By Eren Simpson
Every year, Pride Magazine kicks off the New Year with its annual Pride Awards, honoring someone in Charlotte’s African-American community.
But this year’s party is going to be even bigger than before, as the magazine celebrates its 25th anniversary. Instead of the usual evening gala, this year’s event will be a luncheon celebration on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, at the Westin in uptown, and the award recipient will be an outstanding millennial.
“Folks can expect, a fantastic, well-planned event that will educate and entertain them,” said publisher Dee Dixon.
Dixon said this year’s event will focus on a generational theme, but she didn’t want to give it all away.
“It’s going to be a very special award, because millennials are key to the future, so we really want to put the spotlight on African-American millennials,” Dixon said. “There’s a lot of stereotypical information and misinformation out there, so we want to highlight someone who’s outstanding in our community and give a monetary award to our winner this year. We’re excited about who this winner might be.”
Dixon has been with Pride Magazine since its inception, when it was part of The Charlotte Observer. She purchased the magazine in 2001, and has seen firsthand how the magazine and Charlotte itself have changed.
“Of course, the magazine over the years has really gotten to the point of having more substance,” Dixon said. “I think the magazine is much more relevant to the African-American community, and with our multicultural edition we’ve expanded beyond that to include information about other minority and ethnic groups in Charlotte.
“Personally, I find that the city has changed in an amazing way. It has grown tremendously from the time I set foot here, working for The Observer. The city is much bigger and better than it was when I first came here.”
Dixon said moving forward, the magazine will continue to be a strong voice for the African-American community, and will continue to promote diversity within the city, “and hopefully be a link to corporations, the community and excellence throughout the city.”
To learn more about the annual awards ceremony, or to buy tables or tickets,
call 704-375-9553 or visit www.prideawards.net.