Panthers RB MIKE DAVIS fights to be the first in line behind star Christian McCaffrey TheThe CharlotteCharlotteTHE VOICE Post PostOF THE BLACK COMMUNITY SINCE 1906 WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 VOLUME 46, NUMBER 52 WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM $1.50 NC equity task force urges court changes By Herbert L. White [email protected] The panel tasked with shaping more equitable law enforcement and courts in North Carolina has adopted two more recommenda- tions ahead of another public lis- tening session. The Task Force for Racial Equity in Crim- inal Justice, convened by Gov. Roy Cooper earlier this year in re- sponse to protests PATSY MONTESINOS | MEDIA HUB after the killing of George Floyd in Min- First-year UNC-Chapel Hill student B.J. Miles from Greenville, N.C. (right) packs his belongings as his parents look on. A spike in COVID-19 cases Earls forced an immediate shutdown of the campus last month. nesota, proposed the Administrative Office of the Courts include information on race in its data reporting and re- quire racial equity Pandemic-induced anxiety training for court sys- tem personnel. The task force’s first rec- ommendations – an- nounced in July – for first-year UNC students included suggesting law enforcement COVID-19 spike across flagship Chapel Hill campus forces shutdown, withdrawal agencies implement Stein duty to report exces- By Hannah Towey stood bare behind her, as her roommate pus and seeing other people together. To sive force rules and outlaw choke UNC MEDIA HUB moved boxes and suitcases outside their me, that’s so exciting,” Earnhardt said. holds. It also asked the state Su- First-year UNC Chapel Hill student door. “It feels like we’re back in move-in, “Then we walked out there this morning preme Court to mandate an assess- Winter Earnhardt was wearing Carolina minus all the happiness of it.” and the quad is empty. The Pit is ment of ability to pay before blue when she read her acceptance As hundreds of COVID-19 cases spread empty… it feels apocalyptic almost.” levying fines and fees. letter. “I’ve been a Tar Heel since I could across campus, UNC notified students Earnhardt is a chemistry major and a “The Task Force is making great walk,” Earnhardt said. “I was shaking, I that they had until Aug. 25 to cancel cadet in UNC’s ROTC program. Upon strides to get some recommenda- was so excited.” their housing contracts and return to graduation, she will commit to four tions underway immediately,” said Now, after just after one week of class, their permanent addresses for the fall. years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force. state Supreme Court Justice Anita Earnhardt and thousands of other stu- After hearing the university’s an- Her ROTC classes were originally Earls, co-chair of the panel along dents have been told to pack up and go nouncement, Earnhardt and her three taught in-person but are now being con- with Attorney General Josh Stein. home. suitemates walked down Franklin Street ducted over Zoom. Earnhardt and the “A number of other significant and “While we’re sitting in class, you can and around campus, soaking in one last other cadets continue to wear their mili- comprehensive reforms are under hear families moving out in the hallway,” glimpse of the school of their dreams. tary uniforms to class, one habit they consideration, and we continue to Earnhardt said. A wooden bunk bed “Just being able to walk around cam- Please see PANDEMIC-INDUCED | 2A solicit public input as our work progresses to produce a final re- port of recommendations to the governor by December. We will not Livingstone opens with virus testing, protocols rest until we have brought our best to promote racial equity in North By Kimberly Harrington President Jimmy Jenkins, who high- our DNA. We are social beings, but we lighted events during the past five Carolina.” SPECIAL TO THE POST now have to learn to curtail socialization. months in which the campus was closed It is disturbing, but it is what it is. We Said Stein: “I am pleased that the SALISBURY – Livingstone College offi- due to the global pandemic. Like many have to follow the protocols so we can Task Force is continuing to move cially reopened its campus Thursday other college campuses, Livingstone survive this pandemic.” forward and take action. These rec- with staff members reporting to their of- shut down in-person learning in March Jenkins commended his senior staff ommendations – along with those fices for a virtual opening session fol- and transitioned to distance learning. members and faculty for adjusting effi- Please see RACIAL EQUITY | 2A lowed by COVID-19 testing. “It seemed surreal for all of us – more ciently to the new normal in organizing The virtual opening session began at like a nightmare,” Jenkins said. “This distance learning and maintaining their 10:30 a.m. with opening remarks by enemy has taken away a major part of Please see LIVINGSTONE | 2A Window opens for Wisconsin shooting Obamacare victim Jacob Blake enrollment By Herbert L. White has ties to NC [email protected] By Cash Michaels You can still sign up for Obamac- are even if you’re uninsured be- NORTH CAROLINA BLACK PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION cause of COVID-19 job loss. The latest black victim of police brutality to make Charlotte Center for Legal Advo- national headlines – just like George Floyd last May cacy is counseling uninsured – has strong ties to North Carolina. people who are eligible for a Spe- Jacob Blake, 29, who was repeatedly shot by two cial Enrollment Period through the Federal Emergency Management Kenosha, Wisconsin police officers in COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY the back as he tried to enter his SUV Agency to apply for coverage Sunday evening, grew up in Winston- North Carolina Correctional Institute for Women in Raleigh. through the Health Insurance Mar- Salem before moving to Evanston, Illi- ketplace. nois to attend middle and high school, Center leaders said many people the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Outbreak rages at women’s who lost their jobs due to the pan- Three of his children were in the back demic didn’t understand that they seat when he was shot. only had 60 days to apply for cov- In an interview with Blake’s father, prison ahead of NC hearing erage through a Healthcare Insur- Blake also named Jacob Blake, the younger ance Marketplace special Blake was struck eight times by police By Jordan Wilkie for Women does not have air con- enrollment period. They may still bullets and is paralyzed from the waist down. CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS ditioning. Fans and coolers with ice qualify for a FEMA SEP because According to witnesses, young Blake was trying to The women’s prison in Raleigh has are put out, but prison staffers take every state is under the pandemic break up a fight when police arrived at the scene. A had the most consistent and wide- them away to punish inmates, ac- national emergency declaration. cellphone video shows Blake walking around from spread outbreak of the new corona- cording to Anna Crim, who was re- “The absolute worst time to be the sidewalk to the driver’s side of his car where virus, which causes COVID-19, of leased from NCCIW on July 17 and without health insurance is during some of his family was. any prison in the state. is now on post-release supervision. a pandemic, yet that is precisely Two police officers follow Blake around as well. Even without a pandemic raging The soap and disinfectant are wa- where many of our clients find When he opened the driver’s door, one of the of- inside its walls, women who have tered down to make them last themselves,” said attorney Ju- ficers who followed him grabbed his T-shirt to stop been in the prison describe poor longer. The women do not have ac- lieanne Taylor, CCLA’s Health In- him, then both opened fire at close range. At least conditions. cess to hand sanitizer. surance Navigator project Please see WISCONSIN | 2A The N.C. Correctional Institution Please see OUTBREAK | 4A Please see OBAMACARE | 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, September 3, 2020 Pandemic-induced anxiety Wisconsin shooting victim for first-year UNC students Jacob Blake has ties to NC Continued from page 1A man dorm building is “Younger people were Continued from page 1A dren between the ages of 6 and 13. He hope will create a sense of home to one of 13 Covid- more affected by it than seven shots were heard on the video. had been living in Kenosha the last normalcy during an other- 19 clusters located across older individuals, and the Blake’s father told the Sun-Times three years and has seven brothers wise chaotic start to the se- UNC. Hispanic population that “…there are eight holes” in his and five sisters. mester. Without a roommate or seemed to be the most im- son’s body, and doctors had not said Blake’s grandfather, the Rev. Jacob “Coming in freshman opportunities for socializa- pacted emotionally when whether the paralysis will be per- Blake Sr., was the pastor of Ebenzer year I was scared enough,” tion, he felt mentally and comparing ethnic groups,” manent. African Methodist Episcopal Church Earnhardt said. “Now physically unsafe during Palsson said. “Understand- The older Blake was driving from and is credited with leading a fair doing it at home, after I’ve his brief time on campus. ing the psychological side Charlotte to the hospital in Kenosha housing march in Evanston in 1968. just gotten acclimated to a He found himself alone in of this pandemic has been to arrive on Tuesday to be with his Jacob Blake Manor, a low-income new environment and hav- his room for hours at a somewhat neglected be- son. housing project for senior citizens, is ing to reprogram every- time, only able to meet cause there is so much else “I want to put my hand on my son’s named after Rev. Blake. thing. I’m really scared.” new people in the socially that is of concern right cheek and kiss him on his forehead, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers de- Dr. Allen O’Barr, a psychi- distanced dining halls. now.” and then I’ll be OK,” his father said. nounced the shooting, but Kenosha atrist and the director of “Two days ago I was eat- The study’s co-authors “I’ll kiss him with my mask. The first authorities are investigating. Mean- UNC’s Counseling and Psy- ing in the dining hall and I said the emotional impact thing I want to do is touch my son,” while, Kenosha experienced several chological Services (CAPS), just felt a sense of stress of the pandemic could be he told the Sun-Times. straight nights of violence and prop- said he expects first-year and anxiety, I just couldn't part of a “growing mental Young Blake is the father of six chil- erty damage that left two people dead. students to experience a breathe,” Miles said. “It was health crisis,” as more and sense of disconnection and just really …really bad.” more people experience anxiety after starting col- However, Miles was dis- pandemic-related anxiety lege under such intense appointed to leave behind and depression. conditions. the few connections he has Earnhardt, like most stu- “Regardless of the pan- made thus far, especially dents, chose to enroll at demic, it’s hard to come fellow students of color UNC in large part due to Obamacare enrollment window into a population of 30 who have helped him feel the vibrant campus and Continued from page 1A under the job loss pro- Health Insurance Market- thousand people and try to more included and under- community. Looking back, coordinator. “This FEMA vision and other qualifying place Call Center at 1-800- establish yourself and your stood than in his home- she doesn’t think she SEP is game-changing for major life changes, such as 318-2596. CCLA’s health identity,” he said. “In gen- town. would have chosen differ- many who have avoided childbirth, getting married insurance navigators pro- eral, that’s anxiety provok- “Where I'm from, there ently, but misses the sense going to the doctor, leaving or change in immigration vide free consultations at ing. You’re not sure what are people who are un- of togetherness she first chronic conditions and status. (980) 256-3782 or visit your expectations are educated and racist, so it felt as she shouted for joy COVID-19 untreated.” The Health Insurance ncnavigator.net to sched- going to be, you’re not sure was nice to come some- in Carolina blue. More than 100,000 North Marketplace provides af- ule a free phone appoint- if you’ll be accepted, where where I feel wel- For students struggling Carolinians have lost jobs fordable options depend- ment. you’re not sure if you’ll fit comed with open arms and with the mental health im- since the pandemic’s start ing on income, and To qualify, an applicant in. And then all of a sudden see people who look like plications of recent events, and estimates show those financial assistance for must have experienced a you’re trying to do it dur- me,” Miles said. O’Barr advised: “Don’t give without health insurance premium costs. Under the major life change in 2020. ing a pandemic.” Olafur Palsson, a profes- up hope. Especially if could total between Affordable Care Act, the Those who B.J. Miles, a first-year stu- sor at the UNC School of you're in social isolation 100,000 to 200,000. If they ACA marketplace covers haven’t but dent from Greenville, N.C., Medicine, recently led a and can’t be with someone missed or did not qualify preventive care and annual still need moved out from Craige study that assessed the else... know that it's going for the Healthcare Insur- check-ups, and doesn’t health in- On The Net Residence Hall the morn- emotional and mental im- to be OK. We are a resilient ance Marketplace SEP cost more for people with surance CharlotteLe- ing after classes were pacts of COVID-19 on the species.” within 60 days of losing pre-existing conditions. can call galAdvocacy.o moved online. The fresh- U.S adult population. their job, their only options Out-of-pocket costs are CCLA’s rg would to pay out-of-pocket limited and there are no health insur- or remain on their em- annual or lifetime limits. ance navigators, ployer’s plan through As of August, the average who can offer counseling COBRA, both of which are cost of a North Carolina on options including Med- more expensive. Health Insurance Market- icaid and the 2021 market- The FEMA special enroll- place plan was $80 per place open enrollment ment, which has no 60-day month. period, which is Nov. 1- restriction, can help people Anyone interested in ap- Dec. 15. who missed the applica- plying can go online at tion window can do so HealthCare.gov or call the

LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE

Preston Gillespie, seated left, assistant manager of Livingstone’s campus radio station, WLJZ 107.1 FM, prepares to get tested for COVID-19 Thursday by a member of Ottendorf Laboratories, which partnered with the college to identify asymptomatic cases. All staff members were tested Aug. 27 as part of the college’s screening protocol. ISTOCK Some law enforcement organizations fear banning menthol cigarettes would increase interaction Livingstone College opens with between police and African Americans by criminalizing flavored cigarettes. coronavirus testing and protocols Fears menthol ban would Continued from page 1A Varick Auditorium for stone doesn’t have the engagement with students COVID-19 testing as part of nine-figure endowments over the past few months. the college’s screening pro- that some larger colleges criminalize smoking Jenkins also commended tocol. Ottendorf Labo- boast, yet there have been the college’s Reopening ratories of Gastonia no layoffs or furloughs By Stacy M. Brown California newspapers denouncing the Task Force, led by Dr. An- partnered with Livingstone during this pandemic be- NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION proposed ban. “That LEAP is trusting NNPA member thony J. Davis, senior vice to identify asymptomatic cause it was important to There is little question that cigarette president of Institutional cases, which have the ca- Jenkins that his staff “con- newspapers for delivering this essential smoking is harmful. information to those it has impacted the Advancement and chief pability of expeditiously tinue their quality of life,” However, a growing number of organi- operating officer, which fueling the spread of the he noted. most speaks volumes about our organiza- zations led by Law Enforcement Action tion’s reach, power and influence on all developed eight protocols virus. Studies show that Jenkins is hopeful that Partnership and the National Organiza- to safely reassume campus four out of five people in- Livingstone will survive matters relating to Black people.” stated tion of Black Law Enforcement Executives Kenneth Miller, the publisher of Ingle- operations. fected with COVID-19 do the pandemic and relayed believe a ban would further endanger Davis outlined those pro- not have symptoms, Davis that sentiment to the staff. wood Today. Black lives because it could potentially in- In an op-ed published this month, Na- tocols in a series of short said. “It’s important we adhere crease interaction with the police. videos played during the Staff members testing to the protocols,” he said. tional Newspaper Publishers Association Many within the African American com- President and CEO Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., virtual opening session, negative will be cleared to “This is about life and munity have voiced concern over Califor- where staff members par- return to work on Monday, health. We’re doing all said while he doesn’t smoke, he supports nia’s Senate Bill 793. any effort that will improve the health ticipated from their respec- Aug. 31. Faculty will be these things to make sure This measure would ban menthol pro- tive offices. tested on another date, and we can keep our com- and quality of life of Black Americans, as ducts, but critics said it would probably well as the health of all people regardless The protocols range from all students will be tested munity safe,” he said of increase racial profiling by law enforce- screening, security, protec- upon arriving to campus. reopening. “We’re excited, of race. ment, based on statistics suggesting that “But I am profoundly aware that the tion and prevention, and Residence assistants and but at the same time, we’re menthol cigarettes are overwhelmingly space utilization to disin- student government cautiously optimistic. overwhelming majority of Black Ameri- preferred by African Americans who cans who smoke cigarettes prefer to fectant, food services, leaders start returning to “I believe we are pre- chose to smoke. quarantine and isolation, campus on Sept. 1; all in- pared to survive and come smoke menthol-flavored cigarettes,” Cha- “Whether it is real or perceived, there is vis wrote. and testing. A full descrip- state new students on Sept. out in better shape than a distrust of local police,” said Commis- tion of the protocols can be 4; out-of-state new stu- going in. There are 1,001 “For me, this is an issue that needs to sioner Jiles Shipp, the president of be better understood by public policy- found at www.living- dents on Sept. 5; and upper excuses for failure, but the NOBLE. “The ban will have a counter ef- stone.edu under the coro- classmen Sept. 8-9. Classes world is looking for some- makers who are contemplating passing fect and further damage community-po- legislation that will ultimately add to the navirus news and updates begin Sept. 10. one who can defy the odds. lice relations.” tab. Davis described Jenkins’ We want people to look often-fatal interactions between Black Shipp recommends that communities Americans and law enforcement of- Following the virtual pivotal response to the back at this situation and concerned about smoking continue to opening session, all staff pandemic as calm, cal- say we were prepared – ficers.” use education, limited smoke-free areas, According to the website filtermag.org, members, scheduled at culated, convicted and and we endured.” and tobacco cessation campaigns, all of various times, reported to compassionate. Living- menthol is a mint-flavored compound which he said has drastically decreased that reduces the harsh taste of smoke in- smoking rates over the past few decades. halation. While menthols make up 35 per- Major Neill Franklin, executive director cent of the overall cigarette market, an Racial equity task force makes of LEAP, noted that if convenience stores entrenched racial disparity exists, at least and gas stations are prevented from sell- partly due to targeted marketing by to- ing menthol, most people will purchase bacco companies: 89 percent of black recommendations for courts the cigarettes from neighboring jurisdic- smokers prefer menthols. tions and sell them in the prohibited area Continued from page 1A comments will be taken in written form “Smokers, like any people who use for a higher price. drugs, are unlikely to respond to bans by we have already made and will make in on a state website. “We know that laws are enforced in a the coming weeks — will drive improve- Information on previous recommenda- suddenly changing their preferences. Pro- way that targets people of color. [Menthol hibiting the sale of these cigarettes could, ments to our criminal justice system, tions and other task force action is avail- bans] create more space for that to making it fairer for everyone.” able at https://ncdoj.gov/trec therefore, further criminalize com- happen,” Major Franklin declared. munities of color,” the website noted. The task force will hear public com- To sign up for comment: “We know [these bans] will result in an ments via Zoom on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. for www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0c4baa Opponents of the ban have noted that illicit underground market of menthol if the issue were about American citizens' up to two minutes per speaker. The pub- a628a1fa7-public1 cigarettes in the black community. If you lic comment session will also be streamed To submit written comments: health, the legislature would seek to ban have a robust underground market for all forms of cigarettes, not just those pre- live on the North Carolina Department of https://governor.nc.gov/issues/public- these products, your health problems will Justice’s YouTube channel and public safety/trec-public-feedback-form ferred in the African American com- double, triple within a matter of days.” munity. LEAP has commissioned ads in several 3A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, September 3, 2020

Getting more masks to where they’re needed most Across the country, Bank of America continues to work with local organizations to provide critical resources to vulnerable and underserved populations hardest hit by the coronavirus.

To support the safety and health of those most at risk in our community, we are partnering with local leaders and organizations to distribute face masks here in Charlotte.

This is in addition to the four million masks we donated earlier this year in cities across the country — and part of our ongoing commitment to provide millions of masks to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Together, let’s work to help Charlotte recover.

Charles Bowman Charlotte Market President

More than 1 million masks distributed through state and Mecklenburg County resources, as well as part of a broad community effort with Atrium Health, the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council (CELC), and other local organizations.

To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. 4A NEWS & OPINION | The Charlotte Post Thursday, September 3, 2020 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost Blacks and COVID clinical trials The Voice of the Black Community Gerald O. Johnson The unrelenting spread and misinformation cir- The good news is that poll and study on Black | CEO/PUBLISHER of the novel coronavirus culating primarily via so- today there are many Black American awareness on [email protected] COVID-19 throughout the cial media that falsely American physicians, in- sickle cell disease. This United States of America in asserted that “Black people fectious disease scholars, was important because Robert L. Johnson | PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER 2020 continues to pose an and people of African des- clinicians, medical re- Black Americans are dis- unprecedented public cent were immune to searchers, nurses, and proportionately impact by [email protected] health crisis for all Ameri- COVID-19 because of the others on the front lines as SCD across the nation. Herbert L. White | EDITOR IN CHIEF cans, but in particular for presence of Melanin.” Of first responders and as in- Included in that NNPA- Black Americans and other course, that assertion was side leaders inside the Howard University-Pfizer [email protected] people of color who are not true. Yet, unfor- major pharmaceutical poll was the issue of Black dispropor- tunately, too many people companies that are striving Americans willingness to Published weekly by The Charlotte Post Publishing Company tionally im- in our communities began to develop a safe and effec- participate in clinical trials Inc., 5118 Princess Street, Charlotte, NC 28269 (USPS #965500). pacted by to risk inflection to COVID- tive vaccine for COVID-19. with respect to SCD. We Subscription is $65 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Char- COVID-19. 19 because of those types We are profoundly aware were pleased to learn and lotte, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Charlotte As the of falsehoods and misin- that within our com- to document that 76% of Post, PO Box 30144, Charlotte, NC 28230 trusted voice formation. munities there has been an the Black American poll re- of Black Amer- The media has a respon- historical and a contempo- spondents had a positive ica, the Na- sibility to research and to rary distrust of medical re- or neutral attitudes toward tional report the truth. This year search. The challenge SCD clinical trials, and a Outbreak rages at Newspaper BENJAMIN marks the 193rd year of currently today, however, majority indicated a will- Publishers As- F. CHAVIS the Black Press of America. is for more Black Ameri- ingness to participate in sociation in Since Freedom’s Journal cans to be involved at future clinical trials for March estab- was first published in every point of the devel- SCD, given appropriate women’s prison lished the NNPA Coronavi- March of 1827, the Black opment of a COVID-19 vac- knowledge and recommen- rus Task Force as a means Press has remained on the cine to ensure that the dations from health care Continued from page 1A of increasing public aware- front lines of publishing medical rights and inter- professionals. “Raleigh in general is very inhumane,” Crim said. ness about the overall and speaking truth to ests of Black Americans are It is urgent that in the “You have moldy, mildew walls and showers, bath- preexisting health dispar- power by demanding free- thoroughly protected, re- strategic rush now to de- rooms. The prison is falling apart. You have roaches ities in Black America and dom, justice and equality. spected, and addressed ef- velop an effective COVID- everywhere.” about the disproportionate All of this brings me to fectively and truthfully. 19 vaccine for all people Since April, the women in NCCIW have also had to fatal consequences of state categorically, Black In other words, Black that Black Americans are worry about a pandemic. Now, in an effort to control COVID-19 for Black Ameri- Americans have to be in- American engagement is not left out of the process. the spread of the virus, the women are confined to cans and other people of volved at all levels of re- crucial and critical in the The health of our families their dorms, where they live and sleep within an color. sponding to the COVID-19 development of a and communities necessi- arm’s reach of each other, 23 hours a day. In fact, the NNPA and our pandemic. We cannot af- COVID-19 vaccine includ- tates our involvement to The prison staff has organized the women into co- Coronavirus Task Force ford to be silent, detached, ing participation in clinical raise all the questions that horts, or small groups, that are in theory isolated were the first to issue a na- denied, or prevented from trials to make sure that the need to be raised, and at from one another to limit transmission of COVID-19 tional “State of Emergency” being at the decision-mak- new vaccine is the same time to partici- and to help trace who it could have spread to if declaration on April 3 to ing tables in terms of effective to prevent pate responsibly in the someone tests positive. warn Black Americans and COVID-19 public health Blacks and others from COVID-19 clinical trials. So far, NCCIW’s strategies do not seem to be work- others about the evolving policies, research, clinical COVID-19 infections. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is ing. dangers and public health trials, remedies, and vac- Three years ago, the president and CEO of the To date, 267 women at NCCIW have tested positive risks of COVID-19. cine development. Our NNPA, Howard University National Newspaper Pub- for the disease, and one woman has died. According Earlier this year there lives and future are at and Pfizer collaborated to lishers Association. to the N.C. Department of Public Safety, 51 staff were just too many myths stake. do a national landmark members have tested positive. According to DPS online data, 22 women are cur- rently ill with the disease. As of Friday, DPS reported 17 staff members were off work because they tested Deception, make believe and GOP positive for COVID-19. A continuous outbreak since April? I say to myself, you’re Black Lives Matter. economy. His remarks do ident. Our democracy will DPS reported the first nine cases of COVID-19 at such a lucky guy. But it was Speaker after speaker not match up to reality. depend upon what we do NCCIW on April 21. By May 10, there were 91 cases. just my imagination, once tried to paint this president Our unemployment is now with our vote. The outbreak was contained in one low-security again runnin’ away with as caring and considerate. at 10% and millions of They have a sideshow housing unit. me. The lyrics of this song They failed miserably. You Americans have filed or with Mr. T as the ring- There were no more reported cases from May 10 by The Temptations could cannot take the spots off a will be filing for unemploy- leader. He has created to July 2. have served as the back- leopard, nor can you take ment. clowns and puppets out of The N.C. Department of Health and Human Serv- drop for the Republican the meanness out of Mr. T. He ignored the fact that a few citizens. ices monitors COVID-19 outbreaks, defined as two National Convention. It is impossible. Jacob Blake, an African Joe Biden and Kamala or more laboratory-confirmed cases. If 28 days pass There were in my opin- Last Thursday, Demo- American man in Kenosha, Harris want an inclusive from the last symptom onset or the latest test of an ion two major themes of cratic vice-presidential Wisconsin was shot in the America. Let us help them asymptomatic case and no one else in the prison de- this gath- candidate Kamala Harris back seven times. This get our country back as it velops symptoms or tests positive, the outbreak is ering of un- gave a scathing account shooting took place in has been in the hands of considered over. masked about the president’s lack front of his three children. the enemy for way too Presumably, the gap in reported cases from May 10 convention of leadership. She said, “He Cold and insensitive are long. The race has grown to July 2 would indicate that the first outbreak ended goers. First, does not understand the what this president is. tighter because of their and a new one began when new cases appeared. law and order presidency and has shown Some in the African convention so we can not At the time of this article was initially posted on for the Re- a reckless disregard for the American community have lighten up. There is simply Aug. 26, neither DPS nor DHHS was able to answer publicans American people.” been fooled by his rhetoric. too much at stake. questions about how many outbreaks had occurred starts with That reckless disregard Sen. Tim Scott and Housing Can we take another four at the prison. them, ends JAMES has manifested itself in and Urban Development years of him? The answer DHHS reached back out to CPP on Aug. 28 to con- with them EWERS multiple ways. Secretary Ben Carson have is a resounding no. firm that the outbreak at NCCIW has been continu- and is de- Currently, there are become avid followers of We must vote under the ous. DHHS confirmed that DPS reported cases at fined by nearly 6 million coronavi- the sitting president. I banner of truth and hon- NCCIW between May 10 and July 2. Those cases were them. If you are not a rus cases in this country. wonder if they believe him esty. Our determination not reported on DPS’ public dashboard. DPS has not member of the GOP, you Sadly, over 181,000 people or are they afraid of losing must be steadfast, and our responded with an explanation. do not have a say in what have passed away. These their power and platform? resolve must push us to DPS is being sued in Wake County Superior Court constitutes crime and pun- numbers did not have to In last Thursday’s re- the polls. Voting gets us to for failing to provide humane prison conditions dur- ishment. be if the president had marks, Harris said, “The right. Not voting keeps us ing the pandemic. On June 16, Judge Vinston Rozier Mr. T and his crowd created a national re- purpose of the Republican in wrong. We have had Jr.declared the state’s prison conditions to be likely talked about “mobs” in the sponse to Covid-19. National Convention was enough of wrong. Now is unconstitutional, in part because DPS “failed to pro- streets but were unwilling Incompetence and mis- to soothe Donald Trump’s the time to be about right. vide the sufficient COVID-19 testing.” to talk about peaceful pro- management have been ego.” I, along, with count- Let us vote. At the time, DPS was testing only when people de- testors in the streets. the characterizations of his less others agree. James Ewers is a Winston- veloped symptoms. While this policy was in line with Throughout that four-day administration. We have a little more Salem native and Johnson DHHS recommendations at the beginning of the pan- fairytale experience they In his Republican accept- than 60 days before we C. Smith University gradu- demic, DHHS changed its recommendations on May were not willing to say ance speech, he touted the cast our ballots for pres- ate. 15 to test any person in prison suspected of having COVID-19. That would include exposure to COVID- 19, not only symptom onset. DPS did not provide any information to the court NC lawmakers fail to bring relief to or to CPP that it changed its testing strategy in re- sponse. On July 2, one test came back positive. Within a week, DPS reported 55 more cases. residents struggling with pandemic On July 8, due to a court order, DPS tested every woman in custody at NCCIW. By Nadia Ramlagan member of the anti-pov- Carolina have experienced while the coronavirus cri- sis is making glaring dis- Then, the numbers go sideways. DPS reported to NORTH CAROLINA NEWS SERVICE erty group RESULTS, said earnings losses since the court and CPP that mass testing revealed 138 RALEIGH – North Caro- elected officials aren’t March 13, as have 55% of parities worse, there are cases, but only 73 were reported on July 10. Cases lina's economy is hurting, treating the situation with Black households, 44% of concrete steps that could are reported when test results are returned to DPS, yet residents can expect lit- the urgency it deserves. white households and 41% be taken. and another nine cases came in over the next week. tle in the way of federal re- “Our own Sen. Thom Til- of Asian households. “We also need to increase It is not clear whether DPS changed its reporting lief. lis sits on the banking com- More than 1.2 million SNAP benefits to address method, but the only way to account for all 138 cases U.S. Senate lawmakers mittee,” Saunders said. people have applied for food insecurity,” Saunders is to include the cases that were found in the week have recessed without “Our chapters across North unemployment benefits said. “As I said, North Car- before mass testing was administered. passing a fifth coronavirus Carolina have had multiple since the start of the pan- olina is a really food-inse- If that is what happened, then DPS has inconsistent relief package, meaning conversations with our demic. Last week, Gov. Roy cure state. And, raise the reporting of positive tests and its mass testing the earliest Americans senators’ offices over the Cooper announced $175 minimum benefit from $16 numbers. could expect any form of past few months. Those million in funding to local to $30 per month. Those In contrast, CPP recently reported on the mass test- aid would be mid-Sep- have been great conver- governments to help res- are solutions we're calling ing at Lumberton Correctional Institution, where the tember. sations, but we're not get- idents with rent and utility for as advocates.” cases that were discovered immediately before mass According to census sur- ting clear answers on what payments. Saunders added since the testing were not reported in the mass testing vey data, nearly half of they’re willing to commit Saunders said law- onset of the pandemic, 21% numbers. North Carolina households to in terms of assistance makers’ refusal to expand of Latino households and More problems with the state data included someone who for North Carolinians who Medicaid has left more res- 13% of white households with children in North Car- In his July 10 order, Rozier chastised the defen- had lost employment in- are really struggling.” idents without options for olina reported “some- dants in the case, including DPS, Gov. Roy Cooper come between March and Census survey data coverage after losing their times” or “often” not and the Parole Commission, because they “failed to the end of July. shows more than 34% of job or income during the having enough to eat. comply with the court’s directions in several mean- Lindsay Saunders, board Latino households in North pandemic. She pointed out ingful ways.” One failure was in not providing all the information the judge asked for. Another was that “the data de- Report: COVID No. 3 killer of Blacks fendants provided was inconsistent in its application to the various institutions maintained by DPS, incom- By Stacy M. Brown death for Black Americans, cumb to diabetes, strokes, preparation industries, plete and potentially incorrect.” NATIONAL NEWSPAPER our hair should have been accidents, or pneumonia. which are disproportion- The plaintiffs in the case, represented by the Amer- PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION set on fire and we would In fact, COVID-19 is cur- ately essential worker in- ican Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina and sev- America’s economic situ- have an extensive public rently the third leading dustries, the authors eral other civil rights organizations, have repeatedly ation has substantially policy response to this un- cause of death for African discovered. complained to the court about the state’s either lack deteriorated since the precedented pandemic,” Americans,” Logan and “Black Americans also of data or inaccurate data. onset of the COVID-19 cri- noted Trevon Logan, pro- Hardy concluded. comprise more than a On June 16, the state provided the court with a de- sis, and families across fessor of economics at the Among the reasons for quarter of the meatpacking scription of all the cohorts in all of the prisons in the race and ethnicity feel the Ohio State University. the disparity is that African industry’s frontline work- state. pain, according to a new Logan co-authored the Americans are more than force, which has seen sev- Though more than 1,000 women are incarcerated report from the Brookings report titled “The Hamilton twice as likely as the aver- eral outbreaks of at NCCIW, the state accounted for only 250 women Institution, which notes Project, Racial Economic age worker to be employed COVID-19. Among those at the prison. Cohorts are supposed to be managea- that the coronavirus now Inequality Amid the in the healthcare support out of the labor force, the bly small groups of people. At the time, the state de- stands as the third leading COVID-19 Crisis,” with service industry, which has outbreak of the virus scribed one cohort of 159 women. cause of death among Afri- Bradley L. Hardy of the been decimated by COVID- among the incarcerated In an updated document on July 27, DPS seems to can Americans. American University in 19 in assisted living facil- has a disproportionate ra- account for all the women in its custody at NCCIW, “If I told you on January Northwest, Washington ities and nursing homes. cial impact as well, given though it accidentally labeled half the prison pop- 1 that a new virus that we D.C. African Americans are the overrepresentation of ulation as male. did not even know about “In 2020, more Black also significantly overrep- African Americans in the would, in August, be the Americans will die of resented in the personal prison population,” Logan third leading cause of COVID-19 than will suc- care and service and food and Hardy wrote. The Charlotte Post PAGE 5A Panthers DT ZACH KERR sounds off on a more just society: “This is an issue humans need to fix.” Sports Page 6A THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020

FUSEGASTONIANC The addition of a $21.5 million, 4,800-seat stadium is the cornerstone of the Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment District in Gastonia. Brandon Bellamy, owner of the city’s new minor league baseball team, is partnering with the city to develop property in the adjacent area. Beyond a field of dreams Brandon Bellamy merges development background with ownership of Gastonia’s pro baseball team, By Herbert L. White works are residential, retail, hotel, and “I never focused on that,” he said. “I Now that all the pieces are in place [email protected] office space, which city leaders be- don’t focus on that in my business for Bellamy to own the Atlantic League Baseball is Brandon Bellamy’s new lieve could result in $100 million in now. I try to grow and run a success- team as well as revitalization of the business. new investment in the Franklin Urban ful commercial real estate company neighborhood surrounding the $21.5 Bellamy, a developer and owner of Sports and Entertainment, or FUSE, that’s mission led. I just happen to be million stadium, he’s eager to get Gastonia’s new minor District. Black, but I am aware of the signifi- started. league club, is a rarity in According to Baseball America, Bel- cance of the moment and I’m honored “I’m excited,” he said, “you know, modern baseball as the lamy is the first Black majority owner that people are inspired by it, but it the scary kind of nervous excitement only Black person atop a of a professional club since Tom was not something that I zeroed in on. you want it to be a great product, you professional franchise. Lewis owned the South Atlantic “What I focused mostly on is that want people to feel good about it. The The CEO of Maryland- League’s Savannah Cardinals in 1987. the community needed the project to people, the citizens, they make me based Velocity Com- Gastonia has been without a pro fran- move forward, and this was what it feel good every time I talk to them. panies Inc., he’s chise for nearly 30 years when its was going to take to do that. When They’re so excited about it. It’s infec- collaborating with the South Atlantic team relocated to Hick- we’re focused on a project, we do tious so it’s keeping me motivated. Bellamy city on economic devel- ory. whatever it takes, so the fact that all I’m excited for what it can do for the opment projects near a Bellamy said he hasn’t given as of this comes along with it, it’s awe- community.” new 4,800-seat multi-use ballpark that much thought about his place in his- some. There’s a rich history of Blacks Bellamy is stoked about the entire will open in time for the club’s debut tory as what it’ll take to be successful in athletics and Blacks and baseball process, starting with the name the next year. Among the projects in the on an off the field. and I’m honored to be a part of it.” Please see GASTONIA | 6A

Hype man Jacks use tunes up soccer as a Panthers By Ashley Mahoney platform for [email protected] It’s a dreary morning for foot- ball in Charlotte. advocacy From the Carolina Panthers’ practice fields in Third Ward, this is a preseason unlike any Miller, Roberts stand in other. There’s a new coach, new staff, new quarterback and solidarity with athletes countless other faces Panthers By Ashley Mahoney fans are unfamiliar with. Then CAROLINA PANTHERS [email protected] the sound of Montell Jordan’s Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis, who was signed in November after he Don’t expect Charlotte Independence “This Is How We Do It” comes was cut by Chicago, is in contention to be Christian McCaffrey’s primary backup. players to stick to sports. over the speakers and it feels a Aug. 26 proved more than a midweek little more like football season. match for the Jacks, who beat rivals North Former NFL safety Jaiquawn Jar- Carolina FC 1-0 for the first time in USL rett, who controls the music, RB Davis’ NFL journey brings Championship play, and the second time played at Temple when head in club history. It also marked Charlotte’s coach Matt Rhule was an Owls first clean sheet of the season. It was also assistant coach. Jarrett went on him back to Carolinas, Panthers a night where players drove to the Sports- to be drafted by the Philadelphia By Ashley Mahoney with the Panthers in the spring after con- plex at Matthews with heavy hearts, con- Eagles in the second round in [email protected] secutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. templating whether or not to play or to 2011. refuse as a form of protesting the shoot- What do you know about the Carolina First-time NFL head coach Matt Rhule, “He’s here, and he’s working ing of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man Panthers running backs other than Chris- whom the Panthers hired in January, has under Mark Carrier in player de- who was shot on Aug. 23 by police in Wis- tian McCaffrey? been very pleased with Davis’ perform- velopment,” Rhule said. “I think consin, as players across the NBA, MLS, Mike Davis, Trenton Cannon and Reggie ance in training camp, describing it as, the players lobby him for the WNBA and MLB had chosen to do. In the Bonnafon make up the supporting cast, “tremendous.” Rhule said Davis has music. As long as it is clean, I’m end, the Independence decided to play. with the latter two expected to play pri- shown the ability to run with power as fine. If I don’t like practice, then Goalkeeper Brandon Miller and defender marily on special teams. Then there is well as catch the ball out of the backfield. I put on some country music Hugh Roberts joined The Post’s Sports Davis, whom Carolina claimed in No- “He’s not one-dimensional,” Rhule said. every once in a while, just to Charlotte podcast to discuss what went vember after Chicago waived him. He was “To me he’s another guy who becomes a make sure guys know ‘if we are through their minds prior to kick off, why drafted by San Francisco in the fourth threat. He’s not a ‘hey, if we need him, we not going to play fast, we are not they chose to play, and what they are round in 2015, making subsequent stops can use him.’ He is a guy who we want to going to play it.’” doing to advocate for social change. in Seattle and Chicago before landing get in the game. We’ve been upping his Rhule has the music turned off “It’s an internal struggle,” Miller said. “I with Carolina. In 47 career games over reps in practice and he’s been doing a during teaching moments. Dur- want to be with them. I want to stand in five seasons, he has 247 carries for 889 great job.” ing some practice periods, he’ll solidarity with them. We want to make an yards and five touchdowns in addition to Said Davis: “Just take every practice like have crowd noise piped in to impact, but at the same time, I have to re- 430 receiving yards and a score. While the it’s a game rep. I feel like everything is help players acclimate to that alize what my impact is, and how I use ups and downs of playing with four being evaluated. You want to win every scenario. my platform for impact.” teams over five years have been taxing, play and show the coaches what you can “Really the point of the music Said Roberts: “It’s tough moments be- Davis focuses on controlling what he can do and let them know that they can trust is I want people to be able to fore kickoff when we’re all kneeling dur- in each situation. you no matter where you’re at on the hear the music, dance—have ing the anthem, you get tears in your eyes “I’m just trying to come in and prove field.” fun, and boom, lock in and focus and you get upset. Of course, you have to that I belong,” he said. Davis, like the other Panthers, is accli- on their job,” Rhule said. “A lot push it to the side, but some of us are Part of that means being prepared to mating to offensive coordinator Joe of being a great football player is able to channel that anger throughout the compete for playing time. For Davis, it Brady’s scheme, which aims to spread the the ability to focus, to be unfo- game and are able to persevere, but it’s meant losing weight in the offseason, ball. cused and then focused, unfo- not easy for everybody.” dropping down to 220 pounds at 5-foot- “I would describe his offense as fun,” cused and then focused. You Athletes who speak out against racial 9. Davis said. “I don’t want to give away our can’t be completely focused on and social injustice are often met with at “We’re just here to help C-Mac whe- schemes or anything, but it is going to be something for three hours. You least one person saying, “stick to sports.” never we go in,” Davis said of the highest fun to watch. He’s a great coach. He want to be focused from the Roberts refuses to accept that. paid running back in NFL history. McCaf- makes sure you know where you are on start of the play to the end of the “If they want us to stick to sports, they frey signed a four-year, $64-million deal the field. He’s a fun guy to be around.” play.” Please see INDEPENDENCE | 6A 6A SPORTS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, September 3, 2020

Independence players stand Gastonia baseball owner in solidarity with athletes eager to start chapter Continued from page 5A opment just by definition means to take city as more people are displaced. Continued from page 5A team contest that ended Aug. 31. He re- something from its existing state and should go play FIFA, because those Miller drives past one of the city’s ported hundreds of submissions sent for help it to realize its highest potential,” he are robots,” Roberts said. larger tent communities daily. consideration and the winning entry will said. “Whether it’s a piece of real estate, Roberts is active in the community “If you don’t pay attention, or you be a name “the community is going to whether it’s a relationship, whether it’s a as a youth soccer coach, and recently don’t drive by tent city every single embrace, something that really repre- team, whether it’s a player, whether it’s a launched a foundation in collabo- day like I do, then you may not have sents them.” young person, I don’t care what it is that ration with The Queen’s English Soc- quite the understanding that there are “Everyone loves Gastonia,” Bellamy you are trying to develop. It means to cer Show podcast, to benefit local a lot of homelessness, and there are a said. “They’re really proud of their com- help it achieve its highest potential. I love organizations like Block Love, Cre- lot of people who don’t have, and Heal munity and also for the team, and there’s the idea that I love the process of that, ative Player Foundation and Roots in Charlotte is an organization that is lots of opinions and ideas about the and so we can do that for players and we the Community Services, which em- helping these people,” Miller said. “If name, which is exciting. The name the can do that for teams and we can do that power communities of color. Roberts’ I can help these people by playing, team contest is hilarious, and I cannot tell for this community if we can do that for foundation promotes and advocates then that’s something I feel like I need you the names on this list, but there were the real estate that surrounds it. for the Black Lives Matter movement. to do. It’s a struggle. We don’t want to like over 450 submissions in only five or The landscape of minor league baseball They created a Black Lives Matter T- ignore what’s going on, and by no six days. Some of the names are awe- is changing. Major League clubs are cut- shirt by OMJ Clothing, which is a means am I going to do that, but I some, some were hilarious. The people of ting ties with minor league teams, and by fundraising component benefiting the want to figure out how I can impact Gastonia are very creative, I must say.” extension the pipeline of players in the organizations previously mentioned. beyond a symbol or a gesture of Bellamy doesn’t have a baseball back- farm system. Lower-level clubs can either Roberts and Miller are also using the simply sitting out a game.” ground, but as an entrepreneur he’s look- fold or go independent, which is where 2020 season as means of fundraising While the Independence (3-3-3, 12 ing forward to using those skills to build Bellamy is heading with the eight-team for Heal Charlotte, a local nonprofit points, second in Group G) head to- the franchise from the ground up. Atlantic League. Even with the challenges dedicated to addressing disparities, ward their busiest part of the con- “I boxed as a kid. I did not play base- of locating players and baseball person- such as housing facing Charlotte res- densed USL Championship regular ball,” he said. “It hasn’t been until re- nel during a pandemic, Bellamy is opti- idents. They recently kicked off a cap- season with a seven-game September, cently I really appreciate what the sport mistic. ital campaign to raise $10 million to the work off the pitch remains critical. means. The thing I like about it [is] the “I think you’ve got a lot of talented reclaim a motel on Regan Drive and For more information about Rob- teamwork that’s involved, the fact that people who might be looking for some transform it into affordable housing. erts’ BLM shirts: the seasons are long, so it can be a grind. opportunities,” he said, “and I think we’re “I use my platform to play in order www.olemasonjar.com/products/bl You’ve got to really show your character going to be in position to offer them. I to impact Heal Charlotte and raise m-collaboration-black-tee and show your mettle. I like the patience think at some point on as challenging as money for their organization, because For more information about Heal that you have to have in the game. You’ve this time period is for us all, things will they are doing amazing things in the Charlotte: got to be alert. You know you can’t be normalize, and I think that we’re going to Charlotte community,” Miller said. www.healcharlotte.org lulled to sleep.” be in a unique position. When that “Just today, I was able to personally Bellamy learned about Gastonia from a happens, people are going to be looking donate $30 to Heal Charlotte, my former employer who suggested the city for opportunities and I think we’re going business was able to donate $30 to could benefit from fresh investment op- to be able to provide some and hopefully Heal Charlotte, and we’ve raised a portunities. After touring the city and set an example for other people to get in- good amount of money through do- talking to residents, he came away im- volved. nations each game, from fans and pressed. “Minor league baseball is about fans in other people who have decided to “I started talking to people on the the stands, right? It’s about affordable match those donations. [On game street,” he said – “it’s one of the things family friendly fun. It’s about the com- night] I’m thinking, ‘do I want to take Listen to the interviews with Brandon that I do whenever I’m going into a new munity, it’s about engagement it’s about that away from Heal Charlotte?’” Miller and Hugh Roberts on the Sports place, and it was so amazing what people coming out for that for two or three hours The COVID-19 pandemic has height- Charlotte podcast available on Apple had to say about the community. They and really forgetting about all the prob- ened Charlotte’s housing crisis, with Podcasts, Queen City Podcast Network talked about some of the struggles that lems you may have and just enjoying tent communities growing across the and Spotify. they’ve gone through, and I was just yourself and join your neighbors. I think really impressed with their resilience, and that’s a big deal if we can get other people their grit and their passion for the com- to get involved in this particular busi- munity.” ness.” The Charlotte region has embraced North Carolina Courage move sports as economic engine, from David Tepper building a headquarters and prac- tice facilities for the Carolina Panthers in forward with team core intact Rock Hill and the same for Charlotte FC By Ashley Mahoney cited. I do think they need down. She’s gotten in east Charlotte. Bellamy is excited to try [email protected] an end game any time stronger, better and more his hand with doing the same in Gastonia Paul Riley is far from you’re training. I was really intelligent on the field.” while building a successful baseball fran- Listen to the entire Brandon Bellamy in- done with the North Caro- happy to be honest to get Williams’ contract ex- chise. terview on the Sports Charlotte podcast lina Courage. the news that we’re going tends through 2023, using “I’m in the real estate development available on Apple Podcasts, Queen City The 2018 and 2019 Na- to play some games. It allocation money to com- phase, but my thought is that devel- Podcast Network and Spotify. tional Women’s Soccer adds a little bit of bite in plete her contract. She led League coach the year practice.” the club with three goals in signed a contract extension Said NWSL Commissioner five games during the through 2022. He has been Lisa Baird in a statement: NWSL Challenge Cup, a 23- Panthers’ Kerr on justice: ‘This with the Courage since its “Building on the success of game tournament from inception, seeing it trans- this summer’s Challenge June 27-July 26. form from the Western Cup, I am so excited to “Lynn Williams was really is an issue humans need to fix’ New York Flash to the Cou- smartly and safely take this important to get a new con- By Ashley Mahoney understand that this is a in society. What has to rage in 2017 when Steve next step on the NWSL’s tract,” Riley said. “The [email protected] human issue. This isn’t a happen is we can’t get lost Malik, owner of USL Cham- journey. The women of the ways she has been in- Social justice is not a sports issue. This isn’t an in these lifestyles of being pionship side North Caro- NWSL want to compete and volved has been unbeliev- sports issue. athletics issue. This is an Teddy Bridgewaters on lina FC, purchased the we’ve certainly heard from able for me. She’s When the uniform comes issue that humans need to Sunday, but any other day NWSL rights and rebranded our fans all over the world continued to improve. off, 70% of NFL players are fix.” I’m Theodore Bridgewater. the team as the Courage. looking for more action She’s got a call-up to the Black men in America. Kerr spoke to his frustra- Just not getting lost in They moved to Cary as the this year. I’d like to thank [United States women’s] Their actions are scruti- tion as a Black man and a these lifestyles, and under- reigning league champion. the NWSL Player’s Associa- national team now. She’s nized beyond how they father whose son turned standing that there are Riley would go on to lead tion for their constant col- the best player in the play on gameday; their ca- three years old earlier this problems in the world out the club to three consecu- laboration, as well as CBS league at stretching teams. reers are met with the ex- month. To create a better there that people are going tive NWSL shields, back to for continuing to invest in She’s become a player who pectation of leadership and world for him, Kerr rea- through that we have a back league titles and three our league’s growth and can now receive balls un- influence on and off the soned, everyone needs to voice, but also we can put wins in four straight league this unprecedented oppor- derneath teams. She can go football field. be involved in creating up a plan of action and championship appear- tunity to showcase the behind. She can run lines if When the Carolina Pan- change, not just athletes. dive down deep into what’s ances. The club also won NWSL to a world-wide au- she wants to run lines. thers chose to continue “We need everybody, all going on.” the inaugural Women’s In- dience, week-in, week-out.” [She’s] another player who their televised practice last hands on deck, with this The Panthers and their ternational Champions Recent contract exten- has improved technically. week while players across thing,” he said. Player Impact Committee Cup in 2018. sions include forwards Jes- We’re working on her fin- the NBA, MLB, WNBA and Yet as the November launched “Your Vote “It’s hard to leave a team sica McDonald and Lynn ishing, which I think she MLS chose not to play in election nears, players like Counts” during the like this,” Riley said. “When Williams as well as mid- would agree, is one place protest of the police shoot- Kerr offer a reminder they summer—a nonpartisan we started with them, they fielder Debinha. McDonald, we want to get her better. ing of Jacob Blake, an un- are not the ones who make initiative designed to edu- were 22 years old, most of a three-time NSWL cham- We want the game to slow armed Black man in or implement policy. They cate North and South Caro- them. Most of them are 27 pion and 2019 FIFA down for her.” Wisconsin, the team said merely play a game at an lina residents about the now. I feel like the team’s Women’s World Cup Riley first met Williams in they wanted to do more elite level. While doing so voting and registration got another couple of years winner, signed an exten- Buffalo with the Western than sit out practice. gives them a platform to process, and encouraging left in them yet. We wanted sion that keeps her with New York Flash. She was 22 Players from rookies to speak on issues of racial in- them to vote this fall. to stay together as a group. the Courage through 2021. years old at the time, and veterans continue to dis- justice in the United States, The team created a spe- A lot of them made deci- It will be McDonald’s ninth he describes her evolution cuss what they want to do they are not going to be the cific space on their website sions to stay and sign long- season in the league, and as a “meteoric rise.” to create change. ones to change systemic with voting information, term contracts. For me, her fifth season with the “There’s still plenty of “It doesn’t matter how racism. That comes from such as dates to know, that was the push for me to Courage. She scored 20 room for improvement,” many years you’ve been in government officials links to places you can reg- sign a long-term contract.” goals and provided 14 as- Riley said. “I think there’s the NFL,” veteran defensive through public policy. ister online and infor- The NWSL announced sists since the club’s inau- no ceiling for [Williams and end Zach Kerr said. “It’s a “I get a little frustrated mation about eligibility 2020 play will continue gural season in 2017. She McDonald]. Don’t bet human thing when you talk because people look to ath- requirements. starting Sept. 5 in an 18- has notched a goal against against Jess for the next about this. It’s not really a letes and they look to en- “I believe in raising match fall series over every club in the league ex- World Cup.” vet thing or a rookie tertainers, and they look to awareness, and I believe in seven weeks. Play will be cept the Courage. Debinha extended her thing—from our owner all these other guys, and educating people, and then broken into three three- “I’ve been with Jess a contract through 2022, in- [David] Tepper to coach they try to appoint us as after that it’s on you,” Kerr team pods, who will play long time,” Riley said. “I cluding a one-year option Matt Rhule, it’s a human the guys to get it done,” said. “You can lead a horse one another to minimize had Jess in Portland, in Buf- for the 2019 NWSL Cham- thing when you talk about Kerr said. “We have our to water, but you can’t travel with each team play- falo and obviously down pionship MVP. Allocation this. Conversations have platform and we use our make him drink. My whole ing four games. Each pod is here. Jess has impacted the money was also used to been had. My aspect is, platform, but there are thought process is I can based on region, featuring club enormously, not just complete her contract. ‘what action are we going people in place that set give you these facts, what the West (OL Reign, Port- on the field, but off the to take?’ We can not prac- these laws and set this sys- can happen and what could land Thorns FC and Utah field. She’s improved dra- tice. We can tweet. We can tematic oppression that not happen. Now it’s up to Royals FC), Northeast (Chi- matically on the field. She’s protest. We can do all these we’ve been dealing with for you to make your own cago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC like a good wine. She just things, but we need to take hundreds of years. My decision. I know a lot of and Washington Spirit) and keeps getting better and action. I feel like those are whole thing is we need to people growing up in the the South (Courage, Or- better. She got the call up the conversations that take action on that. It’s Black community. We do lando Pride and Challenge to the national team. Her need to be had, not hard to undo years and believe that their vote Cup winners Houston intelligence level is really whether or not we’re going years systematic oppres- doesn’t matter. There’s a Dash). The full schedule good as a forward. She to practice or whether sion, but action needs to be lot of Black people I know and format will be an- knows how to run. She’s we’re going to tweet this or taken. You need to start who do not vote or care to nounced this week. savvy, good on the ball, but whether we’re going to somewhere.” vote. There also a lot of “The fall series is great she’s obviously explosive. protest. We need to take ac- Said quarterback Teddy Black people I know who for us,” Riley said. “We get Great around the net, tion. It doesn’t start with Bridgewater: “You try to be cannot vote because they to play some younger knows how to run the pen- Listen to the interviews guys in the NFL or guys the best professional you are convicted felons and a players. We get to play alty box. She’s added a lot with Paul Riley on the that are in the entertain- can be and you try to lock lot of different reasons. My against two very good of layers to her game. It’s Sports Charlotte podcast ment [industry], so to in and focus on your craft. job is to raise awareness, sides and obviously we get funny, because people say, available on Apple Pod- speak. We do our jobs, and We all put on the same jer- give facts, educate you, some home games, which ‘oh she’s reached 30, she’s casts, Queen City Podcast we do our jobs at an elite sey, but outside of the uni- and then it’s up to you.” we haven’t played yet [this going to slow down,’ but Network and Spotify. level, but I want people to forms, we’re human beings year]. I think the team is ex- she actually hasn’t slowed

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