Taking the Air out of Lucrative Basketball

Intergalactic Soul initiative branches out to Historic West End

THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY SINCE 1906 TThhee CChhaarrlloottttee PPoosstt WEEK OF DECEMBER 17, 2020 VOLUME 47, NUMBER 15 WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM $1.50 Stith to lead NC’s two-year colleges By Herbert L. White [email protected] The president-elect of North Car- olina’s community college system is from Charlotte. Thomas Stith III, who has two decades of experience in public service and business, will lead the state’s 58 community college system after his election Monday by the State Board of Community Col- leges. Stith, 57, is currently district director of the U.S. Small Business Ad- ministration, where he has led the federal agency’s response to COVID-19 in North Carolina. Those initiatives have resulted in more than $16 billion Stith TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST in support for small The CIAA canceled its 2020-21 basketball season and its postseason tournament in Baltimore due to concerns about coronavirus infections along businesses in the state. the league's footprint, which stretches from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. The tournament's cancellation is the first its 75-year history. Stith, a Durham native and North Carolina Central University graduate, said his goal is to support the colleges’ mission of workforce development and extend affordable Deflated: Taking the air out of education to the state’s residents. “My vision for the North Carolina Community College System is guided by the principle that education translates into opportunity,” lucrative basketball franchise he said in a statement. “The North Carolina Community College Sys- tem will lead our state’s economic For first time in its storied 75-year history, the CIAA tournament is cancelled recovery by providing education Black college conference to cancel foot- and training for our diverse pop- By Herbert L. White for our board,” Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams told The Post. “Our board, ball in the fall due to concerns about the ulation. The system will become a [email protected] my staff have been tracking pandemic, but there was precedence in national model for educational ex- Basketball courts across the CIAA have data, what's been going on. that the league didn’t sponsor that sport cellence.” gone dark, and with it the league’s mar- “We have 13 schools and in 1943 due to World War II. The basket- Breeden Blackwell, chair of the quee showcase. one associate member in ball tournament had never been dis- community college board, cited The league announced Monday it’s communities that are being rupted since its debut in 1946 in Stith’s background in business and canceling all volleyball and basketball impacted highly, and as Washington, D.C. government will serve the com- competitions, including the postseason they continue to talk “I've been in this conference since I munity colleges well when he tournament scheduled for Baltimore in through can we play, will was 18 years old [at former CIAA starts on Jan. 11. Stith succeeds In- February due to the COVID-19 pandemic. we be able to get through a McWilliams member Hampton University when] I terim President Dr. William Carver Conference teams started practice last season, I think it's clear that played basketball and I’ve returned to and former President Peter Hans, week in preparation for the regular sea- a clear path to get through a season see championships,” McWilliams said, who became president of the Uni- son, which was scheduled to launch in would be very difficult in (terms of) the “and in 75 years this is the first tourna- versity of North Carolina System in January. capacity to manage it.” ment that will not happen. And even August. “This has been a very tough decision The Charlotte-based CIAA was the first Please see CIAA | 2A “Thomas Stith is a proven leader with a broad network of relation- Please see STITH | 2A Life for 2020 poll HBCU workers: Long investment hours, satisfaction bill heads to By Kristen Johnson FOR THE CHARLOTTE POST Poll workers in Mecklenburg County worked fer- Trump’s desk vently on the front lines to carry out a safe, fair, and By Herbert L. White historic election in November — one they believe [email protected] signified new changes for future voting processes. As early as January, the North Carolina State Board A bill that would strengthen fed- of Elections began to prepare for the Nov. 3 election eral investment in historically per usual but had to quickly readjust to the immedi- Black colleges is a step closer to be- ate demands of the COVID-19 pandemic and the coming law. gravity of the presidential race. The HBCU Propelling Agency Re- Volunteers and poll workers were subject to digital ATRIUM HEALTH lationships Towards a New Era of training, longer hours at poll sites, the threat of ex- The first batch of COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Atrium Health's Charlotte campus on Results for Students (PARTNERS) posure to the coronavirus and in some cases, aggres- Dec. 14 for distribution. Dr. Katie Passaretti, Atrium's medical director of infection pre- Act, was introduced in sive poll watchers and protestors. vention, became the first North Carolina resident to be vaccinated against the disease the House by Char- In Mecklenburg County, roughly 5,000 people vol- caused by coronavirus. lotte Democrat Alma unteered their time and safety to make sure the vot- Adams. The legisla- ing process ran smoothly and so that every ballot tion, which passed the was counted. Arms ready as COVID-19 Senate on Dec. 11 and “We made sure that everything we did was under headed to President the scrutiny of the public so that we didn’t do any- Donald Trump for his thing in secret,” said Michael Dickerson, Mecklen- signature, is Adams’ Adams vaccine arrives in Charlotte third stand-alone bill burg’s director of elections. “We were making sure that we were open and honest and fair in our ap- By Ashley Mahoney Health’s medical director of infec- to reach his desk during this Con- tion prevention became the first gress. The Senate version of the bill proach to everything that we did and continued our [email protected] person in the state to be vaccinated was introduced by Tim Scott, a non-partisan approach.” The COVID-19 vaccine has arrived Dickerson, a Greensboro native, has been part of for COVID-19. She said she felt South Carolina Republican, and in North Carolina. “perfectly fine” in a video posted Chris Coons, a Democrat from the election process in Mecklenburg County for Atrium Health became the first more than 20 years. The county began mailing out on Atrium Health’s Twitter. Delaware. health system in the state to receive “Just a moment of hope, a mo- Mark Walker, Adams’ Republican absentee ballots in September, sending more than and administer the U.S. Food and 200,000 ballots to residents. This process, according ment of potential for change of the colleague from Greensboro, co- Drug Administration-approved course that we are on with the pan- sponsored the House bill. to Dickerson, involved an overhaul of work and time COVID-19 vaccine, making Atrium required from the election committee. demic right now,” Passaretti said. “HBCUs are crucially important Health among the first nationally to “I couldn’t be more excited. I feel agents of access and equity in this be given the vaccine. Please see LIFE |2A Dr. Katie Passaretti, Atrium Please see COVID-19 |2A Please see CONGRESS | 2A INSIDE Please Digital edition: 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, December 17, 2020 Stith to lead two-year colleges Continued from page 1A ence in electoral politics as “We welcome Mr. Stith to CIAA pulls the plug on ships in business, educa- a Durham City Council the North Carolina Com- tion and government in member from 1999-2007. munity College System, the North Carolina,” Blackwell “Thomas Stith will be a best in the country, and said. “He has the skills and strong leader for North look forward to working basketball tournament talents to lead our great Carolina’s community col- with him to ensure all 58 community college system colleges continue to thrive Continued from page 1A the CIAA will look to mitigate the fi- leges,” Senate President at a critical time. The col- and meet their local com- with football, that was only the sec- nancial hit to its bottom line. The bulk Pro Tem Phil Berger said. leges will play an essential munity workforce needs,” ond, maybe the third time because of of the league’s revenue is derived “His unique business ex- role in North Carolina’s said Central Piedmont World War II. We are having to cancel from ticket sales and sponsorships. perience and love of all economic recovery from Community College Pres- a tournament because of something The basketball showcase and its ancil- things North Carolina will the pandemic.” ident Kandi Deitemeyer, we don't have control of.” lary social events, which finished a bring a fresh perspective to Stith has an extensive president of North Carolina Virginia State last week became the 15-year run in Charlotte in 2020, gen- the system. The pandemic background as chief ex- Association of Community first CIAA school to opt out of basket- erated nearly $600 million in eco- has shone a bright light on ecutive of several busi- College Presidents. “He is ball and league leaders subsequently nomic impact, including $370 million the need for educational nesses and consulting joining the system at a crit- voted to call off the season because of in direct visitor spending, according opportunities and work- firms, including the Mi- ical and important time growing COVID-19 infection rates ac- to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Au- force development — two chael Thomas Group in and we look forward to his ross the conference’s footprint, which thority. The league’s three-year con- things our community col- Durham, which he leadership.” stretches from South Carolina to tract with Baltimore as host city leges excel at.” founded, and LJP Lab, a North Carolina’s com- Pennsylvania. Nationally, more than remains in place, but alternative plans Stith’s higher education toxicology lab and health munity colleges enroll 300,000 people have died from the for virtual events and sponsorship op- credentials include five care consulting company nearly 700,000 students in virus. portunities will be explored for 2021. years as economic devel- in Kernersville. He was programs that include as- “This was not an easy decision or “It's hard,” McWilliams said. “I think opment program director chief of staff to former sociate degrees, four-year one that was taken lightly by the CIAA our board and our membership, our at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan Gov. Pat McCrory from university transfers, short- Board,” VSU President and CIAA Board coaches, we all feel it because CIAA Institute of Private Enter- 2013-17, where he spear- term workforce training, Chair Makola Abdullah said in a state- basketball is who we are as a confer- prise at the Kenan-Flagler headed initiatives on his- high school dual enroll- ment. “We all want to have a season, ence. It's the community that we're Business School from torically Black colleges and ment, career and technical and we want our student-athletes, able to make valued impact and bring 2008-13, where he focused Hurricane Matthew recov- education and adult basic coaches and staff to have a season. our fans and alumni and sponsors to- on improving economies ery. Stith also has experi- education. However, the data, which changes al- gether, so we’ll just be creative. We've in eastern North Carolina. most daily, does not support such a been creative thinking about new decision. The potential risk outweighs ways to do that through our virtual the desire to play.” space, and I believe that will be just as Without the basketball tournament, fun, but it won't be the same.”

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY Historically-Black Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte would benefit from the HBCU PART- NERS Act, which would strengthen federal investment in Black colleges. Congress OKs HBCU bill Continued from page 1A agencies track their pro- bill is making its way to the country,” said Adams, co- gress toward past goals president’s desk,” Scott founder and co-chair of the and share their plans with said. “The HBCU PARTNERS bi-partisan HBCU Caucus. Congress as well as codify Act is a great step forward “The HBCU PARTNERS Act the President’s Board of for these schools and their recognizes these contrib- Advisors on HBCUs, which students. I look forward to utions in the most impor- ensures a vehicle for Black this critical legislation tant way possible: by colleges’ priorities and pol- being signed into law to affording these institutions icy concerns to be raised. help these institutions con- COURTESY NADIA CAMPBELL the ongoing support and North Carolina has 10 ac- tinue their legacies.” Nadia Campbell of Charlotte was a poll worker at the University City Library. investment needed to credited HBCUs, the most Coons said “HBCUs like deepen their transfor- of any state in the nation, Delaware State University mational work. This legis- including Charlotte’s play a critical role in help- Life for 2020 poll workers: Long lation will require every Johnson C. Smith Univer- ing to ensure that every administration and the sity, which is in Adams’ American has access to federal agencies it man- district. She is a graduate higher education, and I’m hours, satisfaction of necessity ages to plan and coordi- of North Carolina A&T so proud that our biparti- nate their efforts to State University and a re- san bill to support the mis- Continued from page 1A eral post-election audits that we do every tired Bennett College pro- sions of HBCUs is one step strategically engage with “The first in the nation to mail out bal- year. The first is a sample hand-to-eye fessor, both in Greensboro. closer to becoming law. and invest in HBCUs. In ad- lots was North Carolina and in that pro- count,” he said. “That’s where each “Creating a comprehen- “We have much more dition, it codifies the Pres- cess you had to mail it out, keep an county will go and compare the results sive federal partnership work ahead to make col- ident’s Board of Advisors accurate record, and you had to inform that went through the machine to a hand- with America’s HBCUs is lege accessible and afford- on HBCUs, ensuring an on- the voters,” Dickerson said. “All of that in- eye audit where they looked at all the bal- essential for Congress’ able for all Americans, and going avenue for HBCU pri- volved so much this year and we had to lots.” shared goal of directing HBCUs are an important orities and policy concerns do it all while we socially distanced. We Grant also said the state Board of Elec- unprecedented support for part of that work.” to be raised and addressed. ended up having to divide staff up in dif- tions wanted to ensure that every person North Carolina’s HBCUs Said Adams: “Historically Advancing the mission of ferent areas to fulfill orders.” who voted legally could cast a ballot and like North Carolina A&T, Black Colleges and Univer- HBCUs and the success of Mecklenburg is home to more than 1 that their vote counted. Winston-Salem State, Eliza- sities are agents of access the communities they million people, making it the second “The public shouldn’t worry about a beth City State, North Car- and equity in this country. serve must be on the largest county in the state behind Wake. stolen election, there are safeguards in olina Central, Bennett, The HBCU PARTNERS Act minds of our country’s More than 360,000 people voted early in place,” said Campbell, referring to the Johnson, C. Smith, and recognizes these contrib- leaders, and more impor- Mecklenburg, and according to Dicker- board of election’s protections and inves- Shaw – proud and historic utions in the most impor- tantly, it must be part of son, there were more than 135,000 mail tigation team that carefully checks every institutions which I am tant way possible: by their agendas.” in ballots received and as a result Election detail of the process. privileged to support,” said affording these institutions The HBCU PARTNERS Act Day turnout was a record-low 67,000 President Donald Trump did not win Walker said, whose con- the ongoing support and will require federal people. enough key battleground states last gressional district includes investment needed to agencies with relevant Nadia Campbell was one of the vol- month and has declined to concede the A&T and Bennett College. deepen their transfor- grants and programs to un- unteers on Election Day at the University election despite losing his bid for a sec- “Our HBCUs have un- mational work.” dertake annual planning City Library voting site. ond term to President-elect Joe Biden. The locked opportunities for Stacey M. Brown of the and coordinate their ef- “We want to make sure there is a safe Electoral College confirmed the national generations of students, National Newspaper Pub- forts to support and ex- and honest election. Being able to vol- results Monday. especially in underserved lishers Association contrib- pand Black college unteer just allows me to feel like I’m part Trump supporters protested outside of communities, and I am ex- uted to this report. participation in those pro- of that process,” she said. polling sites, chanting phrases like “stop cited that this bipartisan grams. It also requires that This is the second year Campbell has the count” and called for recounts in bat- volunteered as a provisional transfer as- tleground states Pennsylvania, Nevada, sistant for the Mecklenburg County Board Georgia, and Michigan. of Elections. In this role, she helps voters At a rally in Winston-Salem in Sep- COVID-19 vaccine arrives prepare to vote at the precinct or redirect tember, Trump encouraged supporters to them to their correct poll site by referring be poll watchers, saying “watch all the Continued from page 1A batch of vaccine will go to said in a statement. “And to a “poll book” that documents the reg- thieving and stealing and robbing they perfectly fine. I’ve had no high-priority employees, while I will get my vaccine istration of voters specific to the correct do.” His son, Donald Trump, Jr. and other issues with the vaccine. such as those working in after healthcare workers, location. Republicans echoed the allegation, which Again, we just encourage the emergency depart- first responders and our “If they weren’t in the poll book, they has been proven false. everyone to consider get- ment, medical intensive community’s most vulner- were sent to us to make sure that they The GOP and Trump administration has ting vaccinated. Talk to care unit, as well as those able citizens, I am making were at the right location or maybe they sued states for what they deem to be an your doctor. Get edu- at greater risk of exposure my plans known today in were registered in a different county,” unlawful election, despite the victories of cated.” to COVID-19. an effort to help others said Campbell. “There were plenty of incumbent Sens. Mitch McConnell, Lind- Officials hope the vac- Communities of color have the same confidence people who had come to us who weren't sey Graham, Thom Tillis and other Re- cine will help slow the have been hit harder phys- in the science.” even in the right county.” publican candidates on the ballot. spread of the virus, as ically and economically by Novant Health has not re- Those voters were turned away. “Our election processes are good and cases continue to rise ac- the virus’s impact. Even ceived the vaccine yet, and “I definitely felt sorrow for people but there has never been widespread voter ross the state, as well as with the arrival of a vac- is approved to distribute it tried to give them really good advice on fraud in North Carolina as far as we know the country. The vaccine is cine, deep-rooted distrust at its what they could do and tell them what and it’s been secure every single year,” also expected to help still exists between Black Forsyth Medical Center, their options were,” said Campbell. “They Grant said. “Obviously the pandemic and lessen the effects of the Americans and the medical Presbyterian Medical know for next time.” things of that nature threw a wrench and virus should someone con- community. Charlotte Center and Brunswick Campbell believes more people have we had to adapt but we were kinda happy tract it. Mayor Vi Lyles teamed up Medical Center. Novant become comfortable with early voting but with the way things turned out.” Atrium Health has the with Novant Health in an Health intends to admin- isn’t positive absentee ballots will be as Dickerson is hopeful that in the next Pfizer vaccine, which re- effort to encourage people ister vaccines from its popular in future elections because of is- election cycle people will be more trust- ports 95% efficacy in pre- of color to get the vaccine screening assessment sues with the United States Postal Service. ing of the process and the people who venting COVID-19 among when it is available. centers and community ac- She requested an absentee ballot but help make it possible. those with no display of “As a leader, and a per- cess clinics to ensure un- chose to vote early in-person. “None of this is done without the vol- previous infection. Mod- son of color, I believe it’s derserved communities Noah Grant, the election communica- unteers and the precinct officials and the erna’s vaccine is pending important to declare my have access. The state will tion specialist for the State Board of Elec- early voting workers that do the job,” he FDA approval, and has re- commitment to get the provide Novant Health tions, wants voters to know that there is said. “They put their lives on the line to ported 94.5% efficacy in vaccine because I am con- with 7,000 doses in the a trusted process to elections. make sure that we all had a safe and ac- trials. fident that it is safe and first round of distribution. “We always do audits and there are sev- curate election day.” Atrium Health’s first will be effective,” Lyles 3A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 17, 2020 4A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 17, 2020 Challenge with distant and virtual learning during COVID-19 crisis By Stacy M. Brown ator of SkillScouter.com, with all kinds of families, NATIONAL NEWSPAPER which aims to help poten- including Black and brown tial students find their families. Here is some of PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION learning paths via online what I’m seeing,” she said. Students, teachers, par- learning platforms. “The challenges that ents, and administrators “However, the solution these families are facing face ever-rising challenges might not be as inclusive, aren’t necessarily due to as the coronavirus pan- especially for people of their skin color – but be- demic continues to force color in other parts of the cause their skin color changes in how young world,” he said. “This is be- makes them much more TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST people receive their educa- cause not everyone is priv- likely to be in another cat- The former owners and management of Lake Arbor Apartments on Tuckaseegee Road tion. ileged for such amenities. egory of marginalization. settled a lawsuit brought by residents who alleged they were evicted for complaining The challenges are par- Some areas across the “For example, lower so- about uninhabitable living conditions. ticularly pronounced in the globe are still not intro- cioeconomic status or non- African American com- duced to the concept of the Native English speakers. If munity, where access to internet. assignments and instruc- the internet, working par- “Aside from this, having tions are not being pro- Lake Arbor Apartment ents, and a haphazard devices such as laptops vided in the parents’ native learning model have un- and phones for learning language, then there is dermined pre-pandemic are not cheap and easily much less parent participa- owners settle lawsuit gains. accessible. Because of this, tion and follow up for Education experts have more practical options are school and assignments. If By Herbert L. White Rental Agreements Act. The defen- agreed that when students chosen by parents like a child is in a lower socio- [email protected] dants – who didn’t make repairs to the of color in underserved spending their money in economic category, then The former owners and managers of property – denied those allegations schools must go to food and sustenance, they are less likely to have Lake Arbor Apartments have settled a and claimed that they did nothing blended or fully remote rather than education.” high-speed internet or a lawsuit brought by former residents wrong or illegal. learning models, the digital As the pandemic shuts device to use even to ac- who alleged they were evicted for “Landlords and property managers divide gets broader, more most people in for what cess the lessons. I know complaining the property was unin- are legally obligated to keep units in a profoundly affecting them. promises to be a long, cold, the Philadelphia School habitable. fit and habitable condition and make Their school attendance and socially distant winter, District had to get a grant The defendants – Lake Arbor Dean timely repairs of all violations noted plummets, along with their families are suffering, of- to purchase tens of thou- TIC, Lake Arbor 80M TIC, Broad Man- by local housing inspectors,” said Ju- understanding of the cur- fered Dr. Karen Aronian of sands of Chromebooks agement Group and Wellington Advi- lian Wright, an attorney at Robinson ricula, their motivation to Aronian Education Design and the like.” sors – agreed to pay $547,500, to Bradshaw, which represented the learn, and subsequently LLC. According to a recent close the complaint filed in Mecklen- plaintiffs. “Continuing to collect rent their grades. “Without a doubt, people Duke University panel at burg County Superior Court. The suit while failing to make such repairs can “The digital divide again of color are our most vul- the school’s Samuel DuBois alleged Lake Arbor officials violated itself violate the law, subjecting the doubly impacts these stu- nerable populations. Spe- Cook Center on Social local housing code and state con- landlords to the possibility of treble dents, as it completely cial-needs education Equity, many Black and sumer protection laws between 2015 damages and attorneys’ fees.” stops our tutoring with al- students in isolated rural brown individuals face and 2019 by illegally collecting rent Lake Arbor was the focus of city most all of our school part- communities, those who challenges that affect their without addressing dangerous living code inspectors after residents com- ners,” said Richard Kaplan, are homeless, and food in- and educators’ ability to conditions at the complex on Tucka- plained of violations of health and the executive director of secure, are in dire educa- resume in-person educa- seegee Road. When residents com- safety rules. City of Charlotte Code IvyTutorsNetwork.com, a tion straits,” Aronian said. tion safely. plained, the complaint alleged, they Enforcement reported 91 complaints New York City Department She noted that some re- The panel concluded that were evicted before the owners sold from 2017-19, ranging from broken of Education-approved ports have revealed that the issue is a double-edged the property in April to New York- air conditioners to mold in apart- vendor that teaches stu- the pandemic has forced sword because wealth in- based URS Capital Partners. ments. Duke Energy turned off elec- dents in multiple under- students to lose as much equity also makes it harder “These landlords kept taking the tricity to some units and the U.S. served public and charter as 50% of their academic for these communities to rent and taking the rent, all the while Postal Service refused to deliver mail schools in the Bronx, Har- growth in math, at least 30 learn remotely. refusing to fix serious safety prob- to broken mailboxes. lem, and Bedford Stuyve- percent of ELA, and per- The average Black house- lems in tenants’ units, as found by the United Way of Central Carolinas sant. haps a full school year of hold in North Carolina, city,” former Lake Arbor tenant and raised more than $267,000 to help “Given that the schools academic growth in some where the panel convened, class plaintiff Serita Russell said in a residents make the transition to new are struggling to pay for cases. is about $800,000 less in statement. “It’s about time they were homes, while the city of Charlotte and provide the most basic “Strain, struggle, and net worth than the average called to account. I’m glad the lawsuit gave $75,000 and Mecklenburg teaching during the pan- hardship abound in com- white home. was settled, and I hope other land- County chipped in $850,000 in finan- demic and, further, admin- munities of color, which According to the Public lords take this as a lesson on what cial assistance. istrators now lack the carries over into family life School Forum of North Car- happens when a landlord cares more Former tenants who believe they are budget for outside tutors, and lack of hope,” Aronian olina, 72% of Black and about making money than the safety entitled to funds from the settlement we have been unable to said. brown students in the of its tenants.” should visit the Charlotte Center for help. “Children’s education be- state’s public schools have The complaint alleged the Lake Legal Advocacy website to fill out a “We are no longer al- comes secondary to the parents who lack secure Arbor’s owners and managers vio- contact form in English or Spanish or lowed in the classrooms basic needs of a home and employment, compared lated North Carolina’s Unfair and De- leave a voicemail at (704) 376-1600 for health reasons, and the family. The traditional in- with 21% of white students. ceptive Trade Practices Act, Unfair extension 524. students – many of them person school has been, That equates to lower- Debt Collections Act, and Residential homeless – lack reliable In- for many children, a res- wealth households having ternet connections or suit- pite from home life, family had less access to opportu- able devices for effective problems, and dysfunc- nities for higher-quality remote sessions,” Kaplan tion. Without school, edu- education and access to remarked. cation has fallen off the post-secondary studies, “For some, fully remote radar in homes where sur- education officials said. JCSU, tech giant join forces for actually means they might vival is first, and education Further, Education Week as well be in Tahiti or Tim- is a much lower rung dur- reported that in-person buktu, inaccessible to ef- ing COVID times.” learning yields superior community coding initiative fective teaching and all but The pandemic has espe- educational outcomes for forgotten.” cially been tough on mar- primary and secondary By Ashley Mahoney education and Tennessee “We are grateful to Apple State University HBCU C2 for this collaboration The distance learning ginalized communities, students — and that the [email protected] scheme or the online including those with spe- pitfalls of virtual instruc- initiatives. JCSU’s addition which will provide essen- Johnson C. Smith Univer- was announced as part of tial workforce devel- classes method of teaching cial needs, added Lisa tion are especially pro- sity is partnering with are good strategies in re- Lightner, of A Day in Our nounced in minority Computer Science Educa- opment to the students of Apple to become a com- tion Week, which will also Johnson C. Smith Univer- ducing physical contact Shoes, an organization that communities and those liv- munity center for coding and helps limit the spread advocates on behalf of spe- ing in poverty. include North Carolina sity,” JCSU President Clar- and creativity. HBCUs Shaw University ence Armbrister said in a of the virus, asserted Lewis cial education. The collaboration is part Keegan, owner and oper- “I have been chatting and Saint Augustine’s Uni- of the Apple community versity. Please see JCSU | 5A

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FATS, OILS, GREASE & WIPES 5A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 17, 2020 « PEOPLE OF NOTE Jim Crow’s impact is still “Extra” television corre- fostering an inclusive envi- ficer. He left CMS in 2017 spondent and Miss USA ronment by interviewing to become chief operations 2019 Cheslie Kryst has diverse internship candi- officer and senior ex- been named North Char- dates through the firm’s ecutive director of student alive in North Carolina lotte-based law firm involvement in the NCBA assignment with Guilford Poyner Spruill’s first diver- Minorities in the Profession County Schools. Unbelievable when you Assembly from 1865 blacks to vote. But in its sity advisor. program and the Charlotte The school board voted think about it, how North through 1920. The lists in- implementation, even the The presti- Legal Diversity Clerkship. to create the position in Carolina maintained its clude numerous laws most literate blacks failed gious law firm • Konata Edwards has 2019 and a national search segregated and discrim- passed before the 1890s the tests imposed by com- is one of the joined WFAE radio as a pro- began in 2020. inatory racial system for that restricted blacks or munity voting officials country’s old- ducer. • Charlotte-Mecklenburg such a long time. The rem- discriminated against who were, of course, all est, its roots Edwards, who will edit Schools named Melissa nants of what is com- them. white. tracing back stories and plan segments Roy principal at Barnette monly called While having separate With respect to jury par- to the 1800s. for the local Elementary and Kathleen “Jim Crow” schools for blacks and ticipation by blacks, Pas- Kryst Kryst, a law- “All Things Sunseri executive director are still with whites was not controver- chal found no racial yer by profes- Considered” of federal programs. us, a daily re- sial in the time after the restrictions in the law, but sion, is a Charlotte native. broadcast, has Roy had been assistant minder of the Civil War, unequal funding blacks rarely were allowed “I am honored to return worked in principal at horrors of the was a continuing blight. to serve. “The lack of Afri- to the firm where I pre- radio, televi- Francis Brad- past. For instance, local com- can Americans in the jury viously served as a sion, podcast- ley Middle A new book, munities had the power box worked to the det- member of the litigation ing and sports since 2014 D.G. “Jim Crow in and responsibility for es- riment of the black com- North Caro- tablishing and funding munity and black criminal team," said Kryst who was Edwards websites, in- and was assis- MARTIN a member of the 90-attor- cluding Queen tant principal lina: The schools, supposedly on an defendants for decades. ney firm’s litigation team City Podcast Network, at Hickory Legislative equal basis. But one The racial incitement of before being crowned Miss ESPN and WFNZ. He is a Grove Ele- Program from 1865 to method approved by the the white supremacy cam- USA. “This role will allow graduate of Carolina Roy mentary from 1920,” by Richard A. Pas- legislature provided that paigns created a chasm be- me to provide guidance on School of Broadcasting. 2011-14 and chal helps us understand the white schools would be tween legal text and the diversity and inclusion, • Brian Bambauer has River Gate Elementary the impact of Jim Crow on funded by taxes on white application and operation using my previous experi- been named principal at from 2010-11. She earned North Carolina. It cata- people and black schools of the law, as local officials ence serving as a member Levine Middle College High a master’s degree in educa- logues and summarizes would be funded by taxes tilted the playing field of the firm’s Diversity and after holding the same po- tional leadership from race-based laws passed by on “colored persons.” In decisively against the Inclusion Committee, my sition at Randolph IB Mid- Winthrop University in the General Assembly from 1885 the N. C. Supreme state’s African American studies earning an under- dle since Rock Hill, S.C. the end of the Civil War Court recognized the dis- population.” graduate degree with a 2014. Sunseri had been director until 1920. crimination and struck In his conclusion Paschal focus in human resources Bambauer of advanced Paschal, a Raleigh lawyer down the plan. writes, “In order to fully and my Master of Business was principal studies since who holds a graduate de- Paschal asserts that understand the shadow Administration degree, at Lansdowne 2018 and was gree in history, argues that many of the Jim Crow re- that Jim Crow continues to and my various experi- IB Elementary math curricu- it was not so much the strictions and much of the cast over us today, it is ences speaking nationwide from 2011-14 lum coordi- laws on the books that subjugation of blacks were necessary to know how os- about diversity, equity, and Rama nator for brought about and main- not solely “de jure,” that is, tensibly democratic gov- tained the segregated and mandated by specific laws. ernment at all levels and in and inclusion.” Bambauer Road Elemen- Project Lead- In her new role, Kryst’s tary from ership and In- oppressive system some- Much of Jim Crow came all places used law to ad- times branded as “Jim about without specific vance white interests while job is to advance Poyner 2007-11; assistant princi- Sunseri vestment For Spruill’s diversity and in- pal at Hickory Grove Ele- Transfor- Crow.” More important, he legislation. disadvantaging the inter- clusion goals. Her role will mentary from 2004-07 and mation (L.I.F.T.) from 2016- says, were the longstand- Even the most blatant re- ests of African Americans also see her working along- principal intern at Eastover 18. ing community standards sult of the 1898 and 1900 and other minorities.” side the multidisciplinary Elementary from 2003-04. She was also interim and customs and the allo- white supremacy cam- He might have added law firm’s Diversity and In- • Scott McCully, who principal in 2015, assistant cation of community re- paigns, the disenfranchise- that in too many places it clusion Committee. served as Charlotte-Meck- principal from 2012-15 sources by the dominating ment of blacks, was is still happening. Kryst’s practice at the lenburg Schools’ executive and dean of students from white power structure. accomplished by imple- D.G. Martin hosts “North firm previously focused on director of planning and 2011-12 at North Mecklen- Paschal challenges the mentation of a literacy re- Carolina Bookwatch,” Sun- civil litigation and she was student placement from burg High School, as well views of respected histo- quirement for voting. day 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday also active in assisting with 2000-17, is the district’s as a teacher at Garinger rians such as C. Vann Paschal points out that a at 5 p.m. on UNC-TV. The diversifying its ranks and first chief compliance of- High from 2008-11. Woodward, whose classic significant number of program also airs on the book, “The Strange Career blacks were literate. The North Carolina Channel of Jim Crow,” argued that, law permitted literate Tuesday at 8 p.m. even under slavery, the two races had not been as JCSU partners with tech giant divided as they were under the Jim Crow laws of the Continued from page 4A industry.” will provide JCSU with late 1890s and afterwards. Apple will provide pro- equipment and additional Further, Woodward said statement. “The partner- fessional development professional development. that during Reconstruc- ship will not only advance training for JCSU faculty Apple launched its com- tion, there was significant the coding industry by di- through their community munity education initiative racial mixing in economic versifying the future talent education initiative learn- in 2019 and has been and political matters. The pool of tech candidates, ing series, where teachers working with Tennessee segregating of the races, he but it will also allow the will learn coding and app State the last two years to wrote, was a relative new- university to serve as a development. In addition, establish and expand comer to the region. coding hub to the Char- they will also have access HBCU C2 to bring coding The core of Paschal’s lotte community. We are to Apple’s curriculum, and creative opportunities book is his lists of laws excited to help lead the which features Swift pro- to over 100 Black colleges. passed by the N. C. General way for change in the tech graming language. Apple

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© 2020 Regions Bank. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank. 6A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 17, 2020 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost Hope vaccine beats COVID-19 The Voice of the Black Community We have been in various those of us who have pre- Hispanics. of Black people’s human Gerald O. Johnson | CEO/PUBLISHER phases of lockdown and existing conditions will re- Many of us remember the dignity”, said Dr. Reed shutdown since March. ceive it. In the coming Tuskegee Syphilis Experi- Tuckson, co-founder of the [email protected] Our movements have been months, those in the gen- ment. A partnership with Black Coalition Against inhibited and our lifestyles eral population will receive the Public Health Service in COVID-19. He added: Robert L. Johnson | PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER have been re-arranged. the vaccine. Reports say 1931 was formed to ex- “There is a history of in- [email protected] Wearing a mask has be- that children under sixteen amine the progression of sults that have occurred in come a no- years of age will be the last syphilis in African Ameri- health care for people of Herbert L. White | EDITOR IN CHIEF brainer. to receive it. can men. The men were color.” Going into a A survey given recently misguided, and treatment However, Dr. Anthony [email protected] store auto- revealed that 63% of us was not administered. As a Fauci said: “It would be Published weekly by The Charlotte Post Publishing Company matically would be willing to take result, Black men and their doubly tragic that the lin- Inc., 5118 Princess Street, Charlotte, NC 28269 (USPS #965500). means that the vaccine. That number families received a settle- gering effects of that pre- Subscription is $65 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Char- we must gives me pause. Maybe we ment of 10 million dollars. vent you from doing lotte, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Charlotte practice so- are concerned about how This injustice in healthcare something so important.” Post, PO Box 30144, Charlotte, NC 28230 JAMES cial distanc- quickly the vaccine was has not been forgotten. Even while we have the ing. That is made. Arguably, this vac- African Americans have vaccine now, there will be EWERS just the way cine came on the scene not had adequate health- other hurdles to jump. it is. rather quickly. Usually, it care coupled with a reti- First, the distribution to The month of December does take some time for re- cence about going to the hospitals and healthcare has always been celebrated search and testing in order doctor. This is especially facilities will be crucial. It as the holiday season. The to come up with a vaccine. true for Black men. I go to will be also important to The other good vaccine is now here as well. Researchers counter and the doctor however there have both doses four The CDC advisers voted to say they have been work- are many who will just not weeks apart so that the recommend Pfizer/BioN- ing on this vaccine for go. medication will work. We news from 2020 Tech COVID-19 vaccine in years. “The Black community’s know that COVID-19 does the United States. Dr. Rob- As we know from the be- distrust of the nation’s not play favorites. It strikes ert Redfield, director of the ginning, African Americans medical establishment is all of us, sometimes with- election cycle CDC signed off on it Sun- have been hit the hardest rooted in a long record of out much warning. This day. According to reports, with COVID-19. A study by mistreatment. The late trail of destruction must While President Donald Trump continues to hog the first shipments of the the Pew Research Center 1900’s were defined by stop. The science says this media attention with his dishonest “stolen elec- vaccine happened on late said that of 12,648 adults medical breakthroughs in vaccine can stop it. tion” claims, we should devote some attention to Sunday. surveyed only 42% of Afri- the medical community James Ewers, a Johnson the good news that a diverse group of young pro- First responders will be can Americans would con- but many of these experi- C. Smith University gradu- gressive leaders were elected to office all across the first in line to receive sider taking the vaccine. ments and discoveries ate, lives in New Orleans. the country this year. the vaccine. After which This compares to 63% of were made at the expense People For the American Way’s Next Up Victory Fund supports young progressive candidates who demonstrate leadership ability and a commitment to making positive change. Since 2017 we have helped more than 300 promising and accomplished young progres- sives get elected to state and local office. This year, some of our endorsed candidates were running for office BEN for the first time. Some were run- JEALOUS ning for reelection. Some were step- ping up to a position of greater responsibility. A majority were women, and more than two-thirds were Black, in- digenous, or people of color. Eighty-five of them will be serving their communities in public office next year, and some of them will be helping to lead our nation in the years ahead. Here are a few of the 2020 success stories that can give us all hope for a brighter future. Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott was elected the city’s youngest mayor since 1904. He was first elected to the city council in 2011 when he was just 27 years old—and he had al- ready built a record of community service work. Next Up endorsed Scott in the primary election based on his record of fighting for better schools, working to end gun violence, and improving opportunities and wages for working families. Christian Menefee became the first Black person and the youngest person ever elected as District Attorney in Harris County, Texas. Harris County’s population is greater than the population of more than half the states. Next Up endorsed Menefee as part of a slate of candidates committed to stop- ping unjust police killings of civilians and pro- tecting Black and brown communities through greater accountability for law enforcement. In Florida, Nancy Metayer was elected to the Coral Springs City Commission. An environmen- tal scientist and public health advocate, Metayer is the first Black woman and only the second Black person to serve on the commission in the city’s history. In North Carolina, Ricky Hurtado became the first Latino Democrat to be elected to the state legislature and Nida Allam was elected to the Dur- ham County Commission, making her the first Muslim woman elected to any office in the state. Rebecca Mitchell was part of the success story Stop by the deli in Georgia this year. She was elected to House District 106, unseating the powerful Republican House Ways and Means Committee chairman. In addition to the importance of putting a di- at your local store or verse group of talented people in office, the ex- citement generated by these candidates can have “upballot” effects—boosting congressional and presidential candidates by increasing turnout. Ac- visit foodlion.com/catering cording to TIME, part of the story in Georgia this year, where Next Up endorsed 17 candidates was “unprecedented youth voter turnout.” The success of so many young progressive leaders is a hopeful affirmation that America’s future does not belong to white supremacists or politicians who try to delegitimize and disenfranchise Black voters. Our future belongs to Ameri- cans who embrace our destiny as a diverse, multiracial, multicultural democracy. 20 NEW OPTIONS We all know that everyone doesn’t share that vision. Some are fighting it tooth and nail. One of the most harmful legacies of the Trump era is the way that he energized extremists and created a climate in which people could feel comfortable AVAILABLE! expressing their bigotry. Those are all reasons why it is so important that we invest in young people who have a clear sense Family-sized & ready-to-serve with utensils, plates & sauces. of where we are, where we need to go, and what it will take to get us there. We can’t wait to see the great things these young winners will accomplish in the years ahead. Ben Jealous is president of People For the Amer- ican Way and People For the American Way Foun- dation.

Visit us online: thecharlottepost.com Follow us The Charlotte Post PAGE 7A Sports THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

CAROLINA PANTHERS The Carolina Panthers, who fell to 4-9 after Sunday’s 32-27 loss to Denver, have lost seven one-score games in 2020 when the Panthers had a chance to tie or go ahead in the final four minutes. Carolina coach Matt Rhule defended quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is 3-9 as the Panthers’ starter after signing a three-year $63 million deal. These struggles are real The Carolina Panthers and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater are still fumbling to win close games late By Steve Reed minutes remaining and a chance to help water’s long-term future as the Panthers “I don’t think he is going to be successful

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS his team tie or take the lead — starting quarterback. So far, in two minutes if he gets sacked on the Thirteen games into the season and the only to come up short. he’s 3-9 as a starter after sign- first play. I don’t think he is going to be Carolina Panthers are still trying to figure “It’s going to continue to ing a three-year, $63 million successful if we have drops. I think that all

out how to win close games. bother you until you actually contract this offseason. us have to continue to work together to im- The Panthers botched another great op- excel in that situation,” Panthers first-year coach prove,” Rhule said. “We were down by 15 portunity Sunday when they couldn’t pick Bridgewater said. “If we could Matt Rhule threw his support and he brought us back and they scored up a first down on their final possession, just become a better situa- behind Bridgewater, saying he again. So really, at the end of the day, he“ turning the ball over on downs and losing tional football team, starting “absolutely” believes he can scored a bunch of points in the fourth 32-27 to the Denver Broncos. with me, I think we could re- Bridgewater Rhule be the guy to help Carolina quarter. I thought he was fantastic It marked the seventh game this season ally do some great things.” build a winning program — throughout the entire fourth quarter.” where quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has But the great things haven’t happened so but he quickly added that the quarterback But again, Bridgewater couldn’t close the had the ball in his hands with less than 4 far, raising some questions about Bridge- can’t do it alone. Please see PANTHERS | 8A It’s going to continue to bother you until you actually excel in that situation. If we could just become a better situational football team, starting with me, I think we could really do some great things. “ Carolina Panthers quarterback TEDDY BRIDGEWATER LaMelo Expansion flashes his side preps on potential in new timeline By Ashley Mahoney [email protected] preseason Charlotte FC’s one-year anniversary is al- most here. Ball shows Hornets a There is still more to come from the Major League Soccer club, which takes the pitch in willingness to facilitate 2022. Sources confirm Nick Kelly will be named president after six years with An- and involve teammates heuser-Busch InBev. Kelly’s most recent posi- By Herbert L. White CHARLOTTE HORNETS tion was vice president for partnerships, beer [email protected] Charlotte Hornets rookie guard LaMelo Ball, right, with teammates Miles Bridges and Bismack culture and community. He is also familiar LaMelo Ball didn’t need to score to make Biyombo, earned raves from Charlotte coach James Borrego and Toronto’s Nick Nurse for his with the Charlotte area, spending 2011-14 in a point in his Hornets’ debut. passing and decision-making in his NBA preseason debut Charlotte with NASCAR. There will be plenty The first-round pick – taken third overall of time to talk about Kelly. For now, travel – led Charlotte with 10 rebounds and four “Good start – I liked what I saw there,” mentality. That puts your defense under back in time to a rainy Tuesday morning in assists in the Hornets’ 111-100 preseason coach James Borrego said. “Their pressure some duress getting back. I thought he han- December 2019. loss to Toronto Saturday. Sure, the game picked up and we didn’t respond appropri- dled the ball well. I think he had a bunch of Who knew the first year would throw so didn’t count, but it had meaning for Ball and ately. These are the growing pains that rebounds, that shows a guy who has a many challenges at the fledgling club, whose the Hornets, who hadn’t played competi- we’re going to go through early. I saw some knack for the ball and anticipation, kind of inaugural season was pushed back due to the tively in more than nine months. good stuff, we’ve got a lot to clean up. We’ll understands the game a little bit because COVID-19 pandemic. Everything seemed “It definitely felt good being out there,” add as we go, but it was good to see our he can anticipate those.” bright and filled with promise as MLS Com- Ball said. “I haven’t played in a minute, so guys play and compete out there for the Ball, one of the biggest names in the draft missioner Don Garber named Charlotte as the it was definitely a blessing to get back out first time.” class as well as being in the conversation as 30th franchise at the Mint Museum Uptown there and play, and slowly building chem- Count Raptors coach Nick Nurse im- its best player, said he didn’t feel any extra on Dec. 17, 2019. They announced their first istry with the team. It was nice out there.” pressed, too. scrutiny once he took the floor. The spot- hire in Sporting Director Zoran Krneta on New The Hornets were plagued by turnovers – “My first impressions were that he was light that goes with being a lottery pick with Year’s Eve. Charlotte’s biggest hurdles head- Charlotte finished with 23 giveaways – pretty good,” Nurse said. “He certainly has the expectation of transforming the Hornets ing into 2020 looked like the necessary reno- which Toronto turned into points, which a feel for the game and a unique passing el- isn’t where his focus is fixed. vations to make Bank of America Stadium was the deciding factor. After nine months ement to his game that forces transition. He “I wouldn’t say pressure,” Ball said of his soccer friendly and ironing out the deal with away from the court, there’s plenty to work really zips it up ahead, even when there is 16 minutes of playing time. “It’s just bas- the city of Charlotte for the club’s headquar- on. not something there, just because that is his Please see BALL |8A Please see FLEDGLING | 8A West Meck alum Dyami Brown a semifinalist for top pass-catcher By Ashleigh Fields ceiver regardless of position. played in 10 games with the FOR THE CHARLOTTE POST No Tar Heel has won the Tar Heels, including six Over the course of two award in its 26-year history starts, with 17 receptions for years, Dyami Brown has laid and Brown is the program’s 173 yards and a touchdown. the foundation for an im- first semifinalist. As a sophomore, Brown pactful legacy with North DeVonta Smith of Alabama, started all 13 games and his Carolina football. Amari Rodgers of Clemson yards per catch average was The junior from Charlotte and Kyle Pitts of Florida are third-best in UNC history. He has earned a among his competition. had at least one receiving nomination for Three finalists will be an- touchdown in five straight the Biletnikoff nounced on Dec. 22, and the games to close out the sea- Award named trophy will be presented dur- son and set a single-season after Florida ing The Home Depot College school record with a scoring State alumnus Football Awards on Jan. 7, reception in 10 games to and Pro Foot- 2021. earn ACC receiver of the ball Hall of Brown (6-2, 180 pounds) week twice and third team Fame inductee graduated from West Meck- All-ACC. Brown PHOTO | JEFFREY A. CAMARATI Fred Biletnikoff lenburg High ranked as the Fans can participate in the which honors college foot- state’s top receiver in his voting at https://biletnikof- North Carolina receiver Dyami Brown, a West Mecklenburg High graduate, is a finalist for ball’s most outstanding re- class. As a freshman, he faward.com/fan-vote. the Biletnikoff Award given to college football’s top pass-catcher. 8A SPORTS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 17, 2020 Fledgling Charlotte FC Panthers fumble a light on signings, heavy chance to snatch win on creating infrastructure Continued from page 7A were plays that were not good enough plays Continued from page 7A their own elite system, which would of- deal. to win the game.” ters. The club has 10,000 season ticket ficially become known as MLS NEXT in The final drive was a disaster. And those are the type of plays that have deposits for 31,000 seats at the 75,000- September. Charlotte’s academy teams After scoring on three consecutive drives, resulted in the Panthers (4-9) losing seven of seat facility. began training over the summer and the Panthers appeared to be in good shape their last eight games. The club announced six more hires competing in September. Additional after getting the ball at their own 27 with 2:48 “It comes down to us making the plays by March 11 – seven if you count our academy announcements filtered in left in the game and down 32-27. But Bridge- when the plays matter,” Rhule said. “We just scoop on Jorge Herrea retiring from the following the unveiling of the club water took a 6-yard sack on first down and have to execute. There is not much else to say Charlotte Independence to join the MLS name in July. Lock was named head completed an 8-yard pass inbounds on sec- other than that. We have to get the job done. franchise in a community role. Addi- coach of the U-17 side and Simpson the ond down. We took a sack. Just a bunch of mistakes. We tional personnel included naming Marc U-14 head coach. That’s when a chaotic situation ensued with have to play better when it matters. Nicholls as technical director, former Charlotte also announced the hire of the Panthers rushed to the line to get a play But Rhule said he’s not giving up on this Charlotte Eagles striker Dustin Swine- former Charlotte Eagle and Charlotte off before the 2-minute warning — one that team and building for the future. hart as director of community engage- Soccer Academy Technical Director resulted in an costly incompletion. “I’m going to keep coming to work and keep ment, Thomas Schaling as director of Patrick Daka, who was named the head Rhule, who didn’t have any timeouts at his fighting, scratching and clawing to get guys scouting, Dan Lock as academy man- of individual development and the U- disposal, said he never wanted that play run to understand that what you do really mat- ager, Mark Simpson as head of analyt- 12/13 head coach. Charlotte 49ers and would have preferred for the clock to run ters,” Rhule said, “You say, ‘Oh, my bad.’ You ics and Tiffany Blackmon, previously goalkeeper coach and Charlotte native down to the 2-minute warning and get reor- can only say that so many times. ... Even of NFL Network, as the club’s host and Brian Edwards joined them as the acad- ganized. when it seems mundane or even when it producer. They also announced that emy goalkeeper coach, while maintain- After the timeout, Bridgewater, facing seems trivial, you have to go do your job for they would participate in the U.S. Soc- ing his position with the 49ers. Things fourth-and-8, was forced out of the pocket us to win. That’s where we are. I don’t believe cer Development Academy, which the went quiet in August, but with MLS and threw underneath the coverage to Curtis in panic. I don’t believe in huge, huge, huge U.S. Soccer Federation dissolved on NEXT kicking off in September, hires Samuel, who was tackled for a 1-yard gain, changes in the middle of the season. I think April 15. continued. Herrera also joined the turning the ball over on downs. you go through the season and you try to do Then the world turned upside down academy side as an assistant. Karyn La- “Maybe he’s thinking [Samuel] outruns him what you do better.” on March 12 when the MLS pressed torre and Devon Manifold joined the and it’s a first down,” Rhule said. “But those pause on its 25th season due to COVID- club in late September as head athletic 19. Despite the lack of action on the trainer and head of performance re- pitch, Charlotte was still scheduled to spectively. commence play in 2021, which meant October proved another signature pandemic or not, they had an organi- month with the signing of Australian zation to build. They added renowned midfielder Riley McGree on Oct. 5. He scout Steve Walsh as a senior advisor. is spending his time on loan in the sec- Ball earns raves from coaches For a club looking for a head coach in ond division English Football League a short period, Walsh’s experience in Championship with Birmingham City. whole life.” Continued from page 7A up there a little bit, so we didn’t England as a scout with Chelsea, New- He became the first Australian A- As much as Ball made an im- ketball, so I go out there and play. push any more minutes on him, castle United, assistant manager and League player to be nominated for the pression as facilitator, it was his How would I rate my perform- but I thought overall it was a solid head of recruitment at Hull City, direc- FIFA Puskas Award, which recognizes rebounding that really stood out. ance? Not well, just because we performance to start.” tor of football at Everton and assistant the most beautiful goal regardless of At 6-8, Ball mixed it up on the lost. Whenever we lose, I don’t As much as Ball’s passing and manager with Leicester City gave him league or division. McGree was nomi- boards, something that wasn’t rate my performance well.” vision were cited through the first plenty of experience. However, Char- nated for the 2018 award for his scor- necessarily considered a strength Borrego was more upbeat, citing week of training camp, he consid- lotte does not expect to name their in- pion kick goal, which he scored while before the draft. To get into tran- Ball’s passing and communica- ered his debut as doing what’s augural head coach until next summer. on loan with the Newcastle Jets. sition, he reasoned, you need to tion skills as worthy of praise. necessary to succeed. His ability April consisted of adding more An alternate logo was introduced in have possession of the ball. “It was a good performance,” to get the ball to open teammates pieces to the staff. Bobby Belair, previ- October through a mural on The Brick- “Definitely just try to get it and Borrego said. “First time out there, was noticeable in transition, an ously of Atlanta United, joined as the yard in South End painted by artists get out,” Ball said. “So obviously, he looks like he belongs. Ten re- area the Hornets are determined director of player personnel with re- Matt Moore and Matt Hooker. if you get the first rebound then bounds and four assists. I to improve upon. sponsibilities that include overseeing The month concluded with a historic it’s easier to get out than having thought he was solid tonight and “Growing up, always, was fast- salary budget. The club also unveiled moment for the academy sides when to wait on everyone to come back made some really good plays, paced,” Ball said. “Pass to the man the rest of the scouting team: Lisandro they played a rivalry match against At- and get another rebound.” good reads. He’s talking, and he’s in front. Just knowing how to play Isei, Davor Brasanc and Vincent van lanta United at Bank of America Sta- communicating. He got dinged like that really I carried it on my Raam, who would rely heavily on video dium on Halloween. and data analysis to assess players City Council unanimously approved across the globe. plans to redevelop the former Eastland July was the most significant month. Mall area, transforming the former Spanish midfielder Sergio Ruiz became shopping center site into a public-pri- their inaugural signing, joining the club vate partnership with Tepper Sports on July 8 with the announcement of his and Entertainment to place the acad- loan to Las Palmas in Spain’s second di- emy headquarters there. The vote au- vision in September. Then the league thorized City Manager Marcus Jones to announced on July 17 that Charlotte’s negotiate and establish terms with TSE debut would be delayed until 2022. for reimbursement for costs associated Charlotte MLS became Charlotte FC on with improvements for MLS at Bank of July 22. Then their attention shifted to America Stadium and the Eastland Mall the academy. site. Reimbursement will come from For the first two weeks of April, the hospitality funds, and may not exceed DA still existed and Charlotte an- an aggregate of $35 million. The vote nounced an academy structure consist- also approved setting terms for agree- ing of two full-time teams with ments, such as leases and licenses, under-17 and U-14 sides, as well as a with TSE for bringing MLS to Charlotte, Charlotte Discovery Program open to and collaborating on a vision for the U-12 and U-13 players. Then the DA area surrounding Bank of America Sta- dissolved, and MLS stepped in with dium. MLS chief: Pandemic put big

CURTIS WILSON | THE CHARLOTTE POST Johnson C. Smith's Brayboy Gym has a different look with improvements to the floor shared by men's hole in league’s bottom line and women's basketball and volleyball. By Ashley Mahoney part by unexpected expenses. Charter- [email protected] ing flights to every game was among Historic Brayboy Gym court upgrade Charlotte FC was not discussed at the expenses incurred, which is not length during Major League Soccer’s part of the league’s current collective state of the league address. bargaining agreement with the MLS When Commissioner Don Garber ad- Players Association. The CBA, which shows off more wood and less paint dressed the media on Dec. 8, he con- went into effect in February and runs By Ashley Mahoney changes include a pushed back 3-point arc be- firmed the league’s 30th franchise through Jan. 31, 2025, required an in- [email protected] cause of the NCAA mandate for men’s basketball, would kick off its inaugural season in crease in charter flights from eight legs Home court has a new look for the Johnson C. which is now 21 feet, 1 3/4 inches. 2022. The league announced in July the in the 2020 regular season to 16 by Smith Golden Bulls. “It was time,” Joyner said. “We needed to get in club’s inaugural season would be de- 2024. Clubs must use charter air travel The school’s remote fall semester offered time and make some repairs and clean the floor up a layed a year due to the COVID-19 pan- for playoff matches as well as for Con- necessary to update Brayboy Gym’s floor, as stu- little bit. The university was very good about al- demic. cacaf Champions League matches re- dents were not on campus due to the COVID-19 lowing us to come in and resurface the entire “Charlotte will begin play in 2022 and quiring international travel. The pandemic. court.” Sacramento and St. Louis will debut previous CBA allowed clubs to charter “Because of COVID-19, we had a lot of downtime Since the CIAA canceled men’s and women’s bas- their soccer stadiums in 2023,” Garber up to four legs per season. where we didn’t have the student-athletes here,” ketball for the first time in league history due to said. “There are incredibly exciting The league also had the expense of said Golden Bulls Director of Athletics and head the pandemic, volleyball will likely be the first to things going on in all three markets, creating and maintaining a bubble for men’s basketball coach Steve Joyner, for whom the compete on the newly painted court next fall. Be- Charlotte, Sacramento and St. Louis, their return to play in Orlando, Florida court is named after. “We were able to come in and fore the cancellation, Golden Bulls basketball was and I’m happy to talk about that should at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Com- spend as much time as we needed to get the look set for the home opener against CIAA opponent anybody want me to go into more de- plex with the MLS is Back tournament. that we wanted and to get the court up and run- Shaw on Jan. 20. tail in the Q&A.” Clubs then returned to league pay in ning.” Despite a remote semester, the Golden Bulls con- Of the 230 reporters who partici- their respective markets, culminating Said senior forward/center Austin Nelson: “The tinued to prepare for the eventual return to on- pated in the press conference, 17 asked in the MLS Cup final on Dec. 12 be- first time I saw it was when we got back on campus campus learning and athletics. questions, none of which pertained to tween Seattle and Columbus. [on Nov. 30]. I was just surprised. I’ve been here “Nothing has stopped,” Joyner said “We continue Charlotte. However, Garber’s address “We had the expense of managing the four years, and it’s just a blessing to be able to play to plan for the upcoming season, and certainly get- itself dealt with aspects of the league MLS is Back tournament and while that on a new court.” ting facilities ready was one [area], but also getting that do impact the club. For instance, was able to allow us to capture some Volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball our student-athletes prepared to be virtual stu- the academy arm is playing in the in- revenue, the expenses of housing so call the court home. The new design was painted dents [during the fall] versus on-the-ground stu- augural MLS NEXT campaign, with its many players and operating those onto the existing wood with a Golden Bull logo at dents. That is not as easy a task as most people under-14 and under-17 sides compris- games and creating the virtual stadi- midcourt and blue sidelines with gold lettering. think it is, but our young folks have made the ad- ing 37 of the league’s more than 11,000 ums were enormous,” Garber said. “So The previous court featured a smaller version of justment. They are online. They are doing their players. actually, the impact of all this is prob- Smitty inside a blue circle. Natural wood color re- work, and now they are beginning to prepare “More than 90% of the players in the ably deeper than what we expected and placed blue paint in the free throw lanes and other themselves to come to campus.” current youth national team pools for that is concerning to us, but our own- the U.S. and Canada are part of MLS ers have been understanding this im- NEXT clubs,” Garber said. “That’s an as- pact from the very beginning.” tounding statistic. And working very The uncertainty of 2021 looms as closely with our clubs, MLS NEXT will leagues contend with the financial ram- provide increased and enhanced com- ifications of 2020. Charlotte owner petition, will provide increased and ac- David Tepper paid a record-high $325 The Charlotte Post celerated talent identification, coaching million expansion fee, and while wait- education, professional environments ing until 2022 to kick off may save the for these young players, all working to organization money in terms of hiring ensure that we could maximize the po- more staff and players, it will certainly tential for young players in these two cost the franchise as well. countries and hopefully stimulate the “We are concerned about what this success of our respective national will look like leading into 2021 and are teams. Frankly, I think MLS NEXT is one working, as I’m sure everybody could of the most innovative and important imagine, on figuring out how we could commitments that our league has manage through that,” Garber said. “I made to player development in our en- am very, very hopeful that 2021 will be tire history.” a way better year than 2020 because I Garber also spoke to the pandemic’s don’t think any business could sustain financial toll on the league and clubs, the kind of impact that we sustained in citing nearly a billion-dollar loss in rev- 2020 for two years in a row.” enue compared to last year, caused in