Recently at the Forum

Announcements

As of 3-21-2023

Upcoming Deadlines

March 31: Applications due from nonprofits and other groups for grants of $1,000-$10,000 for “projects and programs addressing societal disparities experienced by African Americans.” Begin applications here under “grant program name” pulldown of Foundation for Black Philanthropy.

May 20: Applications due for CPCC’s Accelerated Career Training Program that provides free 7- to 16-week training in eight career paths. Flier here.

Upcoming Events

March 23: Park and Recreation listening session about initial master planning recommendations for Latta Place, free, 6 p.m., South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Rd. RSVP here. Background here.

March 25: Health & Community Affair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendor registration due March 1 here.

March 25: Community Engagement Task Group for Community Justice’s Community Conversation, 12:30-2 p.m., West Charlotte Rec Center, 2401 Kendall Dr. RSVP by e-mail.

March 28: Listening session on a county Strategic Plan under development to guide a Behavioral Health delivery system that “remains fragmented and difficult to navigate.” Individuals with live experienced, service providers and public welcome. Session 6-7:30 p.m., Steele Creek Library, 13620 Steele Creek Rd. Optional registration here. Background here. Flier here.

March 30: Summit on affordable housing crisis, 9 a.m., Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church, 700 Sugar Creek Rd.

March 30: “Spill the Tea: A Discussion on the Importance of Mentorship in Various Spaces for Women & Girls of Color,” 6-8 p.m., Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary, 2326 Arty Ave. Info and registration here.

April 4: Listening session on a county Strategic Plan under development to guide a Behavioral Health delivery system that “remains fragmented and difficult to navigate.” Individuals with live experienced, service providers and public welcome. Session 6-7:30 p.m.,North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Ln, Huntersville.Optional registration here. Background here. Flier here.

April 8: Community Resources Day at Lincoln Heights Park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1819 Catherine Simmons Ave.

April 10-14: Diamond Tours trip with Dr. Blanche Penn and Petronila Clark for Myrtle Beach Show Trip, $675.

April 20: Listening session on a county Strategic Plan under development to guide a Behavioral Health delivery system that “remains fragmented and difficult to navigate.” Individuals with live experienced, service providers and public welcome. Session 6-7:30 p.m., South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Rd. Optional registration here. Background here. Flier here.

April 25-30: VISIONS Civil Rights Trail Tour in Alabama. Info: Deborah J. Walker, 704-724-7469 or e-mail.

April 25: Listening session on a county Strategic Plan under development to guide a Behavioral Health delivery system that “remains fragmented and difficult to navigate.” Individuals with live experienced, service providers and public welcome. Session 6-7:30 p.m., Eastway Regional Rec Center, 3150 Eastway Park Dr. Optional registration here. Background here. Flier here.

April 30: “A Jazzy Derby Affair,” a Delta Sigma Theta fundraiser for sorority scholarships, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Hilton Charlotte Uptown, 222 E. 3rd St. Tickets $85 plus $10 parking. Register here.

May 2: MeckMIN Annual Community Leader Awards Breakfast fundraiser, 7:30 a.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St. Tickets $50 here. Sponsorship opportunities here.

May 19: Urban League Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards. Details to come.

June 11: Art Auction for Second Chances, noon-5 p.m., Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St.

Sept. 19-21: Diamond Tours trip with Dr. Blanche Penn and Petronila Clark for Pigeon Forge and Smoky Mountains Show Trip, $395.

Nov. 27-Dec. 1: Diamond Tours trip with Dr. Blanche Penn and Petronila Clark for The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum near Cincinnati.

Candidates & Elected Officials

Alma Adams 3-20

Nasif Majeed 3-16

Natasha Marcus 3-17 3-17

Nonprofits & Governments

Genesis Project 3-18

NC Administrative Office of the Courts 3-15

New Rural Project 3-17 3-19

Obama Foundation 3-15

Read Charlotte 3-15

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Announcements Archive

Education & Health

3-21-2023

Four nurses who were pioneers in the desegregation of their profession and local hospitals recall the struggle.

3-14-2023

Dr. Monique May commented on foods and cooking methods and how people might eat more heathfully.

2-21-2023

Four of the six CMS board members elected from districts discussed what’s on the table, both as they meet and as they huddle one-on-one to find a way forward for children.

2-7-2023

Alumni of Mecklenburg’s Black schools gathered to share with younger generations why they think they thrived, despite the racism and inequities that surrounded them.

1-31-2023

Mic Alexander trains work groups and individuals on how to read the room and respond appropriately even as stress mounts.

12-13-2022

Daisha Wall presented the work of CleanAIRENC to gather the data that can pressure polluters to help make westside neighborhoods healthier places to live.

12-7-2022

A longtime observer of North Carolina public policy comments on the key role of public education in action to “alleviate poverty and propel upward mobility.”

11-4-2022

The N.C. Supreme Court handed down a decision outlining a path toward ordering new state financing to ensure a sound basic education for all children.

8-16-2022

Dr. Victor Mack led a discussion of pre-college programs for youth supported both by UNCC and the 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte organization.

8-9-2022

Raymond ‘Raki’ McGregor is among Charlotte Executive Leadership Council members working inside CMS to improve student outcomes.

7-11-2022

Aug. 1 opens application period for annual applications for free- and reduced-price lunches for some CMS families.

7-8-2022

CMS is seeking advice on redrawing attendance boundaries for more than a dozen schools effective in fall 2023.

6-28-2022

Jared Keaton, CEO of Alliance Center for Education, outlined how the former Bethlehem Center is shaping Charlotte’s future.

6-21-2022

CMS CTE Director Susan Gann-Carroll outlined successes and challenges in offering all teens a way to find a niche for their skills and interests in the post-secondary world.

6-16-2022

The plan for the next school bond issue: Will it get the attention it deserves?

5-24-2022

Shamaiye Haynes, left, and Men Tchaas Ari presented the Community Learning Centers concept being pursued by their respective organizations.

4-19-2022

Forum participants discuss the future of CMS, in light of school board’s decision to fire Supt. Earnest Winston.

2-15-2022

A permanent program to subsidize Internet access fees is now available to low-income households.

1-25-2022

Bea Thompson led a discussion of health and wellness challenges affecting Black women in particular, and how to address them.

1-24-2022

Barbara Ledford, former West Charlotte High principal and inspiration to many of her students, died Dec. 30.

View the Archives for
Education & Health

Community & Housing

3-7-2023

Charlene Price-Patterson, left, Debbie Mann Gibbs and Bea Thompson recounted the early years of women in Charlotte television.

2-28-2023

Malcomb Coley presented an update on the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative, and discussed an economic development project using private dollars that has hit roadblocks.

2-1-2023

Rep. Adams made a speech on the floor of the U.S. House about Black History Month.

1-24-2023

Alesha Brown has hustled into existence a nonprofit focused on meeting seniors’ needs where they are, thereby shoring up fragile minority neighborhoods.

8-30-2022

Kathryn Firmin-Sellers led a presentation from United Way about efforts to redirect diminished resources to emerging community needs through emerging community organizations.

8-23-2022

Tara Vannoy, left, Ginny Harper and Carlo Battle presented material on financial aid available to families struggling with housing, utility and weatherization costs.

8-2-2022

Valaida Fullwood recounted 15 years of the New Generation of African American Philanthropists and listed events planned to mark August’s Black Philanthropy Month.

6-7-2022

Long before social media and GoFundMe, Laura McClettie and friends brought their community together through financial support of its endangered institutions.

3-1-2022

LaToya Faustin, left, and Marion Pulse outlined a vision of bringing awareness of the trades to young children, when they begin matching their interests with the world of work.

2-15-2022

Curt Peters, left, led four other Charlotte media people in looking at the past, present and future of coverage of the Black community.

2-8-2022

Charis Blackmon explained the efforts by West Side Charlotte Land Trust to make homes affordabe in west side neighborhoods for the people who have long lived there are but face gentrification pressures.

12-14-2021

Ginny Harper led a group presentation about assistance programs available to low-income residents.

11-16-2021

Sherri Chisholm explained how Leading on Opportunity focused on a community response to easing barriers to social mobility will fit into the picture.

11-1-2021

Mayor Vi Lyles’ Racial Equity Initiative took a $250 million turn Monday. A listing of media coverage.

10-12-2021

Center City Partners and Historic West End are trying to mesh their planning visions for overcoming the split caused by I-77 in the 1970s.

9-27-2021

Mecklenburg is making $340 grants available to qualified applicants to help them stay in their homes.

9-14-2021

JCSU Archivist Brandon Lunsford outlined what’s ahead for a long-term project on Black Charlotte neighborhoods.

4-27-2021

Keith Rivers, left, addressed the Forum about protests following the April 21 death of Andrew Brown Jr. in Elizabeth City.

4-13-2021

Marcus Bass, left, from NC Black Alliance and Stephanie Sneed from the Black Political Caucus review efforts to activate black voters and create multi-ethnic political action.

3-20-2021

Serita Russell, left, was lead plaintiff in the successful lawsuit over landlord malfeasance at Lake Arbor Apartments.

View the Archives for
Housing, Work, Community

Growing Business

3-15-2023

Sherrell Dorsey, once based in Charlotte, has announced the unplugging of “The Plug,” an online chronicler of Blacks in the tech industry.

2-14-2023

Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CFO Anthony Shelborne explains the group’s outreach to area companies for help with venue hospitality.

12-6-2022

Traletta Banks, left, was one of four entrepreneurial minds in different economic sectors explaining their challenges, and seeing opportunities to work together.

11-29-2022

Frances Hall recounts her struggle to bring training in the construction trades to young people who turn their new skills into gainful employment.

11-15-2022

Cheryse Terry shared the story of how life events led her to the successful creation of a new Black-owned coffee shop and gathering place on Beatties Ford Road.

7-10-2022

An overview of the Growing Business category.

7-10-2022

Book review by Daniel Souleles , left, may offer a routine-stopping opportunity to think about how systems can hurt people.

5-10-2022

A study tracks the implications of continuing inequities in entrepreneurial opportunity.

3-20-2022

John McDonald created at LaSalle and Beatties Ford a community meeting spot. The building’s new owner is seeking historic status for the site.

2-22-2022

Steven Coker was among City of Charlotte staffers describing efforts to include minority-owned firms in city contracting.

1-19-2022

Guide published to the 20-some murals along Beatties Ford Road.

1-18-2022

Kevin Price, left, led the Durham-based National Institute of Minority Economic Development in a review of their work in a five-state area.

1-11-2022

Rachelle Latimer, left, has pursued an entrepreneurial path to success. Her words may be inspiring to those who are committed, driven and hungry.

12-7-2021

CEO Teddy McDaniel, left, and COO Dr. Fahnie Shaw discuss how the Urban League is targeting economic gaps and employment opportunities.

11-9-2021

Chris Dennis says he listens to the community, hires off the street and in doing so is revitalizing the Beatties Ford Road corridor.

10-5-2021

Dr. Shanté Williams described her work as an angel investor and as head of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce.

6-15-2021

Ralphine Caldwell reviews the initial months in the Charlotte work of Local Initiatives Support Corp.

5-11-2021

Najah Roberts, chief visionary officer for Crypto Blockchain Plug, believes cryptocurrency will affect everyone, whether or not they invest in Bitcoin or other digital products.

6-25-2019

Marvin Kelly described Goodwill Industries’ training and other missions and answered questions.

6-4-2019

Michael Norman is using his electrical contractor business to give young people a chance for a steady job.

View the Archives for
Commentary

Government & Politics

1-17-2023

Kristie Puckett-Williams told her story, and the story of hundreds of women incarcerated in North Carolina, who do not receive appropriate care when pregnant.

10-11-2022

Faith Triggs, a volunteer with the Vote Yes for City Bonds Committee, led off a discussion of what’s in the Nov. 8 city bond referendum package.

9-6-2022

Congresswoman Alma Adams gave an update on work that Congress has been doing, and her efforts to bring factions together to serve the American people.

6-15-2022

Community Relations held a virtual session on its Americans With Disabilities Act Transition Plan.

6-14-2022

County Tax Assessor Ken Joyner explained how NC law limits action to protect homeowners in gentrifying neighborhoods from crushing tax bills.

5-31-2022

City Manager Marcus Jones, left, and Mayor Vi Lyles fielded questions from constituents impatient for conditions to improve in underserved westside neighborhoods.

5-24-2022

Longtime city and county leader Ella Scarborough has died, the Observer reported.

2-11-2022

A report from library staff runs down ways in which racist attitudes and policies have shaped Mecklenburg County.

2-1-2022

Alysia Osborne, left, and Interim Planning Director Alyson Craig gave an update on the city’s 2040 Plan.

1-30-2022

Court of Superior Court Elisa Chinn-Gary says she has reconsidered, and will file for re-election.

12-7-2021

District Court Judge Rickye McKoy-Mitchell announced her retirement effective next September.

12-7-2021

Elisa Chinn-Gary, a 20-year veteran of the Mecklenburg courts, won’t seek re-election as Clerk of Superior Court.

11-30-2021

A ceremony marked the retirement of Superior Court Judge Donnie Hoover.

11-12-2021

Assistance with heating bills available this winter to low-income families.

9-7-2021

Sen. Natasha Marcus, head of the Mecklenburg legislative delegation, reviewed successes and challenges in Raleigh.

8-31-2021

Hannah Terrell, left, led a discussion of how the library system stays open to serve its users in the community – and nation.

8-6-2021

Details on an FCC program offering help with affording broadband services.

8-4-2021

Center City Partners is seeking public comment on its 2040 plan.

7-20-2021

Chief Public Defender Kevin Tully outlined the work of 60 lawyers and support staff defending Mecklenburg citizens in court.

7-13-2021

County Manager Dena Diorio gave an update on COVID, the county’s new budget, the struggle to properly shelter and support people evicted from a tent encampment, and the recasting of all county programs to support equity and justice.

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Government & Politics

Candidates & Ballots

11-8-2022

Nov. 8, 2022 voting results for candidates on the Mecklenburg ballot.

11-1-2022

Three candidates for N.C. House seats concluded Forum presentations on the Nov. 8 election.

10-25-2022

Six Democrats, five of them incumbents, explained their efforts to advocate for change in the GOP-controlled N.C. House

10-18-2022

Four of the eight candidates in contested races for the N.C. Senate answered questions.

10-11-2022

Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, D-6, Laura Meier, D-5, and Mark Jerrell, D-4, addressed county challenges ahead.

10-4-2022

Carolyn Thompson has served as a judge halfway across North Carolina, but is on the Mecklenburg ballot Nov. 8. Judge candidates and Soil & Water board candidates addressed participants.

9-27-2022

Candidates for at-large and two district seats on the Board of County Commissioners addressed participants.

9-20-2022

Six candidates running for CMS Board of Education seats to represent Districts 2, 4 and 6 answered questions.

9-13-2022

Seven candidates running for CMS Board of Education seats to represent Districts 1, 3 and 5 answered questions.

7-26-2022

Election results from the City of Charlotte’s general election for Mayor and Council.

7-19-2022

Two of the six candidates in July 26 District City Council contests attended the Forum.

7-12-2022

Five at-large City Council candidates focused on ways the Council can tend to unfinished business, particularly on making the city work for people already living here.

7-4-2022

Remember the Fourth on July 26, your next opportunity to exercise your vote.

5-17-2022

Voting percentages for May 17 primaries in which Mecklenburg voters participated.

5-10-2022

Stephanie De Sarachaga-Bilbao, Republican candidate for Charlotte Mayor, addressed Forum and fielded questions.

5-10-2022

Candidates made last-week pitches for support from area voters as early voting continues and Primary Day looms May 17.

5-3-2022

New ideas for prompting higher voter turnout were few and far between. Older methods were mentioned amid slow early voting.

5-3-2022

Six hopefuls are on the May 17 Democratic primary ballot for three contested District Court seats.

4-26-2022

Four of fiive Republicans seeking the nod in the GOP May 17 primary for Charlotte City Council At-Large seats answered questions.

4-19-2022

The six Democrats in the May 17 primary for City Council at-large seats addressed the Forum and answered questions.

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Candidates & Ballots

Forum & Commentary

3-14-2023

A new Steve Crump documentary will be shown on April. 4

2-24-2023

Jimmy Carter’s prophetic words from 1979 deserve a re-reading in 2023 America.

2-1-2023

The Forum’s website marked Black History Month 2023 with this collection honoring local African Americans who have helped shape that history.

1-10-2023

Facilitator WInston Robinson led participants in a discussion of how the Forum might help the community focus on the issues it faces.

1-1-2023

Who will lead efforts to solve key community issues instead of just kicking them down the road?

12-19-2022

These windows on the 2022 holidays were published in the “Recently at the Forum” space on the front of this website during the Forum’s winter holiday.

12-13-2022

Mary Klenz offered a remembrance of educator and mixed-income housing advocate Richard McElrath.

10-25-2022

Forum co-founder Sarah Stevenson marked her 97th birthday at the Forum.

6-7-2022

Ceretha Sherrill shared personal reflections on the occasion of the upcoming Juneteenth celebration.

6-1-2022

DonnaMarie Woodson continues her series, ‘Incredible Black Women You Should Know About,” with Hollywood actress Frederika “Fredi” Washington, who refused to ‘pass’ in 1930s Hollywood.

5-31-2022

Clips from May 31 Forum video focus on issues raised by initial use of Quad camera in Cisco Web Kit.

5-11-2022

The room where the Forum has met in person since 2016 has had an upgrade since the pandemic lockdown.

5-3-2022

Facilitators set May 24 as the date for resumption of in-person Forum meetings.

5-1-2022

DonnaMarie Woodson continues her series, ‘Incredible Black Women You Should Know About,” with an essay on NASA astronaut Mae Jemison.

4-27-2022

The national Urban League has published “Under Siege: The Plot to Destroy Democracy.”

4-1-2022

DonnaMarie Woodson continues her series, ‘Incredible Black Women You Should Know About,” with an essay on Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai.

3-28-2022

Longtime Forum participant Tommie Robinson’s 75th birthday will be marked Saturday.

3-22-2022

Facilitators met at Belmont Center, agreed that in-person meetings would resume after the May 17 primary election.

3-1-2022

DonnaMarie Woodson continues her series, ‘Incredible Black Women You Should Know About,” with an essay on Olympic gold medalist and civil rights activist Wilma Rudolph.

2-21-2022

A McKinsey & Company study outlines issues faced by both immigrant and U.S.-born Latinos.

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Inside the Forum