Qcitymetro.com

01/08/2024

Charlotte City Council will hold its first business meeting of 2024 tonight.

Much of the agenda focuses on aviation or airport business, but council members will also discuss affordable housing and two health-leaning items, among others.

One item, a solar energy program for large clients of Duke Energy through Duke Energy’s Green Source Advantage Bridge program, could bring the city closer to hitting its zero-carbon building goal.

Another item the council will discuss is a $3.5 million grant allowing the city to test more than 180 low-income housing units for lead paint. It will also support the removal of lead from up to 100 housing units over the next four years.

Check back Tuesday for an update.

01/08/2024

Vice President Kamala Harris will return to Charlotte on Thursday, Jan. 11 to discuss lowering rates of gun violence with educators, counselors, parents, gun safety advocates, and local and state leaders.

Harris also plans to announce new funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to increase access to mental health resources at schools nationwide, the White House shared in a press release.

The vice president will be joined by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

This will be her ninth trip to North Carolina since being sworn in. She visited Charlotte in June 2023 for the first anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade and also visited Greensboro in September.

01/08/2024

A new group event space, Sparkle Palace, recently opened in Concord. The "all-pink" venue owned by Da’Les Hill offers children and adults a spa-like experience in addition to princess-themed putt-putt and dress-up props.

“Our house in Charlotte didn’t have a basement, so my girls didn’t have a playroom anymore,” she told QCity Metro. Her idea for Sparkle Palace was born from that need.

Sparkle Palace is a playroom for girls, and gives everyone "the princess treatment" for a day.

01/05/2024

Read how one school in North Carolina is outperforming others when it comes to educating Black and Hispanic students. With high expectations and a mission to eradicate generational poverty, Sugar Creek Charter School is inspiring success beyond test scores.

Sugar Creek Charter School in Charlotte, NC, is outperforming schools statewide in educating Black and Hispanic students.

01/05/2024

The 10th Anniversary Blumey Awards Celebration is happening next week. Think of Blumey's as the Tony's but for local high school theater talent. This year, Blumenthal is launching the Blumenthal Inspire Fund, which will help local students pursue careers in the arts.

Tickets are on sale for the 10th Anniversary Blumey Awards, honoring the best in high school musical theater and supporting future artists.

01/04/2024

A Black-owned brewery and distillery is coming to Charlotte. Hippin Hops Brewery will open in February, featuring its own beer and liquor. Plus, it will be the city's first Black-owned distillery

Hippin' Hops Brewery & Distillery, an Atlanta-based Black-owned brewery, is opening in Charlotte in February and will be the first Black-owned distillery in the city.

01/02/2024

There are lots of hidden gems in South End. Next time you're out and about with friends or family, consider try wine on tap, light therapy or even get permanent jewelry.

Make the most of your visit to South End. From saunas to piercings to interactive art, this neighborhood offers something for everyone.

01/02/2024

The new year means health care devlopments in mental health, changes in oral healthcare, Medicaid expansion and hospital revenue.

Get the latest updates on health care in North Carolina, including legislative action, oral health, mental health, and more.

01/02/2024

Charlotte's 2024 events calendar is already filling up -- and its set to be a good one. Major artists like Nicki Minaj and legendary songstress Patti LaBelle will perform live, while comedy greats like Katt Williams also have tour stops planned in the city.

Plus, arts festivals, a new music festival with more than 40 artists and a comedy-thon already have tickets on sale.

2024 promises to be full of concerts, festivals, comedy shows and more in Charlotte. Here are twenty to keep on your radar:

12/22/2023

The Carolina Panthers host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The Packers need a win to stay in the Wild Card race, while the Panthers will try to spoil their chances. Can the Panthers pull off an upset?

12/22/2023

Wisdom Jzar has celebrated Kwanzaa with his family since the 1970s. Kwanzaa, which originated in 1966, is a celebration of the African-American family, with each day representing one of seven principles.

"When we celebrate [Kwanzaa values] as a family, we want to make sure that we understand that we're not just doing it for our family," Jzar said. "We are part of a greater grouping of individuals, and that is our community."

Wisdom Jzar has celebrated Kwanzaa with his family since the 1970s. For the 48-year-old, it’s an annual opportunity to connect with his family and community. Kwanzaa originated in 1966 as a celebration of the African American family, community and culture. The non-religious, seven-day holiday is c...

12/22/2023

Christmas came early for Rayven White! After a long journey, she finally became a homeowner, just in time for the holidays.

Rayven and her 11-year-old daughter moved into their new home with help from We Build Concord, a nonprofit land trust that builds and advocates for affordable housing in Concord.

“God's timing is perfect,” she said. “That's the best way I can put it. So this is a great time. Great time of year. I'm just overjoyed.”

Rayven White, an early childhood educator and mom to an 11-year-old daughter, said owning her own home was a "symbol of stability."

12/20/2023

South End has a few fun events coming up just in time for the holidays:

Holiday cocktail class: Attend the Jingle & Mingle cocktail class at The Cocktailery and get a taste of North Carolina’s local spirits. (Dec. 23 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

Charlotte Collective PJ Party: Celebrate Charlotte Collective's 5th annual Pajama Party. Plus, get 20% off your entire purchase for the first two hours.

Cupcake giveaway at SWIRL: Be one of the first 100 people to visit SWIRL and get a free holiday cupcake. (Dec. 23, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

Holiday shop in Charlotte's South End, from apparel to pet supplies. Gear up for the holidays with locally owned stores.

12/20/2023

Mental health, poverty and education are all leading concerns for children in Mecklenburg County.

In addition, access to childcare is worsening, leading to a loss of wages for families.

Members of NC Child, a nonprofit that advances public policies for children, discussed these issues and more during its annual presentation on childhood outcomes in the county.

Discover the leading children's health issues in Mecklenburg County, including mental health, poverty, and educational outcomes.

12/20/2023

A local nonprofit is helping high school students achieve their college goals! Through mentorship, college tours, and financial literacy courses the Academy of Goal Achievers has supported over 3,500 students and families. Read on to find out how they're making a difference in underserved neighborhoods.

The Academy of Goal Achievers offers mentorship, college tours, leadership development and financial literacy courses, among other educational activities for local high school students.

12/19/2023

Bonita Buford has been named the next president & CEO of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. Buford will replace David R. Taylor, who announced his retirement last month after 14 years leading the Gantt Center.

“I look forward to honoring our founders’ mission, providing exceptional arts, cultural, and educational experiences that have been transformational in the community for the past fifty years,” she said.

Buford will replace David R. Taylor, who announced his retirement last month after 14 years leading the Gantt Center.

12/14/2023

A local Black-owned brewery, Weathered Souls, is looking for investors to prevent its closure at the end of the year.

In an exclusive interview with QCity Metro, co-owner Mike Holt said the 255 Clanton Road business is struggling financially and looking for investors to prevent its closure at the end of the year.

“I desperately don’t want to close, but it's been a drain on the entire company,“ he said.

In an exclusive interview, co-owner Mike Holt told QCity that the 255 Clanton Road business is struggling financially and currently looking for investment partners to prevent it from closing at the end of the year.

12/13/2023

Habitat for Humanity is continuing its work in helping provide affordable housing by partnering with local LGBTQ+ organizations.

One of the builds from 2016 aimed to partner with a local LGBTQ+ organization known as the Plus Collective — then called the Charlotte Le***an and Gay Fund — to build a home for a mother of four in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood.

Since then other Habitats across the state have followed in its footsteps.

Discover how Habitat for Humanity is addressing the lack of affordable housing for LGBTQ+ people in North Carolina through Pride builds.

12/13/2023

Southern Lion, the Black-owned home goods store in Carolina Place Mall, is expanding next spring. With an additional 85,000 square feet, they'll be able to accommodate over 300 merchants.

Owner Sonja Nichols said she plans to add vendor spaces, a cafe and even a sports lounge.

“Our goal is to be the premier multi-merchant marketplace in the Southeast region,” Nichols told QCity Metro. “We want to be that one-stop shop for your home needs.”

The Black-owned retail space has grabbed an additional 85,000 square feet to accommodate expansion plans next spring.

12/12/2023

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra has just announced their new music director, Kwamé Ryan. He will be the first Black conductor to hold this position with the CSO QCity Metro interviewed Ryan about his position's significance as well as what drew him to it.

Born in Canada and raised in Trinidad, Ryan will be the first Black conductor to hold that position with CSO.

12/11/2023

Hundreds of QCity Metro readers showed up this weekend for our Black-owned holiday marketplace. Products from more than 30 local businesses filled the store, along with festive music and holiday cheer.

The market sold nearly $10,000 in products in just three days! The top sellers? Candles, crewneck sweatshirts and all-things Christmas-related -- like wrapping paper designed by a local Black artist.

12/11/2023

St. Augustine's College has appointed Dr. Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon as acting president amidst controversy.

According to published reports, the former president, Dr.Christine McPhail filed an internal complaint in October accusing the board of trustees of gender-based discrimination.

In a Dec. 5 statement, board Chairman James Perry called McPhail's allegations unfounded.

Leslie Rodriguez-McClellon, the school’s vice president of community relations and government affairs, takes over after the firing of Christine McPhail.

12/11/2023

Charlotte City Council will review body cam footage of a police officer striking a woman in a November incident. The video will be available to the public on Dec. 12 at noon.

The video will be viewed in a closed session and made available to the public on Dec. 12.

12/11/2023

Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region is offering critical home repairs to low-income residents, allowing them to age safely in their homes without fear of displacement.

One of these residents is 82-year-old Loretta McClure.

Her daughter, Carol Green, desperately applied to some of Charlotte's critical home repair programs - Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region responded.

Now - the home is repaired, and Green plans to give the house to her son.

Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte Region's critical home repair program helps residents stay in their homes, combating displacement.

12/11/2023

The wonder is here! ❄️ Now through December 23, see the Belk Theater stage transform into a winter wonderland with glittering snowfall and dazzling dancing.

Add a little extra magic to your holidays this season with Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker!

This is a truly special experience you don’t want to miss.

Get tickets here --> https://tinyurl.com/4buccsd8

Qcitymetro.com covers news, lifestyle and info for Charlotte, N.C.'s, Black communities.

12/11/2023

South End has lots of events holiday events happening this month. Here are some to check out:

Dec. 12: Test your knowledge of all things Elf during Elf Movie Trivia at Skiptown, plus enjoy a spiked hot drink or specialty holiday cocktail.

Dec. 14: Be one of the first 100 people at SWIRL Dessert Bar and receive a free seasonally flavored cupcake.

Dec. 16: Head to The Cocktailery to take a mixology class and learn to make a seasonal-themed punch to serve at your next holiday party.

See more upcoming events, plus local businesses to shop from for your gift list in our guide to celebrating the holidays in South End.

Holiday shop in Charlotte's South End, from apparel to pet supplies. Gear up for the holidays with locally owned stores.

12/07/2023

Celebrate Kwanzaa with Kwanzaa Charlotte's week-long festivities. Events include drumming performances, an African Marketplace, music, food and more from Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 at Movement School on Freedom Drive.

Kwanzaa Charlotte announces its annual holiday plans with drumming experiences, an African Marketplace, music, and more. Celebrate Black American heritage and values.

12/07/2023

Charlotte has a few options for ice skating spots this winter, from an entire ice skating trail at the Whitewater Center to an indoor rink just outside the city. Here's six of our picks to visit this year.

Discover the best places to ice skate in Charlotte, North Carolina, from an ice skating trail at the Whitewater Center to an indoor rink outside the city.

12/07/2023

SouthPark's first-ever Holiday Hop - a week full of holiday shopping and activities is here- we've got your guide:

Thursday: Free cookie decorating at Girl Tribe Co.
Friday: Seasons Greetings photo installation at Legion Brewing SouthPark
Saturday: Bouquet giveaway at Phillips Place
Sunday: BOGO wine at BAR ONE Longue

Check out other holiday happenings this week in our guide to the SouthPark Holiday Hop.

Experience the SouthPark Holiday Hop from December 6-10. Enjoy festive window displays, shopping deals, and free shuttle service.

12/07/2023

Real talk – 80% of women develop fibroids before age 50. Don’t suffer with heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and the fatigue brought on by fibroids. New treatments won’t *cramp* your busy lifestyle.