features

By Angela Lindsay Ericia Turner became the first Black woman to be named executive director of athletics for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in August 2021, following the retirement of Sue Doran. It isn’t a position she sought out, but ultimately, she wanted to utilize her passion for sports and education to “enhance athletic programs and provide opportunities for student athletes to excel both on and off the field.” …

By Rosanny Crumpton The C.W. Williams Community Health Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit federally qualified health center, offers the following services and more: primary care, lab services, dental, behavioral health, covid care, pharmacy, HIV screening and testing and patient education services. The C.W.…

By Alicia Benjamin We are proud to announce that one of our regular freelance writers, Angela Haigler, has recently published a collection of essays by women writers who share intimate stories about their mothers. The anthology, “Mama Stories: Gifts From Our Mothers,” includes essays by 13 writers, including Haigler, that recall memories and reflections of their relationships with their mothers.…

By Ryan Kouame Intersectional educator, facilitator, nonprofit leader and fierce advocate for justice, Janeen Bryant, is helping build and advocate for more opportunity, equity and justice through her work as executive director of Community Building Initiative (CBI) in Charlotte. A tireless advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, Bryant has a wealth of experience, spanning more than 20 years, five countries, two degrees, and several  areas of expertise that help her lead CBI with diligence, insight and compassion.…

By Kurtavia Burton The owner and practicing orthodontist at A List Smiles Orthodontics in East Charlotte says she and her team always deliver great smiles and quality service, and they also provide a comfortable, welcoming, environment while providing great dental service.…

By Rosanny Crumpton The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte has been providing essential and valuable services and programs to the 55+ adult community in Mecklenburg County for the past 45 years. They are a non-profit interfaith organization led by its dedicated team of staff, officers and board of directors.…

By Derik Hicks In the heart of Charlotte, a city experiencing rapid growth, there is the often overlooked hidden reality of people in our community who are experiencing homelessness. This is a world where sidewalks become makeshift beds, cardboard boxes and tents are shelters, and hope remains an elusive, fragile companion.…

By John Burton Jr. “The well-being of men and boys of color is crucial for the overall health, prosperity, and inclusivity of society,” said artist, educational leader, and community curator, turned executive director, Ricky Singh. This New York City native has led the nonprofit, My Brother’s Keeper Charlotte-Mecklenburg, since July 2023.…