NC Death Penalty Foes Push Equity Task Force for Repeal

Panthers find winning is its own reward after a pair of victories pull them to 2-2

THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY SINCE 1906 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost WEEK OF OCTOBER 8, 2020 VOLUME 47, NUMBER 5 WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM $1.50 Mission: improve voter turnout NAACP campaign, which includes the Carolinas, aims to boost participation By Herbert L. White [email protected] The Carolinas are part of an NAACP campaign to boost turnout among Black voters in key battleground states ahead of next SCOTT OLSON | GETTY IMAGES month’s elections. “Black Voices Change Lives” is The execution chamber at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana. North Carolina opponents to the death penalty want the Task Force for Racial an initiative to increase participa- Equity in Criminal Justice to include capital punishment repeal in its recommendations to Gov. Roy Cooper later this year. Of the state’s 140 death tion by at least 5% compared to row inmates, 75, or 53% of the total, are Black. 2016. The campaign is in its second phase, which focuses on voter mobilization. The seven-figure digital NC death penalty foes push and radio ads – which include 17 Black- owned stations – target Black voters in 29 media markets across equity task force for repeal 10 states, including Johnson North and South Carolina. The civil Study joins growing wave of opposition to capital punishment over racial bias rights organization is also enlisting volunteers to make phone calls By Herbert L. White ment to a “Confederate monument that death penalty repeal in its recommenda- and send text messages through we must tear down” in an essay for the tions to be released later this year. Of [email protected] no-contact canvassing to reach report. He contends a review of the North Carolina’s 140 death row inmates, voters. Criminal justice reform advocates death penalty is long overdue. 75, or 53% of the total, are Black. The “We must continue to fight voter want a repeal of capital punishment in “Right now, our nation is state’s population is 22% Black. intimidation and suppression tar- North Carolina. in a moment of reckoning “The death penalty was used to uphold geted at Black voters across the na- A new report by the Center for Death with our criminal punish- the institution of slavery, and then to en- tion,” NAACP President Derrick Penalty Litigation equates capital pun- ment system,” Hill wrote. force Jim Crow. Its racist aims were ex- Johnson said. “This is the most ishment to a method to assert white “We are finally seeing plicit,” said Emancipate NC Executive consequential election of our life- dominance by keeping Black Americans clearly what should have Director Dawn Blagrove, an author of the time and it will have an impact on in line. The study, “Racist Roots: Origins been obvious long ago: The report. “Now, through systemic and in- generations to come, which is why of North Carolina’s Death Penalty,” de- system has its knee on the stitutional racism, the death penalty is we must ensure that every voice is tails the history and disproportionate necks of Black people.” cloaked in the disguise of fairness but heard. From the disastrous mish- application of capital punishment to Hill Emancipate NC, a crim- still only serves to terrorize Black people andling of COVID-19 that has dev- Black people while excluding them from inal justice reform advocacy group that and punish crimes against white people. astated black communities to the participation in juries. co-authored the report, is calling on Gov. If the task force’s goal is truly to ‘stop rise of violent white supremacists, Charlotte attorney Henderson Hill, the Roy Cooper’s Task Force for Racial discriminatory law enforcement and politicians in Washington have center’s founder, likened capital punish- Equity in Criminal Justice to include Please see DEATH | 2A failed us and need to be replaced Please see NAACP’S |5A Park celebrating «APPRECIATION Initiative Black struggle in rewards best NC breaks ground of aspiring By Freda Freeman entrepreneurs THE TRIANGLE TRIBUNE By Herbert L. White RALEIGH – A plan that has been 10 years in the [email protected] making finally came to fruition Wednesday with a A North Carolina foundation is groundbreaking ceremony for the North Carolina taking applications for ideas to el- Freedom Park. evate Black entrepreneurship. Project organizers said the park, the first to honor NC IDEA and the North Carolina the African American struggle for freedom in North HARVEY B. GANTT CENTER Black Entrepreneurship Council are Carolina, is both a testament to the past and a bea- accepting applications for NC BEC con for the future. Mary Harper, co-founder of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts & Cul- ture, died on Oct. 1 at age 84. Ecosystem, a $500,000 grant pro- “It is an affirmation, celebration, and commem- gram that supports and partners oration of the value of freedom, and that value is with organizations serving entre- stated with no greater authority and clarity by any preneurial aspirations and eco- people than by the people who were denied it most Mary Harper, educator and nomic growth. completely – people who had been slaves and their NC BEC was formed in August to descendants. The people making the most powerful help NC IDEA address the chal- statement about freedom are the ones who were de- mother of the Gantt Center lenges Black entrepreneurs face. Its nied it,” said Reginald Hildebrand, a Freedom Park By Ashley Mahoney and CEO David Taylor said in a inaugural grant program, NC BEC board member. statement. “Fortunately, we had the Ecosystem, aims to better under- [email protected] When completed, Hildebrand said, the park will be stand how to support more Black Harvey B. Gantt Center for African- distinct pleasure of honoring her a proud part of the heritage of North Carolina. Free- entrepreneurs’ ambition to start American Arts + Culture co-founder contributions to this esteemed insti- dom Park embraces and celebrates the state’s long- and build growth-oriented com- Mary T. Harper died on Oct. 1 at age tution throughout her life. The neglected history. panies. 84. Board of Directors and staff of the “It is crucial that we embrace and honor this his- “Within weeks of its establish- Miss Harper died at 6:19 p.m. in Harvey B. Gantt Center are forever tory of Black North Carolinians and affirm that it ment, the NC Black Entrepreneur- Charlotte. The Gantt named their indebted to Dr. Harper for her vi- speaks to all of us. The pursuit of freedom and dig- ship Council announced this grand lobby after Harper and co- sion, her commitment and her de- nity is at the core of the human condition. There has Ecosystem grant, expressing ur- founder Bertha Maxwell Roddey in termination to preserve Charlotte’s never been a time when there was a greater need to gency to deploy capital to organi- 2018. Harper earned the Order of African American story and to create establish common ground and acknowledge shared zations helping Black founders,” the Long Leaf Pine in 2014, which is a legacy for future generations. We values and ideals,” Hildebrand said. said Thom Ruhe, CEO and Pres- the highest award for a civilian in are indeed grateful to her and her Freedom Park represents freedom, perseverance, ident of NC IDEA. “By partnering North Carolina. She is also the co- family for their support over the and equality, said Sen. Natalie Murdock. “I think one with organizations focused on eco- namesake for the Gantt’s donor so- past 46 years and we extend our of our quotes says it best: ‘The struggle for freedom nomically empowering Black ciety, the Harper-Roddey Society. deepest condolences to those she begins every morning.’ We want the park to reflect people with entrepreneurship, we “It is with a profound sense of loss left behind.” our struggle and fight for freedom and to reflect will collectively work to combat ra- that I share the news of our found- Miss Harper, who was born in upon the importance of fighting for freedom cial disparities and ensure more in- ing mother, Dr. Mary T. Harper’s Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, through the African American experience. As African Please see INITIATIVE | 2A Please see NC FREEDOM | 2A passing,” Gantt Center President Please see MARY|4A INSIDE Please Digital edition: STAY IN TOUCH Sports 7A Snapchat: thecharpost www.thecharlottepostnewspaper.com Recycle Life 1B Twitter: @thecharpost A&E 6B To subscribe: (704) 376-0496 or online Facebook: The Charlotte Post Classified 5B http://tcppc.com/Subscribe Instagram: @thecharlottepost #PaperThursday 2A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, October 8, 2020 Death penalty Initiative rewards best of Continued from page 1A eral court. ending capital punish- criminal justice practices,’ The Task Force for Racial ment, like other social jus- aspiring entrepreneurs the death penalty is an ob- Equity in Criminal Justice, tice crusades such as Black Continued from page 1A programs and initiatives. All grants vious place to start.” convened by Cooper ear- Lives Matter, are often led dividuals are given the opportunity to must be allocated toward specific pro- North Carolina's courts lier this year in response to by Black women. reach their full entrepreneurial poten- grams and activities serving the Black have already taken steps to protests after the killing of “Black women are the tial, which is better for the overall entrepreneurs. mitigate the impact of race George Floyd in Minnesota, heart of the Black family,” health of the economy,” Ruhe said. Applicants may request any amount on capital punishment. In has made several rec- she wrote. “We manifest NC IDEA is accepting applications of funding up to $50,000. Scheduled August, the state Supreme ommendations. It pro- our love by shielding our from 501(c)(3) and for-profit organi- grant payments should align with spe- Court ruled 4-3 to com- posed the Administrative communities from the zations that are in service to, or have cific activities, and funding may be al- mute Marcus Robinson’s Office of the Courts in- harsh punishment America programs specifically focused on, located according to milestones and death sentence to life with- clude information on race inflicts. Black women stand helping Black entrepreneurs and scheduled payments over the course out parole, a first for the in its data reporting and re- when it’s hard, scary, and growth-oriented Black-owned firms of one year. For criteria and to apply, state under the now-re- quire racial equity training inconvenient. We stand start and grow scalable businesses. go to ncidea.org. Submissions are due pealed Racial Justice Act, for court system person- when others The application is open to new pro- Nov. 2 by 5 p.m. and grant award no- which was rescinded in nel. The task force’s first won’t. The grams and ideas as well as existing tifications will be sent on Dec. 11. 2013. The justices found recommendations – made fight to evidence supported the in July – include “duty to abolish On The Net plaintiffs’ claim that racial report” excessive force the death racistroots.org bias is often part of capital rules across law enforce- penalty is trials, involving Black de- ment agencies and outlaw no differ- fendants up to inten- choke holds. It also asked ent. Gift for Urban League lab the state Supreme Court to “This project tionally excluding Blacks Lab program is part of training. mandate an assessment of shows us not just where By Herbert L. White from juries. In the majority Spectrum’s multiyear, $6 “We thank the Urban ability to pay before levy- we are, but how we got opinion, Chief Justice [email protected] million cash and in-kind League of Central Carolinas ing fines and fees to felons. here. It shows us how our Cheri Beasley pointed to an national commitment to for being instrumental in “Racist Roots” details his- current systems were born A gift from Spectrum will “egregious legacy of the ra- digital education across helping us provide support tory of the death penalty, out of our country’s long help the Urban League of cially discriminatory appli- the country. The company for digital education in the case studies of modern history of racism and op- Central Carolinas develop cation” of the death doubled its original 2020 Charlotte community,” death row prisoners, as pression. There is no fix for workers for digital indus- penalty, writing: “equal commitment by awarding said Rahman Khan, vice well as essays by more such corrupt systems, ex- tries. protection to all must be $1 million to 47 organiza- president of community than a dozen contributors cept to abolish them and The $30,000 Spectrum given—not merely prom- tions providing broadband impact for Charter Com- including scholars, advo- start over.” Digital Education Grant for ised.” education, technology and The same court in June cates, and death row res- a new CareerBridge Mobile Please see $30,000 | 4A cleared a path for review of idents. racial discrimination in “This report lays bare death penalty cases with a what too many people, 6-1 decision that defen- lulled by the myth of a dants Rayford Burke and post-racial society, have al- Andrew Ramseur, who, like lowed themselves to for- Robinson, are Black, were get,” Hill wrote. “The death entitled to present ev- penalty’s history is insep- idence that prosecutors arable from our history of willfully excluded African slavery, Jim Crow and Americans from their mass incarceration. Even st th juries and racial bias as the number of ex- October 1 - November 26 tainted their trials. The ecutions and death sen- court also ruled death row tences declines, it remains inmates who filed claims a powerful symbol of white under the RJA before its re- supremacy.” peal to present their ev- Blagrove’s essay focuses idence in court. The case on the role of Black women was decided under the in fighting for social jus- state constitution, which tice. can’t be appealed to a fed- Blagrove’s essay argues NC Freedom Park Continued from page 1A Americans who continue to build and make contrib- $ utions to our great state and nation, we feel that it is a very American story,” Murdock said. The 1-acre park is to be built downtown on the corner EARN 20 of Wilmington and Lane streets near the State Legislature and Governor’s Mansion. Planners will break ground on Oct. 7, with construction slated to begin in the spring. The projected completion date is spring 2022. When completed, the park will be gifted to the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for maintenance. gobble up even more savings The projected cost is $4 million. About $3.2 million has been raised through state and private funding. The groundbreaking ceremony will kick off the public fundraising campaign, said Murdock, who’s the campaign co- ordinator. The park project was initially started by the Paul Green Foundation, which provides modest grants to nonprofit organizations. Ten town hall meetings were held across the state to get public input, says board co-chair David SHOP Warren. “This is a project that has been generated by all parts of the state for all the people of the state. This is the first time there has been statewide recognition of the vital role African Americans employed in the culture and * history of this state,” he said. Over the past 10 years, plans for the park changed and grass roots fundraising efforts were hampered by the 6 WEEKS economic downturn and the recession. Murdock said efforts were revitalized, and the plan was completely rede- signed thanks to the late world-renowned architect Phil Freelon and his design team at Perkins and Will. Pierce Freelon said his father cared deeply about creating cultural spaces that made people smile, think, and feel connected to their ancestors. He said Freedom Park encapsulates all three. As African Americans throughout REC the country work to bring down Confederate monuments EIPT and other symbols of white supremacy, Freelon said Freedom Park will celebrate the history and contributions of Black people. xxxxxx “There are so many wonderful Black stories to tell and TRACK legacies to uphold and heritage to cherish that Freedom Park will help us memorialize. And to do so in a structure that’s beautiful, inviting, historical, and truth telling will be a welcomed shift away from some of the monuments * of Confederacy and white supremacy that are so wide- spread throughout the state. Now that my dad’s physical body is gone, what a wonderful way for us to cherish his RECEIPT memory by uplifting the voices of other black trail- blazers,” he said. Among the park’s features is a tribute to notable Afri- can Americans with ties to North Carolina, such as his- torian John Hope Franklin; C.C. Spaulding of N.C. Mutual Life Insurance Company; Pauli Murray, a civil rights activist and attorney; civil rights activist Ella Baker; the Greensboro Four and the legends of Black Wall Street. Their stories will be told through the “voices of freedom” RECE or quotes that will be inscribed on walls along walkways COUPIPT throughout the park. ON There will be docents on site, and there are plans to make the park interactive so visitors can learn more $20 about it via an app on their phones or other digital de- vices. There will also be events, programs, and festivals. RECEIVE Board co-chair Goldie Frinks Wells said a visit to the park will be a history lesson that will be eye opening and inspirational. Wells is the daughter of civil rights activist * Golden Frinks, the first Southern Christian Leadership Conference field secretary that the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. hired to oversee desegregation efforts in North OFFER Carolina. Wells hopes the park will light the spark for others to carry the torch to keep the fight for freedom alive. “It’s very important to look back at some of the souls who have gone through and to have the voices of free- * Visit foodlion.com for details dom. We have quotes from those who have been in the struggle, and they have valuable messages to give to us. exclusions apply It’s very valuable that we bring that to this generation, to those who are becoming,” she said. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, attendance at the groundbreaking was limited. The public can view the event virtually on the Freedom Park’s YouTube channel. For more information and to donate, visit ncfmp.org.

3A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, October 8, 2020

Connecting workers to new skills This health and humanitarian crisis has had a disproportionate impact on employment for people of color. Here in Charlotte, there is an urgent need for skill building — including re-skilling and up-skilling — to create a clear pathway to jobs that can deliver upward mobility and economic stability.

To drive progress, Bank of America is investing $1 billion over four years to advance racial equality and economic opportunity, building on work we’ve had underway for many years. We’re helping to connect people to the skills, resources and experience needed to succeed by building partnerships with nonprofits and local government, and through our own recruiting and hiring. This includes partnerships with Community Colleges that serve predominately Black and Hispanic/Latino students, and public Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions.

In Charlotte, we remain committed to supporting organizations that help people in our community get the skills they need.

Charles Bowman Charlotte Market President

Strengthening pathways Here in Charlotte, we’re partnering with local organizations to create pathways to better jobs, including: Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont Hispanic Federation The Center for Community Transitions Johnson C. Smith University

To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. 4A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, October 8, 2020 Mary Harper, educator and mother of the Gantt Center Continued from page 1A at UNCC, created the Char- Service to Black Studies; earned her bachelor’s de- lotte-Mecklenburg Afro- Mu Tau Chapter, Alpha Phi gree in English from Liv- American Cultural & Alpha Fraternity Award in ingstone College. She Service Center in 1974 to Recognition of Service; the pursued a master’s in Eng- uncover and preserve McKinney Award for Dis- lish from UNC Greensboro Charlotte’s Black history. tinguished Service; and and Union Graduate School Their vision would later Outstanding Educator in Cincinnati. From 1961- transform into the Gantt Award presented by the 67 she taught English in Center. Sixth District of Omega Psi Charlotte-Mecklenburg “Because of the vision Phi fraternity. Schools, teaching students that Dr. Maxwell Roddey Miss Harper earned na- like former U.S. Rep. Mel and Dr. Harper put into ac- tional recognition as a Kool Watt. tion, the Gantt Center now Achiever Award Finalist for She gave lectures on Afri- stands as a beacon in Char- Outstanding Community can American literature lotte to showcase the cul- Service in the Arts. throughout the nation. ture, the history and UNCC established the Miss Harper also served as creative ingenuity of the Harper-Thomas Endow- assistant professor of Eng- African American com- ment in 2013 to honor lish at UNC Charlotte while munity and the African di- Harper and fellow profes- she pursued a doctorate. aspora,” Taylor said. sor Herman Thomas. The COURTESY SPECTRUM She and mentor Roddey, Among Harper’s other endowment helps first- Spectrum and Urban League of Central Carolina collaborated on distribution of 100 Safe & who was then the director honors are the Ben Robin- generation college stu- Healthy Home kits, which include information and products to help homeowners keep a of the Black Studies Center son Award for Outstanding dents study abroad. cleaner, safer and more energy-efficient home at the Harvest Center of Charlotte. «APPRECIATION $30,000 Charter gift A.E. Grier Jr., mortuary for Urban League lab owner, community leader at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Continued from page 2A Spectrum has surpassed its multi- By Herbert L. White Science in Ohio, graduating in 1969. It munications Inc., which operates year commitment to award $6 mil- [email protected] lion in cash and in-kind donations to was the family’s funeral service where Mr. Spectrum. “Through the Urban Arthur E. Grier Jr., a third-generation support broadband education across Grier was best known in the community League of Central Carolinas we can scion of one of Charlotte’s oldest Black- the company’s 41-state service area. and where he built a professional rep- continue to provide those in need owned businesses and a pillar of the This year’s recipients are from 15 utation. with the resources to navigate the neighborhood named for his family, died states and Washington, D.C., and Along with sons Arthur III and Allen, Mr. challenges of the digital age.” Sept. 22 at age 77. were chosen from 259 eligible appli- Grier served generations of families in the The CareerBridge Mobile Lab fo- A parade to celebrate Mr. Grier’s life was cations. Since its inception in 2017, Charlotte region, including those of cuses on fiber optics employment held Sept. 30 starting at the Spectrum Digital Education has bene- sports and entertainment figures like and digital workforce development family estate on Monroe fitted more than 41,000 individuals baseball legend Hank Aaron, former NBA in underserved communities. The Road in Grier Heights, fol- in 17 states and Washington, D.C. player Antawn Jamison and Grammy program includes training for fiber lowed by a public viewing at Earlier this year, Charter launched Award-winning singer Anthony Hamilton. optics certification, medical coding, Grier Heights Presbyterian the $10 million Spectrum Com- The funeral service also handled final ar- computer skills courses, trades certi- Church on Skyland Avenue. munity Investment Loan Fund, which rangements for Grier Heights resident fications, small business assistance The funeral was Oct. 2. will make loans up to $1 million to Jimmie Lee, father of former heavyweight and career counseling. Mr. Grier, owner of A.E. community development financial boxing champion Mike Tyson. Spectrum is also partnering with Grier & Sons Funeral and institutions in the company’s foot- Mr. Grier was the second Black person ULCC to distribute 100 Safe & Cremation, had been in de- print through 2021. In June, it Mr. Grier elected to the North Carolina State Board Healthy Home kits, which include in- clining health during a battle launched investment partnerships of Mortuary Science in 1977 and served formation and products to help with cancer. Known as Gene by family with the National Urban League and in that capacity until 1982 in addition to homeowners keep a cleaner, safer and friends, was born March 21 at Good National Action Network to support vice president of the Funeral Directors and more energy-efficient home. The Samaritan Hospital, Charlotte’s Black hos- Black-owned small businesses, which and Morticians Association of North Car- kits will be distributed at the Harvest pital which stood at the site of Bank of raised Charter’s Loan Fund commit- olina. He was a past state and national Center of Charlotte. America Stadium. He grew up in the Grier ment to $13 million. board member and past president of the “We are grateful for the tremen- Heights community – which was devel- Charter also introduced Spectrum Western District of Funeral Directors As- dous support of Spectrum,” ULCC oped by his grandfather – and graduated Scholars, a two-year educational pro- sociation as well as past district pres- President and CEO Teddy McDaniel Second Ward High School in 1961 before gram for eligible rising juniors in fi- ident. The trade organization was said. “Throughout this pandemic, enrolling in Florida A&M University in Tal- nancial need, that will award scheduled to recognize his service to the ‘stay safe’ is a phrase often used. The lahassee, Fla. $400,000 in scholarship aid, provide industry at its state convention in June, delivery of these home kits with use- After earning an honorable discharge company mentors for students, as but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 ful tools will allow hundreds of Char- from the Army in 1966, Mr. Grier enrolled pandemic. lotte-area families to do just that in well as connecting them with poten- their households and various neigh- tial internships.

borhoods.” Follow us on Twitter: @thecharpost 5A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, October 8, 2020 Trump ‘Platinum Plan’ for Black Americans By Lauren Victoria Burke in the coming years. Trump attacked his Democratic NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION rival, former Vice President Joe In an attempt to win Black voters Biden, as he announced his proposal that have been elusive for the Repub- saying that Biden "inflicted" damage lican Party for many cycles, President on Black communities during his Donald Trump announced a “Plati- four decades in Washington. num Plan” of Black economic em- “Biden should not be demanding powerment. your support; he should be begging Trump unveiled the for your forgiveness,” Trump told a plan during an Atlanta crowd of supporters on September rally with less than four 25. “No one in politics today has weeks left until Election done more to hurt the Black com- FILE PHOTO Day on Nov. 3. Cur- munity than Joe Biden,” Trump rently, former Vice Pres- added. Trump may have in part been Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP President Rev. Corine Mack is running for re-election on Nov. 19. ident Joe Biden is referring to Biden’s authorship of the Men in the local community activist community came to Mack’s defense at a press conference last leading in the polls in Clinton Crime Bill of 1994, or more week to rebut criticism of her management style. Trump many key states in the formally, the Violent Crime Control presidential contest. and Law Enforcement Act. The Trump’s proposals for Black Amer- “tough on crime” law was a driver of Men defend Charlotte NAACP ica include prosecuting Antifa and mass incarceration through the the Ku Klux Klan, making Juneteenth 1990s as it incentivized incarcer- a holiday on the federal level and ation. chief against character attacks proposals focused on Black wealth. Trump won 8% of the Black elector- Trump’s proposal related to improv- ate in 2016 as he defeated Hillary By Herbert L. White “Every person who’s been of force against civilians, ing Black economic standing in- Clinton. Clinton won the popular [email protected] standing here at one point criminal justice reform and cluded an investment of $500 billion vote by close to 3 million ballots, but Men in Charlotte’s activ- in time had their differ- pushing for a $15 an hour in Black communities. Trump did not Trump won the Electoral College. ism community are stand- ences with Corine,” said minimum wage. She also disclose how he would pay for such Current polling shows that Biden is ing behind Darrell Gregory, the chap- helped Charlotte land next a plan. ahead of Trump with Black voters by Charlotte-Mecklenburg ter’s first vice president – year’s national NAACP con- Because of the COVID-19 pan- a very wide margin: 83% to 8%. The NAACP President Rev. Co- but that direct style makes vention. demic, which has caused over introduction of his plan for Black rine Mack. her an effective advocate. “While a lot has hap- 200,000 deaths and 50 million to file America is likely an attempt to win Mack, who is standing for The public criticism pened, there is so much for unemployment, budgets on the the support of Black voters in what re-election on Nov. 19, has against Mack, they insist, is more to be done,” Mack federal level are expected to be tight could be a close presidential contest. been the subject of a unfair and unfounded. wrote supporters in her re- whisper campaign online “None of us are perfect, election pitch. “With you and in media accusing her but we are grown men and (sic) continued support, we of poor management of the grown women,” Gregory will champion our advo- chapter. Last week, 18 ac- said. “Grown men and cacy for economics, equal- tivists – all but one of them grown women handle their ity and education.” men – slammed the criti- differences in private. If Mack, Murphy reasoned, NAACP’s mission: Boost voter cism, including a letter to you say you love your has done more than The Post by Mack’s prede- people, your Black and enough to merit re-elec- cessor the Rev. Kojo Nan- brown people, you don’t tion. turnout in battleground states tambu, as examples of handle your business in a “For this to go on without chauvinism. negative public forum.” a response from us, as men Continued from page 1A tools, training, and re- been higher, and we are “Miss Mack is a cham- Mack’s supporters point and as elders in our com- with leaders who care sources to the volunteers leaving nothing on the pion,” said B.J. Murphy, a to her accomplishments as munity” is irresponsible, about Black people.” to call and text voters table,” Johnson said. “We radio host and community branch president, includ- he said. “We must have a According to the Pew Re- they’re assigned and en- need the Black community activist. “She’s a warrior, ing confronting Charlotte- response.” search Center, in 2016 courage them to cast their to understand the impact she is a defender of black Mecklenburg Police’s use Black voter turnout de- ballot. of their vote, know where people and the oppressed. clined for the first time in The initiative’s first to vote, and be prepared to We want to thank her for 20 years, falling to 59.6% phase, launched in August, help their friends and her leadership, we want to after reaching a high of recruiting nearly 200,000 neighbors overcome any thank her for her courage. 66.6% in 2012 when Barack Black voters to volunteer obstacles or attempts to I feel that people who work Obama was elected pres- by text messaging, phone deter them from voting. hard and make a sacrifice ident for a second term. calls, direct mail, and e- We must vote like our lives to make life better for us The “Black Voices Change mail. depend on it.” should be supported. At- Lives” campaign provides “The stakes have never tacks on her character and negative remarks about our family are unwar- ranted, and they must stop today.” Follow us on Facebook: @The Charlotte Post The activists admitted Mack is confrontational –

BUILD BACK BETTER CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

Today, too many people are incarcerated in the United States – and too many of them are black and brown. As President, Joe Biden will strengthen America’s commitment to justice and reform our criminal justice system. Joe Biden will take bold action to reduce our prison population, create a more just society, and make our communities safer

Expand and use the power of the U.S. Decriminalize the use of cannabis and Justice Department to address systemic automatically expunge all prior cannabis misconduct in police departments and use convictions. prosecutors’ offices. End the criminalization of poverty, Establish an independent TaskForce on including ending cash bail. Prosecutorial Discretion. End the federal government’s use of Invest in educational opportunity for all. private prisons.

Eliminate mandatory minimums.

Visit joebiden.com/justice to learn more

PAID FOR BY BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT 6A NEWS & OPINION | The Charlotte Post Thursday, October 8, 2020 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost Trump builds on record with Blacks The Voice of the Black Community I know we’ve all heard munities throughout the west rates of unemploy- for Donald Trump on Nov. Gerald O. Johnson | CEO/PUBLISHER the saying that “this is the country, and he is promis- ment for Black Americans 3. Not just because of the most important election of ing to build on the First before the Chinese virus economy, not just because [email protected] our lifetime,” and I gen- Step Act with new legisla- pandemic. of the restoration and tion. President Trump has Robert L. Johnson | PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER uinely believe that the I ask you why a racist modernization of the 2020 election is the most provided so much for us, care to make things better United States military, not [email protected] important in the history of and he’s not stopping any- for Black and Latino Amer- because of the historic our country. time soon. icans would? Why would a peace deals in the middle Herbert L. White | EDITOR IN CHIEF As I sat to write this op- Meanwhile, I look at the racist support citizenship east or Europe but because ed, I am reminded of the economy of former Pres- for Liberians? Why would a Donald J. Trump is the [email protected] recording ident Obama with its bur- racist stand on a stage with only thing in the way of densome regulations, its Published weekly by The Charlotte Post Publishing Company done in 1949 Rosa Parks and Mu- America becoming the next growth of the welfare state, Inc., 5118 Princess Street, Charlotte, NC 28269 (USPS #965500). by the Library hammed Ali? Why would a Cuba or Venezuela. and its failure to lift Amer- Subscription is $65 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Char- of Congress of racist do a skit on a Method Addul Ali is former chair icans out of poverty in con- lotte, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Charlotte one Mr. Foun- Man album, for crying out of the Kannapolis Com- trast to the Trump Post, PO Box 30144, Charlotte, NC 28230 tain Hughes, a loud? munity Development Com- former slave. economy that saw the I am Black and Hispanic, mission and a member of The recording highest levels of labor I am a veteran, and I am a the Black Voices for Trump ADDUL reminded me force participation and lo- Republican. I will be voting coalition. ALI of just how far America has come, and Why NAACP where Democrats want to seemingly take us back to. The idea that in 2020, my skin color is the determin- matters and ing factor of how I am treated in the workplace, by the police, or how I am viewed by “society” is an Secure your savings. why support attempt to have me as a person of color concentrat- Lock in your rate today. ing on a past – though I never experienced slavery. local chapters The same people would Competitive checking and savings offerings and have me believe that Don- By Tina Katsanos ald J. Trump is a xeno- great customer service from the #1 capitalized SPECIAL TO THE POST phobic, egomaniacal major bank in the U.S.1 I am a mother, an educator, and an environ- modern American version mental activist. I became involved in activism in of Mussolini. 2010 after the birth of son. The exciting thing to me Prior to that, I always used my classroom as a is that in the age of easy ac- space to educate students about environmental cess to information, many degradation, climate change and how the of my fellow Americans be- 11-Month CD or IRA CD Special peoples impacted the most are Black, Indige- lieve those very things nous, and People of Color. As soon as I held my about a President who has son after a natural delivery, the excruciating taken no salary and at APY* pain I endured immediately dissolved. The every turn put America epiphany I experienced immediately after his first. birth was life-changing. I realized that my child It is interesting to me that 0.80% belongs to the world and all children belong to for years I’ve heard Demo- me, meaning that as a mother I have a respon- crat politicians talking sibility to uplift all children – that is when I de- about the need for criminal cided to take it to the streets, mostly as someone justice reform in America who supports the movement. I did not become while doing nothing about an organizer until 2018 after I trained with The it. It took the Trump Ad- 6-Month CD or IRA CD Special Climate Reality Project. ministration to pass the The NAACP Charlotte Branch is holding elec- First Step Act, which has tions. The NAACP is an invaluable 111-year-old benefitted African Ameri- organization that has secured civil rights for cans the most by far. It’s APY* BIPOC folk and white women. A common mis- interesting to me to hear conception is that environmentalism is a white politicians talking about issue for nature hobbyist that want to save polar the need for equity in edu- 0.75% bears. The national NAACP has an Environmen- cation and the need for tal and Climate Justice program. As stated on Black Americans to have their website: “Environmental injustices, includ- equal access to a good edu- ing climate change, have a disproportionate im- cation; meanwhile, they pact on communities of color and low-income are against opportunity communities in the United States and around scholarships and school the world.” choice. Support of the NAACP and its leadership President Donald Trump matters and that means our local chapters must not only supports school be supported. Corine Mack is currently seeking choice and opportunity re-election and I would like to share why I sup- scholarships, but he also port Rev. Mack's re-election and would encour- worked to ensure that His- age you all to support her by joining the torically Black Colleges and Charlotte-Mecklenburg chapter Universities’ received in- I first heard Corine Mack speak at a rally on en- creased and permanent vironmental injustices about 10 years ago. I per- funding, which no other sonally met Corine Mack at a City of Charlotte administration or pres- Open an account at ozk.com or one of our local branches.** public forum hearing at the beginning of 2019. ident had done. Does this She was there to support keeping the environ- sound like the work of a mental committee intact. I remember her charm racist? I think not. And that’s not all. Pres- *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective as of the publication date. Offer applies to new CDs only. coupled with a formidable spirit. I again got $1,000 minimum deposit is required to open CD and to earn stated APY. Penalty for early withdrawal. speak with her at a Climate Reality Project Char- ident Trump is now IRA CD is subject to eligibility requirements. Offer not available to brokers, dealers and other financial launching his Platinum institutions. Fees could reduce earnings. Offer subject to change without notice. Offer good in lotte Chapter meeting. She spoke passionately Mecklenburg County, NC only. about environmental justice and spoke to a Plan to ensure opportunity, security, prosperity, and **IRA CD must be opened in person and cannot be opened online. largely white audience about how we can get 1#1 capitalized U.S. bank based on Tier 1 Leverage Ratio for the 100 largest publicly traded banks better involved with doing the work. I kept see- fairness for Black Ameri- as of 3/31/20. ing her speak at climate change rallies and press cans moving forward. He is MEMBER FDIC conferences such as the NC Utilities Commis- committing $250 billion to sion hearings about Duke Energy rate hikes and create an era of new pros- a whole host of other environmental justice perity for Black com- events. I got to know her better when she gra- ciously took on the leadership role as the Cli- mate Reality Project's community engagement leader. She is busy but she takes time to share her wisdom and expertise in racial inequities $335 in COVID-19 Relief Funds for and how they manifests through environmental racism. This has been invaluable to our Char- lotte Chapter and the broader Charlotte com- NC Families with Children munities. As the chair of the CRP, I am humbled by her. Alongside other community organizers, Co- If you filed a state tax return reporting a qualifying child, you'll get rine Mack has been an instrumental leader with the payment automatically. Black Lives Matter, especially this summer. The other environmental organizations that I work with have been helping her organize and we have shown up in support of her leadership. If you didn't file, you may qualify if you apply by October 15th. Many of us understand Corine as a coalition builder that does her best to bring us together and to show by her example how crucial it is for (PUPXXX/$%03HPWGPSEFUBJMTBOEUPBQQMZ white folk to support Black Lives Matter. I will never forget a BLM event the NAACP, with Corine at the helm, was leading. After the speakers, we were hit by a rain bomb. I remember thinking “I guess it’s over now.” Nope, Corine still led us through the torrential down- pour on a march from the Government Center to one of the downtown parks. More recently, another NAACP BLM rally was again hit by rain. She told me that we would march until we could no longer march. At the Resist the RNC rally, where she eloquently spoke, I saw her quickly mobilize and run away from a news interview she was engaged in - she did this to help a young man that had been pepper-sprayed by the police, an act which put her into contact with the poison that had been unleashed by the police. Perhaps the aspect of her leadership that I most admire is her eagerness to mentor the youth of our communities. This is because I, too, realize how vital this is for our future. I have often said to my elected leaders that it is time for us old folks to do better with regard to making space the decision-making tables, after all it is their futures that are most threatened by climate change. Please stand with me in support of my mentor, Corine Mack. Tina Katsanos is chair of the Climate Reality Payment is for qualifying individuals with a dependent child who was 16 or younger at end of 2019. Eligible Project chapter. individuals who did not file a 2019 state return because gross income for 2019 did not exceed the state’s filing requirements for filing status (generally $10,000 per year single and $20,000 per year married) may s琀ll be eligible for the payment if they apply by October 15, 2020. By Ashley Mahoney ingful change in our The Charlotte Post PAGE 7A [email protected] department, on our Charlotte Charlotte 49ers athletics has campus and in our launched United in GOLD (Grow- community,”

ing Our Leaders in Diversity). 49ers Director of 49ers launch The initiative is designed to Athletics Mike Hill help students, staff and coaches said in a statement.

understand racial and social is- “I’m especially leadership sues, and how to advocate for proud of the Hill and create change. strength, grace and “We“ are so inspired by our stu- leadership shown by our stu- Sports initiative dent-athletes, coaches and staff dent-athletes as we work with THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020 who have united to affect mean- Please see CHARLOTTE |8A

It’s feeling good, man. I don’t want to lose this CIAA to feeling. I don’t want to go back to losing. That sucks. Panthers defensive end BRIAN BURNS football “ season: Forget it By Ashley Mahoney [email protected] The CIAA’s plan for winter and spring sports doesn’t include football. The league announced in July that it would forgo the fall season due to COVID- 19 concerns. Women’s volleyball, a sport traditionally played in the fall, will move its season to spring. However, the league’s Athletic Directors Association recommended the conference not sponsor championship seasons for football or men’s and women’s cross country during the 2020-21 academic year, which was approved by the league’s board of directors. The league, board of directors and ADA voted to begin winter sports, specifically men’s and women’s basketball, on Jan. 9, 2021. A definitive start date for men’s and women’s indoor track and field, as CAROLINA PANTHERS well as women’s bowling will be an- Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater eyes Reggie Bonnafon for a touchdown pass in their 31-21 win Sunday nounced at a later date. Basketball will against the Arizona Cardinals. The win was the second straight for Carolina and evens their record at 2-2. consist of a 16-game conference schedule. Teams will have the option of playing a maximum of six non-conference games. League-wide COVID-19 testing protocols will be established, and must be adhered to by each team prior to competition. Panthers playing up “Delaying the start of our winter seasons acts in the best interest of our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff as it ensures proper resocialization for all parties while affording our membership to par with confidence the opportunity to implement recommended health and safety measures prior to competition,” CIAA Commis- With two straight wins, Carolina developing continuity and swagger sioner Jacqie McWilliams said in a state- By Herbert L. White chemistry. they’ve been through to get here and ment. “Although unfortunate and “It’s not an excuse or anything, but why they play this game, it makes unprecedented circumstances this year [email protected] will prohibit athletic seasons for some, The Carolina Panthers are becom- everything was new here, new coach- you want to play for [them] even we remain committed to bolstering op- ing more accustomed to this winning ing staff, a lot of new players,” said more.” portunities that amplify the experiences thing. quarterback Teddy Carolina held Arizona, which aver- of our student-athletes, member institu- Sunday’s 31-21 win Bridgewater, who com- aged 406.3 yards per game going against Arizona was pleted 26 of 37 passes into Sunday, to a season-low 262. Please see CIAA | 8A Carolina’s second for 276 yards and a pair The key was limiting Murray’s ability straight after losing a of touchdowns against to make big plays, although he com- pair to open the season. an interception. …“I pleted 24 of 31 passes for 133 yards NCCU reduces “It’s feeling good man, I think what’s happening and three touchdowns and ran for 78 don’t want to lose this is we’re learning more yards rushing on six carries. The Pan- about each other each thers turned him into a pocket passer feeling,” defensive end Burns Bridgewater staff, OKs beer Brian Burns said. “I don’t week, and each week who couldn’t break off long runs or want to go back to losing. That sucks. you go out there to play, each week passes, with Murray’s longest pass It’s feeling good, so we have to keep you go out there to practice, each going for 25 yards; his best run was and wine sales this momentum, keep this ball rol- week you come in here and you com- 48. ling.” pete and different things, you learn “[It was} just keeping eyes on him,” North Carolina Central is holding its The Panthers (2-2) are rolling be- more about the guy you’re playing said Burns, who had three hits on own in a coronavirus fight that just won’t hind an improving defense that bot- with. Murray. “The games we had, they quit. tled Arizona quarterback Kyler “The last couple weeks, guys have were working. He couldn’t really Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye re- Murray and an offense developing just been getting to know each other scramble because there was a lot of ported at last month’s Board of Trustees balance and versatility. Perhaps more more and more and when you really movement going on in front of him. meeting the university’s understand a person and know what important, they’re developing group Please see AFTER 2 STRAIGHT | 8A overall revenue was up 8.9% from a year ago, and only 24 students had been isolated due to COVID-19 as of Sept. 21. Akinleye thanked the efforts of the entire university NBA chief hopes to open next season in arenas staff, and athletic director In- grid Wicker McCree and her BONITTA By Tim Reynolds ferring to playing in arenas. “But it’s de- was played without fans buying tickets, staff in particular for their BEST THE ASSOCIATED PRESS pendent on some additional advance- food, drink and souvenirs in arenas. cost-cutting moves. LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — NBA Com- ments. Rapid testing may be the key “I don’t have expectations of labor is- We all know athletics either missioner Adam Silver reiterated last here.” sues ... there’s no doubt there are issues can be boom or bust for an institution, week that the league’s hope is to begin The NBA was the first major sports on the table that have to be negotiated,” and this year is especially challenging next season with teams in their home league to shut down because of the co- Silver said. “I think while no doubt there with all MEAC fall sports moving to the arenas and with fans in the seats, though ronavirus pandemic on March 11, and it will be issues and difficult negotiations spring. But no sports also mean no travel cautioned that there are still numerous took more than four months to come up ahead, I think we’ll work them out as we costs, which is one of, if not the biggest unknowns to work through before any with the plan to restart the season at Dis- always have.” expense for HBCUs and other mid-major plan can be finalized. ney. The league restarted with 22 fran- The league still hasn’t decided when and smaller programs. Silver, in his annual state-of-the-league chises that came to Disney in early July, free agency will start, what the salary cap Still, the pinch is being felt. According address before Game 1 of the NBA Finals, and the Miami Heat and Los Angeles will be for next season, what the tax line to minutes from the June board meeting, also said the protocols that allowed the Lakers — the last two left — are nearing will be and other key details. All of that 2019-20 budget revenue fell in every cat- league to get through a restart in a so- the three-month mark in the bubble. will have to be worked out with the Na- egory due to discontinuation of season called bubble at Walt Disney World — League and team revenues will take a tional Basketball Players Association, ticket sales, parking, cabana sales and fa- such as strict adherence to mask-wea- huge hit this year, partly because about and Silver said he expects talks to inten- cility rentals, and a reduction in the ring and social distancing — proved that 15% of the regular season was lost to the sify on those matters once the NBA Fi- NCAA’s distribution. a balance can be struck “between public virus, partly because the 88 games that nals are over. NCCU athletics director Ingrid Wicker- health and economic necessity.” were played at Disney before the post- “I think we all understand the essential McCree wrote in her report that the de- “It’s certainly our goal,” Silver said, re- season and then the entire playoff run Please see SILVER | 8A Please see NC CENTRAL | 8A A first for the Jacks: Playoff host By Ashley Mahoney FC (6-8-1, 19 points) and season. Their only previous [email protected] Memphis (4-7-4, 16 points) win came in a Lamar Hunt The Charlotte Independ- are eliminated. U.S. Open Cup match in ence are heading to the “It’s great for us to have a 2015. Midfielder Valentin playoffs. home game in the postsea- Sabella struck late in stop- For the third time in club son for the first time, even page time to put the Jacks history, the Jacks punched if it is with limited fans,” ahead. Jeffries credited his their ticket to postseason coach Mike Jeffries said. right-footed strike outside USL Championship play in “We could’ve finished any- the box as Sabella is left- addition to another first – where from first to third in footed. hosting a playoff match for our group. It’s nice to come “He’s capable of scoring the first time on Oct. 10 out first, and get at least great goals, although right against the Charleston Bat- one game at home during footed from outside the tery (7 p.m., Sportsplex at the playoffs.” box is more impressive Matthews, limited fans). Charlotte secured their than we had expected,” Jef- Charlotte finished the place as group winners fries said. “He’s taken it on regular season 8-4-4 with with a 1-0 win at NCFC over his shoulders to learn dif- 28 points, winning Group the weekend. The win com- ferent roles in the game. G. They advanced to the pleted a four-game sweep We’ve asked him to play CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE playoffs with Birmingham, for the Jacks, who had more as a midfielder than Hugh Roberts (center) and the Charlotte Independence clinched the USL Cham- which finished 7-5-4 with never beaten NCFC in he did previously, and he’s pionship Group G title with a win against NCFC Saturday. The Jacks will host a post- 25 points. North Carolina league play prior to this Please see A FIRST | 8A season game for the first time when they play Charleston on Oct. 10. 8A SPORTS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, October 8, 2020 A first: Charlotte Independence After 2 straight wins, will host USL postseason match Continued from page 7A fortable playing underneath as well. Dane Panthers playing up to done a good job. He’s bought into it. He is sort of that target guy that’s going to be works hard every day. As much as I joke purely a box guy. It’s nice to have a guy about the right foot, he does work at it.” who is capable of finding a way to get Striker Dane Kelly, who had the assist goals in a tight game. He’s been huge.” par with confidence against NCFC, leads the Jacks with 11 Details on USL Championship tickets:: goals. The league’s all-time leading goal • 50 tickets at $100 each will be avail- Continued from page 7A while Bonnafon and Ian Thomas each scorer is tied for third in the league for able for the Oct. 10 match against We had guys spying him. There was scored. goals, and will prove crucial to Charlotte’s Charleston. Proceeds benefit McKenna really nowhere for him to go except “The thing about pro football is very postseason run. Woodhead, who was paralyzed in an ac- for that one run he had I think for 40- few teams go 16-0 so really your char- “Dane may be the first pure No. 9 that cident on Lake Wylie in 2018. some yards. …That was acter is revealed over the course of we’ve had,” Jeffries said. “Jorge [Herrera, Priority will be given to individuals with pretty much it. He just the season and we have great guys,” who retired after the 2019 season] was a 2021 season ticket deposit. couldn’t really go any- coach Matt Rhule said. “They work more of a No. 9-10 that was really com- where.” hard, they come to work every day, Offensively, Carolina’s they do things the right way, they give compensating for the their all, they give their best effort. loss of All-Pro running Even in the games that we lost, I never USL, players union launch social back Christian McCaffrey questioned anyone’s effort. When you and left tackle Russell have a chance to see them win, when Rhule Okung by scoring touch- they come in, the joy on their faces, justice program, bias training downs on four of five red winning the football game is fantastic. By Ashley Mahoney laborate with the language and symbolism zone possessions. The running back- I just think it’s a good group.” [email protected] USL Players Association and how to be an ally to by-committee approach paid div- Burns is encouraged by the recent The United Soccer League and the Championship and those impacted by social idends against the Cardinals with 168 turn of events. is creating a mandatory League One Board of Gov- injustice. rushing yards on 35 carries, paced by “I feel like everything is coming to- space to address social jus- ernors to implement The Institute has been Mike Davis’ 84 yards and a score on gether, besides the little bonehead tice in sports. tougher sanctions for around for over 30 years, 16 attempts while Reggie Bonnafon penalties,” he said. “The offense is USL is partnering with players and coaches who currently working with added 53 yards on 10 tries. Bridge- playing well, the defense is playing The Institute for Sport and use abusive language. leagues such as the NFL, water, who scored his first rushing extremely well, in my opinion, and Social Justice to kick off the Training will include in- MLB, NBA, MLS and NAS- touchdown since 2015 on an 18-yard special teams is making plays as well. initiative, with the institute teractive lectures, both in- CAR. They work with col- run, spread the ball around to eight As long as we can keep this momen- responsible for league- person and virtually. lege programs, as well as receivers, with Robby Anderson tum and keep it going, I don’t think we wide training and educa- Topics include uncon- professional franchises, catching eight passes for 99 yards can be stopped. I don’t think we’re tion for players and staff. scious bias in the work- primarily addressing diver- The league will also col- place, the importance of sity and inclusion in sport. CIAA pulls the plug on football Silver: NBA hopes to open next and cross country for 2020-21 season in arenas across league Continued from page 7A the season. Football programs will be al- Continued from page 7A any reason to doubt that by Indiana, Alvin Gentry by tions, partners and fans.” lowed to conduct spring practice, league parameters,” Silver said. we will be able to start in New Orleans and Doc Said Virginia State President and CIAA spokesman Ben Baxter said. Michele Roberts, the ex- 2021 and have a full sea- Rivers by the Los Angeles Board Chair Makola Abdullah: “Through- “The leadership within our conference ecutive director of the son.” Clippers. Rivers was hired out this process our board, the ADA, and remains committed to ensuring the NBPA, said in an interview The NBA’s hope is to play by Philadelphia on Oct. 1. conference staff have been consistent safety, health, and well-being of our stu- with The Associated Press most, if not all, of next sea- “I know we can do about the safety and well-being of our dent-athletes, coaches and staff. Deci- that “either very simple or son in arenas and before at better,” Silver said. students and staff being the number one sions of this magnitude, while never easy, very complicated conver- least some fans. A bubble Silver said the league is in priority. Despite some tough decisions, are made with those factors as the pri- sations are going to be or bubbles could happen, talks with all teams that we remain steadfast in our commitment mary focus,” Bowie State Vice President had” to work through the though it seems close to a have openings, trying to to ensure that all of our membership is in of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreation two primary issues — com- worst-case scenario. ensure that a diverse field the best possible position for the fore- and CIAA ADA President Clyde Doughty ing to grips with the lost “Do I want to do it again? of candidates are being seeable future.” said. “These are unprecedented times for revenue from this season, Not if I can avoid it,” said considered. Spring sports are anticipated to proceed all of us and we continue to work collec- and how to best function in Roberts, who spent the en- HOW DISNEY HAPPENED on schedule, unless the NCAA Division II tively to identify the solutions that act in a world that is going to be tire restart in the bubble. Silver revealed that when introduces legislation that would impact the best interest of our membership.” dealing with the coronavi- “Those are my marching the NBA was seeking ways rus for the foreseeable fu- orders: Not if we can avoid to restart the season, Dis- ture. it. Now, having said that, ney was not the first choice Her hope is that the NBA the players want to make on his list. NC Central reduces athletics and NBPA figure out a deal sure we can save our sea- “I resisted it, frankly,” in November, which would son again.” Silver said. “I said it’s just allow for next season to For his part, Silver also is not realistic.” staff, OKs beer and wine sales begin sometime in early hoping to avoid another Silver said Disney kept 2021. bubble. pushing, and that Orlando Continued from page 7A – with no exhibition games or closed “We don’t have to be “I’m hoping, ideally, that Magic CEO Alex Martins — scrimmages allowed before then. The partment has done a “thorough assess- frozen paralyzed by this we do not return to a bub- the Magic have an obvious normal start date is Nov. 10. ment of all operational, sports sponsor- virus, but we don’t have to ble environment,” Silver close relationship with Dis- The later start also brings a decrease in ship and personnel” in order to decrease enact a doomsday sce- said. ney — also helped turn his games. Women’s basketball can compete the 2020-21 budget by $2.8 million. A re- nario, assuming that the In other matters Silver mind toward seeing if the in a maximum of 25 regular season duction in staffing and reducing opera- virus has destroyed our discussed: restart could occur in Lake games, provided they don’t participate in tional budgets by up to 30% has begun. game in ways that will not BLACK COACHES Buena Vista. a tournament of some sort. Men can play Fifteen positions will be eliminated. A be repaired,” Roberts said. Only four of the league’s “He was someone who 25 games and still play in one tourney for question was asked how many of jobs “If we can sit down like 24 current coaches — six pushed hard and knows two contests. were vacant. The answer: 8. The rest will adults, I think we can get a jobs are vacant — are this community well, so occur either through layoffs or retire- FCS playoff reduction new deal in November and Black, and that’s not good thank you to Alex,” Silver ment. The NCAA also moved all DI fall cham- we can announce the start enough, Silver said. said. “Get your ice cold beer H-E-E-E-R-E!” pionships to the spring. For Football of the season. I don’t have Nate McMillan was let go The athletics department requested and Championship Subdivision teams, this received approval to sell beer and wine at means fewer chances to earn an at-large home football, and basketball games be- bid to the FCS playoffs. The association The podcast for local sports. ginning this fall. To reiterate, that’s beer reduced the number of eligible teams and wine, not mixed drinks. from 24 to 16. With football not starting until the Not that HBCUs were lighting up the spring, this puts even more pressure on field anyway. Despite the Celebration women’s and men’s basketball coaches Bowl taking the SWAC and MEAC cham- Trisha Stafford-Odom and LeVelle Moton. pions, both conferences can still earn an A winning team brings in more fans, and at-large spot. But the last HBCU team to happy people love to drink. do that was North Carolina A&T in 2016. Move over football The Aggies lost 39-10 to a depleted Division I basketball practice will begin Richmond team they should have easily Oct. 14 – and not a moment too soon. The beaten. Oh well. NCAA set the regular season opening date Bonitta Best is sports editor at The Trian- on Nov. 25 – the day before Thanksgiving gle Tribune in Durham. Charlotte 49ers athletics launch leadership, diversity initiative Continued from page 7A Ragean Hill - Co-chair/executive associ- them to make a positive impact on sociate AD ety and cultivate personal growth in us Chris Everett - Co-chair/director of stu- all.” dent-athlete development/life skills The initiative consists of nine pillars: Chris Fuller – Deputy AD for external af- 1. Engage fairs 2. Vote Cara Consuegra - Women’s basketball 3. Serve coach 4. Learn Will Healy - Head football coach 5. Speak Karen Weatherington - Women’s volley- 6. Listen ball coach 7. Act Ron Sanchez - Men’s basketball coach 8. Share Paul Arredondo - Men’s 9. Support track and field/cross coun- It will also include athletic town halls try athlete with local law enforcement, voter educa- Dazia Lawrence - Women’s tion and dialogues with members of the basketball athlete 49ers. The committee consists of stu- Nalani Lyde - Volleyball dent-athletes, coaches and admin- athlete istrators. Solomon Rogers - Football “We have amazing individuals within athlete our Charlotte 49er family,” Executive As- Maya Singletary - Women’s Weatherington sociate Athletic Director and United in track and field athlete GOLD co-chair Ragean Hill said. “The way Ellinor Sudow - Women’s golfer/SAAC Follow The Post on our student-athletes, coaches and staff President have opened up and have been vulner- Jaxson Watermann - Men’s soccer ath- Twitter… @thecharpost able with conversations about race and lete what we can do together and individually Benjamin Woodruff - Men’s golf athlete to invoke change is truly heartfelt.” Dr. Taryn Brandt - Sports psychologist Said women’s basketball student-ath- Zack McKay - Assistant AD for Market- lete Dazia Lawrence: “United in GOLD al- ing lows me the opportunity to improve my Krystion Obie Nelson - Faculty leadership skills while being a part of Sam Perelman - Assistant to executive and Instagram, too change for my fellow brothers and team sisters.” Tara Sanchez - Community liaison thecharlottepost Committee members: Telvin Stuart - Director of creative Mike Hill - Athletic director