Two African-American trailblazers addressed the Forum:
Anna Hood was among the first African-Americans hired by the Social Security Administration in the Charlotte area in the 1960s.
Fannie Flono was among the first African-Americans promoted to editing positions at the Charlotte Observer in the 1980s.
Hood, from South Carolina, mentioned that her family had thus far managed to hold on to the family land in South Carolina.
Flono, from Georgia, also mentioned that her family had thus far managed to hold on to the family land in Georgia.
Both talked about their work mostly, with Hood being asked about her work as a volunteer treasurer for various political campaigns.
The videos below capture the two introductory comments, and excerpts from the Q&A that followed.