Featured Story – Page 8 – Pride Magazine

Charlotte Fire Department Promotes First Latino Immigrant Battalion Chief

July 1, 2023

By Rosanny Crumpton Juan Pablo Soto, born and raised in Guatemala, is enjoying his role as Charlotte Fire Department Battalion Chief, calling it “the best job in the world.” After serving as a city firefighter for 20 years — as a captain for 10 of those years, Soto was promoted to his new role in January 2023.…

The Vault: Highlighting the Importance of Preserving Black Art

July 1, 2023

By Ryan Kouame The Mint Museum Uptown will be highlighting the importance of stewarding and preserving Black art through an upcoming exhibition called The Vault starting July 1. Curated by artist, curator and custodian of Black art, Jessica Gaynelle Moss, this exhibition will present a range of vintage photography, original paintings, prints, sculptures, furniture, vinyl records and other Black ephemera from some of Charlotte’s most prominent Black art collectors.…

Women Fire Fighter in Charlotte

July 1, 2023

Showing Courage and Inspiring the Next Generation By Anders J. Hare Molly Williams was the first known female firefighter –– and first known Black firefighter––in the U.S., working with the New York City Fire Department on Oceanus Company No. 11 in the 1780s.…

Three Charlotte Teens Thrive in Business

June 30, 2023

Today’s youth have a new outlook on how to take control of their careers. According to a survey by the nonprofit organization Junior Achievement USA, “Over 60 percent of teens prefer starting a business over having a traditional job.” Many are even starting their businesses before the age of 18.…

A Forensic Interviewer Uses Translation Skills to Advocate for Others

June 30, 2023

By John Burton Jr. According to a 2020 U.S. Census report, 1 in 5 residents speak a different language other thanEnglish in their household, and Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Korean rank among the highestlanguages used. Spanish has become the most common non-English language in America, with41 million native speakers and 12 million bilingual Spanish speakers, hence, the need forlanguage interpreters in this country is great.…

Assistance League of Charlotte Supports At-Risk Students and Adults

April 28, 2023

The Assistance League of Charlotte (ALC) is a nonprofit volunteer-run organization dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children and families through community-based philanthropic programs. Their programs address upward mobility by providing food through mobile pantries and weekend backpacks, new school clothing, books and scholarships.…

University City — the City Within a City

April 28, 2023

By John Burton Jr. Coined as “The city within a city,” University City has it all. From education, eateries, innovation, recreation, and even a train, this semi-suburbia provides a cornucopia of plenty to residents, businesses, and students. — This bustling area has vastly transformed since its humble beginnings in 1904 when The Mecklenburg County Poor House operated at the interchange of what is now North Tryon Street and W.T.…

Celebrating Juneteenth: An Important Part of American History

April 28, 2023

By Angela Lindsay In recent years, the world has taken more notice of Juneteenth. From increased public celebrations across the U.S. and beyond to companies allowing employees to take the day off, the observance has experienced phenomenal growth in popularity and recognition.…

The Arts Empowerment Project

March 7, 2023

Offers Hope and Opportunity to Area Youth The arts teach more than just how to glue pieces of construction paper together or how to color between the lines. Research shows that exposure to the arts can help young people develop many positive skills, such as persistence, collaboration, creative thinking, problem solving and motivation, that are valued by leaders and employers.…

Trinity Episcopal School Principal

March 7, 2023

Nurtures Students’ Goals and Passions By Brenda Porter-Rockwell Photos by Chris Miller/Trinity Episcopal School Children often dream of a myriad of occupations before finding the passion that eventually informs their career choice. That wasn’t the case for Imana Sherrill, the new head of school at Trinity Episcopal School (TES).…