Healthy again, Kawann Short ready to help rebuilt Panthers defense TThhee CChhaarrllootttteeTHE VOICE P POF THE BLACKo oCOMMUNITYss SINCEtt 1906 WEEK OF AUGUST 6, 2020 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 48 WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM $1.50 No lights. No water. No help on way. More than 1 million NC homes at risk of losing utility services By Nadia Ramlagan NORTH CAROLINA NEWS SERVICE RALEIGH – As temperatures soar above 100 degrees in some re- gions, more than 1 million North Carolina households could lose ac- cess to air conditioning or running water with the expiration of state's ban on utility shutoffs. Rory McIlmoil, senior energy an- alyst at Appalachian Voices, said ASHLEY MAHONEY | THE CHARLOTTE POST Gov. Roy Cooper sent a letter to North Carolina cities are leading reparations efforts for the enslavement of Black people, although there’s debate over what models to use. utilities on July 17, stating he would not extend the moratorium that’s been in place under an ex- ecutive order since May. “And that the only additional Making amends: NC leads protection that would be in place would be a requirement that util- ities offer a minimum of six months for customers to pay any unpaid debt that they had accrued way in reparations initiatives during the moratorium,” McIlmoil said. Across the state, local governments are exploring models for payment In the past three months, the Keith Young, one of two Black council Analyzing Asheville North Carolina Division of Public By Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez and Health reported, more than 1,200 Anton L. Delgado members and a chief proponent of the On July 14, the seven members of the measure. “It is my hope that movements Asheville City Council voted unani- residents with heat-related illness NC NEWS INTERN CORPS like this will spread through not only our mously to approve the measure, which have been rushed to hospital emer- The approval of reparations for Black state but throughout the entire country stops short of providing direct payments gency rooms. The elderly, low-in- residents in Asheville this month is because for this to be successful, we to Black residents. come households and people with being followed by similar demands in need to do it at a local, state and national “It was a moral compass moment,” pre-existing conditions are the cities across North Carolina. level.” Young said. “The gravity and the depth most vulnerable to heat-related The historic vote accepted a repara- Barely a week after the vote in Ashe- of the moment we are in as a nation health problems. tions initiative, part of which aims to ville, a task force asked the Durham City speaks volumes about the people rep- McIlmoil said prior to the pan- provide funding to programs that in- Council to consider similar reparations. resenting local citizens. No matter what demic, nearly 40% of North Caro- crease homeownership and business With a modern model in place, political you agree or disagree on, the morality of linians qualified for federal home and career opportunities among Black science and public policy experts say it's this issue is what shined bright in that 7- energy-assistance programs, and people in Asheville. likely that other North Carolina com- 0 vote.” he believes COVID-19 has exposed “This is an issue that diverse com- munities follow suit — though some rep- According to city leaders, the goal of a long-standing problem in the munities across the entire state and arations advocates have issues with the reparations is to help create generational state over water, electric and gas bills that aren’t affordable. He said country will need to reckon with,” said model being used. Please see NC CITIES | 2A residents worried about their bills Please see UTILITIES | 4A Forum on COVID Virus impact as health, economic far from urban and racial crisis By Ashley Mahoney communities [email protected] By Herbert L. White COVID-19 is a public health and an economic crisis [email protected] for Charlotte’s Black community. The COVID-19 pandemic is far from an The Charlotte Post Foundation held a Black Lives urban issue in North Carolina. Matter Charlotte conversation via Zoom last week to The disease disproportionately impacts discuss the pandemic’s impact of COVID-19 on the poor and rural counties with higher concen- Black community. A panel, moderated by Crossroads TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST trations of Black and Latino residents, ac- Corporation Executive Director Tiffany Capers, ex- Samuel Hanna, owner of TakeNow Delivery, prepares to make a deliv- cording to data compiled by UNC Public plored the history and contemporary context of why Policy. As a result, high-poverty areas are ery to a customer last week in Charlotte. COVID-19 is more of a struggle for Black people. Pan- more exposed to health, economic and edu- elists included Charlotte historian Tom Hanchett, cation crises than more affluent com- journalist Melba Newsome, Post editor-in-chief Herb munities. White, Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Delivery services aim to “Our biggest takeaways as we did research Gibbie Harris and Novant Health’s Dr. Jerome Wil- …of the health impacts of the COVID pan- liams demic were that the probability of death once As of July 26, Blacks made up 16% of the total maintian connections infected with COVID-19 is higher in counties cases, which was second to Hispanics at 29.2%. Ho- By Amanda Raymond ing on delivery services. with greater concentrations of animal farms wever, African Americans account for 31.4% of and meat processing plants,” said researcher deaths related to COVID-19 compared to 13.3% in the FOR THE CHARLOTTE POST Samuel Hanna, owner of Local delivery services TakeNow Delivery, has seen Aditi Adhikari. “Additionally, counties with Hispanic community. The county has 20,229 cases that same higher death to case ratio tend to with 202 related deaths as of July 30. taken a hit, but they’re open an increase in residential or- for business and making ders since COVID-19 hit. His have higher percent of the population living “We saw a huge spike in the African American com- under the federal poverty line. And lastly, munity early on in the April-May range of this pan- safety even more of a prior- company, which delivers ity. food for local restaurants, urban areas tended to follow the stay at demic,” Harris said. “That percentage has dropped, home order a little bit more closely than rural and we’ve seen more in the Hispanic community.” Charlotte is in Phase 2 of has been around since 2011. the Safer at Home order put Back then, Hanna said, was a areas.” Yet African Americans remain more impacted by As of July 7, nine of the top 10 counties the disease than white people. in place by Gov. Roy Cooper new and burgeoning conven- to curb the spread of COVID- ience. Now, it’s a necessity. with the greatest probability of death after “What we are seeing with COVID-19 is it is shining infection – at least 5.75% of cases – are in the a very bright light on the health issues that we al- 19. The city will remain in “Delivery is here now. It’s this phase until at least Aug critical,” he said. eastern part of the state. Six counties have at ready know we have in our African American com- least five animal farms or meat processing munity,” Harris said. 7, which means many busi- Although Hanna has lost nesses will remain closed, some corporate accounts be- plants, which researchers believe can in- Hanchett spoke to Charlotte’s history, particularly crease infection rates due to the lack of phys- the role of Brooklyn and urban renewal in the dis- and those that are open face cause more employees are limited capacities. Since working from home, he ical distancing among workers. enfranchisement of Black residents. Seven of those counties – Northampton, “Understanding how the playing field got set up is going out to local restaurants wants to offer a safe way for and other businesses is less office workers to get the food Vance, Gates, Pasquotank, Hertford, Perqui- really powerful,” Hanchett said. mans and Washington – are in the northeast Hanchett spoke to the role Brooklyn, the Black Sec- of an option during the pan- they love. He’s working on a Please see VIRUS | 2A Please see COVID | 2A demic, more people are rely- Please see DELIVERY|2A INSIDE Digital edition: Please STAY IN TOUCH Sports 5A Snapchat: thecharpost www.thecharlottepostnewspaper.com Recycle Life 1B Twitter: @thecharpost A&E 5B To subscribe: (704) 376-0496 or online Facebook: The Charlotte Post Classified 4B http://tcppc.com/Subscribe Instagram: @thecharlottepost #PaperThursday 2A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, August 6, 2020 COVID as growing crisis Continued from page 1A ome said. Access to quality food ond Ward neighborhood White has been exploring has long been an issue for razed in the 1960s as part health and economics in Black communities in of urban renewal, is a pre- Black Charlotte, particu- Charlotte, which plays into cursor of today’s Charlotte. larly when it comes to how poor diet. While Hanchett provided COVID-19 impacts a per- “When you look at nu- framework for how Char- son based on where he or trition, individuals buy lotte got here, Newsome she lives. food based on location and and White spoke to how “When you look at the what they can afford,” Wil- history reveals itself in cur- health side of it, there’s all liams said. “It’s one thing rent stories. kinds of data out there to say, ‘hey you need Numerous diseases are about underlying con- better nutrition,’ but you more prevalent in Black ditions, preexisting con- have to go 10 miles to the people than white, for in- ditions, and how COVID-19 nearest grocery store to stance, kidney disease, basically uses that as a find a head of lettuce or a which is three times more trampoline to wreak havoc tomato. We have to solve prevalent in Blacks. News- on bodies,” White said. “In that.” MARCO QUIROZ-GUTIERREZ | NC NEWS INTERN CORPS ome, a Pulitzer Center for some of the reporting I’ve Williams said data about Dawn Paige, a founder of the Triangle chapter of American Descendants of Slavery, said Crisis Reporting grant re- done, there’s a direct cor- disparities plaguing Afri- the efforts the Asheville resolution hopes to accomplish, such as increasing Black home cipient, is exploring relation between where can Americans is not new, and business ownership are good. But she argues that they are not reparations. COVID-19’s impact by tell- you live and industry and but awareness now ex- ing the stories of the how sick people are. In tends beyond the medical people affected by the dis- Charlotte, there are neigh- community to the average NC cities lead way in ease to show how dispar- borhoods, specifically in person. ities plaguing African urban neighborhoods on “In the late 1970s and Americans are com- the westside where air early 1980s when I was pounded by the virus. Ev- quality is the worst in studying this in college, we reparations initiatives erything from access to North Carolina. These are called this community healthcare and housing to where a good chunk of the health and social medi- Continued from page 1A Claims Act of 1948 offered compen- neighbors are Black. cine,” Williams said. “Now wealth for Black people, who have sation for real and personal property incarceration and policing is exacerbated by the pan- Asthma, COPD, all of those it’s called social deter- been disadvantaged throughout — about $37 million was paid to underlying conditions are minants of health. It’s American history by disparities in in- 26,000 claimants. Forty years later, demic. She is examining housing as a public health more prevalent on the really the same concept. come, education and health care. Congress voted to provide repara- westside.” What’s different now is As part of the resolution, the ap- tions to each Japanese American sur- issue as part of a series of articles appearing in The Underlying conditions that there’s a greater proximately 93,000-person city — vivor of internment — more than $1.6 may be brought on or exas- awareness in the lay public 12% of which is Black — is calling on billion was paid to more than 82,200 Post, North Carolina Health News and the Charlotte perated by diet and activ- that are non-biologic and the state and federal government to claimants. ity, or a lack thereof. non-genetic. As a com- provide funding for the reparations. “There is not one type of rec- Observer. “With the moratorium on “Twenty percent of your munity, we have to show “The federal government took an ac- ommendation that could fix all, but health is determined by more empathy, because tive role in inflicting this harm on this could be a systemic model that evictions ending, we are going to see a lot of people biology and genetics,” Wil- some have privilege and Black people, so they should also take could be used to begin to call for rep- liams said. some do not.” an active role in addressing them,” arations,” Oritsejafor said. “It is pos- lose their housing,” News- Young said. “If movements like this sible for others to mimic it because it continue, the government will realize provides a frame of reference and a the benefit of giving every citizen a model to follow.” Virus impact in rural areas good quality of life and equal oppor- Delving into Durham Continued from page 1A deserts. According to data from the Bu- tunities.” Reparations to Black residents is one near the Virginia border. reau of Labor Statistics and the state De- The vote in Asheville comes after of several recommendations made by “A good number of the cases with very partment of Commerce, unemployment months of nationwide protests the Durham task force aimed at ad- high death-to-case ratios are located in was higher in May than at the height of against police brutality and systemic dressing systemic racism and human northeastern North Carolina,” researcher the Great Recession of 2008-10, espe- racism, sparked by the killing of rights violations at the local level. Coleman Evans said. “Additionally, six cially in the west. Urban areas lost more George Floyd by a police officer in “This problem is so much deeper out of 10 of these counties have six or jobs – primarily in retail and service. Minneapolis. and more complex than people are more animal farms, which we use as a “We also looked at longer term mass “A lot of issues relating to racism making it out to be,” said Camryn proxy [for] their reliance on the meat pro- layoffs those have soared to and over show how much we have not achieved Smith, a member of the Wealth & cessing and agricultural industries. Seven 21,000 jobs are not expected to return to and how far we still have to go in Economy subcommittee of the Dur- out of 10 of them have more than five, so North Carolina anytime soon,” researcher terms of what is going on with Black ham Racial Equity Task Force. “Repa- we can see that these counties are highly Valerie Lundeen said. “We saw that over Lives Matter and the inhuman treat- rations is one of many ways to agrarian and reliant on the meat process- 600,000 people were unemployed in ment of minorities in this country,” address systemic racism, which is ing industry.” North Carolina in May 2020. That trans- said Emmanuel Oritsejafor, chair of constantly adapting. The recommen- Another factor in the disparity of infec- lates to a 12.89% labor force unemploy- the political science department at dations we have made as a task force tion is adherence to Gov. Roy Cooper’s ment rate compared to 10.6% in June North Carolina Central University, a are only reflective of a small drop in stay at home order, which urban res- 2009. Now, we did see some recovery in historically Black college. the bucket of the things that Durham idents were more likely to follow than June 2020. The unemployment rate in “It may take a local model, like the can do to become the city I know it their rural counterparts. North Carolina was 7.6%. So, who is un- one in Asheville, to begin to bring the can be.” Using Apple Maps data to determine employed? Largely folks in the western consciousness level back to the main- The task force is calling for the city how often people used their mobile half of the state had higher unemploy- stream of why it is important to ad- to create a wealth equity fund which phones to locate destinations, usage fell ment rates in April, which was when the dress racism and all forms of would finance projects aimed at clos- more in cities. spike occurred.” dehumanizing behavior.” ing the racial wealth gap. According to “We saw that there was a sharp decrease As some jobs disappear for good, more Other advocates say the responsibil- the document, reparations are meant in a lot of urban areas, cities such as Ra- unemployed people are leaning on stop- ity for reparations lies with the federal to “publicly affirm that victims are leigh Charlotte and Greensboro, and over- gap measures to make do. Even that government. rights-holders entitled to redress.” all North Carolina saw a decrease of about shows signs of disparity as poorer house- “Real reparations” should be cash The recommendation states that negative 24% in mobility during the stay holds are forced to spend more of their payments and investments made by these reparations “can take the form at home order time from March 31 to May federal stimulus checks and unemploy- the federal government to individuals, of compensating for the losses suf- 8 with a sharp decrease in urban counties ment benefits on necessities. said Dawn Paige, a founder of the Tri- fered, which helps overcome some of compared to rural counties,” researcher “The majority of North Carolinians use angle chapter of American Descen- the consequences of abuse. They can Valerie Lundeen said. “However, it's im- that check for expenses, meaning that dants of Slavery. ADOS is a national also be future oriented—providing re- portant to note that it's possible that just there is not financial flexibility to be able organization that “seeks to habilitation and a better life to vic- because you're in a rural county, you to put that check into savings,” Lundeen reclaim/restore the critical national tims—and help to change the might have still been [likely to adhere] to said. “However, 82% of black residents character of the African American underlying causes of abuse.” stay at home orders but still have greater had to spend their check, whereas that identity and experience.” The report directly addressed the mobility because it takes a longer time number was only 53% of white residents “What you have at the state level can “Asheville plan to develop a local rep- simply to get places. The nearest grocery and 18% of white residents were able to never and should never be miscon- arations program” and encouraged store might be 20 miles away instead of save their check. Thirty-seven percent of strued as reparations,” Paige said. “Be- Durham leaders to similarly engage in 10, so while we do have faith in these Hispanic or Latino respondents did not cause there are no real measures that the “need for such reckonings lo- findings, it is important to take it with a receive a stimulus payment at all, and this are included that will close the racial cally.” grain of salt in the realities of urban indicates that attempts to buffer the fi- wealth gap.” What is not specified in the report is spaces versus rural spaces.” nancial impact of this pandemic on The federal government is the only the exact monetary amount that The economic impact has been pro- households have not reached all groups entity with the resources to close the should be allocated to the race equity nounced on the poor, especially in food equally.” gap, said William Darity, a professor fund. Nor is there a dollar amount of public policy at Duke University specified in the Asheville plan. and co-author of “From Here to Equal- “We want our city leaders to think Delivery services aim to maintain ity: Reparations for Black Americans more broadly about this issue,” said in the Twenty-First Century.” Tia Hall, another member of the “If you were to bring the Black share Wealth & Economy subcommittee. “If connections to communities of wealth, at least into proportion with we ask for a million dollars today, by the Black share of the nation's pop- the time that it activates tomorrow, a Continued from page 1A down their vehicles with a ates inside 7th Street Pub- ulation, it would require somewhere million dollars might not be as effec- program to bring food to commercial solution be- lic Market, but Doyle re- in the vicinity of another $10 to $12 tive in a growing city, like Durham. We businesses in a way that tween appointments and at cently moved her trillion,” Darity said. “If you were to don’t want the overall budget of the minimizes the need for the end of the day. operation to a stand out- take the entire budgets for all the state fund to be limited. So that we’re not employees to leave the of- “We were conscious be- side the market. She also and municipal governments com- stuck in a fixed place that doesn’t fice. fore,” she said, “but now now delivers more than 60 bined it's about $3.1 trillion.” allow for a movement.” Hanna, who has a back- we’re uber-conscious.” flavors within a 10-mile Paige, who traces her lineage to en- Hall says it may be more effective ground in public health, McNeill had to close her radius of Uptown. slaved people in Warren County, for local leaders to look into setting has also put safety meas- physical location and con- Doyle has seen online or- North Carolina, South Carolina and aside a percentage of the city budget ures in place to stay vert customers to mobile ders surge in recent weeks. Virginia also took issue with the broad for this fund. She wants the monetary compliant with the Safer at services. But what she lost “When I’m looking at the language of the measure, specifically support for the race equity fund to Home order. Face masks, on the drycleaning side of orders I had at this time the term “minority.” The term, she grow with Durham. disinfectant, contactless the business she made up last year, it’s almost dou- said, dilutes the Asheville resolution While discussions about reparations delivery and even cashless with laundering side. She’s bled,” she said. “That has by applying its efforts to people of are usually associated with direct pay- payments are now the picked up more commer- definitely made up the dif- other races, or Black people who are ments to the people affected, Hall said norm. cial clients, including a ference for the lack of reve- not descended from enslaved people. the task force purposefully avoided Hanna said there’s al- contract from Mecklenburg nue that’s coming from my “To us, that's just evidence of the giving that recommendation. ways a certain level of risk, County, which turned to shop in the [7th Street Pub- disingenuousness of these measures “We didn’t want to tie the fund into but his drivers feel rel- laundering services to lic] Market.” because there are no minorities who a type of charity model,” Hall said. atively safe. keep its places of business Doyle said she has the in- were enslaved, there were only Black “We want to ensure the dignity of the “I don’t ask anyone to do sanitary. creased interest in Black- people who were enslaved,” Paige people receiving reparations and that anything I wouldn’t feel “People who wouldn’t and minority-owned busi- said. it’s in a way that is a part of a genera- comfortable doing,” he traditionally use a laundry nesses that stemmed from The actual efforts the Asheville res- tional wealth building model.” said. service for their business the recent Black Lives olution hopes to accomplish, such as The more than 60-page report also Saichelle McNeill, owner or their home, now they’re Matter protests to thank increasing Black home and business includes recommendations for ad- of The WashRoom Laundry looking at us,” she said. for her boost in online or- ownership are good things, Paige said. dressing inequities in the legal sys- Service, has also taken Janelle Doyle, owner of ders. But she argues that they are not repa- tem, public health, education and extra steps to ensure the It’s Poppin! Gourmet Kettle Doyle keeps on a mask rations. housing in Durham. safety of her employees Corn, adapted to the “new and gloves while she de- “They are policies and initiatives “This needs to happen on a local and clients. There are normal” COVID-19 has livers, and she also offers that should've been undertaken any- and national scale,” Hall said. “Our gloves in every vehicle and forced on the business contact-less delivery. At way because we are tax paying cit- city leaders need to push for that na- hand sanitizer on the landscape. the curbside stand, Doyle izens, and it's unfortunate that we tional work to happen and on the local counters. “We had to think, ‘Well, wipes down tables and have to use the word reparations," level we need to look internally at our “We kept hand sanitizer what can we do to get pop- equipment after every cus- Paige said. cities and states to make sure there is on our counters and in our corn out to the public?’” tomer and encourages so- Minority groups in the U.S. have a commitment to undoing the cen- work areas, and…one bot- she said. Curbside and in- cial distancing. only been compensated for injustices turies of harm that have been done to tle would last quite a house delivery services “We feel pretty safe, and a handful of times in the country’s some people.” while,” she said, referring were the answer. I think the customers do, nearly 245 years of existence. The NC News Intern Corps is a pro- to before the pandemic. too,” she said. Oritsejafor said reparations to Japa- gram of the NC Local News Workshop, “It’s gotten to a point After closing for two While he does his part to nese Americans who were interned funded by the North Carolina Local where…our bottles of hand weeks during Phase 1 of reduce the spread of the during World War II can be examined News Lab Fund and housed at Elon sanitizer are just going so the Safer at Home order, coronavirus, Samuel as a case study. University’s School of Communica- fast.” It’s Poppin! Gourmet Kettle Hanna said he hopes the The Japanese American Evacuation tions. McNeill’s drivers and op- Corn reopened with re- general public will take the erators wear masks and duced hours – 10 a.m. to 5 recommended safety pre- vinyl aprons throughout p.m. Thursday to Sunday. cautions to heart, espe- the day. They also spray The shop normally oper- cially handwashing. 3A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, August 6, 2020 4A NEWS & OPINION | The Charlotte Post Thursday, August 6, 2020 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost Have you checked your privilege? The Voice of the Black Community In the midst of civil un- out! cate for the people we For example, would you Gerald O. Johnson | CEO/PUBLISHER rest in America after the As a gay Black cisgender identify with. To change feel included if your organ- death of George Floyd and male and a supporter of all this culture, it requires in- ization’s survey asked [email protected] the growing attention on LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi- dividuals to advocate for your race, but the only op- race relations, biases based sexual, Transgender, those who do not look like tions are “white” or Robert L. Johnson | PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER on sexual orientation and Queer) individuals, I have you, do not speak like you, “other”? Do you feel in- [email protected] gender identity, and cul- had to advocate for trans- or do not act like you. It is cluded if your company’s tural divides, gender and queer individ- time for us to be allies to policies and procedures Herbert L. White | EDITOR IN CHIEF it is impor- uals. I must admit it has those we do not identify only refer to the pronouns tant to ask been uncomfortable to with. It is time to be un- “his”, “he”, and him? Are [email protected] the question, challenge the status quo. comfortable to make you in an inclusive envi- what is the Challenging thoughts in others comfortable. It is ronment when the work Published weekly by The Charlotte Post Publishing Company role that each environments where I had time to truly show the di- orientation focuses on het- Inc., 5118 Princess Street, Charlotte, NC 28269 (USPS #965500). of us play been comfortable enough versity of the world we live eronormative information Subscription is $65 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Char- during this to sit as a gay man. Con- in and it starts with you. regarding health and lotte, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Charlotte critical time? ADRIAN stantly thinking – I constantly see the need family benefits? Post, PO Box 30144, Charlotte, NC 28230 Are you Would I lose my “privi- for more diversity and in- It is great to have diver- bold enough MAYSE lege”, my leg up in diver- clusion in academia, the sity and inclusion within to speak up sity to lift up someone workplace, and various your organizations, but not for a group of people who else? Would I be able to other communities for my- for the sake of having you do not identify with? speak up and speak out for self, for my students, and them, to isolate, or to be Want racial Are you advocating for and myself and other margin- others around me. I, too, the status quo. Inclusivity supporting individuals alized groups knowing the have had to check my is providing gender neutral who are different than potential consequences? “privilege” and examine restrooms, having more you? That is when I realized myself in various settings than one person of color in justice? Fill If yes, you are using your that we can’t break to make the choice to leadership, accepting “privilege” to promote di- through barriers for our- speak up to those who gender expression, and the versity and inclusion. selves and leave margin- knowingly or unknowingly list goes on and on. If no, what is the reason? alized individuals behind. I oppress the minority in the This is a call to action to out census What is stopping you from had to educate myself on room. In the words of provide diversity and in- By Suzanne McCormick speaking up on behalf of the meaning of diversity James A. Baldwin, “if one clusion in all communities. those whom you do not and inclusion, on my cannot risk oneself, the We must check our “privi- SPECIAL TO THE POST identify with? All human knowledge about sexual one is simply incapable of lege” and become aware of Those living in our nation's poor and minority beings should be comfort- orientation, gender iden- giving. And, after all, one our biases. This is a call for communities have historically gone under- able being who they are tity, and gender expres- can give freedom only by us all to become allies to counted in the U.S. Census. For instance, nearly within any place of society. sion, and on how I should setting someone free.” So others. It is up to us all to one million Black Americans went uncounted We all want to be produc- use my voice to initiate we must take bold and share in this responsibility nationwide in the 2010 Census. tive employees, students change. It is imperative for courageous steps to ensure and hold each other ac- Fortunately, there's an easy step you can take and citizens. In order for us to check our “privilege,” we are producing an inclu- countable. that will go a long way towards ensuring every- us to do that we must do to examine ourselves, and sive environment with the Adrian L. Mayse, CPA is one in our communities gets the representation the work and be allies. to be selfless to ensure we risk of losing our own the Interim Chair and Asso- and resources they deserve. By completing the At a time when the world are opening up new doors “privilege.” ciate Professor in the De- 2020 census questionnaire -- online, over the publicly sees the deaths and opportunities for the The world has always partment of Accounting, phone, or by mail -- you can add your voice to and attacks on black and current and future genera- been diverse, but it is time and a member of the the conversation and make yourself and your brown lives, and trans- tions. to be more inclusive. LGBTQ+ Advisory Council family heard. gender and queer lives, we Many times, as human We all want to be recog- at Howard University. He Here are five ways your census response will must speak up and speak beings, we tend to advo- nized. lives in Washington, D.C. help you and your fellow Americans. 1. It advances racial equity. In recent months, millions have taken to the streets to call for racial equity and justice. These Utilities shutoff loom for millions of homes protests have helped amplify the voices of un- Continued from page 1A where, even with a debt re- underscored the need to they are now,” Porter said. derserved communities. But real change will should contact their utility payment charge, it doesn't integrate more renewable Advocacy groups across only take place when these demands become companies now. increase their future bill by energy sources into the the state are urging federal public policy. For that to happen, our govern- “To set up a payment 10%,” McIlmoil said. state’s grid. lawmakers to pass a na- ment needs to see you. And that can only plan that can meet their “Something like that would “If we have cleaner tional shutoff moratorium happen if you stand up to be counted. needs; and just really, they at least smooth out the im- sources of energy, more re- as part of the next COVID- The racial inequities that undermine our na- need to be pushing their pact for folks.” newable resources of 19 relief package. tion can never be addressed unless you fill out utilities and the governor Joel Porter, policy man- energy, then you’re not the census and join the fight for social justice. to offer a more flexible, ager at Clean Air Carolina going to have people strug- 2. It directs funding to programs that save long-term payment plan added the coronavirus has gling to pay their bills like lives. As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to ravage the country, it's critical that we direct our emer- gency resources to those who need them the JCSU opts for virtual education in the fall most. Black and Latinx Americans are dispro- By Ashley Mahoney celation of commencement to the JCSU family in June, have also increased in portionately impacted by the virus and are in May. Commencement the plans we announced South Carolina, Georgia, twice as likely to die from COVID-19. [email protected] exercises were resched- then were subject to Florida and the District of Wealth also factors into the survivability of Johnson C. Smith Univer- uled to coincide with change and would depend Columbia/Maryland/Vir- COVID-19. Adults with an annual household in- sity will continue remote homecoming. They in- on the prevailing con- ginia area—all states where come below $15,000 are nearly 15 percent instruction for the fall se- tended to celebrate their ditions at the time we ex- a large number of our stu- more likely to contract a serious illness follow- mester. 271 graduates at Bojangles’ pect to execute our plan,” dents live.” ing infection compared to those with annual in- The university tran- Coliseum on Oct. 28. Then Armbrister said in a letter Armbrister encouraged comes over $50,000. sitioned to online instruc- homecoming festivities to students and staff. “Un- reaching out directly to the Your census response helps essential workers tion in March due to were canceled on July 7, fortunately, under current university via phone or identify at-risk communities and directs re- COVID-19. While they an- with the exception of the conditions, the risk of an email if someone has ques- sources to these vulnerable populations. nounced their intention to football game. On July 9, outbreak on the campus tions about his or her spe- The coronavirus won't be the last time certain return for in-person in- the CIAA canceled fall which cannot be contained cific department. You can communities are disproportionately impacted struction on June 26, the sports. Today JCSU an- are considered to be unac- do so by calling (704) 378- by a natural disaster. Accurate census data will increase in cases across the nounced its board of trust- ceptable if we continue on 1109 or emailing deanof- prepare first responders, nonprofit relief organ- country over the last ees, administration and the path toward face-to- [email protected]. JCSU izations, and government officials to respond month caused them to re- President Clarence Arm- face instruction we an- will continue to update to future crises. consider. This is one of brister decided sticking nounced in June. Not only their COVID-19 website at 3. It funds everything from public housing to several altered plans for with remote instruction for have cases increased over www.jcsu.edu/covid. school breakfasts. Smith in 2020. The pan- fall 2020 would be best. the last month here in This year's census will determine how trillions demic resulted in the can- “As I stated in my letter North Carolina, but they of dollars in federal spending are allocated over the next decade. In 2017 alone, over 300 federal programs relied on 2010 census data to allocate $1.5 trillion of funds. That money pays for ev- erything from public housing to school break- fast programs, new roads to trash and recycling schedules. Federal dollars won't reach the communities that need them most unless the government has a precise picture of your local population. You must paint that picture by letting them know you are there. 4. It ensures fair political representation. Ever wonder why Ohio has 16 seats in the House of Representatives, while Georgia has only 14? The number of representatives a state gets increases with its population -- and the cen- sus determines its population. You pay taxes, right? Well, don't you want to be fairly represented? The results of the 2020 census will shape the Congressional map for the next decade. If you want a Congress that represents your com- munity and serves your interests, make sure the government accounts for you and your family. 5. It creates jobs. Census data doesn't just help government of- ficials. Businesses consult the census when making hiring and payroll decisions, or where to locate a new office, or when determining how best to serve their communities For instance, understanding the demographic of a particular neighborhood can help a local grocer determine which items to stock. This knowledge helps her business grow and creates jobs in your neighborhood, while delivering needed items to the marketplace. At United Way, we fight for every person in every community to be seen and heard. But we can't do it alone. Join us and help stand up for your community by being counted. You have until October 31st to fill out the 2020 U.S. cen- sus. Change doesn't happen without you. Suzanne McCormick is U.S. president of United Way.

Follow The Post on Twitter @thecharpost While other MEAC about the Aggies, along with The Charlotte Post PAGE 5A football teams were Robert Morris, playing in the Big Spring preparing – and South as fill-ins for Hampton and hoping – for a pos- Monmouth, who have canceled sible spring season, fall sports. North Carolina A&T Since the Aggies will officially football for hadn’t given up on join the BSC next season, and a fall schedule. with the MEAC postponing fall The athletics de- sports, wheels started turning. partment and the BONITTA But the carousel has stopped. Sports NC A&T Big South, its future BEST The Big South announced conference home, Tuesday at its virtual football THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2020 were in discussions Please see NC A&T | 6A Historic move for Gastonia baseball Brandon Bellamy is only Black to own majority stake in pro franchise By Herbert L. White [email protected] Gastonia is the home to a new baseball stadium and a piece of history. The city last week announced an agree- ment with the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and a team by real estate developer Brandon Bellamy, the only black owner of a pro- fessional franchise. Gastonia and Bel- lamy, CEO of Velocity Companies Inc., will collaborate on economic devel- opment projects tied to the city’s 4,800- seat multi-use ballpark, including residential, retail, hotel, and office space. City leaders believe the project could result in $100 million in new investment. The 5,000-seat city-owned stadium, which is under construction, cost $21.5 mil- lion. It will be ready for the Bellamy Atlantic League’s 2021 sea- son. “When we learned of this incredible project, we realized it was an opportunity not just to own a team but also to connect CURTIS WILSON | THE CHARLOTTE POST with a community that deserves to be Defensive tackle Kawann Short, who missed all but two games last year after rotator cuff surgery, is a key figure in the Carolina showcased,” said Bellamy, a North Caro- Panthers' rebuilt defense. lina native whose Maryland-based Veloc- ity Companies is a real estate development firm. “The city of Gastonia has a strong entrepreneurial history, and we are excited to be a part of its con- Short needs to stand tall tinued growth. We look forward to being a good neighbor and making a lasting im- pact in Gastonia.” According to Baseball America, Bellamy is the first Black majority owner of a pro- fessional club since Tom Lewis owned the for rebuilding Panthers South Atlantic League’s Savannah Cardi- nals from 1986-87. The team will be Gas- tonia’s first professional franchise in Defensive tackle missed all but 2 games last year with shoulder surgery nearly 30 years when its South Atlantic By Herbert L. White ness, whether those guys went to a opened last week. squad relocated to Hickory. [email protected] different team it’s not like we’re not “I’m still working on little cases as “We are excited to have Mr. Bellamy join To get an idea of the Carolina Pan- friends anymore. I still consider far as just getting a range of motion us in our continued efforts to create a thers’ overhaul, look no farther than those guys captains in life and wha- but other than that I feel good,” he great place that our community can be last year’s captains. tever they want to do in life I feel that said. “The shoulder repair was an proud of,” Gastonia Mayor Walker Reid III Cam Newton, Greg Olsen and Colin they’re going to be ahead of the awesome success and as far as the said. “This is a milestone for our city and Jones? Cut. curve and knowing they can conquer whole COVID thing … luckily I had a an example of how public-private part- Luke Kuechly? Retired. anything they take on.” couple [of things] that I could do at nerships can revitalize a community, Kawann Short? The defensive For the Panthers, who went 5-11 home. I got a Peloton and riding a proving to be beneficial for everyone.” tackle returns after missing all but last year and jettisoned head coach bike and just being outside that just The ballpark is part of an economic de- two games due to a partially torn ro- Ron Rivera and his entire staff in the made it a lot more secure for me to velopment area known as Franklin Urban tator cuff that required surgery. process, rebuilding starts with culti- get out and shed some pounds and Sports and Entertainment, or FUSE, Dis- The irony isn’t lost on him. vating leaders. Short, one of the sweat a little more. trict, which connects to downtown and “I don’t even know what to say league’s top defensive tackles when “Just [to] be able to do a lot more creating a viable and attractive area for about that,” Short said. “Seeing those healthy, believes he’s close although things, getting in the pool working residents, visitors, and investors. Bel- guys and then next thing you know the COVID-19 pandemic forced ad- arm motion, it was definitely one of lamy’s company has developed $500 mil- it’s all you know vanished and it just justments with Bank of America Sta- those things that you had to [do]. You lion in projects. The stadium, which will trickles down. But again, it’s a busi- dium off-limits until training camp Please see | 6A be managed by the team, is under con- SHORT struction, will also host family-friendly events and athletic and entertainment events, including high school soccer and Rhule positive in ‘less than ideal’ situation football. Gastonia will become the second North Carolina market with an Atlantic By Steve Reed make evaluations on a very fluid a stay-at-home order because of the League site, joining High Point, whose THE ASSOCIATED PRESS roster situation. COVID-19 pandemic. team, the Rockers, joined the Atlantic The Carolina Panthers have a new Oh, and did we mention the regu- He immediately found himself in League last year. Atlantic League teams head coach, two new lar-season opener against the Las the midst of highly unprecedented play a 140-game schedule. coordinators, a differ- Vegas Raiders is about six weeks times, conducting team meetings via “We are delighted to bring Atlantic ent starting quarterback away? video conference calls. It’s been a League baseball to Gastonia, a city that and a roster with more “It’s less than ideal,” said head whirlwind ever since with the NFL’s has shown tremendous ingenuity and re- turnover from last sea- coach Matt Rhule, who replaced Ron on-field offseason a complete wash, solve, particularly in the midst of the son than any team in Rivera after three seasons at Baylor. the start of training camp practices COVID-19 pandemic,” Rick White, pres- the NFL. Rhule couldn’t have possibly imag- pushed back and the preseason ident of the eight-team Atlantic League They haven’t had a ined what was in store for him when being chopped from four games to said in a statement. “Under Mr. Bellamy’s practice yet to begin ac- he was hired Jan. 7. two, and later to zero. ownership, this club and the ALPB will Rhule tually installing the He moved his family to the Char- Rhule said he still hasn’t met all of provide the community with best-in-class playbook, and won’t lotte area in early March and three his players in person. baseball and exceptional entertainment for years to come.” have a single preseason game to days later the city was placed under Please see RHULE | 6A On the Net: www.fusegastonianc.com In signing Sergio Ruiz, Charlotte FC has its model team player By Ashley Mahoney Championship are by far the strongest [email protected] second divisions in the world,” Krneta Sergio Ruiz is the foundation on which said. “I would probably put them in front the inaugural Charlotte FC roster will be of most of the top leagues in Belgium and built. Holland. They’re really competitive—very Club Sporting Director Zoran Krneta strong leagues. Segunda is as compet- said they are building their roster around itive, if not better than most of the MLS the versatile central midfielder, who was teams.” signed earlier this month. Said Ruiz: “I would like to play in Eng- “Sergio is the first building block of our land or Spain on a team who is growing.” future team,” Krneta said. Ruiz is familiar with the Spanish second Said Ruiz: “I’m excited to be part of a division. Charlotte FC signed the 25-year- new club.” old Spanish midfielder from the league’s Ruiz was announced as Charlotte’s in- Racing Santander, which he joined in augural signing on July 8. Eleven days 2015 and most recently served as cap- later, Major League Soccer announced the tain. Ruiz scored six goals and seven as- club would begin play in 2022 rather than sists during the 2018-19 campaign. Ruiz 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. also played in Spain’s third division for Tepper Sports and Entertainment Pres- Club Deportivo Pontejos and Atlético Al- ident Tom Glick said the club will con- bericia. His youth career began with Club tinue to sign players who will spend 2021 Deportivo Arenas de Frajanas, followed on loan, with Krneta targeting the English by Atlético Perines and Club Deportivo RACING SANTANDER and Spanish second division for players Laredo. Krneta said Charlotte knew of Ruiz for Sergio Ruiz, Charlotte FC's first player signing, will spend the 2021 campaign on loan, preferably to develop. in the second-division Spanish Segunda or English Championship. “The Spanish Segunda and the English Please see IN RUIZ | 6A 6A SPORTS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, August 6, 2020 Short needs to stand tall In Ruiz, Charlotte FC for rebuilding Panthers has model team player Continued from page 5A NFL training camp, Short is trying to ad- had to reinvent to just see stuff outside just to the reality of COVID-19 on team Continued from page 5A time Charlotte announced the team’s of the facility [like] barbells and different preparations. Everything is spread out – a while and scouted him for months. name on July 22. While playing time stuff around the house. Wall pushups and from locker rooms to practice and rehab They decided he was the right candi- is essential to keeping Ruiz match fit stuff like that, so it was definitely a chal- areas. There’s also an addition to camp date for signing because he fit what and helping him develop leading up lenge.” attire: contact tracers that alert the wearer they’re looking for as a leader on and to the 2022 season, Glick and Krneta Short’s return is essential for the Pan- when they get within 6 feet of another off the pitch. want to be meticulous in their deci- thers to improve on last year’s histori- person. “We’ve done a lot of homework on sion about where to send him. cally bad defense, which was one of the “As far as me in general just getting who Sergio Ruiz is—his lifestyle, his “Those choices are going to be really NFL’s worst. Carolina gave up an average back into football mode, it’s just a whirl- habits, his character as a person—not important to get right because we of 143.5 rushing yards per game last year wind right now and trying to get myself only as a player,” Krneta said. “We want to make sure that Sergio gets to rank 29th among 32 teams. They al- set to where I’m back into the norm of really want to bring players who fit playing time, he plays in the right sys- lowed 31 rushing touchdowns and 5.2 what I’m doing and how I do to get pre- what we want to create here.” tem and it’s a city and within a club yards per attempt, both worst in the pared for training camp,” Short said. “We Ruiz also appealed to them because where he is going to personally league. A healthy Short, paired with first- got a lot of cautious stuff around here so he has room for development and can thrive,” Glick said. “This will be a round pick Derrick Brown at tackle, we have to understand that the stuff that play numerous positions. Charlotte really important decision but based would go a long way toward beefing up we normally do, the year in and year out MLS Scouting Director Thomas Schal- on the clubs that have shown interest the interior. of camp, you have to realize that now it’s ing described Ruiz as a preferential already, we know that we have some “We love having K.K. back,” linebacker a whole another direction there we’re box-to-box midfielder in a three-man really good options in a couple of dif- Shaq Thompson said. “He’s a tremendous going as far as trying to keep everybody midfield. However, Ruiz can play in a ferent countries where he will play in help to this defense. K.K. is a big part of safe in this building.” two-man midfield. a league that would definitely help this defense and just to have him teach- On the field, Short is preparing for ad- “In 2022, [I’m] going to Charlotte to him develop.” ing Derrick Brown, [who is] a special justments under new defensive coordi- do my best and help the team achieve Charlotte intends to build around young guy, I think he’ll be a tremendous nator Phil Snow, who has indicated more trophies, to achieve wins and be part their signings around the spine of a player in this league. Just having those interchangeable roles up front. For a of a great team,” he said. team—positions such as central de- guys and [ends Brian] Burns and Stephen tackle who’s accustomed to wreaking Said Krneta: “Sergio can play several fender, a defensive central midfielder, [Weatherly], man is going to be tremen- havoc along the interior, there may be op- positions within a team. More-or-less, an offensive central midfielder and dous.” portunities to move outside as an edge we think he can play anything across striker. Said Short: “You’ve got to be better than rusher when called upon. the midfield three. That gives us great “This is what we might be poten- last year. You’ve got to be disciplined and “I’m just available wherever they want options and variety in choosing where tially looking at adding on in the com- we all got to come in with the right mind- me to play,” Short said. “I’m there and I’ve to play.” ing window, but having said this set and the most common goal is to win, just got to learn how to position on Ruiz’s transfer fee cost the club COVID-19, in addition to making life so we’ve got to hold each other account- people who aren’t going to know what $849,498.75 and one of their eight in- difficult for all of us, it also is present- able. If we see one position or one player every guy does on every play so just ternational roster spots. His signing ing some interesting opportunities. If or one coach slacking, we’ve just got to being available when a when a play is took place during the MLS two-day there is an opportunity for us to get be communicative and tell these guys like called and if they tell me to bump out, I’ve transfer window prior to the 2020 MLS the player on a discounted price in if the defensive line is not doing their job, got a bump out and know what I’m doing. is Back tournament in Orlando. terms of the transfer fee and the sal- tell us and we’ll get it corrected, as far as Everybody on the defensive line’s got to “We knew when we signed him that ary, then we will need to look at that.” a defense. You’ve got to be able to take know every position on the defensive there were a number of clubs who Glick said the club is focused on the criticism and make it motivation.” line. We often take on that task and I think were also interested in him, [but] be- Aug. 11 transfer window for ad- As a veteran accustomed to a traditional we often do it well.” cause of the pandemic and the chal- ditional signings and intend to follow lenges to the economy, a number of the same model for loaning players as the clubs were not able to afford to the one they have laid out for Ruiz. make the purchase… but are able to “We want to be ready to hit the Rhule positive in ‘less than ideal’ pay Sergio’s salary on loan. That en- ground running on the 11th,” Glick abled us an opening to go in and get said. “There’s work going on right Sergio, which was great. So we now on a couple of targets that we situation with first training camp pounced on that opportunity.” think are very interesting. That’s Continued from page 5A certainty, Rhule is finding the positives in Charlotte had interest from six clubs going to be a core focus of what we The decision to cancel preseason a strange world where he now wears a to loan Ruiz when they signed him. do.” games, while not necessarily on top of the contact tracer to work designed to ensure That grew to a dozen clubs by the average NFL fan’s complaint list, does put that he stays six feet apart from his assis- a new coach such as Rhule at a disadvan- tant coaching staff, where his players tage because it restricts a true evaluation spend part of their day in separate luxury of players, particularly those near the bot- suites inside the team’s stadium away tom of the roster. from teammates and the practice sched- “The hard part is there are always those ule remains fluid. guys that when you get into games they “There’s really nothing worse than a struggle to bring what they do in practice football coach who complains,” he said. to the game. And some guys are the op- Rhule hopes that the lack of a preseason posite, where something special is lit in- might actually help the Panthers, saying side them during a game,” Rhule said. they could have a chance to surprise That will put added emphasis on com- some teams early in the season because petition in practice, Rhule said. opponents won’t be sure what to expect He’ll rely heavily on his coaching staff from Carolina, particularly on offense and the personnel department to help with innovative former LSU offensive co- with roster decisions, but the obvious as- ordinator Joe Brady calling the plays. sumption is the Panthers would generally One thing is clear: Rhule is high on lean more toward proven players than Teddy Bridgewater as his quarterback, undrafted or inexperienced ones. calling him a “perfect fit” for the Pan- “This is truly a time for our players thers. where if they have a meeting, whether it Bridgewater, who replaces longtime is in-person or virtually, they have to be starter Cam Newton, spent the 2018 sea- great at it. If they get on the practice field son working alongside Brady with the and get a couple of reps they have to be New Orleans Saints. And while their rela- great at them,” Rhule said. “It’s not ideal, tionship doesn’t approach the Tom but it is what it is and we’re going to try Brady/Josh McDaniels level, Rhule said to make good decisions.” Bridgewater’s familiarity with the offen- sive system is vital given the team’s lack CHARLOTTE 49ERS ATHLETICS The Panthers have had only one player opt out of the season so far because of of practice time. Charlotte 49ers goalkeepers coach Brian Edwards, a former Major League the virus. “He’s all football,” Rhule said. “He’s Soccer player, will take on the same duties with Charlotte FC's academy. eaten up with the game. He likes to talk Rhule doesn’t know if more intend to about it. He likes to think about it. He’s do so, but said he’ll support his players got a great way about him. If it were up to 49ers assistant to coach and their decisions. him he would be here all day going Despite the schedule changes and un- through it all.” Charlotte FC academy NC A&T MEAC football finale By Ashley Mahoney I was doing with my life, I realized [email protected] soccer needed to be a much bigger Brian Edwards has seen both sides part of it,” Edwards said. “I definitely will have to wait for the spring of Major League Soccer. wouldn’t say I fell out of love with the Continued from page 5A Besides, if football can be played in the Charlotte FC announced the former game, but I thought maybe my full media day that A&T was no longer a pos- spring, who doesn’t want to see A&T MLS goalkeeper, Charlotte native and time soccer journey had ended, but it sibility – mainly due to the fact that the either go out a champion or dethroned Providence High alumnus as the latest kept pulling me back. One day I de- MEAC could still play football in the before saying bye-bye. addition to their academy staff last cided, ‘I need to do this full time. I spring. Robert Morris, however, will com- Oh yeah, Hampton was picked to finish week. Edwards will continue as an as- need to be happy. I need to be in- pete in the conference. next to last in the preseason conference sistant coach for the Charlotte 49ers volved in the game.’” “We had brief conversations with A&T poll. Junior wide receiver Jadakis Bonds in addition to serving as the The MLS academy was not around about doing the same thing (as Robert was named to the all-Big South team. academy’s goalkeeper coach. during Edwards’ youth playing days. Morris), but with the MEAC still looking at DI waives minimums “Being a Charlottean, it’s just a great Now he is part of the system provid- the possibility of a spring season, they’re With the exception of football, the Divi- deal of pride to work for this club,” ing the highest level of training to de- not able to participate,” Big South Com- sion I Council Coordination Committee Edwards said. “It’s been a dream of veloping talent in his hometown. missioner Kyle Kallander said. “So that’s voted to reduce by half the minimum mine to have an MLS franchise here. “The academy system as a whole is completely understandable. It was some- number of games fall teams must play to Now, to be part of it and wearing the something when I was first in the MLS thing we would have been interested in, compete for a championship. Those badge, I don’t really think it’s hit us was very, very new—early stages,” Ed- but we respect that situation.” sports are women’s and men’s cross- yet.” wards said. “When I was with Toronto, Big South officials said they hoped to country, women’s and men’s soccer, field Said Charlotte 49ers coach Kevin my second year was the birth of the begin the football season on Sept. 3, but hockey, men’s water polo and women’s Langan: “It’s wonderful for [Edwards] academy. We would have some local with record-high new cases being re- volleyball. to get involved with Charlotte FC and players who were the top players in ported almost daily, that date may be- The reduction relieves the pressure the staff and their vision, at the high- the area who would come into train- come just a pipe dream. teams faced to find opponents due to est level of youth [soccer] in the area.” ing with us, but that was really all they The Aggies are the three-time defending cancellations. Toronto FC selected Edwards 28th were getting, and they would go back MEAC champions. But several players And on that note, the Division II Admin- overall in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. to their clubs.” were diagnosed with the virus a few istrative Committee announced that DII He spent two seasons with the MLS Academy players are now exposed weeks ago. Online chat room opinions student-athletes who compete on the re- side and later joined 49ers hall of to more and improved quality train- were strong against the team trying to duced schedule, will not be charged for famer Jon Busch with the San Jose ing, consistent games against better play in the fall. African Americans and the season. Earthquakes. Edwards also earned a competition and a longer season. Hispanics are two of the hardest hit seg- Bonitta Best is sports editor at The Trian- call up to the United States national “It was the creation of a blueprint, ments of the population by the coronavi- gle Tribune in Durham. team against Guatemala for the final which we’re seeing a much deeper rus. 2010 World Cup qualifier. He finished dive into, and how it’s developed over his professional career in Sweden’s the last 10-12 years,” Edwards said. second division with Degerfors IF in “Now it’s taking it to an even further 2011-12. In college, Edwards won the level, with players getting nutritional 2007 national championship with advice, working with high perform- Wake Forest and earned Most Out- ance coaches on the strength and con- Follow The Post on standing Defensive Player during the ditioning side and fitness coaches. NCAA tournament. Also from a psychological standpoint Twitter… @thecharpost Edwards retired and shifted into the as well, you’re just seeing this growth world of selling Medicare and life in- of support that was introduced early surance. Yet the game kept nagging at on in my career, and I kind of saw it him to come back, which is how he from a distance. Now I get to be in- found himself coaching at Hofstra volved in these meetings and plan- and eventually the 49ers. ning for what we’re doing with and Instagram, too “Over a period of time, sitting in an Charlotte MLS.” thecharlottepost office setting trying to figure out what