Entertainment

Anna J Stamatois is Charlotte Country™

By Kurtavia Burton Meet rising star Anna J, a captivating country music artist with charm and vibrant energy here in Charlotte. I spoke to Anna J during a short break for her live performance at Shep’s Bar and Grille in Mint Hill, North Carolina last weekend.…
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Through Words and Music Sing Equity

Greg Jarrell: Advocating for Housing Equity Through Words and Music  By Loán C. Lake Life changed for Charlotte community organizer Greg Jarrell the day he realized there were two Americas. This hard truth unfolded during his college years when he lived and worked in East St.…
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Web Design Business Is Rooted in Balance

By Anders J. Hare For Lena Lumelsky, the journey from Soviet refugee to Charlotte-based entrepreneur has been marked by grit, reinvention and a deep commitment to work-life balance—long before the concept became mainstream. As the founder of Woland Web, a web design and development firm, Lumelsky didn’t just build a business — she built a lifestyle, one that prioritizes flexibility, intentionality and the realities of American life.…
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Gotcha Matcha Offers a Taste of Thailand in Charlotte

By Kurtavia Burton In the heart of Uptown Charlotte, a unique café is mixing up more than just lattes. Eric Hicklen Jr., owner of Gotcha Matcha & Espresso, is redefining the local beverage scene with his original crafted matcha creations. Hicklen’s journey to opening his own coffee shop was far from a straight shot — a testament to his unwavering vision and determination.…
Food

EASY VEGAN JOLLOF RICE

By: Dawn Hilton Williams-The Vegucator

INGREDIENTS

2 cups long grain rice (preferably brown), rinsed 2 ¼ cups veggie broth (low-sodium preferred) 1 onion, finely diced 1 red bell pepper, finely diced 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder) ¾ teaspoon mild curry powder 2 bay leaves 11/2 teaspoon dried thyme ¾ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1-15 oz can crushed tomatoes ¼ cup tomato paste 1 tablespoon coconut oil ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

METHOD

In a deep pot, add the coconut oil and turn the heat to medium When the oil is warm (about one minute), add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook stirring regularly stir for about 4 minutes or until they’re fragrant and begin to soften Add garlic, curry powder, thyme, paprika and tomato paste, stirring about 5 minutes Add the tomato sauce, bay leaves and cook 5 minutes, stirring regularly, then add the rinsed rice and veggie broth and stir to evenly combine Turn the heat to low, cover and let cook for 25 minutes Turn off the heat, let it sit (covered) for 5 more minutes, remove bay leaves, fluff with fork and enjoy!…
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Worship God with Christ-centered Hard Work 

By Faith By Pastor Dwayne Bond Oftentimes, we separate our faith from our work, as if they aren’t connected. But the truth is, God has designed work as a gift, an opportunity to reflect His glory in the world. From the beginning, He placed Adam in the garden and commanded him to cultivate and keep it (Gen.…