Harding University High School sophomore hurdler Akala Garrett follows mom and coach LaSonja Collins’ footsteps TThhee CChhaarrllootttteeTHE VOICE P POF THE BLACKo oCOMMUNITYss SINCEtt 1906 WEEK OF JULY 29, 2021 VOLUME 47, NUMBER 47 WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM $1.50 Activists, CMPD Obstacles agree to to ‘a way changes Prohibitions against chemical weapons, out and a ‘kettling’ maneuvers By Herbert L. White [email protected] Civil rights groups and Charlotte- way up’ Mecklenburg Police have reached a settlement on how the department interacts with civilian unrest. Restrictive laws, societal The ACLU of , Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP, bias limit how the formerly Lawyers’ Committee for Civil incarcerated can start fresh Rights Under Law, and Charlotte- based civil rights attorneys reached the agree- ment with the city and CMPD after a violent June 2020 confron- tation in which police used chemical agents MARTEN BJORK | UNSPLASH against peaceful Recently incarcerated people often face societal and legal barriers to re-enter society, especially when it comes to employment. One potential ve- marchers protesting hicle to ease the transition is petitioning for expungement, which requires navigating a maze of official red tape between law enforcement and police brutality. The courts. North Carolina law limits felons – even those convicted of non-violent crimes – access to expunction. settlement will be in Puckett- effect for four years Williams By Herbert L. White “But they labeled it as a violent crime and opens the door to enforce po- [email protected] and there was nothing violent in it.” lice violations. Michael Watkins has the education The inability to find work at a living , This series was produced in partnership with the “People should not be brutalized and training for a career in health care, wage is a major impediment for the Pulitzer Center when they are exercising their right but North Carolina law won’t allow it. formerly incarcerated. The social to protest. This agreement is a step The state prohibits people with a fel- who lives in Raleigh. “I didn’t realize stigma that follows conviction often in the right direction, but it’s insuf- ony record to be employed that until a couple years ago when I filters to potential employers who are ficient to reckon with the violence in the field. Watkins’ tried to go to Legal Aid of North Caro- hesitant to hire people with a record and trauma protesters endured at crime? Breaking and enter- lina to see if I could have my record ex- beyond low-level misdemeanors. As a the hands of police across the state ing and larceny, which re- punged so I could gain sustainable result, people who can’t find work are last year,” Kristie Puckett-Williams, sulted in a three-year employment.” more at risk to return to crime, and by statewide manager of the ACLU of sentence. He served six Watkins sought help at the Campbell extension, incarceration. It’s a cycle that North Carolina’s Campaign for months, and the damage Law Clinic at in can be hard to break. Smart Justice said in a statement. to his future employability Buies Creek, N.C. State law disqualifies “I was never able to get any jobs un- , The agreement includes revi- was total. anyone convicted of a Class H felony – less it was restaurant-type work, which Watkins sions to CMPD rules of engage- “Honestly, it was largely although violence wasn’t involved – paid minimum wage or calls center ment, including: because of a felony I committed in 1989 from expunction. work, which still didn’t pay enough for • Banning the use of chemical that the state of North Carolina says “The way they treated me, you’d think me to afford to be able to get an apart- agents such as tear gas during pro- cannot be expunged,” said Watkins, I’d done something far worse,” he said. Please see LIMITED | 2A tests • Prohibition of chemical weapons to trap protesters • Crowd dispersal orders must be communicated in English and Spanish in order to allow pro- «APPRECIATION: SAM BELNAVIS testers time to disperse Please see CMPD | 2A Motorsports pioneer championed racing diversity Mitchell eyes By Herbert L. White Wendell Scott in the 1970s. In tional Guard. In addition to his well as his work to support the [email protected] 2003, he launched ownership stake, Mr. Belnavis launch of the NASCAR Drive for Sam Belnavis, a sports mar- BelCar Racing with was Roush-Fenway’s chief di- Diversity Program, helped in- another keting pioneer who helped pave National Guard versity officer. troduce career opportunities in the way for motorsports diver- sponsorship, crew “We are saddened by the NASCAR to people of color.” sity, died July 14 at age 81. chief Travis Carter passing of Sam Belnavis, a true Mr. Belnavis’ first foray into political Mr. Belnavis, a native of and driver Todd pioneer in motorsports whose team ownership was the launch Brooklyn, New York, was a trail- Bodine. Mr. Belna- tireless work helped foster an of BH Motorsports in 2002, blazer as a team general man- vis later merged inclusive environment through- which campaigned the No. 54 comeback ager and owner in NASCAR, operations with Belnavis out NASCAR,” the organization Chevrolet with Ron Hornaday at By Ashley Mahoney becoming the first Black owner Roush Fenway Rac- said in a statement. “For more Charlotte, Atlanta and Rocking- [email protected] in stock car racing’s top series ing’s No. 16 car raced by Greg than 30 years, his efforts as a ham and the Army National James Mitchell has answered to since Hall of Fame inductee Biffle and sponsored by the Na- team owner and executive, as Please see 4A SAM BELNAVIS | many titles., member. Company president. Now, he’s a Mecklenburg County coronavirus cases spike college trustee who wants to make another political comeback. By Aaliyah Bowden Mitchell, who left council in Janu- [email protected] ary to run R.J. Leeper Construction, The frequency of COVID-19 cases in Mecklenburg intends to run again for elected of- County is rising as the Delta variant continues to fice. , spread across the country and North Carolina. “I am considering coming back Over the weekend, there were more 1,000 new and trying to serve cases reported in the state. As of July 19, there have our city in some pub- been 734 newly reported cases in the state with 612 lic capacity,” he said.,, people currently hospitalized from COVID-19. The Mitchell did not spike is putting new focus on preventative meas- specify when he ures like vaccination and face coverings to lower the would look to cam- risk of infection. paign again, but con- “Vaccines remain the best protection against firmed his focus rests COVID-19, including against the Delta variant,” said on council rather than Mitchell State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore. “Nationwide, state or federal posi- more than 50% of new cases are now caused by the tions., Delta variant, and the number of Delta variant cases “If I run for public office, It would is rapidly increasing in North Carolina.” definitely be for Charlotte City In the past week, the Mecklenburg Health Depart- Council,” he said., ment reported an average of 92 cases a day com- Mitchell is no stranger to political pared to 74 cases confirmed over a 14-day period. comebacks. After losing the Dem- Hospitals across the state have reported an uptick ocratic mayoral primary to Patrick in cases. Cannon in 2013, he was off council “Our inpatient numbers are still below 20 at each for two years before winning elec- John Foster gives a thumbs-up signal as he takes a COVID-19 shot at Sta- tion to an at large seat in 2015. of our hospitals but there’s been an increase over the dium in February. Mecklenburg County reported an average of 92 confirmed infections a last few weeks,” said David Priest, infectious disease Council and mayoral primary day compared to 74 cases over a 14-day period. Please see 2A Please see CONFIRMED | 2A FORMER | INSIDE Please STAY IN TOUCH Digital edition: Sports 5A Snapchat: thecharpost www.thecharlottepostnewspaper.com Recycle Life 1B Twitter: @thecharpost A&E 5B To subscribe: (704) 376-0496 or online Facebook: Classified 4B http://tcppc.com/Subscribe Instagram: @thecharlottepost #PaperThursday 2A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, July 29, 2021 Limited opportunities for expunction Continued from page 1A law enforcement and the State Bureau that’s part of class, that’s also part of Watkins, who in the last four years ment,” said Watkins, who earlier this of Investigation. Petitioners must file a race, because if you look at who’s com- earned degrees in medical office admin- year went to work for a nonprofit in form in the county where the arrest oc- mitting white collar crimes. It’s class, istration and healthcare management, Portland, Oregon, earlier this year. “So, curred by contacting the clerk of court race and gender, because largely white would like to put his education to work. I was extremely limited in the types of or a private attorney to navigate the pa- men are convicted of white-collar Barring a change in North Carolina law, jobs I was ever offered. perwork required. Any error is cause for crimes, and usually wealthier white he won’t be able to do it here. “I did well. I always do well in inter- automatic rejection. men who are convicted of white-collar “I’m currently in graduate school at views, and employers are always im- Mecklenburg County District Attorney crimes. Walden University pursuing a master’s pressed by me in Spencer Merriweather, “As a society, we don’t automatically degree in healthcare administration,” interviews. However, when who as a prosecutor for assume that particular population at Watkins said. “Although I’ve earned they find out that I have a the state isn’t allowed to baseline is a criminal the same way that these degrees and still earning degrees, criminal record, it nor- offer advice on expunc- we do with poor people regardless of basically North Carolina will still not mally kills the interview tion, still supports helping race, or people who are Black are racial- hire me, hospitals will not hire me be- process right there.” people access resources ized. So, you get the benefit of the cause all my degrees are in health care. That’s where the public for it. doubt as a white male and then you’re Hospitals seem to think I’m a threat be- perception of incarcer- “Our office does not committing a crime that’s considered to cause of my felony. They will not touch ation and real-world needs have programming for re- be a nonviolent crime.” me. The medical profession, the health- Bryant of re-entering people di- Merriweather entry,” he said. “I have There has been movement to give the care profession will not touch me.” verge. Society, UNC Charlotte social tried to be very vocal and very helpful formerly incarcerated a better shot at He hasn’t given up, though. Watkins work professor Dante Bryant PhD in- with regard to expunction practices, work. Several North Carolina municipal- has reached out to Gov. Roy Cooper, sists, punishes the formerly incarcer- cleaning up people’s records who made ities, including Charlotte, Durham and who as a former attorney general was ated long after release. mistakes and have a criminal record in Cumberland County, prohibit asking the state’s top law enforcement official, “A crook is always a crook, which un- trying to make sure people find legal re- job applicants if they’ve been convicted to change the felony schedule so non- dermines the very idea that our criminal lief because I know what the weight of of a crime. They conduct background violent convicts can have a chance at re- justice system is supposed to help re- a criminal record can be for people in checks as part of the employment pro- claiming their lives. form people so they can be productive getting jobs, securing housing, or even cess. “I have sent emails out to Gov. Roy members of society,” he said. “I don’t pursuing education.” Raise the Age legislation, which allows Cooper,” Watkins said. “I sent messages believe the average person believes Bryant contends race, gender and 16- and 17-year-olds to be charged as out to some of his staff on LinkedIn to that, based on how they treat formerly class also have bearing on how quickly juveniles, not only reduces the number speak with him to hear my concerns incarcerated people. You can’t convince an ex-convict can integrate into society. of children incarcerated with adults, it and know what I’m going through be- me that the average person really be- White-collar felons, he maintains, are also provides an avenue to intervention cause I’m sure I’m not the only person lieves in reforming a criminal through more likely to have access to resources and rehabilitation. that’s going through the same ordeal. our criminal justice system.” that can give them an advantage while “It’s important for us, and quite “I want him to meet me as a person Expungement can clear the way for a the poor struggle, especially people of frankly, it’s important for me as an offi- and see who I am, because you can’t complete return to society, but it’s a color. cial within this justice system to say know me based on who I was 30 years daunting and time-consuming task in “We don’t, as a society, really perceive that people make mistakes, but we need ago. I’m not the same person that was North Carolina because of multiple people who commit white collar crimes to get people a way out and a way up,” then.” levels of process involving the courts, as criminals,” he said. Right. “I think Merriweather said. No one has responded.

Former council member Mitchell eyes another political comeback Continued from page 1A president resulted in 12 projects worth elections will be held in spring 2022. $265.5 million and a backlog of potential Mitchell spent 20 years on Charlotte’s projects worth $280 million. Mitchell de- council, most recently as an at-large rep- clined to go into detail about why he left. resentative. He resigned in January when “It wasn’t a decision of mine, but I can’t he realized his position as minority go into details,” he said. “I resigned from owner and president of R.J. Leeper Con- City Council for this job.” struction posed a conflict of interest. Mitchell ticked off a list of accomplish- North Carolina statute 14-234 states a ments during his time as president: Par- government official may not be involved ticipation in the Mayor’s Youth in a contract on behalf of a public agency Employment Program, creation of a men- that he or she may derive a direct benefit tor/protégé, program to help seven Black- from. An individual may own up to 10% owned businesses build and retain a of a company., robust workforce, made four hires and Mitchell owns 25%., opened the company’s Wilmington office CLAY BANKS | UNSPLASH Mitchell’s newest position is member- – the first located outside of Charlotte., ship on North Carolina Central Univer- “It was a tremendous experience, one Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police agreed to limit use of chemical ordnance and military-style tactics sity’s board of trustees. He received a call that I really cherish,” said Mitchell, who against peaceful protests in the aftermath of a clash against civilians in 2020. in December that he was on the shortlist retains his ownership stake. “I remember to an appointment at his alma mater. His being nervous when I first took over Jan. candidacy received unanimous support 4. I was like, ‘oh my God, be careful what CMPD agrees to limit use in April by the UNC System board of gov- you ask for. It’s finally here.’ I still own ernors. 25% of Leeper., I’m excited about putting Mitchell, Cornell Slade, a risk manage- Leeper in the position that they could be ment specialist, and Emily M. Dickens, successful for the next three to four of chemicals, some tactics chief of staff and head of government af- years.”, fairs at the Society of Human Resource Mitchell’s mentor, Ron Leeper, founded Continued from page 1A antees us the freedom to assemble and Management, were appointed to four- the company in 1993, to address the lack • Identification of at least two egress the freedom of speech. Our agreement is year terms and sworn in on July 1. Mit- of Black representation in the construc- routes for protesters to disperse and another step in a series of ongoing efforts chell’s focal points are athletics, student tion industry, focusing on commercial • Prohibition of firing pepper balls at to protect those fundamental rights be- experience and boosting corporate sup- projects., protesters’ heads and necks. The agree- fore using arbitrary and violent police port to increase research opportunities., “Here was my mentor, who has devel- ment also states that the CMPD will not force. Our First Amendment is the bed- “I am used to someone calling me either oped me for over 30 years, first for polit- use bikes as weapons during protests, ex- rock of our fundamental councilman Mitchell, president Mitchell, ical life and now for business,” Mitchell cept when someone poses a threat to rights and does not exclude but not trustee Mitchell,” he said. “I am said. “Ron introduced construction to me safety. Black people and people of going to have to get used to trustee Mit- around 2013. It was just a great opportu- A lawsuit filed by the plaintiffs – which color.” chell.”, nity for me.”, included four civilians – alleged that Civil rights activists de- Mitchell’s six months as R.J. Leeper CMPD trapped demonstrators through a manded bans on chemical military-inspired maneuver called “ket- agents as part of CMPD’s ar- tling,” followed by a barrage of rubber senal shortly after the con- bullets, tear gas, stinger grenades and frontation. They also called Grants turn former Ritz Theater pepper balls shot from an adjacent park- Mack on City Council to drop ing lot. funding of military-grade The agreement outlines changes to po- ordnance and tactics as part of a drive to location into community space lice policies and practices agreed to as a remake law enforcement’s engagement result of the lawsuit, and many of them with civilians – especially Black people – By Ashley Mahoney Marshall said the Beatties on a more permanent were in place before the settlement was in the wake of George Floyd’s murder by [email protected] Ford Road and Tate Street basis,” Marshall said., reached., Minneapolis, Minnesota, police in May A segregation-era movie lot is an often-used com- Marshall hopes the space “We are pleased that we, along with 2020. theater site will become an munity gathering space for will inspire continuous, other plaintiffs, could reach an agreement “There hasn’t been nearly enough reck- education and community National Night Out, which positive outcomes. She en- with the City of Charlotte and the Char- oning from the police’s actions in re- hub.,, works to strengthen com- visions people gathering lotte Mecklenburg Police Department. sponse to last year’s protests,” said Historic Washington munity-police relation- for yoga and meditation, Black people have long protested for fair Chantal Stevens, executive director of the Heights and the city of ships, as well as the city’s stopping by to use the Wi- treatment under the law, which includes ACLU of North Carolina. “We must not Charlotte will utilize Street Eats initiative. Fi and movie nights in- law enforcement’s responses to our forget that people were protesting police $275,000 in funding to re- “We have just been con- spired by the old Ritz peaceful protests to protect the lives of violence and the police brutally proved purpose the site of the tinuously building on this Theatre., Black people and people of color from law the point of the protesters with their vio- former Ritz Theatre, 1201 vision to make it happen,” “This project is very, very enforcement,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg lent actions. We will continue to support Beatties Ford Marshall said. “We are get- important to us, because it NAACP President Rev. Corrine Mack said. protesters in their demands for justice Road, which ting ready to make that is going to serve as an edu- “We trust and believe in a law that guar- and police accountability.” operated from happen.” cational destination,” Mar- 1963 until the Project completion is ex- shall said. “What we’re 1970s, before pected in October, with a looking to do is to have conversion community celebration in gatherings and places Confirmed COVID-19 cases spike into a church early November. While where we can address the and even- pop-up events have served socioeconomic, education, age of 2 should wear face Continued from page 1A “If someone is thinking tually demol- their purpose and will con- health disparities and most masks at school, except for Marshall specialist at Novant Health. to themselves, ‘well I’m ished. The tinue to be part of the vi- importantly, we want to those with chronic health We have four hospitals now young and I’m in good project is the recipient of a sion, residents wanted to have that great apprecia- issues. with double digits in pa- health, I’ll probably be $200,000 grant from the create something long-last- tion for the preservation of The Centers for Disease tients with COVID-19. The fine,’ said Priest, “none of Lowe’s 100 Hometowns ing. They are also looking our history, and to pass Control and Prevention average age of our ad- those things makes you initiative, which is de- to connect with local artists that information on to recommends masks mitted COVID patients is immune to COVID, particu- signed to improve com- for a public art piece., present, future genera- should be worn by anyone now 47 years old. That’s larly the Delta variant, munity spaces. The city “We wanted something tions.”, in the classroom who is down from a high of 61 which is more contagious will also contribute over the age of 2 and is not years old and previous and is putting younger $50,000 to the project from vaccinated. months during the pan- people in the hospital as its Corridors of Opportu- To keep kids and demic.” we found in our system.” nity, a $24.5 million pro- Follow The Post on Twitter teachers safe this fall, it As the Delta strain con- Atrium Health and No- gram focusing on may be best for all stu- tinues to spread, more chil- vant Health both reported addressing gaps in infras- dents to wear masks, re- dren are testing positive for increases in pediatric cases tructure, workforce, trans- gardless of if they are COVID. Mecklenburg has in their hospitals. portation, housing, vaccinated. seen an increase in cases Unlike other school dis- business development, “I think as we see cases primarily among kids be- tricts, Charlotte-Mecklen- public safety and urban de- start to increase here as we tween the ages of 12-17. burg has decided not to sign. The remaining get closer to the school With school starting remove the mask mandate $25,000 comes from the year, masking, makes a lot soon, health officials and for students, even if they city’s Neighborhood of sense to start this school school boards are debating are vaccinated. The Ameri- Matching grant program., year,” Priest said. @thecharpost whether students will have can Academy of Pediatrics Historic Washington to wear face masks in class- has recommended that Heights neighborhood as- rooms. children and staff over the sociation President Mattie 3A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, July 29, 2021

Building stronger communities in Charlotte

Bank of America is helping to meet the need for more affordable housing in neighborhoods across the country. Through Community Development Banking, we’re deepening our commitment to create more communities Working together for people to call home. We’re also collaborating with In 2020, we committed $5.87 billion for affordable housing and economic development financing, resulting in over 13,000 housing units for people organizations that are supporting and families in need — many of which were constructed by diverse affordable housing options here developers. That includes over $40 million to create approximately in Charlotte. They include: 150 housing units right here in Charlotte. Supportive Housing Communities In addition, we’re joining Enterprise Community Partners to invest Charlotte Family Housing $60 million in capital to support minority developers and their work to CrossRoads Corporation for Affordable build inclusive communities. Housing and Community Development My teammates and I remain dedicated to helping more people find a Roof Above place to live they can both love and afford. What would you like the power to do?®

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Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender © 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. 4A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, July 29, 2021 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost Sam Belnavis championed the The Voice of the Black Community Gerald O. Johnson | CEO/PUBLISHER growth of motorsports diversity [email protected] Continued from page 1A Robert L. Johnson | PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER Guard as sponsor. Prior to that, Mr. Belnavis managed [email protected] the sports marketing de- Herbert L. White | EDITOR IN CHIEF partment at Miller Brewing Company in the late 1970s [email protected] when the brewer had an es- tablished presence with Published weekly by The Charlotte Post Publishing Company the open-wheel IndyCar Inc., 5118 Princess Street, Charlotte, NC 28269 (USPS #965500). series, whose marquee Subscription is $65 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Char- race is the Indianapolis lotte, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Charlotte 500. Mr. Belnavis tran- Post, PO Box 30144, Charlotte, NC 28230 sitioned Miller into stock car racing when he signed driver Bobby Allison to a sponsorship contract in 1981, and two years later Student activist won NASCAR top series championship in the No. 22 Miller High Life Ford. GETTY IMAGES pushed CMS to OK The Belnavis Collective, Sam Belnavis of Charlotte, a marketing executive who ushered in an era of Black participation in NASCAR’s Black Employee motorsports from pit crew members to team owners, died July 14. Resource Group, is named hair protections after him and the North Charlotte chapter of 100 Douglas Bender, chairman “He was a mentor, friend, Carolina Motorsports Asso- Black Men of America Inc., of MJC & Associates posted and confidant. He was a By Ashley Mahoney ciation, a trade group that where he mentored young on social media. “He truth teller... and he was a [email protected] lobbies for the industry, men and helped provide a touched the lives of count- man who believed in the Kiersten Hash’s legacy has only just begun., awards a scholarship in his pathway for their academic less professionals over the goodness of the world. If The 2021 Mallard Creek High School valedictorian honor. Away from the and social success., years. He gave me my first he is not in NASCAR’s Hall has been an active voice against hair discrimination track, Mr. Belnavis was a “Sam Belnavis was much start as a new college grad- of Fame, he should be. He and her advocacy led to Charlotte-Mecklenburg former president of the more impactful than most uate from Alcorn State Uni- led that kind of life.” Schools adding protections for natural hair to its of you will ever know,” versity. 2021-22 code of conduct., “I am grateful that this is something that I can be behind, but honestly, the work is not done for me,” said Hash, The Charlotte Post Founda- tion’s 2021 Top Senior who will attend Harvard University in the fall. “I want to make sure that not only are stu- dents, protected from interpersonal discrimination but ensuring they’re protected from disciplinary action, and also ensuring that employees within Hash CMS are protected.”, Hash established Queens for Change in 2019 to empower Black girls in Charlotte and has since used her organization to advocate for Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN Act. Hash said former classmates and friends in CMS have reached out regarding her ef- forts., “I know that there’s already a dis- course around Black and brown indi- viduals being able to wear their hair in the ways that are tied to their ethnic and cultural identity,” said Hash, who intends to become a civil rights attor- ney. “This has definitely been some- thing students have talked about for a Dashew while. I’m just glad what Queens for Change has done, and what I was inspired to do can continue to foster conversation CMS.” Said CMS Board of Education Chair Elyse Dashew: “I’m really glad that we put it in writing that you familyy meals have a right to wear your hair in a way that reflects your identity without being discriminated against, disciplined or bullied.”,, Seeing every strand Lenora Shipp knows what discrimination against ready when you are natural hair looks like as a CMS stu- dent, teacher, administrator, parent and school board member. As a stu- dent at West Charlotte High, she was concerned about being accepted if she wore her hair naturally., “Was I going to be picked on, or was my hair going to be just too much?” Shipp recalled., Visit foodlion.com/catering Place your order by Pick up your order Shipp Shipp, who described her hair as or stop by the deli at your filling out the order form from the deli at a time bushy, said her mother encouraged her to keep her hands out of it and wear it in a bun or local store. online or in-store. that works for you. braids to draw as little attention as possible., “I remember thinking, ‘Mom, I would really like to wear my hair curly. I would really like to wear it loose,’” she said., Shipp said the need for boundaries still exists, but she is thankful her 26-year-old daughter, Gianna Shipp, a 2012 graduate, is able to wear her hair naturally., Protecting everyone Shipp recalled asking if wearing her hair in braids was acceptable when she started teaching in CMS., “Many of us felt if we wanted to try to move up in our career, was that going to be the right thing to do? To wear braids, twists and locs,” Shipp said. “We felt we couldn’t do that. That it wouldn’t be a good look in terms of your profession and moving up.”,, Shipp said the protections in the 2021-22 code of conduct are a step in the right direction. Bringing it before the policy committee would be the next step., “I’m glad that we were able to put this in, but yes, we do want to go further in terms of all of our stu- dents, all of our staff and all of our employees,” she said., Said Hash: “CMS, it could be a great start since they’re already protecting students to go ahead and say that adults that are in these employee positions can’t be discriminated against or can’t be penalized for wearing their hair in the way that they choose because this is their livelihood.”,

Bailee Arnold NC Pork Council Emerging Leader Award National Pork Board Pig Farmer of Tomorrow Agricultural Institute graduate Career Ready in 2 Years. go.ncsu.edu/agricultural-institute The Charlotte Post PAGE 5A

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST Harding High sophomore Akala Garrett, with her mom and coach LaSonja Collins, won the USA Track and Field girls’ 400 meter hurdles national championship earlier this month. In a class by herself Mature beyond her years, Harding High sophomore hurdler Akala Garrett is on an elite level By Herbert L. White Garrett, who is the Gatorade North Car- I’m still a kid, I take track more seri- was like I was starting further back [email protected] olina track and field athlete of the year. ously because I’ve been training with from the line.” Akala Garrett is in a class by herself “I went in there knowing that I could do older kids for a long time.” Garrett followed that win with a leg among hurdlers. it. I just had to go in there, execute and That maturity was tested in the state on Harding 4x200 relay squad and The Harding High sophomore estab- follow through on what I’ve been prac- championships. Garrett overcame a topped the day with the 300 hurdles lished herself as one of the nation’s ticing.” poor start in the 100 meters to win in title in 41.32 seconds, the nation’s best when she won the 400-meter na- Running is something Garrett’s al- 13.43 seconds – the seventh-best time third-best time. tional championship in a national-best ways done, and on a level beyond her among U.S. girls. “I actually got out a little bit too slow, 58.05 seconds earlier this month at the years. It started early on the junior level “Unfortunately, I got a pair of bad which threw off my time, but it was a USA Track & Field Nationals in Eugene and evolved to where she’s regularly blocks, so I got out the blocks like really winning time, a fast time, but it was like Oregon. In June, she won three state 4A beating older competition in high slow,” she said. “It took me a minute to .4 [seconds] or something off my titles (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and school. get in the race, but by the end, I was in fastest time” in the 300 hurdles, she 4x200 relay) in Greensboro and most “Since I was 9, I’ve been training with the front … and I was so relieved. That said. “It was a good day. It was just valuable athlete in the process. older kids, so I’ve always been around was truly a blessing because it was like something that I could have fixed.” None of it was a surprise. mature people, [and] it brought me to those blocks, I couldn’t set them to my That improvisation is what makes “I definitely already knew it,” said grow up faster,” she said. “Even though markings. I had to put them back, so it Please see HARDING | 6A

Shell’s long Charlotte shot journey football ends with Hall gears up for of Fame call pursuits By Ashley Mahoney S.C. State alum key to [email protected] football contin- ’s Steel Curtain ues its pursuit of uncharted terri- By Will Graves tory.3 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Coach took Charlotte knew he had a little time to to its first winning season (7-6, 5- make an impression. 3 Conference USA) and bowl The life span of an undrafted free agent game in 2019. Then COVID-19 rookie is short. Really short. Especially for happened, and undrafted free agent rookies from a Histor- while the 49ers did ically Black College and University like MARK HUMPHREY | ASSOCIATED PRESS get in a semblance South Carolina State, where the undersized of a season (2-4, 2-2 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Donnie Shell, a South Carolina State alumnus, left, hugs Shell spent years playing out of position at C-USA) in 2020, the Southern alumnus Harold Carmichael at the NFL Honors football award show in Miami, in this Feb. outside linebacker. momentum was 1, 2020, file photo. “I was 190 pounds soaking wet,” Shell said with a laugh. Still, “I was 190 pounds soaking wet,” Shell short-lived. Healy scout Bill Nunn saw enough in the way Shell delivered hits — punishing opponents with little regard said with a laugh. recalled game plan- for his own well-being — to convince his bosses that Shell deserved an invitation to training camp Still, Pittsburgh Steelers scout Bill Nunn ning for 12 games in the summer of 1974. Healy saw enough in the way Shell delivered hits last season, nine of — punishing opponents with little regard he made a promise to himself to arrive at extra reps during the early days of camp.3 which were canceled.3 for his own well-being — to convince his Saint Vincent College in better shape than It was all Shell needed to launch a career “There were times last year bosses that Shell deserved an invitation to anyone else on the roster. Then fate inter- that nearly 50 years later landed him in the where it kind of caught us by sur- training camp in the summer of 1974. vened. The NFL Players Association went on Hall of Fame. The hard-hitting safety won prise when we actually did get to A chance is all Shell was guaranteed. So, strike for six weeks, giving rookies like Shell Please see SHELL’S |6A play a game and I don’t know if I did a great job of mentally preparing our guys to play a game on Saturday, because I was so Jacks’ future could include sale, self-relegation consumed with telling them By Ashley Mahoney porter’s group Jack’s Militia. A #DiMiccoOut millions into the club, including $2.3 mil- everything that was going on dur- [email protected] banner was visible from a parking garage at lion to build and tear down a temporary sta- ing the week, especially when you The are here to the club’s inaugural match at American Le- dium at Ramblewood Park. They played at get to the second or third game stay.3 gion on July 7. DiMicco, college stadiums (Charlotte 49ers’ canceled, it’s like man these guys The USL Championship side is in the McPhilliamy, who also serves as managing Transamerica Field and Winthrop’s Eagle need to know every rumor every, process of selling primary owner Dan DiM- partner, and Rob Engel, a Wells Fargo Secu- Field) and Mecklenburg County facilities every situation that’s going on, icco’s stake in the club, a process which was rities executive, accounted for 75% of the (Ramblewood, and every positive test, every contact announced in March. The retired Nucor CEO club’s ownership as of the March announce- Memorial Stadium).3 trace,” Healy said. “I filled their and trade advisor on former president Don- ment.3 Nearly seven years since the announce- minds with all of that so much ald Trump’s 2016 campaign received The league declined to comment on the ment of the club in Uptown, McPhilliamy is that I don’t know if I did a great backlash for racist and xenophobic tweets sale.3 not throwing the towel in on the club he job of preparing them to go play last summer, alienating longtime sup- Charlotte’s ownership group has poured Please see SALE |6A in a game. Going 2-4 and having nine games canceled, that is not a great student athlete experi- ence. Not even close.”3 Miguel Angel Ramirez brings creativity to Charlotte FC Charlotte’s season kicks off on By Ashley Mahoney Ramírez said.3 had to hire him. What made Ramírez such Sept. 3 against Duke, marking the [email protected] Ramírez recalled watching the 1994 FIFA an attractive hire was the opportunity to do first time the 49ers will host an Miguel Ángel Ramírez is living his Ameri- World Cup, which the United States hosted. something different. ACC, Power Five opponent. The can dream.3 He said the North American soccer land- “We are not going to be afraid to do some- Blue Devils were one of two non- Charlotte FC’s inaugural head coach was scape has completely transformed since thing different than the rest of MLS and the conference opponents the 49ers introduced to the media and supporters on then.3 rest of soccer,” Tepper said. “This is a guy faced last season. Duke domi- the one-year anniversary of the club’s brand “MLS has grown into one of the most ex- who is not afraid to do new things, try new nated in their inaugural meeting, launch. The 36-year-old Spaniard arrived citing and promising leagues in the world,” things.”3 beating Charlotte 53-19. Other fu- the night before to take on a new challenge, Ramírez said. “This is why I wanted to live Preparing for kickoff3 ture Power Five opponents sched- one that will certainly require a lot of the MLS experience. This is my American Charlotte kicks off its inaugural MLS sea- uled to play at espresso, which is his caffeine of choice.3 dream.”3 son in 2022, giving Ramírez seven months Stadium include Maryland (Big “I have always wanted to experience what Charlotte FC owner said hir- to assemble a squad and implement his Ten) in 2022, North Carolina it is like to live in such a multicultural and ing their inaugural head coach was a year- possession-oriented, risky style of play. It (ACC) in 2025 and Ole Miss (SEC) multinational country where everyone has long process. As soon as he finished their also includes learning more about the in 2026. the possibility to live the American dream,” Zoom interview with Ramírez, he knew they Please see RAMIREZ | 6A Please see CHARLOTTE | 6A 6A SPORTS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, July 29, 2021

Shell’s journey ends with call to Canton Continued from page 5A Bowl in the ‘74 season.3 four Super Bowls during his 14 years in “I said, ‘Yeah, all right,’” Shell said the NFL and next month will become laughing. “I said, ‘Y’all were pretty the fifth — and most unlikely — mem- good. But the ship’s sinking on one ber of the “Steel Curtain” defense to be end, the rookies are going to get you enshrined in Canton. over the hump.’” The other four — lineman , Shell might have been joking at the linebackers and Jack Lambert time, but his prescient words soon and back — all arrived in played out in reality. Shell and fellow Pittsburgh with a pedigree. Not Shell, rookies Lambert, , John who views his winding path to football Stallworth and ushered immortality as a testament to what can in an unprecedented run of success. happen when innate ability and a re- Pittsburgh won four Super Bowls over lentless belief in yourself collide. the next six years, with all five of them “It just shows that no matter where playing an integral role. you start or where you come in, what While Lambert and Webster reached round you are in or where you played, the Hall of Fame shortly after retiring, backup or whatever, that you can be with Swann and Stallworth getting CHARLOTTE FC successful if you have the right atti- there by the early 2000s, Shell didn’t tude,” Shell said. “I knew I was going to receive the call until being selected as New Charlotte FC head coach Miguel Angel Ramirez was introduced to media and supporters separate myself through my condition- part of the hall’s centennial class in last week. ing and my physical play and also 2020. being a student of the game. A great ex- Yet he didn’t let years of disappoint- ample for young people to take, that ment define him. It’s just another part Ramirez brings creative when everybody counts you out, of his journey. you’re not really out.” “I learned a lot by waiting,” said Shell, It didn’t take long for Shell to impress who will turn 69 shortly after his en- defensive assistant George Perles.3 shrinement. “You grow in your faith. streak to Charlotte FC “I kind of came in with my jaw set,” You grow in your patience. And you Shell said. “I knew by the time we put grow in your walk with the Lord. All Continued from page 5A AEK Athens FC and Olympiacos FC), Italy the pads on that I was going to have a those years, you had to continue to league’s salary budget, which will play a (Atalanta FC), Spain (Athletic Club) and Eng- chance to show them what I could do. trust him. And you know, then you get factor in assembling the roster.3 land (Liverpool and Newcastle United) be- I remember coach Perles saying, ‘Keep to the place where you’re just content. “I’m learning,” Ramírez said. “We will tween 2008-17 during what he called a bringing Shell. Keep bringing Shell.’ I If it happens, if it doesn’t, I’m still OK. need to be creative in this new market.”3 learning phase. Ramírez is both a teacher was coming up and hitting them.” That was my attitude about it.” Said Tepper Sports & Entertainment Pres- and a student. He began pursuing a doc- So Shell did, even if not everyone was It’s a mindset that carried Shell from ident Tom Glick: “He makes the players torate in physical education while U-16 convinced. He remembers doing an in- Whitmire, South Carolina (population that he has better, and this is such an im- head coach for Deportivo Alaves in Spain. terview during that first camp in which 1,509) to a place alongside the greatest portant job for a coach.”3 He left Europe to work for Aspire Academy the reporter told him he was a “long players in NFL history after 14 seasons, A potential approach is finding and de- in Qatar and from 2012-18 Ramírez was shot.” 201 games, 51 interceptions, five Pro veloping younger players, who may not assistant U-12, 13 and 17 coach and head “That taught me one thing: You’ve Bowls and four rings. cost as much. Acquiring younger players coach for the U-13, 14 and 16 sides. got to go against the grain of what’s Shell’s evolution from undrafted no- plays into his approach of focusing on the The Aspire Academy connection with true,” Shell said. “(The reporter) stated body to mainstay for a dynasty is a tes- future and establishing the club’s founda- Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle a fact. He was right. There aren’t a lot tament to both his personal work ethic tion.3 would lead him to another continent in of undrafted guys that make it. But and the brilliance of the late Nunn, who While much of his time will be consumed 2018 as academy director but stepped into sometimes you’ve got to go against the scoured HBCUs for talent and himself by the first team, expect to see him in- the role of interim head coach for the first grain. Don’t give up on your dreams. will reach Canton as a contributor next volved with the academy, which launches team in 2019. The first-time first team Because God created everybody and month alongside one of the treasures its third full time team this summer.3 manager led the club to its first win of the gave them different talents and abili- he found along the way. “Of course, the first team activity de- Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana (the sec- ties and don’t let those obstacles dis- “ had that saying, ‘What- mands from me too many hours,” Ramírez ond most prestigious international compe- courage you.” ever it takes’ and Donnie was kind of said. “I know myself. In Brazil and Ecuador tition in South America after Copa Shell arrived in Pittsburgh when the the definition of that,” Steelers presi- when I had a break in the first team, I went Libertadores) in 2019, defeating Argentine Steelers were in the final steps of the dent Art Rooney II said. “He would go to the under 12 training or met with the club Colón 3-1. He managed the club building process coach Chuck Noll on the field and do whatever was nec- academy coaches or the academy direc- through December 2020 before leaving to began when the team selected Greene essary. ... He was willing to make the tor.”3 manage Brazilian side Sport Club Interna- with the fourth overall pick in 1969. kind of sacrifices to make the differ- Ramírez said investing his time in acad- cional. He coached there for three months Running back told Shell ence in the game.” emy players and coaches is something he before the club fired him after being the team was heading to the Super learned from others.3 knocked out of the Copa do Brasil by lower How it started3 division side Vitória. Much of his coaching career has been at Assembling a team3 the youth level, starting with Union De- Ramírez’s coaching staff includes Chris- portiva Las Palmas from 2004-12 (Char- tian Lattanzio and Mikel Antía. The latter, « HIGH SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD lotte’s inaugural signee, midfielder Sergio a 49-year-old Spaniard, was his boss in Ruiz, is on loan there). Ramírez served as Qatar at Aspire Academy. Ramírez’s said director’s advisor on youth football devel- Antía was a mentor, who taught him so opment, assistant coach for the under-19, much about the game.3 Harding hurdler Garrett ahead of 15, 11 and 9 sides and head coach of the “He lived it as a professional and now U-17, 16, 10 and 9 teams. He also worked being with Rafa Benítez [in Newcastle],” the curve on Olympic aspiration with clubs in Greece (Panathinaikos FC, Ramírez said. “He will help me a lot.”3 Continued from page 5A ing me like forever. Sometimes I’ll be like, Sale? Self-relegation? Future Garrett so good, said LaSonja Collins, Hard- dang, I know I’m good, but I’ve got to tap ing’s coach and Garrett’s mom. Adjusting in and know that I’m not too young [to im- and handling adversity, especially for a prove] and that’s what she’s trying to get wide open for Independence high school sophomore, magnifies her me out of the mindset of thinking I’m too focus. young to do stuff.” Continued from page 5A a League One team kicking Inter Miami II (League One). “She’s always been in an atmosphere Garrett has all the tools to succeed, founded. Selling the USL off in 2022 costs $5 million McPhilliamy hoped the In- where she knows how to adjust on the fly,” Collins believes. Championship rights and and a Championship side dependence would be ac- said Collins, an Independence High grad- “I just get excited that because she’s a then purchasing rights to a costs $14 million.3 quired by Charlotte FC, but uate who qualified for the 2004 Olympic better athlete than me and even though I League One club or self-rel- Charlotte FC kicks off in that did not happen.3 trials. “We teach in practice anything can was a sprinter [and] I was good at what I egating to League One are 2022 and the Independence “As soon as MLS came to happen, and if something goes wrong, did, she does more than what I’ve done,” also options. McPhilliamy currently have two players town, there was some hope, your job is to finish and execute what you Collins said. “She’s so versatile. I’m kind of said they have been in dis- on loan from the MLS side.3 on my side, that there could know you can do, and everything else will like ‘God, I wish I had some of what she cussions with multiple “It was December 2019 be something similar to take care of itself. If it’s meant to be, it’s has,’ you know?” cities.3 when the MLS expansion what happened in Nashville meant to be.” The Olympics, of course, is Garrett’s “I still stand by, one way team was announced,” or what happened in Sacra- Collins acknowledges Garrett is more goal, and making the 2024 Games isn’t or another, we’ll still have McPhilliamy said. “I’ve been mento where you were ac- versatile and skilled than she was at the outside the realm of possibilities, even as the Charlotte Independence working on it ever since.” quired by the mothership,” same age and sees the potential to do big- a first-year collegian. It would a giant leap in town,” he said. “I just The COVID-19 pandemic McPhilliamy said. “That did- ger things on grander stages in the future. toward fulfilling a dream, and in a small don’t know if that will be slowed the process.3 n’t happen.”3 As a result, Collins encourages her to step way, repay a debt. Charlotte Independence [in “I’ve been trying to get it McPhilliamy said he be- forward as a leader and athlete and makes “Honestly, I want to get that experience USL] Championship or done literally that whole lieves a USL Championship sure she stays on task. of college,” Garrett said, “and be able to Charlotte Independence [in time,” McPhilliamy said. “It’s team has more value to the “Mentally, as far as age on the track, she’s complete the four years, but if it’s in my USL] League One.”3 just hard to get done.”3 community in a city that not a sophomore, she’s running on the gaze to go my freshman year to Olympic McPhilliamy began look- Last month, MLS an- does not have MLS.3 senior level,” said Collins, who was a trials, I’m going to go, because of the op- ing into the transition in nounced its intention to “I just don’t know that a standout sprinter at Georgia and North portunity to add [that experience]. And 2019 when Charlotte was launch a third-division USL championship team Carolina A&T. “She’s really running on a then once I make the team, go to the announced as the latest league in 2022, and Char- and an MLS team comple- freshman college level, to be honest.” Olympics. … I want to give that to my expan- lotte FC President Nick Kelly ment each other in the mar- Said Garrett: “I know the reason why she mom, because she gave me so much, and sion market. Charlotte FC said they intend to launch a ket,” he said. “MLS is the pushes me so hard is because she sees the I’ve definitely got to give back to her.” owner David Tepper, who lower-level affiliate in 2023 bigger ship. We do have a potential in me because she’s been watch- also owns the Carolina Pan- in another market. MLS good working relationship thers, paid $325 million for teams do have USL Champi- with those guys right now. I the club. McPhilliamy paid onship or League One affili- think the value of my asset $750,000 in 2014 for a USL ates, such as New York Red is worth more in a city that focus Championship side. Today, Bulls II (Championship) and doesn’t have MLS.”3 on pursuit of winning season The Charlotte Post Continued from page 5A ership to do it. That starts with players like “We want to win Power Five football senior wide receiver Victor Tucker and games, well we had an opportunity to do senior linebacker Tyler Murray. Tucker has that last year and Duke blew us out,” Healy been a force since prior to Healy’s arrival. said. “We’re excited about hosting Duke at He led Charlotte in receiving yards last sea- home. A Power Five football game. That’s son, with 400 on 30 receptions and two great. If you don’t perform well, it’s just touchdowns, and he has led the team in re- them doing you a favor coming here.”3 ceiving yards since 2018.3 Healy raised the expectations for 49ers “For me, I plan on this being my last sea- football when athletics director Mike Hill son,” Tucker said. “It’s one more opportu- hired him in 2018. The challenge becomes nity to do what I came here to do — win sustainable improvement as Healy heads the conference championship. It’s just into his third season at Charlotte, picked making the most of every opportunity for to finish fourth in C-USA’s Eastern Divi- me and I hope to reinvent my image, and sion.3 the way they see me as a football player so “It’s great to talk about winning confer- I’m going to be a totally different guy this Follow The Post on social media ence championships,” Healy said. “We ac- year.”3 tually have to compete and win a Murray transferred to Charlotte from conference championship for that to be re- Troy last year. He made an instant impact, ality for everybody. Do I feel like that leading the 49ers with 49 tackles and two should be an expectation here? Yes, but I interceptions.3 don’t believe it can become an expectation “We’re looking way better than last year until you’ve already done it. It’s kind of like heading into training camp,” Murray said. @thecharpost The Charlotte thecharpost creating rivalries. It’d be great to have a “I see a big difference with a lot of leader- Post million different rivalries. We have to beat ship, a lot of younger guys stepping in big some people for it to be a rivalry.”3 time roles.” The Charlotte Post Healy said he believes they have the lead-