Embracing the Legacy of Our Extraordinary Journey

Dear Charlotte,

After 33 years, we have made the difficult decision to cease publishing Pride Magazine. Our January 2027 “Legacy Edition” will be our final issue.

Trust me, this is a bittersweet decision that brings a mixture of emotions for me personally.

I experience a sense of sadness when I reflect on the memories made since 1993—from getting my start at The Charlotte Observer to purchasing the magazine in 2001 and becoming an entrepreneur. What an extraordinary journey it has been!

On the other hand, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride when I think about what Pride Magazine has meant to me, our readers, and the entire city of Charlotte. Our primary goal has always been to honor achievements within the African American community. We have accomplished that and so much more.

Throughout the years, we have documented the people and organizations that helped shape the Queen City. We introduced our readers to entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders, physicians, artists, community advocates, and countless others who are making a difference.

We celebrated accomplishments that deserved recognition and brought attention to issues that needed discussion. We also built community beyond the pages of the magazine through events such as the Sunset Jazz Festival, the Pride Awards, the Charlotte Health Symposium, and our housing and wealth seminars.

Looking back, I am incredibly proud of the voice Pride Magazine has been in the Charlotte community.

A Legacy Built on Gratitude

Most of all, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude that Pride Magazine has been part of Charlotte’s history. I am thankful for all our advertisers and sponsors who recognized the importance of supporting a platform that celebrates and elevates diverse voices.

I am profoundly grateful to our contributors, writers, editors, photographers, designers, distributors, community partners, and family members who have played an integral role in the publication’s success. Each of you brought your talents, ideas, and creativity to Pride over the years. I could not have done this alone.

I often meditate on Psalm 31:21 (King James Version):

“Blessed be the Lord, for he hath shown me his marvelous kindness in a strong city.”

Charlotte is a strong city that has shown me tremendous kindness. I have grown tremendously during these more than 30 years with Pride and have had the privilege of meeting some extraordinary people. We have experienced good times and not-so-good times, but through it all, I praise God for the journey.

What’s Next for Dee?

Honestly, I’m not sure. But I know I need a new purpose, and I am asking God to show me what that purpose will be.

One Final Issue: The 2027 Legacy Edition

Remember, we have one final issue after this one: our January/February 2027 “Legacy Edition.”

Our final publication will give us an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the people, businesses, organizations, events, and memories that have meant so much to the Queen City.

It will also give those who simply want to celebrate this remarkable journey with us an opportunity to be part of a special keepsake edition.

Be part of our final chapter!

For advertising rates, please email Nikelle@pridecommunications.net or call our office at 704-375-9553 for more information.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Dee