Confidentially speaking, Pride Awards 2024 was a trial by fire. The obstacles were tremendous. Honestly, this year’s event tested my mettle to the core. Major hurdles included struggling to land on a new and fresh idea with a purpose, shrinking sponsorship dollars, extremely late commitments, having to find a new venue, an event day podium that was way too small and most painfully, having the actual value of this 30-year Charlotte staple put in question.

The Pride Awards are not just “another” luncheon or gala. We set the stage for Black excellence in programming  back in 1993 and have consistently provided a platform for corporations and the community to come together to enjoy unique cultural experiences that celebrate achievement as well as diversity and inclusion. Since inception, we make monetary donations to worthy nonprofits each year -approximately $300,000 so far. Oh, and did I mention how supporting the Pride Awards helps keep Pride magazine in business? Know that the playing field is not level regarding advertising. So many corporations in the Queen City don’t support our magazine with advertising or the Pride Awards, for that matter. Pride Magazine and the Pride Awards are a unique part of Charlotte’s history whose value to the community is to be treasured.     

Officially speaking and despite the obstacles, Pride Awards 2024 was a success! It was a highly nuanced luncheon, recognizing achievement in underserved neighborhoods, uplifting nonprofits making a difference in the lives of those in need and acknowledging corporate social responsibility endeavors.

Foremost, we recognized one of our sponsors for their Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. The winner was Truist, chosen by our judges for their $17 million investment in affordable housing and economic mobility in North Carolina. Accepting the award was Quincy Seitz, Head of Virtual Solutions Delivery.

We also highlighted seven outstanding Charlotte neighborhoods, doing great things for our City. They were West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition, Washington Heights Community Association, Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance, East Charlotte Coalition, Greenville Combined Youth, Derida Road Community Organization and the Hidden Valley Community Association. The Lakeview Neighborhood Alliance was chosen to receive the Neighborhood Excellence Award. See their feature on page 16.

Three nonprofits (Freedom Fighting Missionaries, Home4Me and Gracious Hands) competed for a $20,000 donation. Home4me was the winner of the Outstanding Nonprofit Award. However, thanks to Wells Fargo and two unidentified donors, they ALL received $40,000 each. Unbelievable! Read about Home4Me on page 33.

One last thing before I close. The legendary Hugh McColl graced our event with his presence and actually came on stage to participate in our Black History challenge!!! He was a hoot and get this; he even answered his Black history question correctly! (use photo of Hugh McColl and Dee on stage

We have received many compliments about this year’s event. I thank God for the struggle and truly appreciate all of those who continue to support Pride Awards 2024 and seeing us through.

 Indeed, “The struggle is part of the story.” 

One of the first of its kind, the gallery showcases an exquisite collection of paintings, sculptures, and jewelry from more than 10 countries. The passion, precision and craftsmanship is evident as you enter the gallery. From the mezzanine floor aesthetic to curated wall space, Real African Art exhibits pieces that exude a sense of heritage, resilience and family.

With exposure and each piece of art purchased from the gallery, lives are being changed locally for the buyer and internationally for the artist. The real payoff is the rewarding moments of visibility for the artists and helping artists provide for their families and community back home in Zimbabwe and various countries, Ganda said.

"I am very proud of this gallery, which provides rewarding moments again and again,” said Ganda. “The goal is to encourage the artists, showcase culture and heritage through art, positively impact the community, and exhilarate our visitors through authentic art and representing Africa with a genuine experience,” he added.

Like other art galleries and museums, Real African Art seeks to showcase vibrant pieces handcrafted by masters of their craft. The significance of art and culture is carved and painted into each collection. Only real African art — brilliant blends of traditional and contemporary works — is for sale in the art gallery.

The stone sculptures from Zimbabwe makeup the gallery's core, with soapstone being the parent stone. Paintings and other artifacts are from Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya and South Africa, to name a few. Most of the art featured in the gallery come from artists who are Mr. Ganda’s close friends and associates who he has known for quite some time, he said. Various themes and cultures are featured among the art pieces featured in the gallery.

Real African Art Gallery offers an authentic African experience and atmosphere of finely crafted, awe-inspiring pieces. The art gallery celebrates culture and heritage and elevates African artists to encourage hope, friendship and collaboration, said Ganda.

Real African Art is open for business, seeking local collaborations, fostering connections, and providing awareness of African culture. Through partnerships and alliances, the gallery's impact increases, business expands and artists grow and prosper, Ganda said. Recently, the art gallery partnered with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to teach students the business of owning an art gallery. With this training and exposure, students got an inside look at creativity and business.

Visit realafricanart.com to learn more.

Everything Art in Charlotte - We're back with even MORE news about the Charlotte performing arts scene. What can we say—there's so much to do and see in the Queen City this fall!

Children's Theatre of Charlotte is hosting "Tired Souls—The Montgomery Bus Boycott" on October 7 & 8 and "Life Doesn't Frighten Me" from November 4-19

The Harvey B. Gantt Center is featuring "Where the Sun Shines" until October 29 The Mint Museum presents Walter Scott Lenox and American Belleek from now through January 21, 2024For information on how to get tickets to these great events, take a look at our piece on all things Charlotte arts this fall: https://issuu.com/watchdog-ent./docs/pm_0923_hr/48