Former NBA Player Lends Hand to Homeless

The Charlotte Post

LifeTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 SECTION! B JCSU partners with HBCUs on data consortium By Ashley Mahoney [email protected]

Johnson C. Smith University is heading into 2021 with momentum. Charlotte’s historically Black college will collabo- rate with five other HBCUs on an HBCU Data Science Consortium. They received a seed grant of $100,000 from the National Science Foundation funded South COURTESY ALEXIS AJINCA Big Data Innovation Hub for development and im- Alexis and Courtney Ajinca, pictured with their children, teamed up with Block Love Charlotte to provide essential plementation of the consortium. JCSU assistant pro- resources to the housing insecure living in a makeshift tent community near Center City. fessor of computer science Felesia Stukes will work with faculty from Alabama A&M University, Bowie State University, Florida A&M University, Morehouse College and Norfolk State University. An inaugural workshop titled “HBCU Data Science Consortium— Former NBA player Building Data Science Pillars” is scheduled to take place virtually Feb. 19-20. “African American and Hispanic or Latino professionals are underrep- On The Net resented in the field of data lends hand to homeless science,” Stukes said. “Johnson C. www.jcsu.edu Smith University and several other HBCUs have been working to ad- Charlotte’s Alexis and Courtney Ajinca donate essentials in tent city dress this need by providing stu- By Ashley Mahoney in order to get the blankets to the way.” dents across the nation with [email protected] Ajincas on time. Alexis, who spent nine years as high-demand data skills. The HBCU Data Science “We just love always giving an NBA player, including two sea- Consortium is an exciting way to build a diverse Alexis and Courtney Ajinca have back,” said Courtney, a Charlotte sons in Charlotte, said helping the community of practice that could help accelerate a heart for the homeless. native and celebrity event planner homeless has always been a cal- and expand our reach.” The couple teamed up Saturday and interior designer. “Driving ling. Even while they The HBCU-DSC will serve as a space to inspire and with Block Love Charlotte, a non- past tent city in Charlotte is ex- lived in New Or- expand on a culture of academic development and profit that provides essentials and tremely heartbreaking. Especially leans when On The Net research collaborative opportunities by establishing educational resources to people being from Charlotte and knowing Alexis’ career https://block- a consortium of analytics researchers, scholars and facing housing insecurity, to serve [tent city] has not always been took them there, loveclt.org/ industry partners. It is designed to allow for in- around 200 meals as well as other there and seeing how that pop- they were active creased collaboration between HBCUs in terms of winter items to those living in tent ulation continues to grow is ex- in providing nec- sharing data analysis tools, data and innovative city near Uptown. tremely heartbreaking, especially essary supplies like ideas. Meals were catered by LuLu’s around the holidays and now that food, blankets and water to the JCSU also announced earlier this month a partner- Maryland-Style Chicken and Sea- the weather is extremely cold, it homeless. ship with Apple to become a community center for food. The couple also purchased really tugged on both of our heart “It’s hard when you are in that coding and creativity as part of Computer Science several blankets from Belk. The re- strings and made us want to help situation to get out of it,” Ajinca Education Week. It is part of the Apple community tailer donated overnight shipping and give back in some type of Please see FORMER |2B education and Tennessee State University HBCU C2 initiatives. North Carolina HBCUs Shaw University and Saint Augustine’s University also joined the initiative. Boost your spirits Control potassium and kidney disease FAMILY FEATURES If you have kidney dis- Foods high in potassium, ease, you are at risk for hy- through holidays an essential mineral and perkalemia because your electrolyte, offer health kidneys can't remove the and nutrition benefits. Po- extra potassium in your and beyond tassium helps muscles, in- blood. This can be danger- cluding the heart, expand ous as high potassium can FAMILY FEATURES and contract, but for cause heart attacks or even people whose kidneys death. However, some Stress and anxiety are all too familiar to many can’t filter out excess po- people do not feel symp- Americans, this year especially, and the added pres- tassium, its buildup can be toms of high potassium sure of the holiday season may provide a new set of deadly. until it’s too late and their challenges. Practicing self-care and nurturing your Many foods, like bana- heart health worsens. If mental health can help you navigate these poten- nas, have potassium, but you do feel symptoms, tially isolating times, especially if you’re tackling this some have more than some of the most common season single. others. For the 37 million are tiredness or weakness, GETTY IMAGES With so many other demands in life, taking care of Americans living with kid- nausea, muscle pains or yourself, including your emotional and mental well- ney disease, the American cramps, trouble breathing, Dietary choices can limit the impact of potassium on your kidneys. being, may not always be at the top of your list. Ho- Kidney Fund’s “Beyond Ba- unusual heartbeat and foods, using a salt substi- clude bananas, grapefruits, wever, putting more emphasis on yourself and your nanas” educational cam- chest pains. tute that contains potas- dried fruits, potatoes, Brus- needs can be achieved in small, measurable ways paign stresses the For those with kidney sium, constipation, sels sprouts, tomatoes, and may not only help boost your spirits but can af- importance of controlling disease, high potassium is missing dialysis treat- beans, most meats and fect your approach to dating, too. and managing potassium not just a measurement at ments and taking some fish, dairy products, nuts “We believe happy and healthy relationships start levels for better health out- a point in time but rather a medicines or herbal sup- and chocolate. with happy and healthy individuals,” said Stefan comes. High potassium, chronic condition. Some of plements. A food with 250 If you are on dialysis or Harvalias, head of global marketing for Plenty of known as hyperkalemia, is the most common causes milligrams of potassium or your doctor recommends Fish, one of the largest global online dating com- one of the common and se- of high potassium in those more per serving is consid- you eat low-potassium panies. rious side effects of kidney who have kidney disease ered a high-potassium foods, aim for a daily po- disease. are eating high-potassium Please see BOOST | 2B food. Some examples in- Please see HOW TO| 2B

«RIDES Chevrolet’s Corvette Stingray ups its high-performance game By Winfred Cross hind the seats), resembling rior lacking until you get to exit. Who gives a #$%&, it’s SPECIAL TO THE POST cars that cast as much. the 3LT model, but I liked a Vette! Once in, the car is There is Italian flair, but what I saw. All controls are surprisingly comfortable, It’s been at least a decade this is certainly all-Ameri- focused toward the driver, even for bigger and taller since I’ve driven a Cor- can muscle. It’s wide and leaving the front passenger people. vette. My wait was over a sleek at the same time. in kind of a black void. Not The dash is a sprawling couple of weeks ago when Stunning. Just stunning. a problem if you are the digital thing that can be I got the 2021 Stingray The car scores a perfect driver, and not that big of a configured in several dif- coupe to sample. I must 10 on the gawk meter. Ev- problem if you are riding. ferent ways, including a say the wait was certainly eryone – and I mean every- Leather seats are standard, track setting. To the right is worth my time spent. This one – wanted a closer look. and yes, the roof comes a large touch screen which thing is a beast. CHEVROLET Onlookers took copious off. It didn’t because of the took a big of effort to get a Let’s talk about the stun- The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. pictures. One woman took really cold temps in early response. It’s big, bright ning looks. Redesigned in pictures, texted, took pic- December. and fairly intuitive. Further climate controls. It only rear. You can get groceries 2020, the Corvette Sting- tures, took pictures and Getting into the car isn’t right is a strip that run takes a few seconds to get in the front (a few bags) ray immediately became texted. Was she planning to the easiest thing. At my age from the dash to the con- adjusted. and there is more room in the most recognizable car get someone to boost the and “everything hurts” sole that looks like it came There isn’t much storage the rear for a couple of golf on the road. It’s now a mid- car? Not on my watch, lol. condition, there was no straight from an Apple in the interior but there is bags. The rear “trunk” has engine (the motor is be- Some may find the inte- graceful way to enter and MacBook. It’s basically the storage at the front and Please see CHEVROLET’S | 2B

$2.5 million to help build hope. Learn more at publixcharities.org/hope. 2B LIFE | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 24, 2020 Former NBA player Chevrolet’s Corvette Stingray ups its high-performance game lends hand to homeless Continued from page 1B and squinty greenhouse? mpg on the highway. a soft close feature. Both Yeah, right. The Corvette Any other complaints? Continued from page 1B where to stay. A lack of housing for storage areas can be ac- Stingray is a beast that That’s a resounding no to said. “If we can help them in any type many in the Charlotte region con- cessed with the key fob. makes the average driver your question. While the of way [we want to] help them get tinues to become a humanitarian cri- Sorry stick fans, there is feel like a NASCAR pro. You Corvette Stingray isn’t per- back on their feet.” sis. The 2020 Charlotte-Mecklenburg no manual transmission. can explore a lot of the fect, it’s close for a sports Spaces like tent city have grown Housing Instability & Homelessness There is no need. The car’s performance limits car. I see some rolling im- throughout 2020 due to the COVID-19 Report indicated 2,782 people were eight-speed, double clutch and live to tell. At high provements coming during pandemic as the economic repercus- homeless as of July 31. transmission is plenty speeds the car feels stable the car’s lifespan but if you sions of the pandemic have cost Ultimately, the Ajincas intend to good and feels like a man- and planted. The steering bought the 2021, you’ll be people their jobs and ultimately their build a homeless shelter to serve ual transmission. is certainly direct. happy for the next 10 housing. Housing insecurity also im- Charlotte’s community in transition. Now, there is that great Wherever you point the car years. pacts those seeking to escape domes- “That is years out, but if we can do big engine behind the two that’s where it goes. Road I didn’t get any paper- tic violence, but who do not have the our part now a little bit, that is all that seats. Its a 6.2-liter mon- feel is ridiculously good, work with the ‘Vette, but financial resources to acquire some- matters to us,” Courtney said. ster V8 with 490 horse- and the grip is tenacious. I’m told it was a 1LT power and 465 You can pass anything, de- model, which starts at pounds-feet of torque. My spite how fast that any- $58,800. I t had the Z51 car was equipped with the thing is going. Speed is package and other options. Z51 package which adds achieved effortlessly. I’m guessing it topped out five horsepower and five Stomp the gas and you are near $75,000. pound-feet of torque due pressed back into the That’s a bargain when to a sports exhaust. There form-fitting seats. Speed you consider the European is also a electronic limited- junkies will certainly get looks and impressive per- slip differential, heavy- their fix from this car. formance numbers. This duty cooling system and There is an elephant in car isn’t for everyone but stickier tires. Oh, and the the room. The base Vette everyone who buys it suspension is tuned differ- does not come with blind- should be in love with the ently with adaptive spot detection and it has car. dampers. blind spots from #@%%. It Pros: What’s it do? Well, you wouldn’t be such a bad • Drop dead gorgeous can get to 60 mph in less thing were it not for so looks than 3.0 seconds. Yep. many people wanted to • Incredible engine Now that of course de- pull up beside you to en- • Other worldly driving pends on your driving gage you in a race. Ninja, dynamics skills, road conditions and please, was usually my re- • Relatively comfortable the like. Did I get there. sponse. I would suggest interior Nope, but I got there fast moving up to the 2LT • Good highway mileage enough. You can use the model if the blindspots are • Perfect 10 on the gawk track settings to gauge a problem. Blindspot de- meter GETTY IMAGES your performance. Accord- tection is standard on • Looks more expensive Alleviating stress during the holidays will leave you in a better frame of mind regardless of the method ing to edmunds.com, it can those models. Cons: used. pull 1.09g on a skidpad. If you are worried about • Blindspots That’s impressive, very im- fuel consumption – and • Exit/entry a bit difficult pressive. you shouldn’t if you are se- • Draws a lot of attention Boost your spirits through Soooooo, how does it riously considering pur- Email Winfred Cross: drive? Really? You were ex- chasing this car – you get [email protected] pecting me to say I hated it 15 miles per gallon in the the holidays and beyond because of the stiff ride city but an impressive 27 Continued from page 1B Harvalias points out there are a number of ways How to control potassium issue you can alleviate stress and anxiety. While there’s no one magic formula that that comes with kidney disease fits all, many people find Continued from page 1B these: • Download a potassium coping easier with activ- tassium goal of 2,500 mil- • Ask your health care tracker to monitor how ities like these. ligrams and no more than provider and dietitian to much potassium goes into Listen to music. Numer- 3,000 milligrams per day. help you create a potas- your body every day. ous studies have demon- Low-potassium foods in- sium management plan. • Talk to your health care strated the benefits of clude cauliflower, peppers, • Call your insurance provider about finding a music in managing mental cucumbers, grapes, straw- company to find out if potassium binder, a medi- health. Slow, mellow music berries, blueberries, bread, your insurance plan covers cine that sticks to the po- can help the mind shift rice and pasta. Your doctor nutrition counseling. tassium in your body and into a lower gear and has or dietitian may adjust • Use a potassium food prevents some of it from even been shown to in- these goals to fit your guide to help you select being taken into your fluence the body’s physical needs. tasty, lower potassium bloodstream. state such as reducing High potassium can be food options. To learn more and help blood pressure, pulse and controlled long-term by • Find low-potassium manage your potassium, heart rates. For someone choosing the right foods, recipes, such as those in visit KidneyFund.org/bey- with anxiety, music can be taking medicine and fol- the American Kidney’s ondbananas. a welcome distraction lowing simple tips such as Fund Kidney Kitchen. from the troublesome thoughts occupying the mind. For others, music is simply a way to escape from reality and focus on something enjoyable. priorities so you can make health and dating experi- Talk with friends and space for dating in your ences this holiday season family. Although COVID-19 life. at blog.pof.com. may be creating physical Although dating may Keep COVID from distance, there’s one way it look and feel different crushing your dating can bring people together: right now, it’s still doable. game by acknowledging your Shift your mindset and re- As if single life and dat- shared stress to one flect on ways to adapt with ing didn’t bring enough another. While the impacts an option like the “Navi- uncertainty on their own, a of the pandemic vary gate Dating During COVID” global health crisis has greatly, everyone has been guided meditation. only heightened the anx- navigating uncertainty and Recognize the role of iety many singles feel. Dat- change that comes with physical wellness. The ing pressures and anxiety such a widespread event. A mind and body are intrin- tied to COVID-19 were the weekly check-in call or sically connected, and how subjects of a study by video chat with friends and you take care of your body Plenty of Fish, which family members can help can have an impact on showed just how challeng- you feel less alone with your mental state. This in- ing dating has been for sin- your feelings and experi- cludes eating well to en- gles this year. ences. Topics like mental sure you’re getting proper According to the survey health and mindfulness nutrition, which can posi- of singles: GETTY IMAGES tively impact your mood. • 60% have experienced have risen to the surface of Think outside the box when it comes to performance vehicle gift-giving. everyday discussions, re- Additionally, exercise re- feelings of anxiety before moving a lot of the stigma leases feel-good hormones, going on a date they once had. so a quick walk around the • 29% have canceled a Seek out tools to help block or a 10-minute exer- date due to anxiety Accelerate your holiday you unwind. If you’ve cise video can benefit you • 44% are anxious about never given much thought both physically and men- their date not wearing a to managing your mental tally. mask Give yourself permission When it comes to the gift list with adventure health, you may not know where to begin practicing to disconnect. When life benefits of self-care, a ma- feels uncertain, being jority of surveyed singles FAMILY FEATURES of riders ence that can make people better self-care, and that’s The thrill of riding can be of all ages feel like kids OK. That’s where you can closely tied to an infor- reported: Nearly everyone on your mation source like your • 66% practice self-care gift list may need a little felt at any age, especially again. benefit from resources like for kids on your list look- Adventure in style those available through smartphone can give you a regularly revving up this year. Bring- sense of security, but it can • 87% said self-care activ- ing a smile or much- ing for a new activity. Op- Few things beat a warm, Plenty of Fish. Knowing the tions like the IRONe12 and durable and fashionably toll the pandemic is taking also add to your everyday ities reduce stress needed dose of adventure stress. If you’re working • 78% said they feel less is an easy way to leave a IRONe16 electric bikes are versatile motorcycle on singles, the dating app tools for learning hand-eye jacket. partnered with Shine, a from home, you may find stressed after a self-care lasting impression this you never fully shift out of routine holiday season – especially coordination and devel- Whether your loved one leading self-care app, to oping riding skills while enjoys a more rugged look create two free dating-re- work mode. However, it’s • 50% meditate with these gift ideas. easy to become addicted to • Alone time, exercise Whether that hard-to- having fun. to pair with outdoor ad- lated meditations devel- Kids will learn to push, ventures or is a style trend- oped to help singles better refreshing your newsfeed, and pampering were listed buy-for person on your list allowing your devices to as the top self-care activ- is already a rider or it’s on balance and coast in non- setter who likes to stand manage anxiety and im- powered mode before out from the crowd, a prove mental health and cut into time you could ities his or her to-do list, Harley- spend more productively. “Prioritizing your mental Davidson has something graduating to the powered leather motorcycle jacket wellness. mode, where they’ll learn is a must-have for almost Navigating dating, work Limit your screen time to health matters more than for nearly everyone. force yourself to focus on ever,” Harvalias said. “Self- Elevate work-from- to use the throttle and any wardrobe. and your personal life can brake. These bikes can pro- Give the gift of riding feel like an intense juggling the present and activities care and wellness mean home wardrobes that bring you pleasure something different to ev- Working from home vide a one-of-a-kind learn- For the person in your act. To help find balance ing experience and spark a life you haven’t seen in a and feel less pressure, con- while allowing your brain eryone – all that matters is doesn’t mean you can’t to rest, like spending time that you find an outlet to dress for adventure. lifetime love for riding on while, reconnect and give sider listening to the “Bal- two wheels. the gift of an experience ance Dating While Busy” with loved ones or enjoy- disconnect and do what Hoodies and sweatshirts ing a good book or movie. makes you happy.” can keep your loved ones Connect with the inner that can be appreciated for guided meditation and re- child years to come with the flect on your energy and Find more resources to looking cool and comfort- support your mental able, no matter how long Give the gift of building Harley-Davidson Riding their next video conference something unique with a Academy New Rider call might last. With a vari- present like the LEGO® Course. ety of color and style op- Creator Expert Harley-Da- This course will help you Follow us tions for men and women, vidson Fat Boy® Building and any thrill-seeker in you can find the right fit Sets. This set showcases your life learn to ride with for basically everyone on the beauty of a real-life mo- confidence on two wheels your list. torcycle and provides an after just one weekend. Inspire next generation immersive building experi- Please see ACCELERATE |3B 3B LIFE | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 24, 2020 Childcare crisis costs NC Accelerate your holiday By Nadia Ramlagan their child care will dis- childcare arrangements, NORTH CAROLINA NEWS SERVICE appear as the pandemic we have no idea what are continues, and 30% pre- going to be just the long- RALEIGH – Fewer than 1 dicted care will be unaf- term mental consequences gift list with adventure in 3 parents of young chil- fordable. And as more of that, in terms of rela- dren has access to quality, Continued from page 2B parents turn to makeshift tional secure attachment, affordable childcare during family member in your life you want childcare arrangements in and even in brain structure This holiday season, Harley-David- the pandemic, according to to learn to ride with and use #GiftO- order to keep working, Hill and development,” she son is giving away 500 Riding a new report. The survey of fRiding and #Giveaway. said the long-term effects said. Academy passes. All you have to do is more than 800 North Caro- Find more holiday gift-giving inspi- on child development re- She added women of share your favorite personal Harley- lina families found child- ration at H-D.com/Holiday main unknown. color more frequently re- Davidson motorcycle photo on Insta- care is least accessible in “When you’re in a disrup- port their childcare program or Twitter, tag the friend or rural counties and in Black, tive childcare setting, vider is no longer open, or Brown and Indigenous where you're having to rely they can't afford one be- communities. on different and piecemeal cause of reduced income. Muffy Grant, executive director at the North Caro- lina Early Childhood Foun- dation, said before « The Charlotte Post COVID-19, inadequate childcare cost businesses and taxpayers around $2.4 PLACES OF WORSHIP billion in lost revenue. That amount has already jumped to $2.9 billion, and BAPTIST Grant believes it's likely to skyrocket as the public health crisis continues. "So, what we have here is a very strong economic case for investments in accessible, affordable, high- quality, flexible, culturally competent childcare," Grant said. In the survey, 55% of households reported at least one adult having lost a job, been furloughed or having reduced pay or hours due to COVID-19. More than 70% have had difficulty finding a satisfactory childcare arrange- ment, and about 10% said they couldn't find one at all. Dr. Sherika Hill teaches in the Department of Psychi- atry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke Univer- sity and is a researcher at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Insti- tute. She said entire re- gions of North Carolina lack programs proven to boost children's early well- C.M.E. NORTHWEST SCHOOL OF THE ARTS being. “We have engineered a Northwest School of the Arts collected older Chromebooks issued by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools lot of different policy, and exchanged them for new machines at the Dec. 12 drive-by clothing and food drive. through subsidies and for families to get vouchers or discounted care for high- quality childcare centers. But we haven’t gone far enough to make sure that those centers are located in communities of diverse groups,” Hill said. Of those working parents surveyed, 25% predicted

You are worth more than red 昀ags and broken mirrors. Love does not equal violence. There is help and

NORTHWEST SCHOOL OF THE ARTS there is hope. Northwest School of the Arts collected winter clothing and gear to donate to needy families. NWSA community reaches out for holidays By Herbert L. White donated two tons of food, gloves, 42 scarves, 14 sets [email protected] 237 winter coats, 48 blan- of bed linens, seven pre- kets, 94 jackets, 36 pairs of school play kits and Northwest School of the pants, 73 sweatshirts, 12 diapers. They raised $800 Arts was in the spirit of giv- dresses, 51 pairs of shoes, for Loaves & Fishes. ing big. 108 hats, 45 pairs of The campus community sponsored a drive-by food and clothing drive to benefit Loaves & Fishes and * Rich In FREE Shipping & 33% OFF Vitamin C Bridge for Kids on Dec. 12. Donors also bought tickets for a 65-inch Smart TV in a raffle that benefitted Loaves & Fishes. NWSA families drove by the school to exchange old CMS-issued Chromebook computers for new ones, drop off their new and gently used children’s coats, winter gear and blankets to benefit Bridge for Kids, and donated food Mixed Fruit Medley to benefit Loaves & Fishes. WAS $29.99 The “Winter Drive” was NOW ONLY organized by the school’s National Spanish Honor So- $ 99 ciety with Friends of North- west, the school’s Parent 19 Teacher Organization, 1-877-648-1440 NWSA’s Visual Arts, The- Visit PittmanDavis.com/MN122 atre and Dance Boosters 800-799-SAFE Only $19.99 (reg. $29.99), plus FREE Shipping.* Satisfaction completely guaranteed. helped coordinate the Order by December 17, 2020 for GUARANTEED Christmas delivery. IC: PNVH-N122 event. (7233) In the end, NWSA families * Free standard shipping to the 48 contiguous states. PAGE 4B Thursday, December 24, 2020 To Place An Ad: Classifieds Call 704-376-0496 Classified Deadline: Monday at noon, prior to Thursday’s edition HEALTH SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENT MISCELLANEOUS ATTENTION DIABETICS! Save money on your diabetic Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most supplies! Convenient home shipping for monitors, advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. test strips, insulin pumps, catheters and more! To Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off learn more, call now! 855-667-9944 Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877-649-1190 Embrace the warmth of family and create DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER? You may qualify for a substantial cash award - even PERFECT with smoking history. NO obligation! We've HOME SECURITY HOLIDAY recovered millions. Let us help!! Call 24/7, 844-641- oments 0129 Save Now On

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FTCC. Fayetteville Technical Community College is 150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE now accepting applications for the following positions: Welding Instructor. Barber Instructor. ENJOYING A Physical Therapy Assistant Instructor. Practical Nursing NEW SHOWER Instructor. For detailed information and to apply, IS EASIER THAN please visit our employment portal at: YOU THINK https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com/Human Resources Office Phone: (910) 678-7342 Internet: CALL TODAY http://www.faytechcc.edu. An Equal Opportunity Employer. newshowerdeal.com/ncp | 833-590-0411 The Charlotte Post a&e THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 PAGE 5B Reorienting crime drama on Amazon By Jake Coyle THE ASSOCIATED PRESS When it’s at its best, “I’m Your Woman” feels like you’ve slipped through a trap door, revealing a hidden pathway in an old genre apparatus. Ev- erything looks familiar — this is a ’70s- set crime drama with all the usual trappings of shootouts, safe houses and polyester — but you’re seeing it from a PHOTO | CARTER WADE different perspective. The camera does- n’t stick with the usual characters. It has Charlotte native and Berry Academy graduate Sean Mason returned home last week to play "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with other interests. the Sean Mason Trio at Middle C Jazz. “I’m Your Woman,” which debuted earlier this month in theaters and Ama- zon Prime Video, is directed by Julia Hart, who also wrote the script with her Homecoming soundtrack: husband, the producer (and Oscar flub hero ) Jordan Horowitz. Rachel Brosna- han (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) stars as Jean, the kind of woman typically relegated to bit character in more mas- Christmas, Charlie Brown culine dramas. She’s sitting in their suburban home when her husband Eddie (Bill Heck) comes home and presents a new baby the way someone might unveil a new and Ma Rainey adaptation toaster. “Who is that?” Jean says. “He’s our baby,” he answers, beaming. We get no more information than she does, as Berry Academy graduate Sean Mason plays piano on hit Netflix movie the film immediately drops us into the By Ashley Mahoney “Music is a language of its own, so chord, by ear. Questions became in- disorientation of Jean’s world as the [email protected] what does that mean musically?” creasingly more difficult, and kept woman of a man we soon learn is Sean Mason always comes home Mason asked. “To hear how Branford Mason’s natural ability stood out. some kind of gangster. But even Jean for Christmas. navigates in and out between these “The earlier questions, all the kids doesn’t seem to know much about what The Charlotte native returned last conversations between normal, reg- were answering, but as it went on, he does. week for his annual “A Charlie Brown ular people English terms and trans- there were fewer and fewer students Instead of Eddie coming home one Christmas” by the Sean Mason Trio lating that into musical scores that that were answering, and at the very night, Jean is roused by a knock at the with four shows at Middle C Jazz in are orchestrated for instruments, end, it was Sean,” Lonnie said. “He door. The man, Cal (a very good Arinze Uptown. that was a huge learning process. was the only one who was raising his Kene), explains men are after Eddie, and Mason, a jazz pianist and com- “This was Chadwick’s last movie hand, answering those questions. He soon will be looking for Jean, too. They poser and Philip O. Berry Academy of before he passed. It was a very sad was sitting way at the back, at the top have to go. Whatever Eddie did or Technology alumnus, began per- day when he passed, because he did- of one of these lecture hall types of whoever his pursuers are remains, like forming the holiday show at age 16 n’t tell anybody. He looked frail, but spaces. We were like, ‘who is this kid? Jean’s own hazy understanding, in the at the former Tavern on Morehead we thought he was losing weight for He has an ear. We have to get to know distant background. Instead, the film Street, playing different venues the role. We didn’t know that he was this young man.’” rigorously stays with her as she and the around the city over the last six just sick out of his mind. Yet to see The Davises quickly learned that baby are plunged into a loosely con- years. Each year’s performance is a the way Branford navigated through Mason was entirely self-taught and nected underworld meant to shield her little different with a vocalist and his professional actors and different di- his favorite piano player was Ray from whatever trouble is after her. trio performing holiday favorites. rectors taught me a lot about myself Charles. Under their mentorship, Eventually, she’ll reach for a gun, her- “Each year I arrange them differ- and how I can do that in the future.” Mason’s creativity thrived. Then at self. ently for the band, just to keep things Recording for the film took approx- UNCG, he had the opportunity to Hart’s schematic framework is a wor- fresh so we are not playing the same imately a year and a half, with the connect with Marsalis. thy and intriguing one, yet “I’m Your exact thing every year,” Mason said. final touches taking place during the “Branford came down to UNCG for Woman” struggles to turn thesis into Mason considers 2020 the weirdest pandemic. a day, and he was giving lessons to drama. Jean slowly transforms into a year of his life. He left Julliard in Au- “We did not know this pandemic all the saxophone students,” Mason more conscious, decision-making gust after two years at UNC Greens- was going to happen, but thank, God said. “I was like, ‘Branford Marsalis is woman but her character’s psychology boro. The pandemic and advice from everything was recorded in Feb- here. Let me ask if I can get five mi- doesn’t fill out. Even with growing inde- his mentors influenced his difficult ruary,” Mason said. “The only thing nutes at the end for piano.’ He let me pendence, Jean remains a perplexingly decision to leave the music academy, we had to do during the pandemic in at the end, and he was like, ‘all passive genre fragment in a narrative yet the last two years included in an was retouches. Everybody had to get right man, we’ve got five minutes.’ It that never comes into focus — though introduction to film. tested (for COVID-19) around three- was at the end of his day. He was it continues to compellingly bring in He played piano for all of Netflix’s four times we met, and all the safety tired.” elements usually kept at bay in the adaptation of August Wilson’s “Ma precautions were taken.” Marsalis was so impressed he took crime film, like family and race. It’s also Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which de- Mason’s journey as a pianist began Mason’s contact information and possible that Brosnahan, so identifiable buted last week. when he was 13. His grandmother, sent the aspiring musician new already as the unflinching Midge Maisel, The film, set in Chicago in 1927, Betty Cornwell, bought him a small things to learn. is too charismatic and clever to con- follows blues singer Rainey (Viola keyboard and he taught himself how “He was coming back the next vince us otherwise. Davis) and her band. It is also the to play by ear. month to give saxophone lessons to Hart has spoken about how she was final role for actor Chadwick Bose- By age 15, Mason’s family invested the students for another day,” Mason pulled to make “I’m Your Woman” by man, who died from colon cancer on in a piano and sent him to JazzArts said. “He sent me the hardest stuff wanting to follow Diane Keaton in “The Aug. 28. Mason worked alongside his Initiative (now JazzArts Charlotte) I’ve ever had to work on, and I had a Godfather” or Tuesday Weld in “Thief.” mentor Branford Marsalis, the re- camps, where he learned under Pres- month to do it. Me being the person I It’s a tantalizing concept, one that “I’m nowned saxophonist, composer and ident and Artistic Director Lonnie am, I waited until the last few days to Your Woman” comes close to achieving. bandleader. and Ocie Davis. do it. This is how I work on things. Hart, gifted as a filmmaker rich in both It offered a hands-on educational Lonnie Davis recalled a group exer- From then, we developed a real good texture and ideas, has already skipped experience for Mason, who equated cise at the start of camp where they connection. Branford is a real good around in genre, often reorienting it in the specific request of a director to asked students about ear training ex- mentor of mine, and he takes me on the process. Her 2019 sci-fi film “Fast make a scene sound happy or sad to ercises. Students had to identify dif- the road and we do tours.” Color” told a human-scaled superhero essentially translating a language. ferent musical elements, such as a story about three women in a family with superhuman powers. It will be exciting to see what genre she tackles — and potentially remakes — next. In the meantime, I wouldn’t mind knowing where that baby came from. NBC’s Holt adds commentary to nightly news “I’m Your Woman,” an Amazon Stu- dios release, is rated R by the Motion By David Bauder leave it on the field.” Picture Association of America for vio- In the midst of the virus and racial un- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS lence and language. Running time: 120 rest this spring, Holt recalled how the minutes. Two and a half stars out of NEW YORK — During this brutal news United States pulled through the tem- four. year, Lester Holt has concluded that tell- pestuous political year of 1968. ing stories isn’t enough. “The sun eventually rose again, as it al- «OUT & ABOUT The “NBC Nightly News” anchor ways does,” he said. frequently ends his broadcasts now with Holt traces his commentaries back to PHOTOS: DANIEL COSTON | FOR THE CHARLOTTE POST commentaries, an unusual departure for the August 2019 shooting that killed 23 network evening newscasts that have at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, when he more than a half century’s track record began “Nightly News” by saying, “What of playing it straight. on Earth is going on?” Holt’s essays, many of them pleas for “That was the moment that I realized unity in troubled times, can seem mild that maybe there was a lane that I could to viewers used to the rhetorical warfare occupy from time to time to kind of mir- of cable news. He says he’s filling a need ror and reflect what people are feeling,” for voices of empathy in public life. he said. “The days of dispassionate journalism He doesn’t want the audience to feel are long gone,” he said. “We have to ac- that those who deliver the news are knowledge our audience and validate above it all, or numb to everything going CHRISTOPHER DILTS | NBC UNIVERSAL what we’re all seeing.” on. NBC’s Lester Holt appears on the set in New Charlotte singer Mercury Carter led a On the day of the first U.S. COVID-19 There’s also a sense of increased com- York on Aug. 7, 2018. The “NBC Nightly News” nine-piece band for his live streaming vaccinations this week, Holt paid tribute fort in his job. Holt, 61, has been nightly anchor occasionally ends his broadcasts show from the Neighborhood Theatre to those who had died of the disease, news anchor since 2015. The NBC broad- now with commentaries, an unusual depar- on Dec. 17. saying that if he were to begin reading cast usually reaches 8 million viewers a ture for network evening newscasts that have names of the 300,000-plus victims non- night, consistently second in the ratings a lengthy track record of playing it straight. stop, it would take him 10 days. to ABC’s “World News Tonight,” al- On other occasions, he’s said anger though a 2018 Hollywood end with a commentary. He opens with and obstinance in the wake of COVID-19 Reporter/Morning Consult poll found grisly news about a lethal pandemic and is not serving the country well. Saying “I Holt beating Muir as the nation’s most does not try to contradict that.” told you so” after President Donald trusted TV news personality. Don’t expect anything like the most fa- Trump tested positive “only serves to Given that he’s trying to reach the mous case of an evening news anchor take us back down the political rabbit broadest possible audience, Holt’s com- expressing an opinion, when CBS’ Walter hole that has cost us time and far too mentaries are purposely non-controver- Cronkite in 1968 called for a negotiated many lives,” he said in October. sial. end to the Vietnam War. Holt has repeatedly called for peace “In the current climate, there seems to “When I started doing them I won- between political foes. After the election be no place to position oneself that will dered, ‘have I crossed a line? Is the au- was called for President-elect Joe Biden, avoid alienating someone or another,” dience going to reject it?’” Holt said. “I Electrolux partnered with Crisis Assis- he said “both sides deserve a collective said news consultant Andrew Tyndall. haven’t felt that. I try to honor my role tance Ministry to donate kitchenware primal scream over what we’ve been “Holt at least brings consistency to his and not overstep my bounds as a jour- to 40 area non-profits on Dec. 9 through. But tomorrow, maybe we can newscast on those days when he does nalist.” 6B A&E | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 24, 2020