Emma S. AllenLives Her Purpose

February 25, 2025

By Brenda Porter-Rockwell Called “The Banker’s Banker,” Emma S. Allen proudly owns that title. After all, she’s earned it after 30 years in banking, running her own financial empowerment business and finally opening the Emma Allen Insurance Agency (State Farm®). More than just dispensing tips on budgeting and insurance, Allen spends her days “living in her focus,” advocating for improved financial literacy in Charlotte’s underserved communities.…

Girls Grow Confidence and LearnSTEM Literacy at Smart Girls HQ

February 25, 2025

By Charles K. Harris Throughout her education and career, Abi Olukeye has been acutely aware of the lack of diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field. Olukeye, a computer science major, explains that during her ascent up the career ladder, each rung seemed to bring more homogeny.…

Deeply Rooted

February 25, 2025

Urban farm offers healthy produce for the community By Loán C. Lake When Cherie and Wisdom Jzar first explored the option of growing their own food in the early 2000s, they envisioned a small homestead with vegetables, herbs and perhaps chickens and other livestock to provide their growing family with affordable, nutrient-rich food.…

Reproductive Doctor Matrika Johnson Blends Hope with Heart

February 25, 2025

By Sonja Whitemon Matrika Johnson makes babies. “DOCTOR” Matrika Johnson, M.D., that is; and she is one of only a handful of Black doctors of reproductive health in the country. In fact, there is a grand total of three between North and South Carolina.…

Black Mama Collective

February 25, 2025

The Power of Motherhood and Connection By Derik Hicks Ciera’ Harris is a powerhouse of resilience, community spirit and ambition — a source of inspiration for Black women and mothers in Charlotte and beyond. A Charlotte native, Harris is a 12th-grade English teacher, entrepreneur and the founder of various initiatives, including Black Girl Thriving (BGT) and the Black Mama Collective (BMC).…

A Torchbearer of Hope

February 25, 2025

Carlenia Ivory-Cantey By John Burton Jr. The name Carlenia Ivory-Cantey is a name that resonates in the Queen City, not as a dissonant echo but as a beacon of hope. Her ongoing activism is a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering spirit of community service.…

Jahmicah Miller Is Paving the Way for Future Electricians

February 25, 2025

By Anders J. Hare At 22, Jahmicah Miller is on the brink of making history. As an electrical instructor, Miller is not only shaping the next generation of electricians, but she is also preparing to become the youngest licensed female electrician in North Carolina.…

BEST BREAKFAST SCRAMBLE

January 30, 2025

Serves up to 8 By The Vegucator, Dawn Hilton Williams

INGREDIENTS

4-16 oz. firm tofu, drained 1 cup yellow onions, finely diced ¾ cup red or yellow bell peppers, finely diced 1 cup kale, ribbed and finely diced ½ cup TBSP nutritional yeast 2 TBSP ground turmeric 1 TBSP garlic powder 1 TBSP paprika 1 ½ tsp kala namak (Indian black salt) 1 tsp onion powder ¾ tsp black pepper 2 ½ TBSP grapeseed oil

METHOD

PREHEAT oven 400 degrees COMBINE all dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.…

Dr. George C. Fraser

January 2, 2025

Brief Bio: Dr. George C. Fraser Dr. George C. Fraser Dr. George C. Fraser is Chairman and CEO of FraserNet, Inc., a company he founded 38 years ago to lead a global networking and economic development movement for people of African descent.…