What the Panthers want in their next GM: Someone who better meshes with coach Matt Rhule

THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY SINCE 1906 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost WEEK OF DECEMBER 24, 2020 VOLUME 47, NUMBER 16 WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM $1.50 Adams: Erase US student loan debt Charlotte lawmaker pushes Biden to act upon inauguration By Herbert L. White [email protected] U.S. Rep. Alma Adams is one of four House members calling on President-elect Joe Biden to elimi- nate more student debt than he campaigned for. Adams, who represents Char- lotte, joined Demo- cratic colleagues Ayanna Pressley (D- BRIAN HAMILTON FOUNDATION Mass.), Ilhan Omar (D- Minn.), and Maxine Starter U founder Brian Hamilton (in the black sweater) meets with incarcerated residents of the Mecklenburg County Detention Center Waters (D-Calif.), chair during a February meeting. Starter U is a free online entrepreneur course that’s part of the Inmates to Entrepreneurs program. of the House Financial Services Committee on Dec. 17 to intro- Adams duce a resolution cal- ling for the cancellation of up to Life after lockup: Program $50,000 in federal student loan debt using the Higher Education Act. The resolution, similar to one introduced earlier this year by Sen- helps inmates own their job ate Democrats, urges an executive order that would also bar tax liabil- ity for borrowers who received for- Starter U helps incarcerated transition to entrepreneurship upon release giveness. By Amanda Raymond Starter U. The goal of the course is to show Biden pledged during the cam- FOR THE CHARLOTTE POST The free, online entrepreneurship people that it doesn’t take a ton of paign to forgive $10,000 in student Starting a new business is intimidating, course is part of the Brian Hamilton money or experience to start a business. loan debt for all borrowers and to say the least. Foundation’s Inmates to Entrepreneurs King said she appreciated that the cancel the remainder for those Aspiring entrepreneurs may worry program. Thanks to a partnership with course addressed pros and cons of en- who attended historically Black about how much money they need to GTL, one of the largest technology pro- trepreneurship in a realistic way. colleges or state-supported raise to get started or how to get the viders to prisons in the country, the “It gave such a breakdown of how to schools and earn less than right experience to make their business course is now on mobile tablets and start your own business,” said King, who $125,000 a year. succeed. available for inmates to take. wants to start a food truck franchise Almost 50 million Americans But ask Toccara King, an inmate at the King recently took the course – along upon her release. have student debt. A third of all Mecklenburg County Jail, whether she’s with pages and pages of notes. Brian Hamilton, the founder of the adults ages 25 to 34 have an out- ready to start a business once she’s re- “It gave a lot of information that was Brian Hamilton Foundation and its sister standing college loan and Ameri- leased, and she’ll answer with a resound- really easy to comprehend but very in- organization Inmates to Entrepreneurs, cans collectively owe more than ing yes. formative,” she said. started the organization in the hopes of $1.6 trillion, which eclipses all Her confidence is thanks to a new pro- Starter U is already in more than 2,400 reducing the rate of recidivism in the credit card debt. The impact is gram that was introduced to the Meck- correctional facilities. So far this year, it country by offering another way to gain especially acute for African Ameri- lenburg County Jail earlier this month: has a 78% graduation rate. Please see LIFE | 2A can families, who tend to have fewer economic assets and are forced to borrow for college. Please see STUDENT | 2A The Post to host What racial national journalism equity panel corps in 2021-22 suggestions By Herbert L. White [email protected] really mean The Post has been selected to host an emerging journalist through the Report for America corps. By Lori D.R. Wiggins The Post is one of 64 media outlets to join the jour- THE TRIANGLE TRIBUNE nalism service program as a host newsroom, en- The North Carolina Task Force on Racial Equity in Criminal Justice abling Report for America to place more than 300 NORTH CAROLINA FOOTBALL CLUB journalists in the field next year. Report for Amer- has delivered 125 recommenda- ica’s support is adding more than 100 new reporting The proposed Downtown South sports and entertainment complex in Raleigh has tions aimed at eradicating sys- positions and expanding to more than 200 news- sparked concerns of gentrification and environmental damage in mostly-Black neigh- temic racial bias from the state’s rooms across the U.S. at a time when economic borhoods in the urban core. systems of cops and courts. stresses from the COVID-19 pandemic has accel- Gov. Roy Cooper commissioned erated economic pressures on local news organiza- the task force in June following the tions. LaNoticia, The Charlotte Observer, and WFAE Controversy swirls over killings of George Floyd, Breonna are also host newsrooms. Taylor, Ahmaud Ar- “With the local news system shrink- bery, and others at ing, it’s important that we both put ‘Downtown South’ project the hands of police and racist vigilantes. On The Net more and more reporters in the field—and that we help newsrooms By Lori D.R. Wiggins and David Knight voted for the plan. Since then, the 25- www.reportfor- David Cox was the lone “nay” vote. member panel held america.org that are working toward becoming THE TRIANGLE TRIBUNE more sustainable, and more RALEIGH – The Wake County Plan- “This is a significant moment for 61 meetings; hosted grounded in the community,” said ning Commission last week unani- our city and serves as one more step six listening sessions Steven Waldman, president and co- towards delivering critical infras- and three public hear- mously rejected a request by Stein founder of Report for America. “It’s particularly grat- developer John Kane to rezone 145 tructure and community benefits ings; accepted and ifying that newsrooms have, en masse, decided that acres near South Saunders and Wil- that will shape South Raleigh for studied countless they want to do better coverage of communities of mington streets and Interstate 40 generations to come,” said Steve submissions by the color and rural areas.” for a mixed-use sports-entertain- Malik, owner of North Carolina Foot- public and experts; Daily and weekly newspapers, digital-only outlets ment complex dubbed “Downtown ball Club, whose team would play in and established two and broadcast stations are host newsrooms, where South.” Downtown South's soccer-specific work groups each to they will employ corps members as journalists to Raleigh City Council, however, stadium. “We look forward to bring- focus on law enforce- cover specific beats. The Post’s corps member will didn't agree. ing this transformative district to ment and courts, said report on health in the African American com- City Council voted 7-1 Dec. 17 to life with our partners through con- Supreme Court Asso- munity. confirm its support of rezoning at a sistent dialogue with the com- ciate Justice Anita S. Hill RFA, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, is a special meeting. Mayor Mary-Ann munity and stakeholders to help Earls, who co-chaired two-year program (with an option for a third) pays Baldwin and council members Nic- shape these essential benefits and the task force alongside state At- up to half of the journalists’ salaries, provides train- ole Stewart, Jonathan Melton, Patrick deliver with a tax increment grant. torney General Josh Stein. The final Please see REPORT| 2A Buffkin, Corey Branch, Stormie Forte Please see CONTROVERSY |3A Please see NC RACIAL | 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 24, 2020 Student loan relief sought Life after lockup: From Continued from page 1A ration of the COVID-19 ior counsel. “…The time “The incoming Biden- pandemic. has come for a new admin- Harris administration has “Student debt cancella- istration to prevent further the opportunity to change tion is a racial justice issue financial devastation for inmates to entrepreneurs lives and jumpstart our since Black and brown bor- those who are dispropor- rowers face the greatest tionately struggling the Continued from page 1A economy on day one by “Entrepreneurship is a good route hurdles when it comes to most under the weight of financial stability and success. cancelling $50,000 in stu- for people that have a pretty extensive access, affordability, and their student debt burden, Hamilton recalled that when he dent loan debt,” Adams criminal history simply because they retention in higher educa- Black borrowers and com- started Inmates to Entrepreneurs with said. “These loans are can sometimes make their own tion,” said Tiffany Loftin, munities of color.” the Rev. Robert J. Harris in 1992, it holding American families route,” she said. “They can be their national director of the Despite a pause in stu- was obvious people with criminal back from buying houses, own boss.” NAACP’s Youth and Col- dent loan repayments until backgrounds were having a hard time cars, and opening small And even if those who go through lege Division. In order to year’s end as part of the finding jobs. businesses. Student loan the program don’t become entrepre- make education a right, we federal CARES Act, 55% of “Rather than trying to get a job, go debt prevents young fam- neurs, Marshall said the course is still need radical policy that ad- survey respondents re- make your own job and start your ilies from building and cre- useful. dresses the needs of 44.7 ported a loss in earnings own business,” Hamilton said. “That ating wealth that they can “It’s definitely a win whether they go million people who are and 73% report stress asso- was just a great solution to me.” pass down to their children on to be their own boss or not. They shackled by debt, that ciated with that debt. Sixty- Starter U was created so inmates and grandchildren – a free- can still get transferrable skills out of starts with cancellation nine percent reported could get a head start on that front. dom that historically has it,” she said. now.” trouble with unexpected fi- “There’s a dire need for training been denied to Black Amer- The RAND Corporation, a research Calls for student loan for- nancial emergencies or people who are in prison so that when icans in this country. Start- organization that focuses on public giveness have taken on falling behind on debt. they get out, they can be productive ing on January 20, it’s up policy, found that inmates who take more urgency during the “The student debt crisis members of society,” Hamilton said. to us to rebuild the bridge part in correctional education pro- coronavirus pandemic and is a racial and economic According to the North Carolina Jus- to the middle class for mil- grams had a 43% lower chance of re- subsequent recession. justice issue, and we must tice Center’s NC Second Chance Alli- lions of Americans. Let’s turning to prison. More than half of North finally begin to address it ance, 92% of employers run criminal start by cancelling the Hamilton plans to expand the pro- Carolinians with student as such. Broad-based stu- background checks on prospective debt.” gram across North America. debt who earn less than dent debt cancellation is employees. Applicants with criminal The resolution: “I want to make sure that this gets $50,000 annually reported precisely the kind of bold, records are 50% less likely to get a call • Recognizes the federal everywhere,” he said, adding that a decrease in household in- high-impact policy that the back. education secretary’s Starter U and other Inmates to Entre- come since the pandemic, broad and diverse coalition And according to Hope Marshall, broad administrative au- preneurs programs are ideal for those according to a Morning that elected Joe Biden and program manager of the Mecklenburg thority to cancel student with criminal charges on their Consult survey commis- Kamala Harris expect them County Re-Entry Services program, loan debt. records, not just people who have sioned by the Durham- to deliver,” Pressley said. the three-year recidivism rate for the • Urges Biden to take ex- been incarcerated. based Center for “As we work to fight for county is around 70%. ecutive action on inaugura- Lacosta Torrence, another inmate at Responsible Lending. meaningful economic re- Re-Entry Services connects the tion day to forgive $50,000 the Mecklenburg County Jail, said he Student debt in the state lief for workers and fam- formerly incarcerated to resources in debt per borrower. couldn’t help but take notes while tripled between 2008 and ilies that meets the scale that can help them reintegrate into so- • Insists Biden use pres- going through the Starter U course. 2018 to $44 billion, ac- and scope of the crisis we ciety, including housing, medical, idential authority granted “It teaches you how to be proactive cording to the center. face, canceling student dental, transportation and vocational by Congress to prevent and be a calculated risk-taker,” he “We need to acknowledge debt is one of the most ef- training. debt cancellation from re- said. that our student loan sys- fective ways to provide di- Marshall said recidivism rate de- sulting in a tax bill for bor- Torrence said he already thought of tem is fundamentally rect relief to millions, help creases if people are connected to rowers. himself as a risk-taker, so why not broken and the first step to reduce the racial wealth programs like the Inmates to Entre- • Encourages admin- start his own T-shirt company. repair it is through across- gap, stimulate our econ- preneurs program. As long as the dis- istrative debt forgiveness “I can’t wait to, upon my release, try the-board debt cancella- omy, and begin to deliver cipline is there, Marshall argues, to close racial wealth gaps. it out and go ahead and take that risk,” tion,” said Ashley an equitable and just re- entrepreneurship is a smart option. he said. • Calls for extension of current loan repayment re- Harrington, CRL’s federal covery.” lief and interest for the du- advocacy director and sen- NC racial justice task force Continued from page 1A state were convicted of having small report was issues Dec. 14. amounts of marijuana; nearly 7,000 were “For far too long, Black people and minorities. white people have not been treated The report also addresses the school-to- equally in the United States, and this fai- prison pipeline that finds youth of color lure has caused real harm,” said Stein. represent more than 70% of criminal “Our report identifies opportunities for complaints in the 2019-20 school year. real change to make the criminal justice The panel recommends raising the age a system fairer for every North Carolinian. child can be prosecuted from 6 years old I look forward to continuing this nec- to 12. North Carolina’s juvenile justice essary work.” system currently reports the youngest Some of the task force’s early rec- age in the country. In addition, the panel ommendations already are being imple- recommends requiring a school admin- mented. Others will require legislation. istrator or social worker to first approve The recommendations are categorized as School Resource Officer petitions, ending law enforcement and the courts. Law en- life without parole sentences for juve- forcement recommendations focus on re- niles, and a review of sentences of juve- thinking public safety to respond to niles in the system now. non-criminal issues and a renewed em- Many on the panel support the possibil- brace of community policing, Stein said. ity of a truth and reconciliation commis- The panel’s recommendations ban the sion to address the state’s history of ISTOCK use of force like chokeholds; require of- racial inequity. “It took us 400 years to ficers to intervene in and report miscon- get a legal system grounded in white su- U.S. health officials and medical professionals are enlisting the help of prominent Black Ameri- duct among fellow cops; mandate law premacy and racism,” said task force cans, including former President Barack Obama, to convince the African American community enforcement leaders stand firm against member Henderson Hill. “Undoing that of the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. “abuse of power” among their ranks; and legacy takes public education, and it promote routine psychological eval- takes process. Before you can correct uations of officers; and more education anything, you’ve got to speak the truth.” Push to boost Black America’s on racial bias, crisis intervention, and The task force is a diverse group of mental health. The report also rec- North Carolinians, including criminal jus- ommends the use of police body and tice reform advocates and law enforce- confidence in COVID vaccine dash cameras, the release of footage from ment officers, police chiefs, sheriffs, those cameras that currently is off-limits prosecutors, public defenders, judges, By Stacy M. Brown “There was an African cine that you’re going to be and asks lawmakers to allow civil police and other elected officials. NATIONAL NEWSPAPER American doctor that was taking was developed by oversight boards and grant them more “It is an urgent time to reconsider ev- PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION in charge of the vaccine,” an African American power. erything from fines and fees in petty Former President Barack Baker said during a video woman. And that is just a “It is critical that we recruit and train the cases, to lengthy sentences, due to their Obama has vowed to take call. fact,” Fauci said. kind of officers who … see themselves as social costs and accompanying racial dis- the new COVID-19 vaccina- “I felt more comfortable More than 300,000 Amer- guardians, not warriors,” Stein said. parities,” said Duke law professor Bran- tion on live television. that he and other African icans have died, and nearly In the courts, the panel calls to elimi- don Garrett, a scholar on criminal justice Dr. Ebony Hilton, a phys- Americans were on the 17 million have contracted nate cash bail for nonviolent criminal sus- outcomes, evidence and constitutional ician in the critical care and boards to come up with the the coronavirus. Some re- pects; reduce court costs and fines paid rights. anesthesiology depart- vaccine. And he guaran- ports indicate that as many by those who are convicted; reclassify as The task force will continue its work ment at the University of teed that it wouldn’t be as 25% of COVID-19 vic- civil infractions misdemeanors such as through the end of 2022. The final report Virginia Health, is also another Tuskegee kind of tims are African American. sleeping in public, begging or drinking is the path toward tackling racial dispar- publicly taking the vaccine experiment. And he urged However, that hasn’t beer in public. The report also advocates ities in the criminal justice system, “not and documenting how Black Americans to use the stopped skepticism about for better jury selection and oversight, the final word.” she’s coping on YouTube. vaccine.” the vaccine among many and better court data collection and re- “This work needs a permanent commis- On Day 1 of Pfizer’s The Tuskegee Experi- Black people. porting. sion,” Earls said, noting the idea, which COVID-19 vaccine, Queens, ment, a federal public “We saw early on that The report urges legislation to decrimi- would allow continued monitoring and New York, critical care health study conducted in vaccine acceptance and nalize up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana, examination, is a panel recommendation nurse Sandra Lindsay re- Alabama from 1932-72, willingness to enroll in vac- make possession a civil offense, erase included in an appendix to the report. ceived the first dose of the was infamous for the gov- cine clinical trials were past convictions, and establish a task Meanwhile, the effectiveness of the two-shot vaccine at about ernment’s withholding in- going to be a major chal- force to study marijuana legalization. Cit- panel’s recommendations will be appar- 9:20 a.m. on Dec. 14. formation to and lack of lenge,” Dr. Reed Tuckson, ing research, Earls said Black people are ent. “What measures our success will be What Obama, Hilton, and treatment for its subject a former public health disproportionately arrested and con- data showing reduced racial disparities, Lindsay all have in com- group – African American commissioner in Washing- victed for marijuana although both white outcome measures, and lived experi- mon is that they are Afri- men infected with syphilis. ton, D.C., and leader of the and Black people use it at similar rates. ences,” Earls said. can American. Intentional Health officials denied Black Coalition Against Last year, she added, 10,000 people in the or not, the rollout has fea- therapeutics like penicillin COVID-19, a D.C.-based ef- tured prominent Black to the participants, leaving fort to spread information people. some to die. about the virus and poten- The mistrust in medicine “The Tuskegee Experi- tial vaccines to Black Amer- Report for America newsroom and science in the Black ment ended 10 years be- icans, told NBC News. community remains pal- fore I was born, and we still Over the past several who see journalism as a experience. Continued from page 1A pable for well-founded rea- have heavy metal laced months, the coalition has ing and mentorship by public service and want to Report for America, sons. water in Flint, Michigan, we worked with several Wash- leading journalists, peer make a difference within launched by the Ground- “Truth and transparency still have not fixed,” Hilton ington community organi- networking, and member- their communities.” Truth Project in 2017, aims are going to start with me,” offered. zations, historically Black ships to professional or- Report for America prior- to place 1,000 journalists Hilton declared. “I want However, she offered op- colleges and universities, ganizations. itizes a diverse corps and in local newsrooms by you to see me in real-time timism about the new co- and community leaders, to Applications will be ac- is working with several 2024. as I undergo this process, ronavirus vaccine. share information about cepted until Jan. 31 and professional organizations “There is a growing and as my body adapts as I “So, join me, and I’ll be as Covid-19 prevention. corps members will be se- and college journalism awareness that the crisis in have this medicine in my open and honest as pos- They also drafted a pub- lected from a national pool programs to ensure news- local journalism has every- body.” sible. We have one time to lic “Love Letter to Black of applicants. The news- rooms reflect the au- thing to do with the crisis Houston Astros manager do this right, and I’m hop- America” that calls for rooms will hire their pre- diences they serve. To help in our democracy; but we Dusty Baker, an African ing it’s this time.” people to be open to vac- ferred candidates, who connect corps members to believe trusted, local jour- American, also urged Black Dr. Anthony Fauci, the cines when they are avail- start on June 1. the community, they are nalism breaks down bar- people to get vaccinated. nation’s foremost infec- able. “Report for America pro- required to do a service riers and brings people Baker praised Meharry tious disease physician, “The African American vides a unique opportunity project, which often in- together,” said Charles Medical College President also championed the work community needs to un- for journalists to really cludes engaging middle or Sennott, GroundTruth’s Dr. James Hildreth, one of of Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, derstand that 2020 is not sink their teeth into local, high school students in chief executive officer and the world’s leading immu- an African American scien- 1930 or 1940,” Tuckson issue-oriented reporting journalism related activ- RFA’s co-founder. “Sup- nologists and an African tist, whom Fauci said was said. “There were no Afri- that is missing from so ities. porting local news through American who sat on the at the forefront of the vac- can American physicians many newsrooms today,” While RFA is geared to- Report for America is part U.S. Food and Drug Admin- cine’s development. or scientists or health pol- RFA recruitment director ward emerging journalists, of the way forward, a way istration’s panel that ap- “So, the first thing you icy leaders in the past. Norman Parish said. “Bey- it is also piloting an “ex- to restore civic engage- proved the rollout of might want to say to my Today is a different situ- ond talented reporters and perienced corps” for mid- ment and respectful dia- Pfizer’s coronavirus vac- African American brothers ation.” photojournalists, we are to late-career professionals logue across the divides in cine. and sisters is that the vac- looking for individuals with at least eight years’ our country.” 3A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 24, 2020 Controversy over Raleigh’s NC native Regan in line to make an impact on US climate policy ‘Downtown South’ project By Ellen Knickmeyer and his drive to cut regulation, erations. Continued from page 1A would dissipate if not rezoned by Gary D. Robertson saying early on that he Haaland, a member of the would leave only “bits” of Pueblo of Laguna, would be These benefits are and will be at the year’s end. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS the environmental agency in charge of an agency that core of this district.” While developers submitted new President-elect Joe For over a month – as commis- and updated information repeatedly behind. has tremendous sway over Biden’s climate team in- Trump rollbacks and pro- the nearly 600 federally sioners repeated expressions of con- requested by commissioners, too cludes North Carolina reg- cern over being rushed for a decision many items were missing or not spe- posed rollbacks include recognized tribes as well as ulator Michael S. Regan as weakening air pollution over much of the nation’s – unanswered questions, and unsatis- cific enough, board’s vice chair Tika his nominee to lead the En- fied conditions were echoed by im- Hicks said. rules for industries, slash- vast public lands, water- vironmental Protection ing protection for wetlands ways, wildlife, national pacted residents and allies who “It’s just not fully developed for its Agency and New Mexico voiced demands and opposition. And, size and its impact on the com- and waterways and elimi- parks and mineral wealth. Rep. Deb Haaland as his nating Obama-era efforts to She tweeted on Dec. 17, like the momentum some fear the munities around it and the city as a pick for interior secretary. project will add to gentrification and whole,” she said, emphasizing a vote halt climate change by cur- “In 4 years, Trump failed Biden said bing exhaust and smoke- Indian Country & only the storm water run-off that for dec- to rezone for the project would be a the selections ades has plagued historically Black vote against the city’s comprehensive stack emissions from autos broke more promises. It round out and factories. Opponents was exacerbated by the Ad- Southeast Raleigh neighborhoods in plan toward equitable development. what he said its path, the proverbial floodgates are- Forte, a Raleigh attorney who repre- say some of many other ministration’s failure to would be an rollbacks in the agency will take this #pandemic se- n’t likely to close any time soon. sents District D where the project experienced While proponents contend the proj- could be located, said the issue “has make it harder for regu- riously. Looking forward to climate team lators to adopt new limits turning the page on this ect will uplift Raleigh, especially its been so challenging” as people from a ready from southern corridor, critics say it variety of communities speak out based on threats high- dark chapter.” their first day lighted in public health Haaland’s historic selec- shouldn’t happen without community about affordable housing, storm- Regan in office to studies. tion was praised by tribal engagement between residents and water, and minority business partici- tackle the “un- developers, and surefire plans to con- pation. In North Carolina, Regan leaders, progressive activ- deniable, accelerating, pun- led the negotiations that re- ists and Democratic figures trol stormwater runoff from down- “The flip side of the coin is there are ishing reality of climate town Raleigh and Interstate 40 into people who live in District D in close sulted in the cleanup of the alike. Some on Biden’s tran- change.” Biden is propos- Cape Fear River, which has sition team had expressed Walnut Creek and the flooding it proximity who are excited about the ing a sweeping overhaul of causes, and to provide solid guaran- project; they’re very, very interested been dangerously contam- concerns about further the nation’s transportation inated by PFAS industrial thinning a narrow Demo- tees of affordable housing, living- in seeing a mixed-use development,” and electrical systems to wage jobs, and investment in minority she said, adding many applaud Kane’s compounds from a chemi- cratic House majority by cut the oil, gas and coal cal plant. PFAS have been picking Haaland for a Cabi- and women-owned businesses. reputation as a developer. For her dis- emissions behind worsen- There’s additional concern about how trict, the development would increase associated with increased net position. But the pres- ing global warming. risk of cancer and other ident-elect decided that the the proposed project of skyscrapers access to amenities like groceries, The picks also help Biden will increase property taxes, speed shopping, and entertainment for res- health problems. With barrier-breaking aspect of fulfill his promise to put to- Duke Energy, he negotiated her nomination and her ex- gentrification, displace vulnerable, idents who now have to travel to Cary, gether a Cabinet that re- longtime residents, and subsequently Garner’s White Oak, and Cameron Vil- what North Carolina says perience as vice chair of flects the diversity of was the largest cleanup the House Committee on erase the area’s history and culture. lage. America. Regan, a North Concern also hovers over the plan Branch, who represents District C, agreement for toxic coal Natural Resources made Carolina A&T State Univer- ash. her the right pick for the itself. So far, developers have pre- home to the historically Black, flood- sity graduate from Golds- sented detailed plans for only one of zoned Rochester Heights, Worthdale, Regan also created North moment. boro, is Black, while Carolina’s Environmental Regan was praised for his three parcels of land eyed for Down- and other Southeast Raleigh neighbor- Haaland would be the first town South, leaving many to question hoods impacted by downstream Justice and Equity Advisory success even during chal- Native American Cabinet Board to help low-income lenging political circum- their request for a $300 million public flooding and other environmental in- member in U.S. history. investment in tax breaks through a justices, believes the project may help and minority communities stances. Republicans Regan became North Car- that suffer disproportion- controlling North Caro- Tax Increment Grant and the lack of a “slow it down,” he said, adding he’s olina’s environmental chief Community Benefits Agreement that witnessed other projects fix preexist- ate exposure to harmful lina’s Legislature during in 2017 and made a name pollutants from refineries, the 2010s had eliminated could help ease the impact on the en- ing issues. for himself by pursuing vironment and gentrification. Organized Neighbors for Empower- factories and freeways. dozens of department reg- cleanups of industrial Regan previously spent ulatory jobs and pushed Commissioner Nicole Bennett ment Wake, or ONE Wake, a platform toxins and helping the low- pointed to the project’s contradiction for community engagement launched almost a decade at the fed- business-friendly laws. income and minority com- eral EPA, including manag- Regan “restored morale to the city’s statement on equity in in October by faith groups and non- munities hit hardest by which it commits to “prioritize racial profits, took its push for the environ- ing a national program for in the agency,” said Bill pollution. Gov. Roy Cooper, air pollution issues. Holman, who led North equity to dismantle policies and sys- ment, jobs, and housing, while also who hired Regan, told The tems that have created and sustained mobilizing the community, to Kane Other past work included Carolina’s environmental Associated Press last week serving as an associate vice department. “He renewed these inequities.” and city leaders. that Regan was “a consen- “This rezoning underscores those “We recognize Downtown South has president for climate and the mission of the agency. sus builder and a fierce energy issues at the Envi- ... He did the missionary policies and the system that the state- enormous benefits and, we also rec- protector of the environ- ment itself talks about that have ognize, if the project is not developed ronmental Defense Fund work of going to the Gen- ment.” advocacy group and as eral Assembly and listening created and sustained these in- with the community and the environ- If confirmed by the Sen- equities,” she said. The motion to ment in mind, it can be detrimental to head of his own environ- to a lot of critics of environ- ate, Regan would take over mental and energy consult- mental legislation, address- deny the Downtown South rezoning both,” said ONE Wake steering com- the EPA after four years request came from Commissioner mittee member Father Jemonde Tay- ing firm. ing their concerns and that have seen the Trump For her part, Haaland finding common ground.” Roberta Fox, saying “it is not reason- lor, rector of St. Ambrose Episcopal administration weaken or able and in the public’s interest in its Church, which shares a backyard with would be the first Native Holman said North Caro- eliminate key public health American to lead the Inte- lina has struggled with how current form.” Technically, commis- the Walnut Creek Wetlands and a and environmental protec- sioners had until Jan. 11 to decide the neighborhood with residents living on rior Department, the pow- to regulate PFAS industrial tions. President Donald erful federal agency that compounds, but so has matter, but were pushed to decide the flood plain. Trump had made the sooner as developers said the deal has wielded influence over every other state. agency a special target for the nation’s tribes for gen-

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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. 4A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 24, 2020 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost Medical breakthroughs and a strong The Voice of the Black Community Gerald O. Johnson | CEO/PUBLISHER prognosis for a better year in 2021 [email protected] Robert L. Johnson | PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER Although we’ve come to four years. native truths rule, then you Well, I believe the police the end of the road are The good news is with know next year will be like there will not fare well and [email protected] popular lyrics from a song the vaccines and our out- Alka Seltzer. Oh! What a re- will face some severe con- by Boyz to Men. This re- look. We have now both lief it will be to see right sequences. Herbert L. White | EDITOR IN CHIEF frain is squarely tied to the the Pfizer and the Moderna overtake wrong. Arguably, If you are a student at [email protected] current president. Last vaccines to fight the coro- we have been living in a any level, you have one week, the navirus. Healthcare fog of fear. Our days have request and that is to re- Published weekly by The Charlotte Post Publishing Company electoral col- workers have already been a quagmire of chaos. turn to school. Students Inc., 5118 Princess Street, Charlotte, NC 28269 (USPS #965500). lege certified started to receive them. I If you are Black like me, have been in and out of Subscription is $65 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Char- that Pres- believe brighter days are leaving your house and school since March. Learn- lotte, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Charlotte ident-elect ahead and we are slowly coming back has been ing for them has ceased to Post, PO Box 30144, Charlotte, NC 28230 Biden had in- coming out of a dark and trauma-filled. Some of us be fun. Virtual learning has deed won the tragic period in our his- made it back while others been the substitute and election. tory. of us perished. Sadly, but critics say that it has hurt We are at There are many who factually we are not safe many students. I agree. Christmas JAMES would say we are still in even when we are inside of College students have with an elec- EWERS that dark period. To some our homes. also been at home as class- College sports we tion that was extent, that is true. The dif- Why not ask Chicago cit- rooms and residence halls held weeks ference is that we have a izen Anjanette Young? Po- have been empty. You can ago. The problem was that medication that will lice in that city stormed not sit in the student union want to save Trump, and his un-merry counter COVID-19. For into her home with guns and play bid whiz nor can men and women did not months, we were strug- drawn and arrested her. you sit on the block and Is the U.S. Supreme Court going to put college want to accept the results. gling and fearing the coro- This incident happened al- tell stories. athletics out of business? And with the courts in navirus. At least at the end most two years ago. Ms. So, the vaccine if it goes Last week it agreed to decide whether the some strange way, they of this year, we can say Young wanted the world to according to plans will NCAA’s limits on compensating college athletes thought they could get with a bit of confidence know what happened to allow us to get back in the violate antitrust laws. their way. that next year will be her. game. The vaccine will Or is it the NCAA that is changing important Instead, America’s court better. The Chicago police fi- change things so make sports traditions by loosening to the point of system, including the Su- As we point to 2021, the nally had to show the your plans for next year. elimination its rules limiting transfers of college preme Court, told them question at the inquiry truth. Young said, “I feel Our new year will be a athletes from one school to another? they had no standing and desk is what will next year like they didn’t want us to better year. Let us get Or is it state action, like that of California and to get out of the way. Jus- look like? There are multi- have this video because ready! its law that will permit college athletes to earn tice and right prevailed. We ple answers to that ques- they knew how bad it was. James Ewers, a Winston- money by endorsing products or knew that Mr. T did not tion depending upon your They knew they had done Salem native and Johnson selling their images? have a case. The sickening view. something wrong. They C. Smith University gradu- Two related North Carolina-con- part of this is that we had a If you are not in a politi- knew that the way they ate, lives in New Orleans. nected books deal with the compli- tyrant in the Oval Office for cal bubble where alter- treated me was not right.” cated pluses and minuses of college sports: “Marching Toward Madness: How to Save the Games You Always D.G. Loved” by John LeBar and Allen Advocate for racial justice agenda in Paul, and MARTIN “Larry Miller Time: The Story of the Lost Legend Who Sparked the Tar Heel Dynasty” by Stephen Demorest. America’s education community In “Marching Toward Madness,” LeBar and Paul argue that college athletics are threatened, but The coronavirus has role to ensure that stu- college and careers. Part of Finally, almost exactly they see it a different way. “Impelled by runaway shined a light on how sys- dents—regardless of their this work will entail ensur- five years ago, the passage spending and rampant corruption, America’s tematic racism, unequal race, background, ethnic- ing that, in places where of the Every Student Suc- much-beloved games of college basketball and access to opportunity, and ity, native language, dis- cuts cannot be avoided, ceeds Act ushered in a new football have not been so threatened since the disinvestments in low-in- ability, LGBTQ status, states and school districts era that provided states widespread cheating scandals in the early 1950s. come communities and housing status, or country are not disproportionately with greater flexibility to The specter of billion-dollar sums being show- communities of origin—have the oppor- cutting public education meet the needs of their ered on imperial coaches, voracious athletic di- of color have tunity to access a quality funding from the highest- local contexts. While the rectors, hordes of support staff, and lavish compounded public education. But that needs schools. law provides guardrails comforts for fat-cat fans has led to a near-deaf- inequities that role was abandoned under In the early months of that are designed to pro- ening roar to pay the players. The injustice of have long ex- the 45th president. 2021, the Biden-Harris ad- tect our most marginalized such sums being amassed, in the main, from the isted in our As the Biden-Harris ad- ministration also will be students, it required states labor of young men of color--many of whom country. Black ministration prepares to tasked with proposing a to take greater responsibil- come from disadvantaged backgrounds-- cannot and Latino assume office, we believe budget and advocating for ity for ensuring the civil be justified.” Americans, for there are important ways that budget before Con- rights of all students are JOHN They cite multiple reasons why paying college example, are that the Education Depart- gress. We urge the new ad- protected. athletes would be a mistake and present “com- KING more likely to ment can address the im- ministration to hold firm to Unfortunately, and much prehensive reforms to end cheating and corrup- be hospital- mediate impacts of the its promise to invest in to the concern of civil tion in college sports, put academics first, and ized with and die of COVID-19 crisis, as well as programs that help our rights advocates like us, end the peonage of non-white athletes once and COVID-19, are our nation’s ongoing fight most underserved stu- we’ve seen that the flexibil- for all.” less likely to against systemic racism dents thrive, by tripling ity within the law and the Their proposals are aimed at preserving or re- have access to and injustice. funding for Title I; making lack of oversight by the storing the scholar-athlete image and tradition quality health- First, the Secretary of college more affordable by current administration— that provided students with the benefits of a se- care, and are Education must use his or doubling the maximum alongside the many fai- rious educational experience together with ath- experiencing her platform to lead a na- Pell Grant; and supporting lures of the federal letics that are an important factor, but not a disproportion- tionwide conversation community colleges, His- government in responding dominating one. ate and devas- about education through a torically Black Colleges and to COVID-19—are wide- They illustrate this ideal with numerous exam- tating racial equity lens. Universities, and Minority- ning gaps in access to edu- ples from LeBar’s experience as a tennis coach at MARC economic in- That conversation must Serving Institutions. cational opportunity for Duke. He tells about some of his players who MORIAL stability as a center on the needs of stu- Importantly, we hope the marginalized students. were “collegiate sports heroes who had brawn result of the dents from marginalized Department will, along The Biden-Harris Education and brains, athletes who ran with blazing speed pandemic. communities, clearly illu- with robust investments, Department must right this and applied gray matter just as fast.” Meanwhile, Black and La- minate the impacts of the work with Congress to wrong. In “Larry Miller Time,” Demorest tells the story tino children are bearing pandemic, and demon- reauthorize the Higher To do that, the incoming of one of the greatest of the great Carolina Tar the emotional impact of strate how those impacts Education Act, a funda- secretary must hold fast to Heel basketball players of all time. Playing for seeing their communities interact with and exacer- mental lever in advancing ensuring that educators, Coach Dean Smith in the 1960s, he helped create and families ravaged by bate hundreds of years of racial equity and opportu- families, and communities the coach’s legend by winning his first two ACC the virus and are more systemic racism. That con- nity for today’s students. have accurate information titles and an appearance in the NCAA national likely to encounter chal- versation, shaped by the Additionally, the Depart- about how students are championship game. Miller was a two-time All lenges with their educa- secretary’s national bully ment must immediately performing in our K-12 American and was twice named ACC player of the tion—which has largely pulpit, is critical to nudg- strengthen and re-issue schools, including data Year. moved online—due to a ing our decentralized edu- prior guidance that sup- from statewide assess- Miller grew up in Pennsylvania and was a lack of access to high- cation system toward ports a racial justice ments, so that resources record-setting and heavily recruited high school speed internet and devices greater equity. It must be agenda. This includes can be directed to schools player. Duke and Carolina were contenders. Miller for learning. stewarded by a leader who guidance to states, schools, and students in need. apparently found out that Duke basketball With a new presidential intentionally creates and and institutions of higher Our communities are players came to Chapel Hill to party. Being a party administration, we have an maintains space for feed- education to legally pursue seeking the Department of loving young man, he chose to be in Chapel Hill opportunity to begin on back loops with com- desegregation strategies Education’s leadership in full time. the path to a strong recov- munities that have been that increase diversity. fighting against the dual Women loved Miller, and he loved them back. ery from the pandemic. But marginalized and most di- This also includes guid- pandemics of COVID-19 One of those women who swooned over him was COVID-19 recovery cannot rectly impacted by injus- ance issued by the Depart- and the deep, systemic dis- a young girl named Nancy Curlee. Years later, happen without education tice. ments of Education and parities that threaten to long after she had married Demorest, they were recovery. And true educa- Second, the Education Justice related to ensuring create a second-class edu- driving near Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, where tion recovery must focus Department must use all that students of color cation system for students Miller was living. Nancy insisted they drop by on ensuring every child’s the levers at its disposal to aren’t disproportionately of color. Miller’s house. They found him working in his civil right to quality teach- combat educational in- subjected to overly harsh We call upon the Biden- garden, built a friendship, and the new book is ing and learning in our na- equities that existed prior school discipline practices. Harris administration to the result. tion’s public schools. to, and have been com- The Department also enforce federal education Both Nancy and Stephen, who live in Hills- The federal govern- pounded by, the pan- must issue guidance and law, champion equitable borough, are experienced writers who created ment—specifically the demic. take appropriate civil policies, and implement a content for television programs such as “The Biden-Harris administra- The Department must rights enforcement actions racial justice agenda as a Guiding Light.” Stephen uses those story-telling tion’s Department of Edu- work with Congress to take to ensure that students of sign of its commitment to gifts to tell Miller’s tales of competition, fun-lov- cation—can, and must, immediate action to close color, Native students, Eng- dismantling the inequities ing partying, great success, near tragedy, a dis- play a part in this work, by the digital divide, invest lish learners, students with that have denied students appointing conclusion to his professional career, reinstating its role as a civil additional federal re- disabilities, and students of color access to opportu- and many years living out of the bright lights rights agency with a robust sources to address learn- from low-income families nity for far too long. until Nancy and Stephen dropped by for a visit. racial justice agenda. ing loss due to have access to the same John B. King Jr. is pres- “Marching Toward Madness” and “Larry Miller To be sure, if we want to COVID-related disruptions, opportunities and re- ident and chief executive of Time” remind us of the great days of college “build back better,” deci- and incentivize states to sources as their peers. This the Education Trust and sports, times that are sadly slipping away. sive and bold federal ac- revise their funding formu- includes access to ad- former U.S. secretary of D.G. Martin hosts “North Carolina Bookwatch,” tion is required. las to make them more vanced coursework, tal- education in the Obama Sunday 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 5 p.m. on UNC- Historically, there have equitable so that students ented and diverse administration. TV. The program also airs on the North Carolina been times when the Edu- with the greatest needs re- educators, and safe and Marc Morial is president Channel Tuesday at 8 p.m. cation Department has ceive the resources that are supportive school environ- and CEO of the National prioritized its civil rights necessary to succeed in ments. Urban League. NC families ‘left on their own’ to meet basic needs By Nadia Ramlagan hold survey data taken last director at NC Child, said Carolina report that they percent of parents state- “The CARES Act really NORTH CAROLINA NEWS SERVICE spring, the Annie E. Casey North Carolina is facing its sometimes or often don't wide lack health insurance demonstrated that our RALEIGH – The coronavi- Foundation study found own crisis when it comes have enough to eat.” coverage, and some have leaders can intervene to rus has surpassed heart food insecurity, already a to child well-being. The data show 18% of likely delayed getting med- reach families and children disease as the number-one problem for more than 1 in “The data show that North Carolina households ical care for themselves or that are struggling. We killer of Americans, and a 10 households nationwide many children and families with children said they had their children. know that our country has new report finds children before the onset of COVID, across the country have little or no confidence Crouse said the $1.8 tril- the resources to do better are especially vulnerable to has spiked, particularly been left on their own they’d be able to pay their lion in federal relief law- by all kids and all families,” the personal and economic among Black, Brown and without support for their rent or mortgage on time, makers passed earlier this she said. “Right now, we consequences of the pan- Indigenous families. basic needs during the cri- while 21% of respondents year prevented more fam- need immediate and deci- demic. Vikki Crouse, policy ana- sis,” Crouse said. “We see said they felt down, hope- ilies from slipping into sive action to help families Based on census house- lyst and Kids Count project that 1 in 5 families in North less or depressed. Sixteen poverty and uncertainty. survive this catastrophe.” The Charlotte Post PAGE 5A Sports THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

CHARLOTTE HORNETS The addition of first-round draft pick LaMelo Ball (left) gives Devonte Graham (right) and their Charlotte Hornets teammates much-needed depth for the 2020-21 campaign. Season of possibilities

Addition of competitive depth have the young Hornets looking forward to competing in Eastern Conference By Herbert L. White ing towards becoming a more complete is excited.” come prepared. It’s not a six- or seven-man

[email protected] team. The Hornets should be, at least in terms rotation. We can go 10 guys, so you know For the first time in his three years as “We’re excited to play regular season of capabilities. Last year’s squad was often you’ve got to come ready to play, or you’ll Hornets coach, James Borrego can look at games. I think everyone’s ready to move overmatched in terms of bench strength, get subbed out pretty much. I think it helps his bench and see proper NBA-quality forward,” Borrego said after Saturday’s which forced Borrego to mix lineups with us focus a lot more. And there’s attention depth. preseason finale against Orlando. “We pieces that didn’t necessarily play out as a to detail a lot more.” “ When the regular season tips off Wednes- played four preseason games, we’ve unit. The offseason addition of talent like Ball and forward Hayward makes Char- day against Cleveland, Charlotte’s rotation learned a lot and we’re going to learn a lot LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward brings a lotte more skilled, but not necessarily play- can legitimately go two-deep because of on Wednesday night about our team. We’re different attitude. off contenders. The Hornets are the NBA’s the versatility on hand depending on the excited, we like what we have brewing here “I think it changes it a lot,” guard Devonte third-youngest team, and that lack of col- situation. As a result, the Hornets are build- and we’re ready to play. I think our group Graham said. “I think it makes everybody Please see HORNETS | 6A

We can go 10 guys, so you know you’ve got to come ready to play, or you’ll get subbed out pretty much. It helps us focus a lot more. “ Charlotte Hornets guard DEVONTE GRAHAM Aggies and New GM’s Eagles keep requirement: rivalry going Collaborate for decade with Rhule Deal guarantees series By Ashley Mahoney [email protected] continues through 2030 The Carolina Panthers have graduated from Marty Hurney again. By Herbert L. White The organization announced the termina- [email protected] tion of their general manager Monday follow- The most intense college football rivalry ing Saturday’s 24-16 loss at in North Carolina will stay in place. Green Bay. Carolina concludes A 10-year deal signed last week by North the season at Washington on NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL ATHLETICS Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T Dec. 27 and at home against the will ensure the Eagles and Aggies will play Longtime rivals North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central will continue their football rivalry Saints on Jan. 3. annually starting in 2021. They’ll compete through the 2030 season. Hurney twice was the Panthers’ as nonconference foes with A&T leaving the demic, giving A&T and NCCU one final both universities that this rivalry contin- general manager: from 2002-12 MEAC next year for the Big South. The home game as league opponents – at least for ued.” as well as from 2017-20. He re- team will alternate annually, starting Sept. now. NCCU’s board of trustees met last The Aggies and Eagles have met in non- turned to the organization on an Hurney 25 in Greensboro. They play April 3 in month to discuss the school’s options of conference clashes before, notably when interim basis after the team fired Durham as a MEAC contest. finding a new league affiliation with the de- NCCU competed in the Division II CIAA on Dave Gettleman during a wave of changes, in- “I know there have been some concerns partures of A&T, Bethune-Cookman, Florida two separate occasions while A&T was in cluding a new owner in 2018 in David Tepper, about whether this great tradition of North A&M and Hampton in the last three years. the MEAC, a Division I FCS league. The Big who fired head coach Ron Rivera last Decem- Carolina A&T meeting North Carolina Cen- Hampton is in the Big South while Bethune- South is also Division I FCS. ber and hired first-time NFL head coach Matt tral on the gridiron would continue with our Cookman and FAMU are heading to the “I want to thank our colleagues at North Rhule in January. move to a new conference this fall,” said Ag- SWAC. Carolina A&T State University for partnering The Panthers are 4-10, last in the NFC South gies athletics director Earl Hilton said. “I am “After nearly a year of dealing with with us on this agreement,” NCCU athletics and on a three-game losing streak. They fin- happy to say that this tradition is alive and COVID-19, I am excited to get back to some director Ingrid Wicker McCree said. “This ished last season 5-11 and an eight-game los- well. We look forward to this game each sense of normalcy,” said Eagles coach Trei game is one of the highlights of every foot- ing streak to close the campaign. They went year. Aggies have a lot of friends and family Oliver, a standout player at NCCU and for- ball season for our student-athletes, alumni 7-9 in 2018 and 11-5 in 2017, with a wild card who are Eagles and Eagles have a lot of mer Aggies assistant coach. “What better and fans, so we are excited to be able to spot as second in the division. friends and family who are Aggies. It is truly way to return than by announcing our new guarantee that we will meet our in-state “I want to thank Dave and Nicole (Tepper) a family feud.” 10-year agreement with our arch in-state rival on the gridiron for the next 10 years.” for the opportunity to be a part of this organ- The MEAC pushed back its football season rival North Carolina A&T. I think it was im- A&T coach Sam Washington applauded ization over the last three seasons,” Hurney to February 2021 due to the COVID-19 pan- portant to alumni, students, and fans from Please see AGGIES |6A Please see PANTHERS | 6A Charlotte 49ers football recruits for fit with 2021 signing class By Ashley Mahoney ESPN.com. Georgia, North sive and defensive lines. right type of guys,” Healy three-star prospect according Jackson is a 6-foot-1, 240- [email protected] Carolina and South Carolina “The biggest thing for us said. “We may make some to EPSN. Clawson, a two-year pounder from Gibsonia, Recruiting players to fit and produced two three-star re- was finding the right kind of mistakes if you’ve got a guy varsity player heading into Pennsylvania who attended enhance Charlotte 49ers cruits each, with the others culture fits, and in a year who doesn’t have senior film the 2021 spring season, has Pine-Richland High, where he football is Will Healy’s prior- representing Florida, Michi- where you don’t have official or didn’t play a senior season 135 career tackles, including was a three-year starter on ity. gan, Pennsylvania, Ten- visits, in a year where you – the evaluation process will 85 as a junior. Eighteen of his offense and defense. Pine- Charlotte announced the nessee, Texas and Virginia. don’t have them coming to be more difficult. However, 34 tackles for loss were also Richland won the 2020 state signing of 17 high school Healy said this class will your games every Saturday we cannot take somebody as a junior, and he produced championship with an 11-0 players on the opening day provide the 49ers with qual- and you can’t necessarily de- that is not going to be the 23.5 sacks over the last two season, and Jackson leaves of the national signing pe- ity depth as well as competi- velop the same in-person re- right type of person in this seasons. Clawson also the program as the school’s riod. Eleven recruits were tion at varying positions. lationship, I think our staff program.” earned first team all-South- all-time sacks leader with 36. rated three-star prospects by They signed eight offensive has done a tremendous job The 2021 class includes western 4A in 2019. Miles Posey heads to Char- 247Sports Composite, with players and eight defensive, of making sure we get the Tyson Clawson, a 6-foot, All three of Charlotte’s lotte from Yorktown, Vir- an additional signee rated a a punter and a player who background information that 209-pound defensive end signed defensive ends are ginia, where he attended Life three-star prospect by can play both on the offen- we need to be able to sign the from Independence High and three-star recruits. Miguel Please see CHARLOTTE | 6A 6A SPORTS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 24, 2020 Hornets tip off season Panthers’ next GM needs to collaborate with depth, possibilities Continued from page 5A insists provisions are in place should said in a statement. “I have a great re- they decide not to hire someone by Continued from page 5A less, competition for playing time will be in- lationship with Matt and everybody in next year’s draft. lective experience will be tested often. On the tense. the building. I believe this team is well- “We will be ready for the draft no other hand, they’re excited about what could “You can’t get down on yourself,” said positioned for the future and wish matter what,” he said. become with Ball joining a backcourt that in- Monk, who is rounding into shape after miss- Matt, the players and the entire organ- The team signed running back Chris- cludes incumbent starters Graham (third ing the early part of preseason workouts due ization all the best.” tian McCaffrey in the offseason to a year) and Terry Rozier in addition to fourth- to COVID-19. Tepper chose to keep four-year contract exten- year pro Malik Monk. “You can’t control everything, so you’ve got Hurney for his experience sion of an average $16 Hayward, who is day to day after breaking to control what you control. That’s what I in player personnel after million per year to be- a finger on his right (shooting) hand last week learned my first and second year. You never Rivera was fired. By bring- come the highest-paid in a preseason game against Toronto, is the know with this COVID situation, somebody ing in Rhule, who lacked player at that position in veteran presence on a frontcourt where P.J. might get hurt, like Gordon. We never thought experience as an NFL league history. The exten- Washington (second season) and Miles Gordon would get hurt and Cody (Martin) had head coach, Hurney’s sion keeps him with the Bridges (third) were starters last season. to step in. Just control what you can control knowledge proved bene- Panthers through 2025. ficial during the transition McCaffrey’s has had an Ball could play forward as well should Char- and just put in the work and I think you’ll be Tepper Rhule lotte go to a smaller, quicker lineup. Regard- all right … because you never know.” and served its purpose. injury-plagued season, “Quite frankly, I think missing 11 games in 2020. was good for Matt and good for me to “Nobody knows how any player is have another year with Marty,” Tepper going to be injured or not,” Tepper said. “Marty is a great guy to have as a said. teacher and a person like that around. Hurney began working with the Pan- Charlotte recruits for fit with signees It is crazy. Sometimes people think you thers in 1998 as director of football ad- can come in here — even though I was ministration, followed by director of Continued from page 5A pounds) is a three-star recruit • Charlotte’s only signed quar- around football for a while (as minority football operations from 1999-2001 Christian Academy. The 6-foot-3, from Chattanooga, Tennessee terback is 6-foot-2, 205-pound owner of the Steelers) — and know and ultimately general manager in 220-pounder was a linebacker who played offensive and defen- Xavier Williams from Moultrie, what you’re doing. Sometimes it’s not 2002. He assembled talent for the and defensive end in high school. sive line. He was named 3A All- Georgia. The three-star dual bad to have a good teacher around to team’s first Super Bowl appearance in Another Charlotte three-star re- State at Red Bank High twice and threat quarterback is from teach you some of the aspects. At some 2003, won the division twice and the cruit is 6-foot-4, 290-pound offen- made it to the 2020 Division I 3A Colquitt County High, where he point you graduate and try to figure if NFC championship. sive lineman Knox Boyd of state semifinals. Ragland also led the Packers to a regional title you can do other things away from it Carolina advanced to the playoffs Denton, Texas. The 8-2 Wildcats threw discus and shot put in track before suffering a season-ending to be better. That’s kind of where we four times under Hurney, including are still seeking the 2020 state 6A and field. injury. He completed 73-of-188 are.” three times during his first stint. He Division II title. They were runner- • Chavion Smith, a three-star re- passes for 1,085 yards and 14 Tepper said Hurney’s replacement also drafted quarterback Cam Newton up in 2019 with a 14-2 record. cruit, is a 5-9, 195-pound running touchdowns while also tallying 51 will be a decision-maker who aligns and linebacker Luke Kuechly in 2011 Jarius Mack (5-foot-10, 170 back at Statesville High. Smith carries for 424 yards and five and collaborates with Rhule. The and 2012 respectively, making the Pan- pounds) is a three-star wide re- scored nine touchdowns and av- touchdowns. He attended Ola search is already underway, and the thers became the fourth team to earn ceiver from Athens, Georgia who eraged 10.2 yards per carry last High School in McDonough, Geor- Panthers do not intend to use an out- consecutive offensive/defensive rook- attended Clarke Central High, the year but suffered a season-ending gia as a junior. side firm to find Hurney’s successor. ies of the year since the award’s incep- 2020 AAAAA Region 8 champs (6- injury in the fifth game. He spent • D.J. Brown is a two-star recruit While the mentality is the sooner some- tion in 1967. 0; 8-3 overall). three years on the Greyhounds’ from Memphis University School one’s hired someone the better, Tepper Mack is a three-year varsity varsity. in Tennessee. The 6-foot, 235- player. As a junior, he accounted • Elijah Spencer is a 6-foot-2, pound linebacker spent three for 1,250 receiving yards and 18 190-pound wide receiver from years as a varsity player, where touchdowns, and 869 receiving Dutch Fork High. The Irmo, South 81 of his 154 career tackles oc- Aggies and Eagles keep yards and six touchdowns as a Carolina three-star recruit spent curred as a junior. His junior sea- senior. He was also the basketball three seasons playing varsity, son also included 16 tackles four team’s point guard. winning state titles each season, loss, four sacks and four quarter- Steven Park (6-2, 170), a three- and helping the Silver Foxes win back hurries. rivalry going for decade star safety from Tampa, Florida, 50 straight games. During a 10-0 • Cam Burden (6-foot-3, 205 was a two-year starter at Tampa 2020 season, he had 44 catches pounds) is also a linebacker from Continued from page 5A have been playing with or against since Bay Tech. He reached the 2020 for 858 yards and 12 touch- Tennessee (Sevierville). He was a the continuation of the rivalry he’s par- junior high school,” he said. “The com- Florida’s Class 7A state regional downs. Smith was also a high 2019 first-team all-state selection ticipated in on both sidelines. Washing- petitive fire runs real deep when you finals and went 8-4 in consecutive jumper on the track and field by the Tennessee Sports Writers ton was assistant head coach and put these two teams on the field to- years with the Titans. He had 63 team. Association and 2020 Region 2- defensive coordinator at NCCU from gether. It is a rivalry that is starting to tackles as a senior, and 132 career • Three-star offensive lineman 3A Defensive Player of the Year. 1993-2000 when it was a member of grow in stature along with some of the tackles, five interceptions as a Trevor Timmons (6-foot-2, 275 Alcoa High has won six straight the CIAA. other HBCU historic rivalries like the senior, a fumble recovery and pounds) was named to the Mid- state titles, two of which Burden “I think the game is important to the Florida Classic, and certainly, in the blocked field goal. He also re- lands Area Watch List prior to the was part of. Prior to joining the players because it gives them an op- state of North Carolina, it’s a huge turned an interception for a 2020 season as a top 10 offensive Tornadoes, he played quarter- portunity to compete against guys they event in terms of bragging rights.” touchdown. lineman in the Columbia area. He back at Sevier County High. Defensive tackle Isaiah Potts is heads to Charlotte from Blythe- • Douglas Newsome is a 6-foot, another North Carolina recruit. At wood High in Blythewood, South 175-pound cornerback from Or- 6-2 and 300 pounds, the three- Carolina. ange, Virginia, where he attends It’s homecoming season for star recruit will play his senior • Colin Weber is a 6-foot-4, 220- Orange County High. His junior season at Pine Forest High in pound tight end from Hopkins, season included 21 tackles, two Fayetteville this spring. He spent Michigan. The three-star recruit tackles for loss and two intercep- Bronico with Charlotte FC the 2019 season at Peddie School, was named to the 2019 first team tions. which went 8-0 and won the Mid- all-state for Division Five. He is a • Bailey Rice is Charlotte’s only By Ashley Mahoney sion and the Carolina Dynamo (USL Atlantic Prep League champi- four-year football and basketball international signing. The 6-foot, [email protected] League Two). Nicholls was technical di- onship in Hightstown, New varsity player, earning all-confer- 200-pound punter is from Mel- Brandt Bronico is coming home. rector for N.C. Fusion. Jersey. He had 61 tackles, eight ence and all-state for both sports. bourne, Australia. He played four The former Charlotte 49ers mid- “I played for him when I was maybe tackles for loss, six sacks and 13 For the Hopkins High Vikings, he years in the Australian Football fielder and High Point native is the 15-18 for the Fusion, and then I played quarterback hurries. had 17 receptions for 362 yards League, including 11 games with third player to sign with Charlotte FC. PDL under him my first year,” Bronico A look at the rest of the 2021 and six touchdowns, as well as 49 the St. Kilda Saints in 2018. His fa- Bronico, who was selected in the third told QCFC in January. “I always had a signing class: carries for 374 carries and three ther, Dean Rice, played for Carl- round, 47th overall in the 2017 MLS Su- great experience with Marc. He knows • B.J. Ragland (6-foot-3, 285 touchdowns his senior season. ton and St. Kilda. perDraft by Chicago Fire, was acquired the game really well. He puts his belief in a trade along with Chicago’s fourth- in his players. Tactically, he tries to do round pick in the 2022 draft in ex- the best he can with the players he has, change for Charlotte’s 2022 and he utilizes them really well. Our About time: Negro Leagues, records fourth-round selection. team did a lot better than we were sup- Bronico was unavailable for comment posed to, because of Marc, and how Friday because he was getting married well he managed the players and the finally classified as major league to former Charlotte 49ers women’s tactics he brought into each game. SPECIAL TO THE POST soccer player Rebecca Beatty in a cere- “I always felt like he believed in me, from .293 to .304 if numbers listed at Baseball-Ref- mony officiated by Bronico’s former and he always pushed me to be better. NEW YORK — Willie Mays will add some hits to erence from his nine Negro League seasons are ac- 49ers teammate Hans Honer. He knew I wanted to play beyond col- his record, Monte Irvin’s big league batting average curate. And Paige, who currently is credited with Bronico, the first American to sign lege. I think he prepared me very well should climb over .300 and Satchel Paige may add 28 major league wins, should add at least 146 to with Charlotte FC, shared in previous for that.” nearly 150 victories to his total. Josh Gibson, the his total. interviews with QCFC that returning Said Nicholls: “I feel like the stars greatest of all Negro League sluggers, might just While some have estimated Gibson slugged over home at some point during his career aligned for me a little bit with it with wind up with a major league record, too. 800 homers during 16 Negro League seasons, it’s appealed to him. He joins midfielders the timing and role, and obviously hav- The statistics and records of greats like Gibson, unlikely that enough records exist for him to offi- Sergio Ruiz of Spain, who is on loan ing some knowledge of the market— Paige and roughly 3,400 other players are set to cially pass Barry Bonds for the career record at with Spanish second division side Las what a fascinating and unique join Major League Baseball’s books after MLB an- 762. Depending on what Elias and MLB rule, Palmas and Australian Riley McGree, experience to be involved with some- nounced Wednesday it is reclassifying the Negro though, Gibson could wind up with another no- who is on loan with second-division thing from the start.” Leagues as a major league. MLB said Wednesday it table record. His .441 batting average in 1943 Birmingham City in the English Football Bronico focused on being a great was “correcting a longtime oversight in the game’s would be the best season mark ever, edging Hugh League Championship. teammate and a positive locker room history” by elevating the Negro Leagues on the Duffy’s .440 from 1894. Gibson’s line came in Bronico, who started 40 of his 60 ap- presence during his time with Chicago. centennial of its founding. The Negro Leagues con- fewer than 80 games, however, far short of the pearances for Chicago, scored two As a rookie, he also played with Ger- sisted of seven leagues, and MLB will include modern standard of 162. goals and eight assists for the Fire. His man midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, records from those circuits between 1920-48. The “We couldn’t be more thrilled by this recognition local ties run deep as Conference USA who has won almost everything there Negro Leagues began to dissolve one year after of the significance of the Negro Leagues in Major Player of the Year and second-team All- is to win in the game. Jackie Robinson became MLB’s first Black player League Baseball history,” said Edward Schauder, America as a senior while leading the “I never thought I would play along with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. legal representative for Gibson’s estate and co- 49ers to the second round of the NCAA Bastian Schweinsteiger,” Bronico said Those leagues were excluded in 1969 when the founder of the Negro Leagues Players Association. tournament in 2016. Bronico, who left in a previous interview. “He’s won Special Committee on Baseball Records identified “Josh Gibson was a legend who would have cer- the program with 25 goals and 23 as- every single thing you can win—World six official “major leagues” dating to 1876. “It is tainly been a top player in the major leagues if he sists, represents concrete evidence of Cup, Champions League, Bundesliga. MLB’s view that the Committee’s 1969 omission had been allowed to play.” 49ers players succeeding at the next As far as European soccer goes, he’s of the Negro Leagues from consideration was MLB said it considered input from the National level. done it all. It was a fantastic experience. clearly an error that demands today’s designa- Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the Negro “It takes something quite abstract, a I’m sure he was getting annoyed with tion,” the league said in a statement. League Researchers and Authors Group and stud- dream or a goal that you are always as- how much I was asking him, and trying The league will work with the Elias Sports Bureau ies by other baseball authors and researchers. piring to, and it makes it more tangible to pick his brain about what I can do to review Negro Leagues statistics and records and “The perceived deficiencies of the Negro for our program that, ‘Brandt was in better, and how can I be more like figure out how to incorporate them into MLB’s his- Leagues’ structure and scheduling were born of your shoes,” Charlotte 49ers coach him.” tory. There was no standard method of record MLB’s exclusionary practices and denying them Kevin Langan said. “He sat in your Now Bronico heads to Charlotte as keeping for the Negro Leagues, but there are major league status has been a double penalty, locker room. He was coached by your the experienced player who will help enough box scores to stitch together some of its much like that exacted of Hall of Fame candidates coaches. He wore the same uniform lead the inaugural roster. statistical past. prior to Satchel Paige’s induction in 1971,” base- that you are wearing, and now look at “They are getting a player who has For instance, Mays could be credited with 17 hits ball historian John Thorn said. “Granting MLB sta- him and where he is now.’” close ties to the city,” Langan said. “He from his 1948 season with the Alabama Black tus to the Negro Leagues a century after their Bronico also played for Charlotte FC will be able to resonate and relate to the Barons. Irvin, a teammate of Mays’ with the New founding is profoundly gratifying.” Technical Director Marc Nicholls as a community, and then he is coming York Giants, could see his career average climb youth player for the North Carolina Fu- with great experience in the league.”

The Charlotte Post