Patrick Chang, a Forum regular from 2013, was in his native Jamaica just before Hurricane Melissa devastated his homeland. Chang writes that he will remain in Charlotte but is “doing what I can from here raising awareness and funds.” His sister, also a longtime Charlotte resident, is associated with Food For the Poor, “a trustworthy organization.” Melissa led to at least 67 deaths and up to $4 billion in insured losses. (Note that’s just the insured losses.)

Upcoming Events

Nov. 8: The _preneur Conference for young entrepreneurs 13-18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Union at Station West, 919 Berryhill Rd. Suite 105. Presented by the _preneur Collective. Tickets are $10 or pay-what-you-can.

Nov. 8: Proportional Representatives Initiative, 10 a.m-noon, Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Rd.

Nov. 8: STEM Fest at The Pearl, 1-4 p.m. Register here.

Nov. 9: Marking Veterans’ Day, a celebration of the lost soldiers of Cedar Grove Cemetery, 3 p.m., Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Rd.

Nov. 13: Hops & Bots Fundraiser for Queen City Robotics Alliance, 5:30-8 p.m., NoDa Brewing, 150 W 32nd St. Tickets $60-$600 and info here.

Nov. 13: Rhythm & Roots: Jazz, Blues and the Power of Black Giving, 7 p.m, Carolina Theatre, 230 N. Tryon St. Sponsorship opportunities here. Tickets here.

Nov. 15: Student Art Show & Auction, noon-2 p.m., West Charlotte High, 2219 Senior Dr. Tickets $15 here.

Nov. 15: TD Elder Trailblazer award luncheon, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $60, Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr. More info here. Honorees here. Everett Blackmon on event in Oct. 21 video beginning at 1:18:49.

Nov. 15: “Turn Up for College, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., free, Harding University High School, 2001 Alleghany St. Register by Nov. 8  here.

Nov. 17: North Carolina Local News Lab Fund screening of “Reimagining Local News” featuring journalist Charles Blow, free, 6-8:30 p..m., Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh St. RSVP required here.

Nov. 20: MeckMIN’s Mecklenburg Interfaith Friendsgiving, 6 p.m., Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Rd.

Nov. 20: County Commissioner Yvette Townsend-Ingram town hall celebrating Global Awareness Week small business readiness and local growth and global emerging markets, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Library Administration Center, 510 Stitt Rd. RSVP here.

Nov. 24: Thanksgiving turkey giveaway marking the 50th anniversary of Stephanie Mills’ playing Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway, co-sponsored by Yvette Townsend-Ingram, 9 a.m.-noon, 2306 Central Ave.

Dec. 8-12: Diamond Tours trip with Dr. Blanche Penn and Petronila Clark to Lancaster Show Trip & the Dutch Country, $775.

2026

June 22-27: Diamond Tours trip with Dr. Blanche Penn and Petronila Clark to Chicago, $785.

Aug. 25-27: Diamond Tours trip with Dr. Blanche Penn and Petronila Clark to Pigeon Forge and Smoky Mountains Show Trip, $469.

Candidates, Elected Officials, Etc.

Alma Adams 10-30 10-31 11-3 11-4

Joyce Waddell 10-30

Governments, Nonprofits, etc.

Foundation for Black Philanthropy 10-31

Mecklenburg Board Bulletin 11-3

NAACP 10-30 10-31 10-31

Podcasts

Audio and/or video resources mentioned by Forum presenters or participants as of possible interest to Forum participants:

Autism in Color, by La Becky Roe and Chavon Robinson, interviews with parents dealing with children on the spectrum. First published April 20, 2021.

Fordcast with Jim Rico by James Giavonni Lockhart, Charlotte-focused monologues about issues people don’t want to talk about. First published March, 29, 2025.

Strong Place with Mental Health America Central Carolinas Executive Director Ayo Johnson, on YouTube. First published July 2024.

Organizations’ Event Calendars

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Charlotte Alumnae Chapter

Gantt Center

League of Women Voters

Women’s Business Center of Charlotte

U.S. Congress office hours

12th District – Alma Adams

Main office: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m, 10815 David Taylor Dr, Suite 100

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon, North Meck Regional Library

1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Cabarrus County Govt. Center

2nd & 4th Thursdays, 1-4 p.m., North Meck Regional Library

14th District – Tim Moore

8th District – Mark Harris