Even at 4-8, the Panthers are laying the foundation of a future NFL contender

THE VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY SINCE 1906 TThhee CChhaarrlloottttee PPoosstt WEEK OF DECEMBER 10, 2020 VOLUME 47, NUMBER 14 WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM $1.50 Second chance for citizenship benefits New expunction law can remove some criminal records By Herbert L. White [email protected] There are now fewer barriers to citizenship for people with crim- inal records. New provisions of the Second Chance Act went into effect on Dec. 1, which allows people with criminal records to apply for ex- pungement that removes hurdles TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST to employment, housing and edu- Barringer Drive in west Charlotte is one of nine streets named for Confederate veterans, white supremacists or slave owners recommended for re- cation. Nearly 1 in 4 North Carolin- naming by Charlotte's Legacy Commission. The panel is taking public feedback on the process online or via email through Dec. 13. ians have a criminal record, so by wiping the slate clean, thousands now have access to opportunities they were previously denied. Criminal justice reform advo- City commission considers cates contend the law is especially significant for African Americans and other people of color who renaming racist monuments are disproportion- ately impacted by ra- cial bias by law Public input sought on panel’s list of street memorials to white supremacy enforcement, prose- By Herbert L. White honor Confederate soldiers, slave Burwell, whose husband Robert was the cutors and courts. first head of the Charlotte Female Insti- “Those with crim- Holland [email protected] owners and segregationists. The panel is charged with making recommendations tute – the forerunner to Queens – in inal records can often Charlotte’s Legacy Commission wants on which streets should be renamed as 1857. The Burwells owned slaves. face devastating collateral con- input on its recommendations report on well as a process for approving monu- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools or- sequences. They may have diffi- renaming streets and monuments to rac- ments and street names honoring histo- dered Confederate Gov. Zebulon Vance’s culty securing employment or ism. ric figures. Levine Museum of the New name removed from a north Charlotte finding a place to live, making their The commission wants public feed- South staff historian Willie Griffin con- high school and replaced by civil rights reentry infinitely more difficult,” back on renaming city streets and local ducted the research and compiled the attorney Julius Chambers. said Laura Holland, staff attorney monuments that honor slavery, slave list. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library re- for the North Carolina Justice owners, Confederate veterans, sup- Charlotte public and private institu- named the former Morrison branch to Center’s Fair Chance Criminal Jus- porters of white supremacy and roman- tions have taken steps to remove the South Park Library because of the asso- tice project. “The implementation ticized notions of the antebellum South. names of spaces dedicated to racism. ciation to white supremacy. The YMCA of the Second Chance Act is an im- Input can be provided by completing an Queens University of Charlotte’s board did the same for a branch named for portant step toward ending the ex- online form or sending an email by Dec. of trustees voted unanimously in July to Morrison’s family. clusion of those with criminal 13. rename Burwell Hall Queens Hall after a The commission has recommended records from their communities The commission launched the initia- task force appointed by President Dan name changes for nine streets, includ- and could be life-changing for tive in June when Mayor Vi Lyles tasked Lugo investigated its namesake’s ties to ing: many North Carolinians.” it with compiling a list of street names, slavery. Burwell Hall, built in 1914, was • Aycock Lane, located in a subdivision Thousands of criminal convic- tions are eligible for expunction monuments and other markers that dedicated to the memory of Margaret Please see COMMISSION | 2A under the law, including those for people with multiple misdemeanor convictions from seven or more years ago. A person with a felony Student debt leaves Please see SECOND CHANCE | 2A NC feeling blue COVID-19 By Herbert L. White vaccines on [email protected] More than half of North Carolinians with student debt who earn less than $50,000 annually report a decrease in household income since the pandemic, the way according to a Morning Consult survey commis- By Laura Lee sioned by the Center for Responsible Lending. CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS Fifty-five percent of respondents reported a loss in With hospitalizations hitting earnings and despite a pause in student loan pay- record levels and the coronavirus ments as part of the federal CARES Act, 73% report pandemic dragging into its ninth stress associated with that debt. More than two- month, the prospect of a vaccine thirds (69%) report trouble with unexpected financial on the horizon gives many North emergencies or are falling behind on debt. Carolinians hope. “Student debt tripled in North Carolina between Gov. Roy Cooper told Tar Heels 2008 and 2018, growing to a $44 billion weight on to cling to that hope as the state ex- our economy and our hardworking families, who pects a limited supply of COVID-19 struggle with this debt load long after leaving col- PAULA SIEBER vaccines for high-risk health care lege,” said Center for Responsible Lending director workers as early as mid-December. of North Carolina policy Rochelle Sparko. “The na- Patrons at the The Grove Market in Greensboro shop for vegetables. The initial doses of the vaccine tional crisis is real, we’re feeling it acutely right here will come from Pfizer, Cooper said, at home, and it can’t be separated from the profound and are required to be stored at economic crisis caused by COVID-19. North Carolina Region’s Black farmers temperatures of minus 70 degrees families, especially those with lower incomes, are or lower. The ultralow temperature stressed out and struggling, and putting off financial requirements mean only a few fa- moves such as buying homes and cars. Relieving this markets grow in stature cilities have the necessary equip- stress would not only benefit these families, but the By Jodi Helmer gram. ment to store the vaccine. businesses that depend on the buying power of our He wanted to expand to a larger Doses of the vaccine will be ad- residents.” CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS audience, but after researching sev- ministered only upon U.S. Food Respondents to the survey, which was conducted When Ellis Monroe started shar- eral local farmers markets, he felt and Drug Administration approval. in August and September reported: ing the fresh basil, oregano, thyme, there were barriers to participation. The FDA committee that will con- • Significant lack of awareness of the current pause peppermint, tomatoes and egg- “The other markets were more sider Pfizer’s request meets Dec. in student loan payments; plant he grew in raised beds in his expensive and were more for 10. • Problems with student loan servicers, including backyard with friends and neigh- farmers who’ve been at this for a The state’s first round of vac- practices that have resulted in lower credit scores bors, they raved about the flavors. while, who were established,” he cines will be administered by hos- and failure of servicers to tell them about income- After two successful seasons as a said. pitals to health care staff and driven repayment options; backyard gardener, Monroe pur- An Instagram post about the custodial employees who work • Over half have trouble making payments, and chased a half-acre of land in Chapel Hill, expanded his to create Ellis Black Farmers’ Market, a new mar- with and around COVID-19-posi- significant numbers are unable to save for retire- ket in Raleigh and Durham de- ment or make major purchases; Herbs and applied to be part of the Please see COVID-19 | 2A North Carolina hemp pilot pro- Please see REGION’S |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 10, 2020 Region’s Black farmers Commission considers markets grow in stature Continued from page 1A participating farmers gen- Loaves and Fishes, were es- renaming city streets signed to showcase and erate livable wages from tablished in food deserts, Continued from page 1A Sr. owned three plantations and as support Black farmers, working the land. areas where residents lack south of Dilworth off Scaleybark many as 15 slaves. gave Ellis a new opportu- “Guilford County has a access to nutritious foods. Road. The street is named for Charles • Stonewall Street and Jackson Ave- nity. lot of farmers markets, but Rather than drawing Brantley Aycock, North Carolina’s nue, both named for Thomas “Stone- “It was my first market, they cater to a more af- neighbors to the markets, governor from 1900-1904 and father wall” Jackson, a Confederate but it was their first mar- fluent clientele, and the ap- Barnes said, “The people of the state’s white supremacy move- commander. Stonewall Street is Up- ket, too,” he recalled. “I felt plication process can be that come to the market ment. Historian H. Leon Prather called town and extends from South Mint like it was more accessible very exclusive,” said Paula are coming from their mid- Aycock the “Democratic Moses who and South Graham at Bank of America to me, like they really Sieber, executive director dle class homes; the led North Carolina out of the darkness Stadium east to Kenilworth Avenue. wanted me to be there.” of the Guilford Urban people buying the produce and chaos of Negro domination.” Jackson Avenue, located across off The Black Farmers’ Mar- Farming Initiative, the non- have access to grocery • Jefferson Davis Street, named for East 10th Street, is across from Pied- ket, launched this year, profit that operates The stores. the first and only president of the mont Open IB Middle School. hosts bimonthly markets Grove Market. “Farmers of “It’s supportive — and I Confederate States of America, lo- • Phifer Avenue, which connects that alternate between Ra- color are really struggling, don’t want to diminish it— cated in the Druid Hills community. North Tryon Street to North College leigh and Durham. Twenty- (and) we wanted to be a but it means we’re not get- • Hill Street, named for Confederate between East 9th and East 11th streets eight vendors sell local catalyst for change.” ting the food to the people officer Daniel Hill, is located uptown and runs perpendicular to the Hal produce and proteins as The response to North who need it, so it won’t fix from McNinch Street to Eldridge out- Marshall Center uptown. William part of a growing network Carolina’s three Black the problem (of food ac- side Bank of America Stadium. Phifer enslaved 28 Africans, making of similar markets that farmers markets — The cess), but it does help the • Barringer Drive in west Charlotte him one of the two largest slave have been established na- Black Farmers’ Market in farmer.” extends from West Boulevard, cross- owners in Charlotte. tionwide in cities like Balti- Raleigh and Durham, The markets accept Sup- ing Remount Road and Clanton before • Morrison Boulevard in south Char- more, Oakland, Calif., Bountiful Land Food for All plemental Nutrition Assis- ending at Pressley Road. The street lotte, named for former Cameron Richmond, Va., and Chi- Farmers Market in High tance Program and was named for the slaveholding Morrison, who was governor from cago. Point and The Grove Mar- electronic benefit transfer family of John Paul Barringer, who 1920-24. Before that, he led the “Red The markets are part of ket in Greensboro — has payments to ensure low-in- along with his oldest son John Sr. Shirts,” the paramilitary wing of the an effort to recognize the been overwhelming. come shoppers can pur- were members of the Mecklenburg Mi- state Democratic Party’s white su- barriers Black farmers face A crowdfunding cam- chase fresh foods. litia during the Revolutionary War. premacy campaign to suppress and and support those who paign to launch the Black In Greensboro, the mar- • Zebulon Avenue in the Smallwood terrorize Black voters in the late have struggled to succeed Farmers’ Market raised ket purchased 30,000 neighborhood off Rozzells Ferry Road 1890s. in a system built on sys- more than $10,500 in eight pounds of fresh produce in Historic West End was named for Morrison was a major landowner temic racism, says Deb- weeks to support a living from participating farmers Zebulon Vance, a Confederate colonel after buying 3,000 acres in south orah Barnes, director of the wage for the market man- this season and donated it who was governor from 1862-65 and Charlotte to develop Morrocroft Es- Bountiful Land Food for All ager, produce signage, to local churches and food re-elected in 1877. tate. Today’s South Park and Barclay Farmers Market and chair create a website and estab- banks. The nonprofit plans John Paul owned 13 slaves and hun- Downs neighborhoods sit on land of the North Carolina lish an assistance fund to to assemble 27,000 more dreds of acres in Cabarrus County once owned by Morrison. NAACP anti-poverty com- help vendors with unex- produce boxes during De- when he died at age 86 in 1807. John mittee. pected costs. cember to distribute to “The point of the market On a busy Saturday families living in Guilford was to bring food into food morning in Greensboro, County food deserts. deserts, to take food into hundreds of shoppers vis- Barnes acknowledges communities that are de- ited booths at the Grove other challenges that nied access to grocery Market, purchasing fresh might keep people of color stores,” Barnes said. “We produce from four local from local neighborhoods felt like the neighborhood farmers and goods from 32 from shopping at the Black would come out and sup- other small businesses farmers markets: They port Black farmers.” owned by people of color. might lack access to work- Legacy of inequities The Guilford market ing stoves or refrigerators Black farmers owned waived the vendor fees for to cook or store produce or more than 37 million acres 2020 to increase access for might not know how to of land in 1930; the latest small farmers. prepare unfamiliar foods Census of Agriculture For vendors like Monroe, such as eggplant. found that Black farmers the interest also translates The Bountiful Land Food own just 4.7 million acres to sales, which he depends for All Farmers Market of farmland — a mere 0.5% on to continue supporting planned to host cooking of all farmland nationwide. his farm. demonstrations and other In North Carolina, Black “A lot of people come out educational events, but the farmers run about 1,500 of who had no idea about COVID-19 pandemic pro- the state’s more than Black businesses and Black hibits large gatherings and 46,000 farms. farmers,” he said. “It’s sharing food samples. The Equal Justice Initia- been great exposure.” Although Black farmers tive says racial injustices, At High Point’s Bountiful markets might not be a including discrimination in Land Food for All Farmers panacea, for farmers like federal lending practices, Market, Black farmers have Monroe, the inclusive STOCK PHOTO denials of private loans, experienced higher-than- space offered the chance A nurse administers a vaccine. State officials expect doses of a coronavirus vaccine to be avail- and violence and intimida- anticipated crowds and to test the market, and the able to high-risk health care workers and long-term care residents and staff by the end of 2020. tion caused tax sales and sales, Barnes said. experience proved there foreclosures, massive “The markets have was interest in purchasing Black land loss and the gotten so much attention fresh herbs and CBD pro- transfer of wealth from that it’s been hard to keep ducts made from North COVID-19 vaccine is on the Black to white farmers. up with the volume,” she Carolina hemp. Lack of access to land is said. “Farmers have had to “There is a lack of oppor- just one of the barriers go back to figure out how tunity and access for mi- horizon for North Carolinians modern Black farmers face. to keep the produce com- nority farmers, and the Generating revenue from ing.” Black Farmers’ Market Continued from page 1A “I have some concerns an independent body con- the final product can also Overcoming obstacles created this bubble of ac- tive patients. Hospitals will about people not wanting vened by the N.C. Institute be more difficult for Black While the markets have cess for us and helped have discretion about to be vaccinated, and if it is of Medicine, provided farmers. been successful for Black open a door,” he said. whom they deem high risk, authorized by this inde- guidance to the Depart- About 30% of Black- farmers, Barnes worries “Because of the experi- N.C. Secretary of Health pendent advisory board ment of Health and Human owned farms generate less that the events have failed ence, I’m going to branch and Human Services Dr. and approved by the FDA, Services on the distribu- than $1,000 annually, and to meet their goals of im- out into other markets, and Mandy Cohen said. I have confidence in it,” he tion priorities. only 7% generate more pacting local communities. it’s all because I had the Long-term care facility said. “I think most of our “Our prioritization plan than $50,000 in annual The markets in High opportunity to get out patients and staff will also health care and health ex- is based on their guidance, revenues, according to the Point and Greensboro, es- there and build confidence be among the first in the perts will have confidence along with guidance from Census of Agriculture. tablished in partnership I needed to help me grow state to receive the immu- in it. We want people to the National Academy of Organizers hope Black with the North Carolina my business.” nization. have confidence in it be- Medicine on equitable dis- farmers markets can help NAACP and the nonprofit “Vaccinations at our cause in order for this to tribution of vaccines,” nursing homes, adult care work, we need to get as Cohen said. The depart- homes and other long-term many people vaccinated as ment submitted its vaccine care settings are being possible.” plan to the Centers for Dis- Grant for mobile health clinic managed by the federal After the initial distribu- ease Control and Preven- government,” Cohen said. tion, the state expects to tion in October. By Herbert L. White ance on consistent princi- tural, and trust barriers. ples of chronic care deliv- Now we are able to cross “However, the vaccines receive additional batches While the vaccine could [email protected] used in those long-term to be distributed to indi- offer a path for North Car- ery, and attention to transportation barriers and care settings will come viduals who are over age olinians to return to their Camino Community accountability and quality take our trusted services from our state’s vaccine al- 65 with two or more self- normal lives in 2021, wide- Center is taking healthy liv- improvement.” directly to those most vul- lotment.” reported co-morbidities. spread distribution is not ing on the road. Camino, which launched nerable in our community. Cohen expects the first The state will receive expected in winter. The Charlotte nonprofit in 2003 helps 25,000 low- We are very grateful for shipment of the long- weekly allocations from “Having a safe vaccine has launched a mobile income people a year this opportunity. “ awaited drugs to include the federal government, within reach is an extraor- medical clinic bought as through a health clinic, Said Brown: “Camino about 85,000 doses. Indi- Cohen said, with additional dinary achievement, but at part of a $900,000 contract mental health services, Community Center is a viduals who receive the vaccines from Moderna the same time, it is not a with United Providers of thrift store, food pantry, great collaborative partner first dose must receive a and other pharmaceutical quick fix,” Cohen said. Health to expand its serv- homeless outreach and for UPOH because of its second shot 21 days later. companies expected in “It will take several ices to include a mobile other human services. The focus and vision. They’re The vaccine will be free early 2021. An FDA com- months to have enough food pantry distribution community center is bilin- serving and working with for all North Carolinians, mittee will consider Mod- supplies so that anyone service. The money allows gual and multicultural, the underserved and mar- regardless of health insur- erna’s application for can readily get a vaccine.” Camino to implement a bridging gaps between lan- ginalized communities of ance status, Cooper said. Emergency Use Authoriza- Until then, social distanc- Collaborative Care Model guage and cultural bar- the LatinX population.” He encouraged residents to tion on Dec. 17. ing and mask wearing in its facilities. riers, especially in the Helping over 25,000 have faith in the scientific The NC COVID-19 Vac- must be the norm, she “The Collaborative Care Latino community. people a year, the mission and regulatory process. cine Advisory Committee, urged. Model uses a team-based “Thanks to Jerome Brown of the Camino Community interdisciplinary approach and UPOH we have ex- Center is to equip people to deliver evidence-based panded our outreach in a to live healthy, hopeful, diagnoses, treatment, and significant way,” said and productive lives. The Livingstone College partners follow-up care,” UPOH CEO Rusty Price, the center’s money awarded to Camino Jerome Brown said. “The founder and CEO. “For from UPOH will allow Ca- model differs from other many years we have pas- mino to continue to fulfill with state for food resources attempts to integrate be- sionately sought to pro- its mission and to carry on havioral health services be- vide hope and healing to providing for the people of By Kimberly Harrington ever to ensure that people tion to vulnerable com- cause of the replicated our Spanish-speaking the Charlotte Community. have access to food and munities, with a special FOR THE CHARLOTTE POST evidence supporting its neighbors by breaking this partnership will bring emphasis on children, the outcomes, its steady reli- through the language, cul- SALISBURY – Livingstone North Carolinians together elderly and the homeless. College has partnered with to support those in need,” Based on the U.S. Census the N.C. Department of Gov. Roy Cooper said. Household Pulse Survey, Health and Human Serv- “This pandemic, al- 48% of North Carolina ices: Office of Minority though unprecedented, households reported only Second chance for citizenship Health and Health Dispar- creates a unique opportu- somewhat or no con- ities to provide food re- nity to form unlikely part- fidence they can afford Continued from page 1A Dec. 15 with Chantel Cherry-Lassiter, cre- sources through churches nerships to address food food for the next four conviction can petition to expunge ator of the Umar Muhammad Clean Slate and nonprofits to vulner- insecurity in the state of weeks. Often, existing charges that didn’t result in conviction, Toolkit for people looking to expunge able populations impacted North Carolina,” Living- statewide infrastructure and prosecutors can do likewise on be- their records. The webinar, which is from by the pandemic. stone President Jimmy Jen- does not reach the most half of a defendant. On Dec. 1, 2021, dis- 6-7:30 p.m. at https://bit.ly/CleanSla- North Carolina com- kins said. vulnerable populations. missed and “not guilty” findings will be teWebinar, includes information on the munities hit hardest by the Livingstone will contract “Our goal is to reach in- expunged through an automated process. Second Chance Act and a question-and- COVID-19 pandemic will with the AME Zion Church visible people who have The expunction of misdemeanor convic- answer session with Judge Amanda Maris have access to $5 million to administer The Hurt & been paralyzed by this tions for juveniles age 16-17 prior to Dec. of North Carolina’s 14th Judicial District, in grants to help address Hunger Initiative, support- pandemic,” said Anthony J. 1, 2019 is already in effect as part of the an advocate for expunction and certifi- food insecurity needs. ing congregations and non- Davis, Livingstone’s chief Raise the Age provision. cates of relief programs. In 2018, Maris “As we head into winter, profits who are providing operating officer and sen- The Southern Coalition for Social Jus- designed the Durham Expunction and Re- it is more important than meals and food distribu- Please see LIVINGSTONE|5A tice is hosting the Clean Slate webinar storation, or DEAR, program. 3A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 10, 2020 4A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 10, 2020 Migrant workers prepare turkeys amidst COVID fears By Hannah Critchfield workplaces, according to ing “privacy reasons.” NORTH CAROLINA HEALTH NEWS DHHS data. The Midwest Safety complaints at But- Center for Investigative Re- terball Jessica spends her days porting determined this The largest turkey pro- wrist-deep in turkey. She was the most of any state cessing plant in the world cuts their neck bones, re- with a meatpacking indus- sits in the small town of moves the shanks, the try. All told, the agency re- Mt. Olive in North Carolina. crop, the organs no one ports 4,047 Butterball LLC is a major wants to be confronted cluster-associated cases in employer in the roughly with when they handle, meat and poultry process- 4,700-person town. People prep or eat the bird. ing facilities. have migrated to the town She makes sure each fowl As the virus surges again, for the plentiful work at is sanitized before packag- problems have continued the facility, including a ing, standing shoulder-to- in these facilities, which large influx of about 3,000 shoulder with workers just account for 20 of the Tar Haitian immigrants who like her, close to the Spa- Heel state’s current arrived in the last decade. nish-language signs that clusters. Many of the other staff are adorn the walls reminding “We are all working in people of color and immi- them to “maintain at least fear,” said Jessica. “Be- grants. six feet of distance from cause as much as people Early on in the coronavi- other people.” have been diagnosed with rus pandemic, President But there are fewer and COVID-19, people that I Donald Trump deemed U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE fewer of those people by knew have also died in this meatpacking an essential the day, says the 50-year- place.” industry, allowing process- North Carolina meat processing workers are concerned that the lack of safety protocols are old worker. A Butterball spokesper- ing plants to stay open — being ignored, leaving them at risk for contracting the coronavirus. “A lot of people are get- son said the company and workers to keep work- ting sick,” alleged Jessica, takes safety matters “very ing — regardless of case and/or cleaned; and em- a letter to the employer re- raise questions about how who spoke through a Spa- seriously,” and provided counts outside. ployees could still be ex- questing they investigate much has changed at nish translator. She re- detailed responses to NC Butterball’s Mount Olive posed due to not your allegation and take meatpacking plants since quested North Carolina Health News’ questions. factory, one of several practicing distancing, due any action necessary to en- April. Health News not publish “Since the onset of the company plants divided to working close to each sure their COVID-19 pol- “It’s been very tough re- her last name out of fear of COVID-19 crisis, we have between North Carolina other,” details the next icies and procedures are in cently,” said Jessica. “They losing her job. “We’ve all put in place special pro- and Arkansas, first re- complaint, made by phone accordance with the most provide masks and plastic been trying to meet their cesses and procedures at ported an outbreak of to North Carolina’s OSH, on current guidelines from protective equipment, but quotas, and working har- all of our plants, including COVID-19 cases among April 15. Federal or State agencies, they have really little care der than we usually are, to Mount Olive, to slow the workers on April 27. “Employees’ health could such as the Centers for Dis- on social distancing. We fill in the gaps.” spread of the virus, such as The complaints began be seriously harmed due to ease Control and Preven- are shoulder to shoulder, As the holiday season instituting strict sanitiza- earlier, according to fed- exposure to COVID-19 tion, OSHA, and the working very close to- draws near, many meat- tion protocols, social dis- eral Occupational Safety which, now they have 17 Governor’s Office.” gether. They have signs packing workers are focus- tancing requirements and Health Administration cases in the workforce, ap- The state has previously that say to take care and ing their efforts on everywhere possible, plexi- and North Carolina’s De- pears to be getting trans- been criticized for this stay healthy, but there’s preparing the very poultry glass barriers and face partment of Labor Occupa- mitted at the workplace,” a hands-off approach, and actually very little interest that will be the center of shields in areas where so- tional Safety and Health third OSH complaint reads news reports throughout in our well-being. We could Thanksgiving and Christ- cial distancing may not be division documents ob- on April 17. “There is con- the summer featured But- be talking in the group and mas tables across the possible, required surgical- tained by NC Health News. cern that the virus is terball workers alleging whatnot, and they really country. Workers like Jes- style face masks and body Butterball has been the spreading due to employ- continued spread in their don’t care as long as we are sica claim some are also temperature screenings on subject of five complaints ees working very close to workplace. making sure that the out- dying in the process. entering the facility,” said made to either OSHA or NC each other.” Butterball team members put is good. So a lot of While the pandemic the spokesperson who OSH about a lack of COVID- OSHA dismissed its April who are concerned about people are calling in sick.” means Butterball’s famous asked to only be identified 19 protections since the 6 complaint, and OSH dis- their safety are encouraged In response to these alle- hotline cooks will be work- by his company affiliation. pandemic began — four missed all of its com- to speak up to their plant’s gations, a Butterball ing from home because of “We will continue to ag- are from North Carolina; plaints, stating that the human resources team, a spokesperson said that safety precautions this gressively pursue initia- three are specifically about agency didn’t have the ju- Butterball spokesperson plant management is year, plant workers on the tives that best protect our conditions at the Mt. Olive risdiction to enforce any said, or via the company’s proactive about enforcing front lines don’t have the teams at work, based on plant. action against these “al- anonymous reporting line. social distancing “where same opportunity. the most current CDC and “There have been cases leged hazards.” Unknown number of possible.” Throughout this year, OSHA guidance, and re- of COVID-19 in the plant,” Instead, the state agency deaths Jessica countered that some of these employees main committed to contin- an April 6 OSHA complaint sent letters to Butterball, “The people that are now existing conditions have have maintained that uing to evaluate and reads. “One employee was asking the company to in- infected by the virus [at not stopped employees COVID-safety protocols implement best practices taken out due to being vestigate its own facilities. Butterball] are more than from dying. and conditions are deplor- to mitigate the risks of the sick. The employer has “While your concern is what they used to be,” said “I know of two young able inside. NC Health virus in our facilities.” known for over a week. understandable, it was de- Esmeralda Dominguez of men, and one lady that News has identified at least It’s unclear how many The employer is exposing termined the alleged haz- the Episcopal Farmworker died three weeks ago that I one worker who has died Butterball employees have employees to the virus and ard is not covered by an Ministry, a local outreach worked closely with,” she of the virus. But Butterball died of COVID-19 because still wanting them to come OSHA standard, nor would organization that aids mi- said. “However, I’m aware is not alone in its alleged no state agency is required to work.” it meet the criteria for a grant workers and their that in other departments troubles. to disclose it to the public. “Where there have been General Duty Clause cita- families. “It’s not just a at the plant, people have As of Nov. 13, North Car- Neither is the company. confirmed cases of COVID- tion under NCGS 95-129 of matter of who’s infected, also died. I do not know olina, a top employer of Butterball declined to 19 in the workforce: em- the OSH Act of North Caro- it’s a matter of how many how many; I just know it’s meatpacking workers, has provide the number of its ployees were not notified lina,” said one response people might die.” been several. But they had 41 clusters of cases in workers who have died of in a timely manner; the letter sent to a complainant New accounts from cur- don’t make a lot of com- an unknown number of the novel coronavirus, cit- plant was not shut down on April 21. “We have sent rent employees like Jessica motion about it.”

An Important Message from Medicare

Getting your flu shot is more important than ever.

Flu shots are covered by Medicare. The flu can have serious complications, especially for people with diabetes, heart disease, and other medical conditions. Getting your shot can help you stay healthy, protect others, and stop the spread.

GET YOUR SHOT NOW. IT’S NOT TOO LATE. Paid for by the U.S. Department See your doctor, pharmacy, or other of Health & Human Services local providers. 5A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 10, 2020 Livingstone College End of ban on local LGBT joins food initiative ordinances lead to unknown THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Continued from page 2A ful Communities program will admin- RALEIGH — A 3 1/2-year ister the Food Insecurity Wrap Around ior vice president of Institutional Ad- ban on new local ordi- Services Initiative, which will address vancement. “This is a great opportu- nances aimed at protecting food insecurity for vulnerable pop- nity for a Historically Black College LGBT rights in North Caro- ulations by providing funding for and University to partner with the lina has expired, prompt- community wrap around services faith-based and nonprofit community ing gay rights groups to such as food purchase and distribu- to serve vulnerable people in vulner- urge the passage of such tion, cold storage and transportation able places. Unfortunately, this pan- measures now. for food distribution. demic reminds us that there are Democratic Gov. Roy “This opportunity highlights the im- people in this great state who are in- Cooper agreed to the mor- portance of the needs of our com- visible, and their voices cannot be atorium in March 2017 in munity especially around food heard from the valley of despair.” exchange for GOP law- insecurity. Each family or individual The Rev. Dwayne Walker, a member makers agreeing to do that we can help feed, lifts a burden of the Livingstone College Board of away with several portions that we have seen before, during, and Trustees and pastor of Little Rock of a “bathroom bill” that after COVID. We are excited to partner AME Zion Church in Charlotte, facili- Republicans had approved with community organizations and tated the partnership between the col- a year earlier. stakeholders to ensure people get the lege and the NCDHHS. He, along with A key disputed section of resources that they need not only to Dr. Sheldon Shipman, pastor of Green- House Bill 2 directed trans- survive but to thrive,” said Cornell ville Memorial AME Zion Church in gender people to use pub- GERRY BROOME | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Wright, executive director of the Of- Charlotte, and the Rev. Daran Mitchell, lic bathrooms matching fice of Minority Health and Health Dis- In this May 12, 2016, file photo, gender free sign hangs outside pastor of Trinity AME Zion Church in their biological sex instead parities. a restroom at 21c Museum Hotel in Durham. A 3 1/2-year ban Greensboro, were having dialogues of the gender they identify Additional resources for those im- on local ordinances aimed at protecting LGBT rights in North with the state regarding reaching vul- with. It drew national con- pacted by the pandemic are available Carolina expired Dec. 1, prompting gay rights groups to urge nerable populations through faith- demnation and prompted through the North Carolina Depart- the passage of such measures. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper based groups. The trio approach several large corporations ment of Health and Human Services Livingstone College to author the pro- and sports teams to relo- agreed to the moratorium in March 2017 in exchange for GOP and NC 211. Individuals and families posal for consideration. cate events to other states lawmakers agreeing to do away with portions of a “Bathroom can obtain information through the “COVID-19 has been devastating to or reconsider expanding in Bill” that Republicans had approved a year earlier. COVID-19 NC Information Hub at the world, and as a pastor, we have North Carolina. www.covid19.ncdhhs.gov. LGBTQ North Carolinians, palities, are certainly look- the heart to address these issues, but As the moratorium NC 211 is an information and refer- one where no one is left ing at it,” Mills told The we do not have the resources. It’s ended, leaders of Equality ral service provided by United Way of vulnerable to discrim- News & Observer of Ra- great to be able to see Livingstone Col- North Carolina and the North Carolina. Families and individ- ination based on who they leigh. lege play a major role along with the Campaign for Southern uals can dial 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 are or who they love,” Alli- Although the legislature AME Zion Church, other entities, and Equality on Tuesday urged to obtain free and confidential infor- son Scott, policy director that convenes in January state government coming together to North Carolina residents to mation on health and human re- for the Campaign for will still be controlled by address this major challenge,” Walker contact leaders of cities sources within their community. Southern Equality, said in a Republicans, the party said. and urge them to expand “This is an opportunity for entities news release. lacks a veto-proof majority In addition to Livingstone, under anti-discrimination laws that are in the trenches to reach Beau Mills, executive di- and will have limited op- this state program the General Baptist for the LGBT community. people who are normally unreach- rector of the North Caro- tions to cancel any local or- State Convention will administer the The moratorium had able,” Jenkins said. “No good strategy lina Metro Mayors dinances that might be Food Related Hunger Initiative to pro- barred new local ordi- in reaching these vulnerable pop- Coalition, said before the passed. Cooper was ree- vide two meals per day (breakfast and nances related to private ulations is off the table.” ban ended that he wasn’t lected in November. The lunch) to churches and faith-based or- employment, hotels and To learn more about the initiative, aware of any city planning GOP has shown little inter- ganizations serving as daytime learn- restaurants. call Livingstone College at (704) 216- to pass new ordinances est in passing statewide ing centers for students under virtual “We can finally begin 6044. right away. “I am aware protections for the LGBT curricula and working parents. writing a new chapter for The Conservation Fund’s Resource- that cities, some munici- community.

North Carolina voter ID law clears federal appeals court hurdle By Herbert L. White Court Judge Loretta Biggs’ points and ‘fundamental voter ID closer to imple- Biggs’ findings and deter- peals court. Republicans [email protected] decision to strike down the legal errors,’ that’s de- mentation but an injunc- minations were correct at authorized a referendum law. stabilizing. That is what tion from a challenge in the preliminary injunction in 2018 as part of the state Voter ID can now be im- “There’s legitimate con- erodes confidence in gov- state court – Holmes v. phase. Nonetheless, under constitution, which passed plemented in North Caro- cern today about under- ernment.” Moore – is still in place. the reasoning of the deci- with 55% of ballots cast lina elections. mining trust in The state NAACP filed Both Holmes and NAACP v. sion today, NC NAACP and lawmakers passed a A three-judge federal ap- democracy,” Senate Leader suit in 2018, and Biggs ex- Cooper are scheduled to go plaintiffs’ evidence will separate law in December peals court sided last week Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) ecuted a stay. Republicans to trial in 2021 for final res- also prevail at trial on the of that year to implement with legislative Repub- said in a statement. “When appealed to the 4th Circuit, olution. full merits and we look for- the amendment. licans by ruling unani- an activist judge overturns which found “fundamental “NC NAACP is reviewing ward to the fight for justice “A majority of North Car- mously to reinstate voter the will of millions of legal errors that permeate” this decision and we are ahead.” olina voters and their identification, which North North Carolinians who Biggs’ decision. Thirty-five considering all appellate In 2013, the Republican- elected representatives Carolina voters approved added a voter ID require- states have some form of options,” said Irv Joyner, dominated legislature voted to adopt Voter ID,” in a 2018 referendum. The ment to their own constitu- voter ID. the state NAACP’s counsel. passed a photo ID require- North Carolina Republican Fourth Circuit Court of Ap- tion and rests her lawless The federal court’s pre- “We steadfastly believe ment that was struck down Party spokesman Tim Wig- peals reversed District opinion on political talking liminary ruling moves that the Honorable Judge in 2016 by a federal ap- ginton said in a statement.

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© 2020 Regions Bank. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank. 6A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 10, 2020 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost Demand Senate Republicans stop The Voice of the Black Community Gerald O. Johnson | CEO/PUBLISHER blocking COVID-19 relief bill [email protected] Robert L. Johnson | PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER It is going to be a hard are bearing. Washington Post noted White House aide Jared Christmas for many Amer- There is no mystery was more than double the Kushner is suing to evict [email protected] icans. The number of about the source of the rate for white Americans. hundreds of tenants who people hospitalized with problem. It is Senate Major- As House Speaker Nancy have fallen behind on their Herbert L. White | EDITOR IN CHIEF COVID-19 is soaring. The ity Leader Mitch McCon- Pelosi and State Minority rent. virus is spreading faster nell, who has refused to Leader Chuck Schumer The need for action is ur- [email protected] than ever. Families and even consider a meaning- wrote in a letter to McCon- gent. But McConnell has Published weekly by The Charlotte Post Publishing Company small business owners ful COVID relief bill, in- nell before Thanksgiving, used the Senate’s time this Inc., 5118 Princess Street, Charlotte, NC 28269 (USPS #965500). whose incomes have been cluding the HEROES Act economists agree that the fall to push right-wing Subscription is $65 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Char- devastated by the COVID- passed by the House of country needs a much Trump judges into lifetime lotte, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Charlotte 19 pandemic are being Representatives more than bigger aid package than he positions on the federal Post, PO Box 30144, Charlotte, NC 28230 hurt by the six months ago. has been willing to con- courts. He adjourned the U.S. Senate’s Even the Trump admin- sider to keep people and Senate for Thanksgiving refusal to istration was willing to ne- the economy from sinking without bringing up relief provide any gotiate with Democrats, further. legislation. relief since but McConnell has acted in If the Senate doesn’t act President-elect Joe Biden April. bad faith. McConnell held now, more Americans will and Vice President-elect Challenges and This suffer- relief hostage because he be hurt. Unemployment Kamala Harris have put the ing is not has insisted that any legis- benefits run out the day new administration’s coro- shared lation must exempt com- after Christmas. A freeze navirus task force in place. opportunities equally. Black BEN panies from legal on student loan payments, Biden has called on Con- and brown JEALOUS accountability for out- protections against evic- gress to pass legislation people have breaks or deaths within tions, and expanded paid like the HEROES Act the been hit har- workplaces. Before the family medical leave will House passed back in May. for diversity in der than other Americans election, he told Trump not all run out at the end of the It is long past time for Sen- by the pandemic in many to make a deal with Demo- month. ate Republicans to deal ways. We get sicker and die crats. And since then, he The threat to families is with their Democratic col- more often. We have been has cut his already weak devastating. Almost one- leagues in good faith, and NC schools hit harder by the economic counteroffer in half. third of Black renters have to give American families fallout, too. And Senate Re- Does the wealthy McCon- fallen behind on their rent. the relief they need and de- There’s a saying that “the rain will show you publicans’ refusal to give nell not understand how Meanwhile, in spite of the serve. where the holes in the roof are” and that couldn’t Americans what is needed many Americans are going moratorium on evictions Ben Jealous is president of be more true over the past eight months in North to protect our families and hungry? Twenty-two per- during the pandemic, the People For the American Carolina and around the country. get the economy going cent of Black households real estate management Way and People For the The COVID-19 pandemic brought again just extends the in- reported going hungry in company owned in part by American Way Foundation. to the forefront the challenges that equitable burden that we one recent week, which the Trump’s son-in-law and all schools face in our state — from public to private, from charter to dis- trict-run. Among those challenges is the issue of diversity and equity ac- ross schools in our 100 counties. As We’re reimaging narrative of the a North Carolina educator and advo- RHONDA cate, I’ve seen how commitment to diversity (or the lack thereof) can af- DILLINGHAM fect the success of students of color modern African American father as well as the recruitment of edu- cators of color which are in desperate need. While By Kenneth Braswell, households with their chil- ports or depictions often fathers would mean more this challenge is complicated, there is no doubt dren than fathers of other misrepresent Black fathers dads are home to comfort that an honest conversation followed by workable Dr. Matisa Wilbon and races. But it’s important to as “absentee” dads who their children at night solutions is what our state’s students and edu- Dr. Stacey Bouchet note the share of children abandon their children by when they are fearful that cators of color deserve. SPECIAL TO THE POST in single-mother families connecting non-marital their older brothers or North Carolina’s Program Evaluation Division re- It has long been known among all races has risen births with parental in- cousins might not make it leased a report outlining charter school effective- that father presence in the dramatically since the volvement. Research tells home after a routine traffic ness in recruiting, retaining, and pairing students household is important for 1960s. Moreover, we now us, however, that many stop. and educators of color. The report defined the the positive well-being of know that among nonres- Black fathers are deeply That is why promoting various initiatives that charter schools and CSOs families, neighborhoods, idential fathers, Black engaged with their chil- responsible fatherhood is have taken to attract and retain Black and Hispanic and youth. fathers are more involved dren, and physical sep- more important now than candidates for K-12 classrooms. Many schools Dads who than Hispanic dads and aration is not always ever. The world is demand- have instituted their own internal strategies and actively par- share more responsibilities synonymous with lack of ing positive change, and measurements to recruit educators of color, in- ticipate in the and generally co-parent father involvement. Black fathers need to be at cluding monetary incentives, scholarships for con- lives of their better than white or His- According to sociologist the helm. If Black fathers tinuing education, and mentoring or professional families pro- panic nonresidential Patricia Hill Collins, these are lifted up, Black families development for leaders of color.1 However, these vide a steady fathers. Still, nonresiden- “controlling images” shape will be stronger. But this efforts have come under deep scrutiny and criti- source of sta- tial Black fathers face myr- people’s thinking about necessary change will not cism in the recent report. Braswell bility and iad barriers to being a certain groups after being happen if promoting “re- The authors determined that current state initia- support. The stable, consistent support exposed to negative rep- sponsible fatherhood” is tives and programs, including those beginning in consequences of such sup- to their children because of resentations repeatedly. used to place blame on a the Department of Public Instruction and from port impact a whole host of other systemic challenges Left unchecked, they can group of people who are Gov. Roy Cooper, are not effective in specifically child developmental out- that conservatives often make policy and law- often “marked” by the time targeting educators of color, and that they are too comes, including behavior, overlook. makers unsympathetic to they are school-aged. preliminary to be evaluated.2 They also high- academics, and health. In- In our report, “The Blue- the plight of Black dads. Rather, it must mean that lighted that other proposals lack financial support volved fathers are also print—Reimagining the Why do these things as America looks inwardly to be implemented equitably in all districts, and more likely to engage in Narrative of the Black matter? Because it is not at how we can be a better many have a disparate array of goals and metrics positive parenting behav- Father,” we outline those enough to discuss Black fa- nation, we seek to under- from which to evaluate or compare.3 The report iors like academic inter- factors that are necessary therhood without also un- stand the full picture of goes on to say the General Assembly has an op- vention and constructive for understanding the derstanding the context what it means to be a Black portunity to lead the charge on promoting diver- discipline. Black father, such as the within which Black men father in America. It means sity and inclusion within hiring practices through Promoting responsible economic challenges that operate. to take into consideration a two pronged approach- mandating education of- fatherhood, then, should stem from having lower Even so, it is clear that what changes need to be ficials to provide alternative means to prove pro- be the focus of institutions rates of upward mobility Black children need their made in society even as we ficiency in lieu of teacher licensing exams, and by as well as grassroots ef- and higher rates of down- fathers. Although the pro- work to build the character expanding monetary incentives to students at his- forts in society. Involved ward mobility than whites, tests in response to the and resolve of Black men. torically Black universities.4 fathers help create well-ad- leading to large income killing of unarmed Black It means affirming Black While both approaches are viable in theory, justed youth. What disparities that persist ac- people have been peaceful, fathers and Black lives, in North Carolina has a Teaching Fellows Program, happens, however, when ross generations. These the looting and violence general. It means declaring which provides student loan forgiveness to stu- there are impediments to economic factors can sub- perpetuated by a few must that Black dads matter. dents attending five public or private colleges or both the presence and par- stantially and negatively be addressed. It was pain- Kenneth Braswell is a hus- universities, as well as training to become science ticipation of fathers in the impact Black families in ful watching young band, father of five, and and math teachers. Yet, none of the five existing lives of children, particu- real time. When examining people—Black and white— founder and CEO of Fathers school partners are historically Black larly Black fathers? the response to the COVID- breaking into buildings Incorporated. He is the au- universities.5 The report suggests that by expand- Conservatives often ad- 19 pandemic, for example, and stealing merchandise. thor of “When The Tear ing the TFP to historically Black institutions there dress this question by con- many Black families found Those images remind us Won't Fall: One Man's Jour- will be an increase in diverse teaching tending that Black fathers themselves vulnerable and that for many of these ney Through The Intimate candidates.6 However, Superintendent of Public are not adequately present unable to maintain their youth, dads are likely not Struggles of Manhood and Instruction Mark Johnson points to a different out- and involved with their households with little-to- in the picture. Fatherhood,” four chil- come and metric to follow. He noted that even if families. They push to no liquid assets. Perhaps if more fathers dren's books and three doc- 100 non-white candidates received loans, it would create policies that encour- Differential educational were residential, they umentaries. take nine years to increase the percentage of mi- age marriage among fam- outcomes are also a barrier could speak to their chil- Dr. Matisa Wilbon is an nority teachers by 1 percentage point.7 He high- ilies as a way to foster child to success for Black fam- dren about how to appro- associate professor of socio- lights the fact that with nearly 94,000 public well-being and success, ilies. Black males, for ex- priately channel anger and logy and the CEO of Wilbon school teachers in North Carolina we cannot focus particularly Black families. ample, still experience frustration at the same Enterprises, a consulting on small pools of candidates for novice diversity The success sequence, for greater impediments to time they have “the talk” firm that focuses on diver- programs to right-size the biased systems that example, suggests that in- graduating from college with them. “The Talk” is an sity, equity and inclusion exist.8 dividuals are most likely to and when they do, they are important conversation strategic planning and pol- But this is a jarring contradiction from the find- avoid poverty and be suc- more likely to graduate Black parents often have icy. ings in the report published by Fordham Insti- cessful if they finish their from for-profit institutions with their Black sons about Stacey Bouchet Ph.D., has tute’s Seth Gershenson, "Student-Teacher Race education, obtain full-time with larger amounts of col- how to deal with police worked with Fathers Incor- Match in Charter and Traditional Public Schools". employment, marry and lege debt. when they are stopped so porated since 2013. Gershenson notes that “charter schools—in North then have children—in that Physical and mental they can make it home Carolina at least—are doing a much better job of order. The idea itself health disparities are safely after a night out with recruiting a diverse teaching force, and are sub- seems intuitive and posi- another factor rarely ad- friends. Perhaps an in- sequently more likely to match teachers and stu- tive. After all, proponents dressed as significant to crease in residential dents on the basis of race”.9 And he proposes that contend that this ordering the well-being of fathers there is a link between student achievement in would create more stable (and therefore, families) of urban charter schools and teacher pairing based and successful Black fam- color. For example, Black * Rich In FREE Shipping & 33% OFF Vitamin C on racial background that puts charter schools at ilies. Critics, however, men experience the worst an academic advantage to traditional public point out that the success health outcomes of any schools.10 Gershenson emphasizes that charter sequence disregards the other demographic group, schools have approximately 35% more black impediments that individ- and at age 45, Black men teachers, and it is 50% more likely that Black stu- ual effort cannot always have a life expectancy that dents in charter schools will have a black teacher overcome. As Brian Alex- is three years less than than their public school counterparts.11 While ander wrote in The Atlan- non-Hispanic white men.8 white students are equally likely to have a white tic, it “conveniently frames Poor health is often symp- teacher across the two sectors.12 structural inequalities (i.e. tomatic of poverty. Health, North Carolina has made effective steps to foster high unemployment, lack in turn, has an impact on and support an array of teachers and leaders from of education, racial dis- sustained poverty. This cy- various racial and economic backgrounds. Our ef- crimination, etc.) as clical relationship must be forts are not reflected in silos, or solely in recruit- matters of individual unpacked when identify- Mixed Fruit Medley ment data points, but are most evident in our choice.” This is why re- ing why poverty is pre- students’ achievements and matriculation to four- moving barriers to struc- dominantly the plight of WAS $29.99 year universities. And, as we all prepare for the tural equality is equally certain marginalized NOW ONLY Spring semester in the midst of COVID-19 restric- important to the success of people. tions, charter schools will continue to lead efforts families—especially Black Finally, the media plays a $ 99 to increase teacher diversity and racial matching families. large role in how Black for the advancement of all our students and The share of Black chil- fathers are viewed in soci- 19 schools. dren born to single moth- ety. There are many media Rhonda Dillingham is a former high school Eng- 1-877-648-1440 ers has more than tripled myths that should be ad- Visit PittmanDavis.com/MN122 lish teacher, charter school leader, and is now the from about 24% in 1960 to dressed and dispelled re- Executive Director of the North Carolina Association Only $19.99 (reg. $29.99), plus FREE Shipping.* Satisfaction completely guaranteed. nearly 70% in 2018, indi- lated to Blacks in general Order by December 17, 2020 for GUARANTEED Christmas delivery. IC: PNVH-N122 for Public Charter Schools. cating that Black fathers and Black dads in particu- are less likely to live in lar. For example, media re- * Free standard shipping to the 48 contiguous states. CHARLOTTE HORNETS Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego’s emphasis on developing young talent has paid dividends with the emergence of players li ke 2018 second-round pick Devonte Graham as an NBA starter at point guard. Swarming the future With one of the NBA’s youngest teams, Hornets look to take another step toward building a contender

By Ashley Mahoney team has seen competitive action and with “I think as we bought into that, as we tablishing that identity and I think now it’s [email protected] multiple new pieces, Borrego is taking the grew throughout last season we became about taking it to another level.” James Borrego is bringing back his four same pillared approach this season. more consistent with it,” Borrego said. “I The Hornets had 17 regular season

pillars, with extra sauce. “We’re sticking with it, we’re just running think that’s where we started to get our games remaining when their season was The Charlotte Hornets’ third-year head this back again,” he said. “Let’s get better stride there at the end, we competed at a cut short due to the pandemic. However, coach laid out four focal points for the pro- at it, this is the 2.0 version of it. I expect higher level more consistently. Our devel- they were able to capitalize on their lottery gram last season: compete every game, our guys to compete more consistently, I opment was stronger throughout the sea- fortune, selecting guard LaMelo “ Ball third player development, establish an identity think it’s all of those pillars just doing it at son, our players grew in skill development, overall in the draft. In addition, they sub- and build winning habits. The COVID-19 a higher level and more consistently.” in becoming more professional. Our iden- sequently acquired second-rounder Ver- pandemic cut their progress short, as the Charlotte finished the regular season tity really started to be shaped and formed non Carey Jr. of Duke (center) and College Hornets did not qualify for the NBA bubble 10th in the Eastern Conference at 23-42. throughout the season as well: how we of Charleston guard Grant Riller at 32nd in Orlando when play resumed over the Their final game was a 109-98 win in Miami wanted to play, how I want to play, was re- and 56th overall respectively, as well as summer. It has been a long time since the on March 11. flected in those last couple weeks. So es- Please see HORNETS | 8A We’re sticking with it, we’re just running this back again. Let’s get better at it, this is the 2.0 version of it. “ Charlotte Hornets head coach JAMES BORREGO Panthers, Maker not Rhule move exception in the right for talent Makur Maker is out indefinitely. direction The Howard guard/forward, a former five- star recruit from California, is reportedly the Despite record, they’re most highly rated recruit to ever sign at an HBCU. The thing is, we know that’s not true. more competitive than Great high school players have always played at HBCUs, going back to the 1940s. They just anyone dared to expect weren’t called five-star recruits. By Steve Reed CAROLINA PANTHERS While I initially found it a little strange that Maker was going to THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The 4-8 Carolina Panthers’ overhauled roster includes a remade defense that includes four rookie While the win-loss record might not re- starters, including safety/linebacker Jeremy Chinn, a leading contender for NFL Defensive Rookie be “shut down” indefinitely be- flect it, first-year coach Matt Rhule has the of the Year. cause of a groin injury, it re- Carolina Panthers headed in the right direc- minded me about the caution I tion. chemistry and put Rhule and his staff of Andy Reid said of Rhule. “He’s smart, de- felt when he first committed to, The Panthers are 4-8 and any realistic mostly college coaches even further behind manding — all of those things. And he’s then signed to play at Howard. chances of reaching the play- the eight-ball. honest. ... He’s not going to tell you stories. The HBCU world celebrated. offs — even with an extra wild Consider that running back Christian Mc- And normally, that gives you opportunities Media outlets that generally DONAL card team added in both con- Caffrey, the team’s most dynamic player, to last a while in this league.” don’t cover us came out of the WARE ferences this year — have all has been limited to three games this season While Rhule is incredibly competitive and woodwork to write about Maker, but evaporated. due to ankle and shoulder injuries, and it’s wants to win now, he also understands that which is a good thing. I wrote But the playoffs were never quite remarkable the Panthers have been as it takes time. He has been through this type about it as well and said, “For this to work, an expectation for the Pan- competitive as they have been. of rebuild before as head coach at Temple Maker must actually PLAY for Howard.” thers, who began the season Carolina has been in every game in the and Baylor. While the injury is legit, it could also be a sit- with a new coaching staff, a fourth quarter this season except one. In both cases, Rhule inherited bad teams uation where Howard is being a little more Rhule new franchise quarterback and This is a team that went to Kansas City and struggled with losing records in his first cautious with Maker than it or any other a revamped roster with more turnover than and nearly upset the defending champion season, only to turn those programs into school in the same situation would be with a any team in the league. The lack of an off- Chiefs, losing 33-31 when Joey Slye’s des- consistent winners. Whether that formula similar player. It also reminded me that there season and preseason games due to the peration 67-yard field goal at the end of reg- works for him at the NFL level in Carolina are and have been good players at HBCUs. coronavirus pandemic limited Carolina’s ulation came up a couple of yards short. remains to be seen, but it’s pretty clear play- This isn’t just about Maker. What it should do is remind us – true HBCUers who went to chances of developing much in the way of “He’s got great energy,” Chiefs coach Please see PANTHERS |8A and graduated from our schools, who were down with the HBCU cause before it became more popular within the last few years, and more specifically within the last several Was it rust? 49ers won’t blame inactivity for loss months, who truly understand HBCUs – that great basketball players have always come By Ashley Mahoney was ‘I’m proud of you,’” 49ers “Breaking Jeff’s record and just Junior quarterback Chris from our schools. [email protected] coach Will Healy said. “Those all the guys who came before me Reynolds and junior receiver Vic- Earl Lloyd, the first Black player in the NBA. The Charlotte 49ers had not two things typically don’t go is humbling,” DeLuca said. “It’s tor Tucker also had milestone Sam Jones. Cleo Hill, Sr. Earl “The Pearl” Mon- played a game in over a month, hand-in-hand.” the message that was preached performances, with Reynolds roe. Bobby Dandridge. Bobby Phills, Lindsey and it showed. Senior safety Ben DeLuca set a to me as a recruit. It’s the mes- surpassing 5,000 career passing Hunter, Ben Wallace. Flip Murray. And more Sunday’s 37- 19 loss to West- school record for career tackles sage that I preach to kids who are yards and Tucker surpassing recently Kyle O’Quinn, who played at Norfolk ern Kentucky was Charlotte’s for the 49ers with 313 after his thinking about coming here. 2,000 receiving yards. They are State and Robert Covington of Tennessee first game in five weeks, and seven-tackle performance Being able to leave a milestone both second in program history State, an NBA All-Defensive Team performer. their second home date of the against Western Kentucky. He and do things and leave your behind quarterback Matt John- They all played and thrived while at HBCUs. season. Western Kentucky im- broke former 49ers linebacker name etched in stone is really son at 5,405 yards and receiver And there are some really good current play- proved to 5-6, 4-3 in Conference Jeff Gemmell’s record of 306, yet cool and unique, but it really Austin Duke’s 3,437 yards, but ers as well. While Maker was a great signing USA East. Charlotte dropped to DeLuca is more focused on the wasn’t the result that you hoped the moment does not have the and will hopefully lead to other high-ranking 2-4, 2-2 C-USA. program’s improvement and for today. [We have to] just pick shine they would hope for. recruits playing at our schools, this should be “We just got our butt kicked, their response to the loss rather up the pieces, respond and keep “It’s bittersweet,” said Tucker, a reminder that our programs can be success- moving forward.” and the first thing I said to them than his own success. Please see WAS IT RUST? | 8A Please see BLACK COLLEGES | 8A 8A SPORTS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, December 10, 2020 Black colleges have to seize the initiative for sustainable programs Continued from page 7A Other schools can do it like North Car- ful with players who aren’t necessarily olina Central grad and head coach LeV- five-star recruits. If you look at HBCUs elle Moton, who has led his program to historically, we have survived for al- three straight MEAC tournament cham- most 184 years, amidst the evils of pionships and four overall, after taking racism, severe underfunding, and any- over the NCCU program two years into thing else you can imagine that could its move from Division II to Division I. have taken our programs down. Coaches and schools can build pro- Still, for various systemic reasons, grams like Ben Jobe, a Fisk grad who HBCU alumni have had limited oppor- won five conference championships, tunities to play and coach professional and in one of his most memorable mo- sports at the highest levels. ments, led Southern to a first round Six NBA head coaches – North Car- win over ACC champion Georgia Tech olina A&T grad Al Attles, the only HBCU in the 1993 NCAA tournament. By the grad to lead his team to an NBA title; way, Jobe, who coached both Phills and Lloyd, who coached the Pistons in the Johnson, should be in the National Col- 1971-72 season; Draff Young of John- lege Basketball Hall of Fame and the son C. Smith served four games as Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of head coach for the Kansas City-Omaha Fame. Kings in 1973; Grambling’s Bob Hop- This should have been a situation kins, who coached the Supersonics for where Maker came in, the spotlight 22 games during the 1977-78 season shined on Howard and HBCUs, Burr before being fired; Willis Reed of Gram- Gymnasium was filled to capacity bling who had stints with the Knicks every night, and Howard benefited fi- and the Nets; Avery Johnson, a South- nancially from marketing and expo- ern grad who was on the cusp of lead- sure. Other players would have taken ing the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA note, come to our schools and, again, championship; and former Jackson we would have benefited financially. State star Lindsey Hunter, who was COVID-19 derailed that. And Maker’s head coach of the Phoenix Suns on an injury has derailed the interest level, at interim basis in 2013 – are the only six least, even further. HBCU alums to become head coaches The exposure that a player like Maker in the NBA. brings to Howard, to HBCUs, and the Also, Rick Mahorn, a Hampton alum, interest level that other highly-ranked was interim head coach of the Tulsa recruits potentially playing at our Shock of the WNBA for a season. schools could bring is a good thing. But Of note, in the National Football situations like what is happening at League there were only two, Art Shell Howard will give pause to potential re- and Alcorn State grad Leslie Frazier. cruits. I’m not knocking the signing of Both got raw deals with their respective Maker, but it’s fleeting and if other teams. Both deserved a second chance HBCUs don’t capitalize financially on and while Shell received that chance, it the opportunities at hand, then it’s a was 10 years too late. In Major League waste of time. We don’t need further Baseball there was Cecil Cooper of exposure. We need real dollars. Prairie View A&M, Hal McRae of Florida We have done it before, and we can CHARLOTTE HORNETS A&M, and Larry Doby of Virginia Union get this done again on our own. LaMelo Ball, the third overall pick in last month’s NBA draft, is the type of multi-positional player the for half a season in 1978. Morgan State graduate Donal Ware is Hornets want to develop for a run at building a playoff contender. Seven HBCU alums in the NBA as the host of the nationally syndicated head coaches, 12 across all American sports talk radio program From The professional sports leagues. Shameful. Press Box To Press Row, which airs in See, we are going to have to do this over 25 markets across the country and Hornets look to take step on our own. We must build great, sus- on SiriusXM. Ware has covered HBCU tained programs from the ground up. sports for more than 20 years. And we don’t have to count on four- Visit www.boxtorow.com for more in- toward contender status and five-star players to make it happen. formation. Continued from page 7A that to be our mindset. When players step on 42nd pick Nick Richards, whom they ac- the floor it’s a two-way opportunity here. I ex- quired from New Orleans in exchange for a pect players to do that and Gordon reflects Panthers under coach Rhule 2024 second-round draft pick. that and LaMelo reflects that.” Charlotte re-signed center Bismack Biy- Following Ball’s introductory press confer- ombo and waived forward Nicolas Batum in ence in Charlotte, he went to dinner with moving in the right direction addition to acquiring All-Star forward Gordon Kupchak and Borrego. The rookie leaned over Continued from page 7A Rhule often talks about building a Hayward from Boston along with unprotected to Kupchak around 9:30 p.m. and asked if ers have bought into what Rhule is winner being a “process” — and he 2023 and 2024 second-round draft picks in there was somewhere he could shoot follow- preaching. thinks the Panthers are getting there, exchange for a protected 2022 second round ing their meal. Ball stayed on the court until “What Coach Rhule is building here maybe even faster than expected. pick. General manager Mitch Kupchak de- 12:30 a.m. is fun to be a part of,” Panthers quar- “I feel like we’ve come a long way in scribed those moves as an improvement. “LaMelo understands that for him to be spe- terback Teddy Bridgewater said. “He’s terms of the brand that we want to “We’ve upgraded and added talent to our cial and for him to be great he’s got to become laying the foundation of a team that is play, in terms of the style, in terms of team,” Kupchak said. “First and foremost, a two-way player,” Borrego said. “That’s on going to be a tough team, a fast team the work ethic, the practice and the with Gordon Hayward, and that’s really what me to push him. The last pillar we’ve always and a team that plays for one another. locker room,” Rhule said. “The guys the programming going forward is about. It’s talked about are winning habits and that re- That is great to be a part of. There is a not feeling like they are independent about drafting correctly, hopefully making ally comes back to consistency. Being more competitive atmosphere, and it is contractors but feeling like they are savvy trades, and player development.” professional on a day-to-day basis, not taking bringing out the best in everyone.” part of a team.” Adding Ball and Hayward allows for devel- a day off, not expecting the coach to have the Rhule is most proud of the fight his At the beginning of the season, the opment of a three-position rookie with elite answer for you, you go figure it out. This is players have shown this season. They talk was whether the Panthers would potential while also bringing a stable locker what I’m talking about, building a culture never seem to give up, losing six games be in the so-called Trevor Lawrence room presence. They also allow Charlotte to where guys take ownership of this team, they by a combined 25 points. sweepstakes, meaning they would play faster. lead this team and I expect that to continue “That doesn’t make us feel better, but have a shot at the No. 1 pick in 2021. “Those are two players that can play in the this season. I’m thrilled, I couldn’t be more it tells us that in a year when we were They’re clearly not. open floor that can make decisions in transi- excited. We’re running the pillars back, this picked to be not very good — where a The Panthers enter the final month of tion,” Borrego said. “We want to play with a is the 2.0 version but raise your bar, raise lot of people didn’t think we would the season with a chance to break even more up-tempo pace, obviously we want your level and do it more consistently.” have more than three, four or five wins at 8-8 if they can run the table with playmaking on the floor and those two guys Charlotte opens the preseason on Dec. 12 — we are closer and closer each and wins against Denver, Green Bay, Wash- add to that.” when they host Toronto. The remaining three every week,” Rhule said. ington and New Orleans. The good Key to Charlotte’s success this season will preseason games include a second home The biggest thing for the Panthers news is that McCaffrey, who they be their defense, something Borrego will de- game against Toronto on Dec. 14, followed moving forward into 2021 is learning planned to build their offense around mand of his young team. by games at Orlando on Dec. 17 and 19. The how to win those close games. But this year, is expected to return after the “We want to become a more defensive- NBA’s regular season is slated to begin on many of the pieces are place, including bye week. minded team, and I think we saw that we be- Dec. 22. Charlotte will not have fans at Spec- McCaffrey, wide receivers Curtis Win or lose, the Panthers will battle came, the last month of the season, we held trum Center to start the season, and have not Samuel and D.J, Moore and right tackle you until the end. the NBA to the lowest points per game,” Bor- established a timeline for when they can at- Taylor Moton on offense, and defen- Rhule has made sure of that. rego said. “I want that to continue and I want tend. sive end Brian Burns and “I feel like we are a tough team,” linebacker/safety Jeremy Chinn on de- Rhule said. “We have battled back fense. through adversity and we play really The biggest challenge moving for- hard and we are competitive.” Soccer vet puts jerseys to use for good ward will be adding depth. By Ashley Mahoney Chicago, as the fundraiser sur- for the work they have done in [email protected] passed its goal and donations the community. Miller and Was it rust? 49ers won’t Aaron Maund is putting his soc- continue to come in. Roberts have also been advocates cer jerseys to work for others. “That was an example to me of for social and racial equity and The Major League Soccer and someone who may not be a huge justice both on and off the pitch. blame inactivity for loss USL Championship veteran re- organized corporation, but who is From using their platforms to Continued from page 7A changed significantly due to the cently held a raffle of his auto- having a huge impact in the com- raise awareness about affordable COVID-19 pandemic. Over half of their graphed game-worn jerseys, munity and inspiring a lot of peo- housing to raising funds for local who led the 49ers in receiving against schedule with either postponed, can- using the funds to buy coats that ple,” Maund said. organizations, such as Heal Char- Western Kentucky with eight recep- celed or rescheduled. Western Ken- transform into sleeping bags for “I thought, ‘what could I do, be- lotte, Block Love and the Creative tions for 111 yards. tucky was originally set for Nov. 28, but people facing housing insecurity. cause I know I could do some- Player Foundation, to help tackle Reynolds passed for 205 yards and COVID-19 concerns for Charlotte The 2020 Charlotte-Mecklenburg thing.’ I saw I had a bag of jerseys disparities disproportionately im- two touchdowns, while junior quarter- pushed it to Dec. 1, but continued con- Housing Instability & Homeless- just sitting there and a Sharpie. I pacting people of color, the work back Dom Shoffner’s only attempt was cerns postponed it further. Ultimately, ness Report said 2,782 people ex- decided to auction a couple of never stops. a 14-yard score to Micaleous Elder. Charlotte’s rescheduled Dec. 5 game perienced homelessness as of those off. It’s been incredible, the “I have had a lot of teammates Western Kentucky produced 218 against C-USA opponent Florida Inter- July 31 as it grows into a human- response. It really isn’t about the who have been inspirations, yards in the air and one touchdown national (originally set for Oct. 17) was itarian crisis as the COVID-19 jerseys. A lot of people have Brand Miller and Hugh Roberts and 219 yards on the ground for a replaced by the Dec. 6 game against pandemic rages on. reached out and dug deep into and a number of others have also score. They also contained Charlotte to Western Kentucky. The 49ers travel to Maund raised over $1,500 in 24 their pockets. We’re in a global been huge inspirations of what 90 yards rushing and no touchdowns, division leader Marshall (7-1, 4-1 C- hours to purchase cold gear for pandemic right now, and there’s they are doing in Charlotte, what which in part came from punter Con- USA) Saturday to close the regular sea- the housing insecure as tempera- a lot of loss around—losing jobs they have done and what they will nor Bowler fumbling the ball for a loss son. tures turn colder. He ordered the and money is tight for a lot of continue to do, I’m sure,” Maund of 32 yards in the second quarter. De- “The secret recipe is finding consis- first 12 coats last week from De- people. To get that kind of re- said. spite the mishap on special teams, an tency in a very inconsistent week,” troit-based Empowerment Plan, a sponse is definitely inspiring and Maund, Miller and Roberts are area Healy has expressed concern with Healy said. “We’re practicing at differ- company that provides stable is definitely going to push me to examples of individuals stepping all season, the players refuse to accept ent times. We’re on Zoom meetings. employment and housing help be as active in the community as up for community at a time when five weeks without a game as an excuse We’re eating at different times. This for the homeless. Maund’s inspi- I possibly can, and not just Char- the need is greater than ever. for a rusty performance. group can’t be in the locker room at the ration for the coats stemmed lotte. A lot of people have reached “You don’t always have to have “We just didn’t perform to our stan- same time. Everything about their week from following Aleta Clark (@en- out in different cities who want to a large organization,” Miller said. dard,” Tucker said. “I wouldn’t say it is chaotic. It’s my job to be as consis- glewoodbarbie) on Instagram, the do similar things. I think this can “[Maund] raised over $1,500 in 24 was because of the layoff because tent as humanly possible. It will be an- CEO of the Chicago-based non- be the start of something with hours. That is going to be signifi- every day, whether it was through tex- other challenge again this week, profit Hugs No Slugs. real value.” cant for the people who receive ting each other [or something else], we because you’re going to go from a Sun- Clark’s works supporting Maund credited fellow USL the coats he is going to buy and kept each other motivated and contin- day [game] to a Friday. Not a typical Chicago’s homeless population Black Players Alliance leaders and the money he is going to donate. uously getting better even though we week. Not a typical practice plan. We’ve on Thanksgiving pushed Maund Charlotte Independence team- He definitely highlights the ability weren’t able to be around each other.” gotta provide as much consistency as to step up as an individual. He in- mates Hugh Roberts and Brandon for individuals to make an im- Charlotte’s schedule, like those of possible.” tends to send two coats to Miller with serving as inspiration pact, no matter how big or small.” programs across the country, has