and inspired by their curriculum on atmospheric layers, the students proposed an experiment to detect radiation at different altitudes. They integrated additional measurements like temperature, pressure and humidity — all brainstormed and researched by the students themselves.
Once selected as winners, the students partnered with NASA engineers to bring their design to life. Every week after school, they collaborated on coding, soldering, wiring and designing the hardware that would fly thousands of feet into the sky.
Time constraints were a major hurdle. The team only had one hour a week to work with NASA engineers. Holidays, inclement weather and other interruptions constantly threatened their progress. “But the kids stepped up,” Okoye said.. “They gave up their lunch breaks to work. They figured out problems before the engineers came back the next week. The NASA staff told me, ‘We’ve never seen students collaborate like this.’”
For Seth Robinson, one of the team members, the project was life changing. “I was the team’s coder and did most of the wiring,” he said. “It was challenging, but it was the most fun I’ve ever had.”
Seeing something he helped build actually go up into space “was surreal,” Seth said. “My past self would’ve never believed it. To know I helped create something that went into space—it changed the way I see the future.”
For a school with a high population of underserved students, this wasn’t just a science fair victory—it was a transformative moment.
“Many of my brightest students used to say they wanted to drop out, or work
in fast food,” Okoye said. “Some had been told they’d be homeless. That’s what they believed because that’s what they saw around them. This project gave them something different — a vision for what they can be.”
Seth is now considering a future in engineering. “It showed me how exciting and powerful science can be,” he said. “I want to keep building and solving problems. I want to contribute to the real world.”
Okoye has set her sights on scaling up this success. “I want to expand this kind of competitive STEM engagement across the district,” she said. “If my students can go from local science club to national champions, so can others.”
Top: The students and teacher Sharon Okoye are working hard on their NASA project.
Left: Albemarle Road students are fine tuning their NASA project, a radiation detector.
For a school with a high population of underserved students, this wasn’t just a science fair victory—it was a transformative moment.
Despite being in a resource-constrained school, Okoye and her students never let that stand in their way. “You have to (submit grant applications), knock on doors, get the community involved. The resources won’t always be there, but if your focus and heart are there, anything is possible,” Okoye said.
With help from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, a supportive principal and even parents who rallied behind the students, this once-after-school club turned into a national headline.
“Opportunity is everything,” Okoye said. “Every child has the capacity to do something amazing. All they need is the chance.” P
To the Mecklenburg County Public Health Village HeartBEAT Program 2025 Season 12 Fitness Competition Winners!
FIRST PLACE: Rockwell AME Zion Church
SECOND PLACE: Ebenezer Baptist Church
THIRD PLACE: Smallwood Presbyterian Church
The Village HeartBEAT Program (Building Education & Accountability Together) is organized to reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease through a partnership model with Faith-based Organizations (FBOs) in Mecklenburg County.
The overarching goal is to invest in FBOs as mutual partners to adopt effective and sustainable policy, systems and environmental change (PSE) strategies to enhance healthier lifestyle choices, develop tobacco-free sites, and implement sustainable physical activities and healthy food options.
This year marked the 12th season of the Village HeartBEAT Program’s (VHB) 16-week Fitness Competition Challenge, which incorporates a team challenge utilizing a community-based framework to provide tools and resources to reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease and health conditions due to poor diet and physical inactivity. This year a total of 32 churches joined the competition with 381 participants engaged in the 16-week competition.
By Angel M. Brown
Gun violence is personal for me. I lost my father to it. It’s a pain that shaped the way I see the world and deepened my passion for healing and advocacy. So, when I heard about an initiative where Mecklenburg County partnered with the Arts and Science Council to use art as a vehicle for gun violence prevention, I knew I needed to learn more — and share the story.
The County commissioned five local artists to create visual works centered on prevention, awareness and hope. These pieces were placed in recreation centers throughout the city, not just as
• Intergenerational Programming
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“I’ve lost several loved ones to gun violence. Starting when I was in eighth grade. Once you experience that kind of loss, the world never feels as safe again.”
—John Hairston
decoration, but as conversation starters — particularly for young people who often find themselves at the center of this crisis.
Deputy County Manager Leslie Johnson shared how this project came to life. After the pandemic, a community resilience task force recommended leveraging art as a tool for education and healing. “We weren’t optimizing the voices and talents of local artists,” Johnson said. “So, we began to explore how art could help us tell stories — especially around public health.”
After conversations with the Mecklenburg County Health Department, one issue stood out: violence. Not just the kind that makes headlines, but the kind that leaves behind deep-rooted trauma in families and neighborhoods. Johnson and her team saw an opportunity. “Gun violence is one of the most significant health
issues in Mecklenburg County,” she explained. “Not just because of injury or death, but because of the ripple effect of harm.”
The county partnered with the Arts and Science Council to issue
a call for local artists. A panel reviewed submissions and selected five pieces that reflected the theme of violence prevention in powerful and diverse ways. The result?
These five images that now hang in recreation centers across Charlotte:
• Revolution Sports Academy and Park – “Out of the Streets, Into the Fields” by Abel Jackson
• Arbor Glen Recreation Center – “Inherent Dignity” by Ingrid Swenson
• West Charlotte Recreation Center – “How Many More?” by John Hairston
• Sugaw Creek Recreation Center – “Growth Not Guns” by Osiris Rain
• Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center – “Seeding Hope” by Marcus Kiser
I visited three of the five art pieces. The one that stayed with me the most was Abel Jackson’s piece -“Out of the Streets, Into the Fields” — a piece that centers sports as
5K begins at 9:30 AM Fun Run begins at 10:30 AM
a protective outlet. Growing up in Detroit, I turned to sports to stay grounded. Playing sports gave me structure, purpose and a way out. Seeing that message reflected in artwork reminded me how vital these community spaces are.
John Hairston’s piece, “How Many More?” also left a deep impression. Hairston explained that his work came from personal experience. “I’ve lost several loved ones to gun violence,” he said. “Starting when I was in eighth grade. Once you experience that kind of loss, the world never feels as safe again.”
His painting features somber children, glowing candles and cracked glass. “The cracks represent how our lives are shattered after losing someone,” he said. “The candles are about hope and remembrance.” The title came from a protest sign he saw that said: “How many more of us have to die before something changes?”
That question remains.
The art project also served as a centerpiece for the County’s Peace Builders Youth Summit, an event held earlier this year under the theme, “Violence Free Begins With Me.” The artists met with teens to discuss their work and facilitate deeper conversations about violence, resilienceand what it means to be part of a safe and thriving community.
“Art sparks reflection and discussion — and that’s where change starts. We want this project to expand. We’ve even begun thinking about how to include adult voices and intergenerational conversations. This impacts everyone, from age 8 to 80.”
—Leslie Johnson
“Seeding
“These are the future grown-ups,” Hairston said. “There’s a raw, unrefined power in young people to evoke change. Hopefully, they can figure out what we haven’t.”
Johnson echoed that hope. “Art sparks reflection and discussion — and that’s where change starts,” she said. “We want this project to expand. We’ve even begun thinking about how to include adult voices and intergenerational conversations. This impacts everyone, from age 8 to 80.”
There are no easy fixes when it comes to gun violence. But art gives us a place to start — through storytelling, shared emotion and collective vision. As someone who knows what it feels like to lose someone, I’m grateful for spaces like this that remind us that we’re not alone, and that healing — while not always immediate — is still possible.
This project doesn’t just paint a picture of the pain. It plants seeds of hope. And we need both. P
By Rosanny Crumpton
Inside the walls of Charlotte’s C.W. Williams Community Health Center, an innovative program is serving a fresh kind of care, rooted in education, access and empowerment. It’s called The Nutrition Kitchen, a “teaching kitchen” designed not just to teach recipes, but to transform lives.
Nutrition Kitchen’s mission is to improve health and wellness through hands-on learning. The program offers free nutrition education and cooking demonstrations using easily accessible healthy foods.
Monique Weeks at C.W. Williams Community Health Center (CWWCHC) said that nutrition has always been a key focus at their Federally Qualified Health Center.
“Food insecurity, which is a major social determinant of health, is linked to negative outcomes such as chronic
disease, poor child development and increased healthcare costs,” Weeks said.
Nutrition Kitchen, tackles those issues head-on. By connecting patients to nutritious foods, local markets and supportive services, the program increases access to care and promotes long-term well-being. “Nutrition programs are also a form of preventive medicine, helping to lower the risk of disease progression and potentially reducing emergency visits and healthcare costs,” Weeks added.
At the heart of The Nutrition Kitchen is its nutritionist, who leads engaging, informative classes that are practical and culturally relevant.
“CWWCHC has employed a nutritionist who provides education, information and classes on how to prepare delicious, affordable food, in a healthy manner,” Weeks said. The team has also partnered with local food banks and other
organizations “expanding the reach and effectiveness of our services offered.”
Nutrition Kitchen classes include:
• Interactive cooking demonstrations that teach participants how to stretch their dollar while creating nutrientdense meals
• Market-to-table workshops in collaboration with local markets and pantries
• Smart cart supermarket tours that walkthrough label reading, unit pricing, seasonal buying and more
The goal isn’t to replace beloved meals, but to reimagine them. “All the foods and recipes used in our teaching kitchen focus on core principles that guide healthy food selection. Those being affordability and shelf stability, accessibility, nutrient density and cultural appropriateness,” said Weeks.
Meals like spaghetti, tacos, rice and potatoes — common family favorites — are recreated with a healthier lens; for example, spaghetti noodles might be replaced with zucchini noodles, ground beef sauce swapped for mushroom-based sauce and white potatoes traded for sweet potatoes. The idea is to show that better health doesn’t mean unfamiliar or expensive food.
Food education goes beyond the grocery aisle. “The Nutrition Kitchen has recently
collaborated with local farmers to educate patients through an entire farm food-totable experience,” Weeks said. Patients participate in planting, growing, harvesting and preparing food under the guidance of a local chef. This full-circle approach helps reconnect people to where their food comes from and how they can grow their own.
Additionally, Deep Roots CPS Farm provides opportunities for individuals to learn how to maintain a backyard garden or even start a small herb or indoor hydroponic system.
While the initiative is still growing, early outcomes are promising. “Within two months of arriving, the nutritionist acquired 20 patients (and the number continues to grow), completely changing their outlook on food and lifestyle and how it impacts overall health,” said Weeks.
One woman, 39, came in wanting to lose weight before her 40th birthday and lower her high blood pressure. After exploring her nutrition, stress, and hydration levels, the Nutritionist designed a personalized protocol. In just one week, she lost four pounds and reported feeling more energized and hopeful.
Left: Nutritionist Kelley Logan preparing a healthy meal at Nutrition Kitchen’s grand opening.
Below: Nutritionist Kelley Logan and patient Sirena Frink during a regular appointment reviewing the patient’s modifications, progress and recipes.
Nutrition Kitchen’s mission is to improve health and wellness through hands-on learning. The program offers free nutrition education and cooking demonstrations using easily accessible healthy foods.
Another participant, 38, had started a weight loss medication but wasn’t seeing results. A deeper analysis revealed severe dehydration. After adjusting her water intake (with the help of lemon and Celtic sea salt), changing her diet, and adding light exercise, she returned to the health center having lost seven pounds.
“We anticipate remarkable improved changes in the overall health, physically and mentally, of many that now have access to nutritional care,” Weeks said.
The Nutrition Kitchen isn’t just feeding people, it’s teaching them how to nourish themselves for the long haul, said Weeks. And in doing so, it’s helping to close the gap between food access and true wellness right in the heart of the community. P
HopeWay’s Teen Mental Health day program combines mental health treatment with academic support, giving teens the tools they need to thrive. Here, treatment is a proactive step - not a last resort - toward a healthier, brighter future.
hopeway.org/who-we-serve/teens • 1-844-HOPEWAY HopeWay is a 501(c)3 organization.
She was a dedicated teacher for children at the Siloam School
By Angela Lindsay
In 2017, the Charlotte Museum of History led an effort to save one of Mecklenburg County’s oldest structures, the Siloam School. This historic Rosenwald School was a one-room wooden building built around 1920 for African American students. After years of sitting in disrepair, the schoolhouse was moved to museum’s property where it has been restored as a result of fundraising and preservation efforts.
While the story of the restoration of the school’s walls is remarkable, it’s the stories that have echoed between those walls over time that are truly fascinating. One such story is that of a teacher by the name of Margaret Gilliard.
Born on February 14, 1903, in South Carolina, Gilliard was either the first or one
Above:
of the first teachers at Siloam School. In the 1922-23 school year, 19-year-old Margaret Gilliard was the only teacher at Siloam School, according to the Olde Mecklenburg Genealogy Society (Olde Meck). Olde Meck was founded in 1981 by a small group of genealogists “to unite folks who share a love of family history, to help them with their genealogical research, and to preserve records of interest to family historians” said Lois Stickell, who researched and wrote the profile on Gilliard for Olde Meck.
“When I first started researching Gilliard, I was intrigued by her last name. ‘Gilliard’ is not a Scots Irish name and most of Mecklenburg County’s early settlers were Scots Irish,” Stickell explained. “As someone interested in genealogy I wanted to know where she came from and what her roots were. Gilliard’s family trail had some
interesting breadcrumbs to follow. They took me all the way back to a plantation in South Carolina in the early 1800s.”
Stickell’s research was comprised of newspapers, genealogy websites, and internet sources. She said her most rewarding find was the “Lowcountry Africana” website which helps people look for ancestors who were enslaved by linking to plantation records. Her research revealed that Gilliard’s father was named Cyrus, a name which had been handed down from father to son for generations — from the first Cyrus who was enslaved to the Cyrus who made his “X” on the Freedman’s Bank records to Gilliard’s father Cyrus.
“While these records give only the first names of the enslaved, I worked on the premise that a newly freed person took the [last] name of their enslaver,” she adds. “It is speculation that Margaret’s greatgrandparents were enslaved by the Gaillard or Prioleau families. What is known is that her grandfather could not write. Fifty years after he signed his name with an X, his granddaughter taught children at Siloam School to read and write.”
The 1910 U.S. Census showed the Gilliard family living in Charlotte’s First Ward, which was then known as the Brooklyn neighborhood, a thriving all-black, selfsustaining community in downtown until it was demolished due to “urban renewal” in the 1960s.
In January 1908, Gilliard’s father bought a house and its property for $1,025 at 417 North Caldwell St., the equivalent to about $35,000 in 2024. The city of Charlotte changed the numbers of some houses in the
center of Charlotte in 1931, resulting in a change of the address to 425 N. Caldwell. From her home, Gilliard took a bus ten miles and then walked an additional three miles to the Siloam schoolhouse.
“The [Charlotte Museum of History] put out some excellent information about the school and mentioned two teachers. One lived near the school, but Margaret Gilliard lived 10 miles away and traveled by bus and foot to the school each day. That really struck me because travel in the 1920s was not easy — the roads were deplorable, and the bus system was new and not entirely reliable. Who was this person who was willing to go through so much to educate children on the fringe of the county and society?” Stickell said.
Although she may not have had more than an 8th grade education herself at the time, Gilliard taught reading, arithmetic, spelling, geography, history and science to up to 60 students. Her salary as a teacher was $50 a month. She only taught at Siloam School for one year, but she continued to teach and was a member of the North Carolina Negro Teachers Association in 1924-1925.
In 1944, 20 years after teaching at Siloam School, Gilliard received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Johnson C. Smith University. She was one of the few students with a cross in front of her name, indicating she was an honor student. That same year, she began teaching at the Isabella Wyche Elementary School at 809 S. Poplar in Charlotte’s Third Ward where she would remain for 24 years.
Through Gilliard’s story, Stickell said she wishes to bring to life an individual
who chose a difficult assignment and never received the recognition she deserved.
“Margaret was very young when she made the long bus ride out to Siloam School to teach under harsh conditions. I’d like readers to think about her when they drive by the Charlotte Museum of History and see the little school where she taught,” Stickell said. I’d like them to appreciate the sacrifices she and others made to help students receive an education.”
Although Gilliard never had children, they were her life. She was the “adoptive mother of four and countless others that she taught and befriended when they were sick.”
“As someone interested in genealogy, I wanted to know where she came from and what her roots were. Gilliard’s family trail had some interesting breadcrumbs to follow. They took me all the way back to a plantation in South Carolina in the early 1800s.”
—Lois Stickell
In 1974, a reporter from the Charlotte Observer interviewed her about her extensive doll collection. She sometimes held doll shows at the schools where she taught and charged students 10 cents admission to see the dolls. The money she raised was used to buy gifts for sick children at Good Samaritan Hospital.
“Margaret didn’t have children of her own, but she touched the lives of many children through her decades of teaching,” said Stickell. Gilliam was 76 when she died on February 16, 1979. She’s buried at Pinewood Cemetery, where her mother and father were also buried P
By John Burton Jr.
They aren’t winding down — they’re leveling up. Across the country, a growing number of older Americans are trading in the traditional image of retirement for something far more dynamic. They’re going back to school, launching new careers, volunteering in their communities and stepping back into the workforce.
They’re not chasing a paycheck — they’re chasing purpose, and in doing so, they’re rewriting the story of aging in America. “Learning means the absence of fear,” says 71-year-old Phyllis HoustonWashington, a corporate chaplain.
“Growing up in the time I grew up in, learning has always been a challenge but also a test. And I knew that I was going to pass regardless.”
According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 19% of adults aged 65 and older are still working — up from just 11% in 1987. That’s more than 11 million seniors who’ve chosen to keep showing up. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2033, one in four American workers will be 55 or older.
For some, working is about economic survival. But for others, it’s about staying engaged, active and inspired. The rising cost of living and the shift away from pensions to 401(k)s have certainly reshaped retirement. Still, nearly half of working seniors say it’s purpose, not just pay, that keeps them going.
“Now, go do something that you enjoy. Do something fun,” said Markeath Bridges, 72, a retired IBM employee, who is now a North Carolina state
According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 19% of adults aged 65 and older are still working — up from just 11% in 1987. That’s more than 11 million seniors who’ve chosen to keep showing up.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2033, one in four American workers will be 55 or older.
employee. “Don’t do something that will have you stressed out like it was when you were working. There’s no fun in that.”
Volunteerism also looks different. Thelma Byers-Bailey, 82, serves on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education. Her motivation? “They made me mad when they closed Lincoln Heights School,” she said. “I let them know you all need help making better decisions.”
A West Charlotte High alumna and former attorney, Byers-Bailey tutors students at Walter G. Byers School and remains active in the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Association.
“Learning is a lifelong commitment to me,” she adds. “I embrace technology a little, like texting,” said Byers-Bailey. “I like it because it’s a record of what I said so I can remember.” Her commitment reflects a broader trend: seniors choosing to stay involved because they care deeply about their communities, their families and their futures.
Working longer offers more than income. Studies from Harvard and the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions show that seniors who stay employed often report better physical
and mental health, increased longevity, and stronger social ties. Routine, purpose and connection keep minds sharp and spirits high. But it’s not all easy. About one-third of older workers say their jobs strain their bodies, while 29% report mental fatigue. Age discrimination and technology gaps are real obstacles.
Still, many are adapting. They’re consulting, freelancing, mentoring or finding roles that offer meaning without the daunting grind.
“It was a work ethic that I received from my parents,” said Bridges. “My family always saw them working, and it was something we all felt we must do.” Now, that work ethic is being refashioned — not out of duty, but desire. One of the most remarkable trends is seniors heading back to class. From community colleges to online universities, older adults are returning to school in record numbers.
Every U.S. state now offers some form of free or reduced college tuition for seniors. Whether it’s to pursue a long-delayed dream, spark a new skill, or simply keep learning, this educational resurgence is reshaping what aging looks like.
“I have fun telling people my age, because they don’t believe me,” Houston-Washington said. “I’m evolving.” She’s part of a growing population of seniors who believe that learning doesn’t end — it expands. From tutoring young people to enrolling in art classes, they’re proving that age is no barrier to growth.
What we’re seeing is more than a trend — it’s a redefinition. Retirement is no longer the finish line but a new beginning. And today’s seniors are stepping into that beginning with boldness. “I don’t think I ever will [retire] unless my body tells me otherwise,” said Bridges. “I enjoy getting out, doing things and the feeling of not having to if I don’t want to.”
These artists, mentors, board members, scholars and trailblazers are refusing to fade quietly. They’re showing us that aging is not about decline—it’s about redesign. In a society that often sidelines its elders, these men and women are taking center stage. They’re not just adding years to life — they’re adding life to years. They are the second act. And the curtain is just rising. P
• Empowering K-12 students with learning differences
• 6:1 average student-teacher ratio enables personalized learning
• Individualized, multisensory, college preparatory curriculum
By Angela Lindsay
Private and independent schools are generally known for their rigorous coursework and high academic and ethical standards. However, building a sense of community both inside and outside of the classroom is crucial for students’ overall development and success, according to privateschooldigest.com. The site reports that a supportive and connected framework not only enhances social and emotional development and promotes academic success, but it also strengthens relationships among students.
With this in mind, local private and independent schools have put familyfocused, community-building and wellness strategies in place to empower their students for a well-rounded lifetime of success.
Trinity Episcopal School’s integrated and mission-driven service-learning program which is deeply rooted in their identity and designed to foster authentic community
engagement from kindergarten through 8th grade, said Imana Sherrill, head of school at Trinity. Trinity weaves service learning into the curriculum across all grade levels, creating meaningful, sustained partnerships with local organizations, she said. Through its ‘Windows and Mirrors’ framework, “students explore both their identities and the world around them, developing empathy, civic responsibility and a genuine desire to serve,” she said.
“This model is not only academically rigorous but also emotionally and socially enriching,” Sherrill added. “It connects with our counseling and advisory programs, helping students reflect on their impact and growth. It also builds strong partnerships with Charlotte-area nonprofits, fostering reciprocal relationships that extend far beyond campus walls. By linking academic learning with real-world action, we are preparing students to be thoughtful, engaged citizens — something we believe is at the heart of 21st-century education.”
At Charlotte Latin School, they actively pursue collaborations with organizations that align with their core values and complement their programming to be able to offer opportunities for community-engaged learning and leadership development beyond the classroom, according to Tricia Tam, interim director of marketing and communications at Charlotte Latin.
Charlotte Prep empowers children to write their own stories through our distinctive academic model, intentionally small size, and diverse, welcoming community. Our PreK-8 structure is a research-proven model that celebrates every stage of childhood. Our students stay a step removed from the presence and pressures of high school, allowing them to be children a little longer and leaders a little sooner.
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For students, one of their partnerships is a local organization dedicated to empowering students through dynamic workshops, conferences and forums centered on personal and community wellbeing. Charlotte Latin’s collaboration with the Thornhill Rites of Passage Foundation serves as the capstone extension of their student leadership pipeline specifically for Black and historically underrepresented male students in grades 9–12. This program includes year-long curriculum-based rites of passage workshops as well as character and leadership retreats anchored in measurable goals related to belonging, self-efficacy and academic retention.
“Co-facilitated by our Office of Academic Transition and Student Success staff and Thornhill’s national leadership team, this initiative has profoundly transformed our school culture, resulting in enhanced student purpose, clearer identity formation, and stronger peer accountability, Tam said.
Building upon the success of Charlotte Latin’s middle school mentoring initiative, The Boys’ Room — developed in collaboration with The Boys’ Room NYC and supported by undergraduate mentors from Johnson C. Smith University — is a partnership that sustains momentum into high school with a targeted focus on identity, leadership and purpose.
“Together, these innovations reflect our belief that education is most impactful when it is holistic, inclusive and rooted in partnership. At Charlotte Latin, we are not just preparing students for academic success; we are building a culture where every learner feels seen, supported, and inspired to lead with purpose,” said Tam.
A recent graduate of Charlotte Christian School, Maisie Macholz, served in Cuba on a Winterim trip in February 2025. “Serving with Samaritan’s Feet in Cuba
has reminded me that love isn’t just a word — it’s an action, and as students of Charlotte Christian, we are called to step out in our faith, serve others selflessly, and shine Christ’s light wherever we go,” Macholz shared.
Winterim at Charlotte Christian is a designated week for students to interact and build relationships with classmates and faculty in a less structured format while participating in a variety of common interest educational opportunities. The upper school offers various local, regional and international mission trip opportunities throughout the year during this period.
Moseley said Charlotte Christian School is set apart from other schools in its mission to “prepare students to impact the culture for Christ. … Our goal is to help each student grow in their walk with Christ as they study, understand, and obey God’s Word and develop a Christian world and life view so that they are well prepared to be successful contributors to God’s Kingdom.”
Before relationships are formed outside the classroom, schools must create a healthy, nurturing environment for students inside school walls which helps build character, sustain personal growth and foster achievement, according to Privateschooldigest.com
Many such opportunities at Brookstone Schools of Mecklenburg County include volunteer opportunities for parents and community members to help in a classroom, attending lunch as a “Lunch Buddy,” being a chaperone on field trips and helping with tutoring and other necessities.
“We have an all-school counselor that is available to support students in the moment, but also in the classroom. He visits each class to have thoughtful discussions about how students and faculty can find ways to cope with daily stresses.
He also has the distinction of being one of our school alumni!” said Sarah Boynton, director of development at Brookstone.
“In addition, we have very attentive teachers and deans who make spirit days and other exciting events available to students throughout the year.”
Brookstone, whose student population is majority Black and Asian, offers all of their vital programming to students and families that may not otherwise have access to it, said Boynton “Our program is made possible by the generosity of organizations and community members’ support. We are happy to provide, with the help of our community, a high-quality education and supportive programs to families at a price that they can afford,” she said.
Fostering deep, meaningful engagement with families is integral at Charlotte Country Day School (CCDS), which offers volunteer programs, active parent support groups, such as Parents
of Color in Independent Schools and International Parent Group and inclusive community events.
“What sets us apart is our long-standing culture of partnership — parents are seen as vital collaborators in their child’s educational journey,” said Shannon Drosky, director of marketing and communications at Charlotte Country Day.
In 2025, Carmel Christian School held its “Celebration of Nations” event where they showcased the many ethnicities represented in its student body. “It brought our parents together to learn more about one another as well as make new connections,” said Jay Hancock, head of school at Carmel Christian. “We had 19 countries represented and four Cultural Entertainment Experiences and hope to host more in the 2025-2026 academic year.”
As a school, we seek to admit talented and motivated students from diverse backgrounds. Central to preparing our students for this world is creating an academic community that is diverse socioeconomically, racially, ethnically, and inclusive for all. In fact, research has proven that a diverse environment leads to better learning outcomes for all students. Families who feel the full tuition cost is out of their reach should not hesitate to visit or apply to the school. We are here to help you determine the best options for your family with this very important educational investment.
• 100% of Country Day graduates are accepted to colleges and universities around the world; the Class of 2025 received $12.7 million total scholarship offers based on academic merit, athletic abilities, or special talents
• 21% of our enrollment comprises students of color
• 100% of our faculty engage in professional development each year including diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Over 20% of our Board of Trustees comprises people of color
• Learn more about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Country Day: charlottecountryday. org/about/deib
At Carmel Christian School, we offer an excellent education built on biblical truth, which equips students to reflect Christ to the world. Our students participate in a challenging college preparatory curriculum taught through the lens of a biblical worldview.
We are a diverse community of families in which academic achievement, artistic expression and athletic distinction are marked by intentional discipleship. We partner with Christian parents to nurture and challenge the potential of every student. You’re invited to take a closer look and discover our story!
1145 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Matthews, NC 28105 • carmelchristian.org
“Tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.” - Psalm 78:4
Carmel Christian also holds an annual Mother-Son Putt-Putt Masters event for elementary families where mothers are given special question prompts and encouragement from scripture to lead meaningful conversations with their sons. Their elementary Father-Daughter Dance is a themed occasion offering dads or another special father figure an evening of celebration with their daughter(s). Grandparents are honored each year as well at the elementary Grandparent Day where grandparents get to come to campus for a special program and to visit their grandchild’s classroom.
In its own unique way, Carmel Chrisitan’s goal is helping parents lead and strengthen their children spiritually.
As a K-12 independent school for students with learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD, The Fletcher School recognizes its unique charge to involve parents and the broader community and does so through The Rankin Institute, its outreach arm founded in 2004. The Rankin Institute offers seminars, workshops and lectures that equip parents with practical tools for supporting their children and train educators and professionals in the latest methods for helping students who learn differently.
“At Fletcher, mental health and wellness aren’t add-ons — they’re built into every part of our school experience,” said Beth Levanti, director of marketing and communications at Fletcher. “As a specialized school for students with learning differences, and with an average 6:1 student-teacher ratio, we weave self-advocacy and independence into our K-12 curriculum, helping students grow in self-awareness, confidence and life skills.”
Grades K-5 at Fletcher have social and emotional learning (SEL) classes with its Lower School counselor, while grades 6-12 participate in an advisory program with structured SEL lessons designed by its dean of students. “A vibrant campus life with arts, athletics, leadership opportunities and multiage clubs also gives students
many ways to connect, belong and thrive,” Levanti said.
With six counselors focused on mental wellness — teaching and supporting students and parents — Charlotte Country Day School also makes wellness a priority, ensuring students are being supported socially and emotionally.
The Pathways program at Carmel Christian School operates alongside students who need additional support in navigating their academic goals with study strategies, executive functioning tools and support for facing learning challenges.
“Our personal counselors emphasize the character traits in our Portrait of a Graduate (prepared, relational, responsible, Gospeldriven and passionate) that will apply to any student, whether they are pursuing a military career, college education or a career training program.” Hancock said.
“Research clearly shows that a positive partnership between home and school has a powerful influence on a child’s achievement and sense of belonging in the school,” said George Marshall, director of marketing and communications at Charlotte Preparatory School. “The Charlotte Prep experience is built on relationships— transformative connections between students and educators, genuine bonds between classmates and schoolmates, and true partnerships between the school and our families.”
Charlotte Prep utilizes an array of tools to be inclusive and meet parents where they are. They primarily communicate via email and text message notifications and also post on social media every school day to provide a view into what students are doing. Platforms like their weekly newsletter, school blog and school app are managed by their director of communications to ensure that parents receive timely, clear and concise communication, Marshall said.
“At Charlotte Latin School, we believe that clear, consistent and inclusive
communication is the foundation of a connected school community,” Tam said. “Our communications strategy is intentionally multi-modal — combining written, visual and video formats — and delivered across a variety of platforms to ensure every family stays informed and engaged.”
Charlotte Latin’s key tools include their mobile app, school website, email, social media, streaming platforms and in-person forums. Throughout the year, families receive thoughtfully curated publications such as the annual State of the School, Latin Magazine, the Gratitude Report and end-of-semester newsletters.
“Families can count on a predictable rhythm of communication, including a weekly all-school newsletter, timely division and classroom updates, and direct access to our online parent portal — a centralized hub for announcements, calendars, links and archived messages,” Tam continued. “Beyond digital platforms, we emphasize human connection. Parents’ Council coordinates grade-level liaisons and hosts regular in-person events to create an accessible peer-to-peer network that fosters trust, relationships, and realtime information sharing.”
Similarly, during its school year, families at Trinity Episcopal School receive a weekly email newsletter with updates on school activities, information for the week ahead, items from their head chaplain and director of diversity, equity and belonging and Parents’ Association news, said Chris Miller, marketing and communications director at Trinity Episcopal School.
Effective approaches that focus on wellness and creating healthful environments can be as varied as the schools themselves. Their dedication to being aware and remaining intentional in providing their students with the comprehensive tools they need P
By Kurtavia Burton
Meet Sarah Simons, a lifelong educator and philanthropist with a passion for education. As the founder of O.E.L. Legacy Foundation, Simons is helping students raised by their grandparents — one scholarship at a time.
The idea for O.E.L. Legacy emerged during the pandemic, when Simons felt the need to create a legacy for her family and community. “I wanted to help. I enjoy working with children and older people, so I decided on scholarships to work with children and adults,” she said. “People don’t realize the challenges of grandparents raising grandchildren.”
Founded in 2022 in honor of her grandchildren (Olivia, Ezra and Layla –O.E.L.) and her late mother, the foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to families through education. O.E.L. Legacy has provided scholarships to 15 students, helping them to pursue two- or four-year college degrees, said Simons. These scholarships provide support for students to help with higher education.
Simons’ commitment to education extends beyond the foundation. Her first nonprofit, Building Bridges Enrichment Program, works with younger children, creating an overlap with O.E.L. Legacy’s mission. A major goal for. Simons’ is to open
a brick-and-mortar location where she can bring both her programs together to support students and their grandparents.
She also encourages scholarship recipients to give back, a value exemplified by London Reaves, a 2024 O.E.L. scholarship recipient, who now serves on the foundation’s executive board.
The foundation’s support for students doesn’t end with a check. “This isn’t a scholarship where students receive funds and that’s the end,” Simons said. “We keep in touch with the students throughout their college journey, offering mentorship for their success.”
The foundation also looks out for grandparents, provides community service, hosts workshops and connects grandparents with resources like healthy food delivery.
O.E.L. Legacy is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and community partners, including local leaders and
businesses. Recently, Harvey B. Gantt served as the inspirational speaker for this year’s scholarship awards ceremony.
To apply for an O.E.L. Legacy scholarship, students must be graduating high school seniors living with or raised by their grandparents in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and Public Charter Schools. The scholarships are based on a submitted application and a 500-word essay. Selected students are awarded scholarships, and each essay is framed and presented to the grandparents as a keepsake.
Scholarships are awarded each year based on funds and donations. “This year we had a goal of giving out ten scholarships, and we were able to give seven,” Simons shared. “We look forward to serving more students
and their grandparents, and we hope to have more sponsors and investors to do so.”
The foundation recognizes donors who give $1,000 or more on its platinum board, with businesses like Chick-fil-A and Bobbee O’s BBQ serving as examples of supporters.
To apply, visit the O.E.L. Legacy Facebook page and find a link to the application, or submit an interest form via the organization’s website: oellegacy. wixsite.com/oel-legacy. Simons said the foundation actively collaborates with high school counselors to connect with eligible students. For volunteering or donations, contact Simons can be reached via email at glammama19@gmail.com, or call 980-253-3394.The foundation’s biggest fundraising event is held every September.
Simons’ dedication and impact have been acknowledged by the National Council of Negro Women, and O.E.L. Legacy received a letter of proclamation on September 29, 2024, from the North Carolina Senate Office. P
By Sasha Manley
ABetter World Center for Academic Achievement and Wellness (ABW) is a nonprofit organization supporting youth through literacy. Its mission goes beyond its programming with a dedication to serve.
“From the beginning, 25 years ago, A Better World was shaped by the voices of parents in the community who asked for a safe, supportive place for their children after school,” Founder Kenneth Gilliard explained. “Over the years, that vision has evolved into a deeper focus on literacy, recognizing that reading on grade level is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success.”
The decision to locate the program in Charlotte’s Westside neighborhood on Freedom Drive was a personal and conscious one. Gilliard grew up in a similar neighborhood, and he knew ABW would make a profound change in this area, he said.
students were reading two or more grade levels behind, and another 42% were one grade level behind. That meant only 8% of our students were reading on grade level,” Gilliard said.
“By the end of the year — after consistent use of the lab and targeted interventions — that picture changed dramatically,” he said. “The number of students two or more grade levels behind dropped to 19%, and those one grade level behind fell to 36%. Most notably, 45% of our students were reading at grade level — a huge jump from where we started.”
“From a broader perspective, research shows that while Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools average around 50% reading proficiency citywide, the Westside is home to a high concentration of Title I schools where reading proficiency falls between 20 and 30 percent. That gap is unacceptable — and it’s why we’re here.”
The program works with nine Title I elementary schools within just a few miles of the nonprofit location. Some of the key offerings and benefits include:
• Open five days a week, including summer, to promote a consistent learning schedule.
• Students work with with Community Reading Buddies one-on-one.
• Remote learning options.
• Instruction through the online program I-Ready is also available in CharlotteMecklenburg Schools, streamlining learning resources for students during and after school.
In addition to academics, ABW also emphasizes wellness. “We believe that academic achievement can’t happen without wellness because wellness isn’t just physical, emotional, spiritual and environmental. Our literacy lab is part of a broader, holistic model that supports the whole child,” Gilliard said.
“We address physical wellness by ensuring every student receives a hot meal each day and has access to clean clothing and personal care items,” he added. “We care for their emotional wellness by creating a thoughtfully designed safe, calm and welcoming environment, with working technology, clean spaces and brand-new materials that show students they are worthy of excellence.”
Earlier this year, ABW opened a new lab and has seen tremendous success. “At the beginning of the year, 50% of our
The recent numbers provide confidence and confirmation of the nonprofit’s profound effect in helping students succeed.
With continued help from the community, the organization’s offerings for students can continue to grow. ABW plans to help more students and hire more educators, Gilliard said. The goal is long-term growth and stability.
One of the simplest yet most impactful ways volunteers can support our mission is by becoming a Reading Buddy, Gilliard said. “This volunteer role takes just 30 minutes a week, but that small, consistent investment makes a profound difference — not only in a child’s reading ability but also in their sense of self-worth,” he said.
“When an adult shows up just for them, week after week, it sends a powerful message: You matter. And that message is even more powerful when it comes from someone who shares their background or community,” he said.
Services are free for students. “It’s a model that requires significant funding on our end, but we believe deeply in it — because we’ve seen the results. We are not just supplementing education; we are transforming lives.”
Visit abetterworldcharlotte.org to make a donation or volunteer. P
By Charles K. Harris
While poverty in the U.S. has seen an overall decline in recent years, the disparity between minority unemployment and low wage rates compared to those of white Americans is still substantial.
A 2020 report from the U.S. Census Bureau showed that while African Americans made up only 12% of the general population, they accounted for a staggering 19.5% of the nation’s poor.
Whites, while making up 61.1% of the population, accounted for only 8.2% of those below the poverty line. Research consistently suggests the leading culprit behind these figures is inaccessibility to educational and employment resources.
Reginald Bean, founder and managing director of White Label Management Group in Charlotte, has created a new resource, the Explore My Path Career Resource Guide, that he’s confident will help bridge what he calls the “awareness gap.”
“Our mission is to connect untapped talent to stable and meaningful employment,” Bean said. “This includes individuals who have been involved in the justice system, veterans, those aging out of foster care and, most prominently, non-college-bound or undecided high school students,” he added.
“Our mission is to connect untapped talent to stable and meaningful employment. This includes individuals who have been involved in the justice system, veterans, those aging out of foster care and, most prominently, non-college-bound or undecided high school students.”
—Reginald Bean, founder and managing director of White Label Management Group
“The guide functions as a practical tool to bridge the gap between education and employment,” explained Bean, “providing clear, actionable information to make informed decisions about postsecondary options and career exploration.”
The Explore My Path guide is produced specifically for the current and projected North Carolina job market.
“We focus on high-growth, high-demand industries that are critical to North Carolina’s economic future,” which include aerospace and defense, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, energy, tourism, advanced manufacturing and automotive, logistics, and transportation,” Bean said. “By aligning our efforts with the state’s priority industries, we help ensure that students and job seekers are prepared for real opportunities in the regional economy.”
The guide offers an industry overview of each sector, including projected job growth stats.
Each sector is then broken down into specific careers, what those jobs entail and the skillsets and abilities required.
In 2024, Bean and White Label Management connected with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to offer support to the CMS Career and Technical Education Department. White Label Management has formed similar partnerships with school districts in other areas of the country like San Antonio, Washington, D.C. and Indianapolis.
In each instance, the Explore My Path Guide is tailored to the region in which it’s distributed.
“These collaborations are focused on aligning education with workforce needs and expanding access to early career opportunities for students,” he said. “[It’s] designed to support all youth who lack access to quality, reliable career information, with particular value for minority youth who often face chronic barriers to opportunities.”
But the purpose of the guide doesn’t stop with students. Bean wants families and educators to support each student’s pathway.
“Many [students] rely on family and friends for guidance, sources that are well-intentioned but not always well-informed,” said Bean. His hope is that the guide will provide parents, caregivers and mentors with “structured, trustworthy content.”
Common misconceptions often perpetuated by families with limited educational resources include the belief that without a college degree a meaningful, successful career is impossible. Or that even if one can find secure employment they are consigned to low wages for life.
“This empowers families to have informed, meaningful career conversations at home,” Bean said. “[This will help] minority youth navigate pathways to economic mobility with clarity and confidence.”
“As a country, we’ve unintentionally created a stigma around career paths that don’t require a traditional four-year college degree,” he added. “And that has led many young people to feel discouraged or disconnected when college doesn’t align with their interests or goals.”
Financial pressures, strict entry requirements or inaccessibility can make a traditional four-year college all but impossible for many, particularly low-income and minority students. Bean is adamant that those factors do not spell failure.
“What’s essential is a commitment to continuous learning and growth, even if that learning doesn’t happen in a traditional college setting,” he said.
Recent labor statistics agree. A report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce revealed in 2021 that 36% of U.S. jobs required a bachelor’s degree or higher. Still, 41% of jobs required some or no post-secondary education. Post-secondary education can vary widely. Trade schools, apprenticeships, certificate programs, associates degrees and on-the-job training are all considered post-secondary education. The report’s projections for the year 2031 show little variance in these statistics.
“There is no single path to success,” Bean said. “Whether enrolling in college, joining the military, entering the workforce or pursuing a skilled trade, each option has value and potential.” Bean envisions a future in which any job seeker can attain real success. “Imagine the possibilities if every student, regardless of background, had access to clear, actionable information that empowers them to build a sustainable life and pursue economic mobility on their own terms,” he said.
Visit exploremypath.com for more information on the Explore My Path Career Resource Guide. P
By Anders J. Hare
The Ada Jenkins Center, long known as a vital community resource in North Mecklenburg, is expanding its impact with the addition of new homebuying education and financial counseling programs, aiming to help low- to moderate-income residents build wealth and long-term stability.
Following the dissolution of Charlottebased nonprofit Community Link, Ada Jenkins Center CEO Harold Rice Jr. saw an opportunity to carry on its critical assetbuilding initiatives.
The newly adopted programs include pre- and post-homebuyer counseling, foreclosure prevention, credit and budgeting workshops, and tax preparation services — all tailored to support first-time
buyers and those seeking financial stability. Group workshops on estate planning, student loan management, credit repair, and budgeting are scheduled to launch in August.
“Our mission is to create lasting economic stability,” Rice said. “Housing is a critical part of that. If we can help people become homeowners through education and down payment assistance, we’re fulfilling our purpose.”
While the Center welcomes all first-time homebuyers, the focus is on individuals and families earning up to 110% of the area median income.
“If you’re buying a million-dollar home and it’s your first one, you still need homebuyer counseling,” Rice added. “But this program specifically targets low- to moderate-income buyers because that’s where the mortgage products and resources are designed to help most.”
The expansion aligns with Ada Jenkins Center’s long-standing commitment to wraparound services, including a food pantry, youth education programs, and economic mobility support. Rice said the integration of housing counseling complements those offerings, especially for families who have been paying rent reliably but haven’t had the tools to navigate homeownership.
“They can afford a mortgage,” Rice said. “They just need to understand their credit, the process, and gain confidence. Even if they can’t afford to buy in Lake Norman, they might find something in Mecklenburg County that works for them. It’s about building the belief that they can be a homeowner — and that’s how you create generational wealth. Your house is your bank.”
Founded in 1998, the Ada Jenkins Center has evolved from its beginnings as a community outreach center in a segregated Davidson schoolhouse to a central hub for health, education, and economic advancement. Today, the organization helps more than 2,600 residents annually, according to its website.
Yet, despite its picturesque surroundings, the area’s economic disparities often go unnoticed.
In Mecklenburg County, 68% of white households own their homes, compared to just 43% of Black households, highlighting a homeownership gap of roughly 25 percentage points. This disparity underscores the importance of programs like those at the Ada Jenkins Center, which aim to bridge that gap by equipping low- to moderate-income families with tools for financial stability and homeownership.
“Just because people live in Lake Norman doesn’t mean they’re thriving in Lake Norman,” Rice said. “People notice the boats on the lake, but not the guardrails keeping cars from going off the edge. That’s who we are—the guardrail. We’re the primary nonprofit in the area helping families in poverty that you don’t see from the highway.”
Community members and local organizations are encouraged to get involved. The Center offers volunteer opportunities in its food pantry and youth programs, particularly for K-5 students who are one to two grade levels behind. It also hosts NorthPlant Connect, a collaborative network of nonprofits working to prevent service duplication in North Mecklenburg.
“You can refer someone, volunteer, or just come learn about what we do,” Rice said. “We have multiple entry points for individuals and organizations to engage.”
With the launch of its new initiatives, the Ada Jenkins Center reinforces its role not just as a service provider but as a partner in the journey toward economic independence.
“We just want people to believe they can own a home,” said Rice. “If that’s their goal, we’ll walk with them every step of the way.” P
By Fonda Bryant
hen I found out the 116th NAACP National Convention didn’t include the topic of suicide, I was upset.
This year’s theme for the conference, held in Charlotte in July, was “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” emphasizing the immediate need for action in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice. However, there is another immediate action that is needed in our community that isn’t being talked about and is taking way too many lives. We need to focus more on suicide prevention initiatives to combat the growing number of suicides in our culture, especially among our youth.
Suicide isn’t a warm and fuzzy subject. It is a hard subject to talk about, but if we don’t have this uncomfortable conversation about suicide, we will never become comfortable with enacting the change that is needed through action. Suicide is the most preventable death of all deaths. By educating more people about the warning signs, anyone can prevent the tragedy and pain of suicide. You don’t have to be a professional.
Among Black people and other people of color, the topics of mental health and suicide have never been considered and discussed as much as they need to be. As I was growing up and to date, mental health and suicide were and still are taboo subjects. We have been taught to “pray about it” and “give it to God.” We’re also often told that having suicidal thoughts is a sign of weakness or told we’d “go to Hell if you killed yourself.”
That mentality almost killed me 30 years ago, when I almost died by suicide on February 14, 1995, and it is killing many in the Black community now! If it hadn’t been for my Aunt Spankie 30 years ago recognizing the warning signs of suicide, I wouldn’t be here, and neither would others.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Black males aged 10-24 years of age and a recent NCDHHS analysis found that around 16.9% of Black high school students and 36.6% of Black middle
school students reported experiencing serious thoughts of suicide; and that Black children are overrepresented in suicides and suicide attempts but underrepresented in calls to the 988 Lifeline.
Researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Howard University have identified Black women aged 18–65 years as having the highest risk for suicide, irrespective of their socioeconomic status.
Where is the outcry, the help, and more importantly — where is the ACTION? In its 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the CDC found that 1 out of 5 adults and 1 out of 5 children have a mental health condition. Many of us walk around daily suffering in silence and feel there is no way out of the pain we’re dealing with.
According to research conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Health and the CDC, 46% of people who die by suicide have a treatable mental health condition, and 90% have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition — but there is HOPE through education.
As a certified QPR (Question Persuade Refer) Suicide Prevention
Instructor, I know that in the time you watch a two-hour movie, you can learn how to save a life. Once a month, I do one FREE online QPR Training, open to anyone who wants to take the training. There is no registration, but you need to be on time and complete the training to get your two-year certificate, QPR booklet in PDF form, and other helpful materials.
This is a call to action to take QPR Suicide Prevention Training and learn how to save a life.
It’s time to get rid of the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide that keeps us from getting the help we need. Suicide isn’t a personal character flaw but a GLOBAL Health Crisis. P
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to call for compassionate support is 988 –Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
For more information on Fonda Bryant’s QPR suicide prevention training, visit — or contact Fonda Bryant at fondanc_40@yahoo.com; @Proudmom72 on Instagram, and Fonda Bryant on Facebook and Twitter.
In an era when financial stress and health concerns weigh heavily on many, Nettie Reeves is leading a quiet revolution— Empowering women and the men who walk with them to reclaim their vitality, confidence, and financial freedom. Through her companies, In Shape Financial Solutions and N’shape with’N, LLC, Nettie guides clients to see retirement not as an ending, but as a vibrant new beginning. With more than fifteen years as a financial coach and over two decades as a health and life coach, Nettie has helped thousands of women build lasting wealth, embrace stronger bodies and minds, and break free from limiting fears. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: being financially in shape is just as important as being physically in shape.
Imagine a chapter where you rise each morning energized by movement, sustained by nourishing meals, and centered by mindful breathing. Picture budgeting not as sacrifice, but as a tool to fund your passions—be it traveling the globe, launching a creative project, or hosting family gatherings that span generations. This is the essence of Nettie’s approach: viewing retirement as a second chance to explore, create, and leave a legacy.
Nettie’s holistic framework bridges financial guidance and life coaching through three pillars:
Budgeting for Joy
• Align spending with personal goals instead of numbers on a spreadsheet
• Discover hidden resources to fuel bucketlist adventures or passion projects
• Protect your lifestyle while building a cushion for life’s surprises
Legacy Pathways
• Tailored retirement planning that covers Social Security, life insurance, and longterm care
• Clear guidance through Medicare choices and disability considerations
• Strategies to transfer wealth and wisdom to the next generation
Life Renewal
• Life coaching to uncover your next bold move after retirement
• Mindfulness techniques that melt stress and sharpen mental clarity
• Intentional movement plans that honor strength, flexibility, and joy
At every step, Nettie replaces confusion with clarity, and fear with calm confidence. “I don’t just talk about numbers,” she explains. “I talk about dignity, peace of mind, and freedom. That’s what true financial wellness is.”
Central to Nettie’s work is her mantra: Trust is our currency. Building deep, lasting relationships allows her to guide clients through intimate life transitions, whether choosing a Medicare plan or mapping out a vision for family impact. Her emotional intelligence and spiritual grounding make every session empowering and educational.
Nettie’s groundbreaking work has earned national accolades:
• Steve Harvey Hoodie Award for Community Service
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medallion
• Charlotte’s 50 Most Influential Women Career Award
• Pride Magazine’s Healthcare Services Award
• Presidential Physical Fitness Award under the Obama Administration
• Aflac’s Top Performing Sales Professional Award
• An award-winning author and playwright
You’ve nurtured others for decades. Now it’s your turn to flourish. Whether you’re curious about reshaping your health habits, securing your financial future, or crafting a legacy of impact, Nettie Reeves walks with you—never ahead of you. Her workshops are transformational, her coaching sessions sacred, and her commitment to your freedom unwavering. Reach out today to discover how you can Craft Your Second Act into a Masterpiece.
Whether you’re planning a workshop, looking for a dynamic speaker, or seeking Medicare guidance (Annual Enrollment Period, Oct 15-Dec 7), Nettie Reeves is here to serve with strength and heart.
Call: 704-626-1492
Email: info@inshapefs.com
Web: www.inshapefinancialsolutions.com
Compiled by John Burton Jr.
Wake Forest University School of Medicine welcomes the Class of 2029 to its two campuses, including the inaugural class of four-year medical students to its new Charlotte campus at The Pearl. Charlotte, previously the largest U.S. city without a four-year medical school, now has expanded access to medical education and advanced health care innovation.
The Class of 2029 at both campuses benefits from the School of Medicine’s 120 years of experience. The Charlotte campus curriculum takes a problem-based approach, using weekly clinical cases for students to learn science and evaluate diagnoses. Nearly 200 medical students across both campuses benefit from collaborative learning and access to extensive clinical and research resources across Advocate Health.
“This is a historic moment for Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the entire state,” said L. Ebony Boulware, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine. “This new campus reflects our commitment to training the next generation of physicians in a way that is collaborative, connected to the community and focused on the future. We’re leveraging immersive technologies and flexible learning environments.”
The inaugural four-year class comprises nearly 50 students, one-third from North Carolina. Enrollment will increase to 100 students per class over five years.
The Winston-Salem campus, welcoming almost 150 first-year students, continues as a leading institution for medical education.
The Charlotte medical school anchors the Howard R. Levine Center for Education at The Pearl, home to Carolinas College of Health Sciences, Wake Forest’s School of Professional Studies, and the School of Business. This dual location creates a learning environment where future physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals train together.
Longtime Charlotte broadcaster Ramona Holloway joined The Mint Museum as its new Community Relations and Civic Engagement Director. Holloway joins the museum’s leadership team to shape and strengthen its vision, expanding programs through meaningful community connections.
Holloway, a renowned media professional and community advocate, brings extensive experience in civic engagement, nonprofit partnerships, and public outreach. Her career spans over two decades in media and community affairs, fostering relationships for local organizations. As owner of Ramona Holloway Media, she developed fundraising for nonprofits. She also served as Community Affairs Manager at Radio One Charlotte and co-hosted “The Matt & Ramona Show” for over 20 years.
Holloway has also served as a board member for the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and other organizations.
Families in Union County now have access to emergency care designed just for children. Atrium Health Levine Children’s Emergency Department Union has opened as the first pediatric emergency department in Union County — delivering expert, around-the-clock care designed for children and their families.
Located at Atrium Health Union, the new department features a welcoming, child-friendly waiting area — making visits less intimidating. Backed by pediatric-trained specialists, children receive advanced emergency care for serious or life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
“When you walk through the doors, we want families to feel safe and cared for,” said Denise White, facility executive and chief nurse at Atrium Health Union. “This healing environment is brought to life by our pediatric-trained clinicians — experts in emergency care who know our community and understand our patients.”
The emergency department addresses a critical gap in access to pediatric-specific care, providing a convenient location for Union County families. Open 24/7, the new department ensures dedicated care for children is always within reach.
If needed, children can be seamlessly admitted to the pediatric unit at Atrium Health Union, remaining under the care of Atrium Health Levine Children’s providers. Families also have direct access to additional expert services at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, ranked as North Carolina’s #1 Children’s Hospital. P
2024 Inspire Awards
First place grant recipient
Centro Community Partners
Join Truist Bank to celebrate the 2025 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards. Watch the livestream event on November 12 where Emmy Award winner Robin Roberts will interview six nonprofit finalists about their innovative solutions to address career development for middle-to late-stage working adults—and announce which of them will receive a $150,000 and $250,000 grant.
Then you, the audience, can help the Truist Foundation make an even greater impact by voting for your favorite nonprofit solution to receive an additional $75,000 grant.
Watch the 2025 Inspire Awards livestream hosted by Robin Roberts
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025
6 – 7:30 pm
Register for the livestream now— and get ready to be inspired!
Scan to register or visit Truist.com/foundation/nov12
Healthcare feels different here. Taking a personalized approach, our award-winning primary care physicians get to know you, your goals, and your family history. This gives you a solid game plan moving forward.
At Tryon, we’re able to build strong relationships because we believe you deserve more than a provider. Your health team should feel like family.
Experience the Tryon difference today: tryonmed.com