A Little Voter Suppression Is Not OK’ with Enough of the Disenfranchised Driscoll, a Spokesperson “And So, What Happened Rent,” Carbone Said

With COVID restrictions eased, in-person workouts balance health and crowding TThhee CChhaarrllootttteeTHE VOICE P POF THE BLACKo oCOMMUNITYss SINCEtt 1906 WEEK OF JULY 8, 2021 VOLUME 47, NUMBER 44 WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM $1.50 NC renters at risk of eviction after July By Mark Darrough CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS North Carolina’s Council of State voted along party lines last week to reject a one-month extension of the governor’s residential eviction moratorium, leaving tenants in limbo as a federal ban continues through July 31. Gov. Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 171, enacted in October, clarified and strengthened a federal eviction moratorium issued by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after studies showed eviction cases caused a further spread of COVID- 19 from evictees moving into other people’s residences or into home- less shelters. TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST “It’s disappointing to see Council With the conservative-leaning Supreme Court creating new guidelines for brining lawsuits against states under a key provision of the Voting Rights of State members revoke eviction Act, it’ll become more difficult to prove suppression based on race. protections for people still struggling to stay in their homes,” Cooper said after the vote. Six Republicans on the nine- member Council of State voted to ‘A little voter suppression is let the moratorium expire, remov- ing one of the state’s key tools in preventing evictions since Sep- tember: making landlords provide tenants a copy of a declaration not OK’ with court rollback form to receive protections under the CDC order. Supreme Court decision makes it harder to prove racially-motivated harm Now, many residents may be By Jordan Wilkie the Voting Rights Act of 1965. the North Carolina-based group Forward “unaware of the protections avail- CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS Conservative Justice Samuel Alito Justice. able to them under the federal The U.S. Supreme Court just made it wrote the majority opinion in a 6-3 deci- “It’s going to require more money and evictions moratorium and evicted easier for states to prevent citizens from sion split along ideological lines. Alito more resources going into these trials unnecessarily,” Cooper said. casting ballots. created five guidelines for bringing suc- with less certainty that there is going to Who the ban helped The opinion, in a case called Brnovich cessful lawsuits under Section 2 of the be justice,” Swain said, adding that there Although the share of North Car- v. Democratic National Committee, is the Voting Rights Act that dissenting judges will be “lengthier legal fights, which de- olina renters in debt is decreasing latest in a series from the country’s high- argued were contradictory to the pur- lays the ability to have certainty for the as the economy recovers from the est court to peel away federal protec- pose and language of the statute itself. elections.” pandemic, more than 180,000 tions against voting laws that Effect on North Carolina But Swain, along with other voting North Carolina households are still discriminate on the basis of race, color For civil rights groups that have turned rights advocates in North Carolina, behind on rent, according to a Cen- or membership in a language minority to the courts to challenge discriminatory stresses that Section 2 is not dead. sus Household Pulse Survey con- group. voting laws since the Supreme Court Voters can still bring winning claims ducted May 12-24. Put simply, the decision could create struck down Section 5 of the Voting against states — it will just be more bur- The survey estimated almost challenges to defend the right to vote by Rights Act in the 2013 case Shelby v. densome. $500 million total rent debt across Black and brown citizens that they have Holder, this ruling comes as a blow, ac- The Brnovich decision made the call the state, and the issue dispropor- not faced since the U.S. Congress passed cording to Caitlin Swain, co-director of Please see STATE | 2A tionally affects marginalized communities. Tenants behind on rent are 91% low-income and 57% people of color, according to the survey. The study said those behind on rent are “overwhelmingly” poor households whose members lost Mecklenburg preps New library jobs and income during the pan- for the arrival of leader points Please see NC RENTERS | 2A Rehab center virus’ Delta variant toward user- By Aaliyah Bowden flouts labor [email protected] friendly future As the Delta variant of coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, it’s a matter of when – not By Ashley Mahoney law in name if – it’ll arrive in Mecklenburg County. [email protected] The Delta variant is spreading quickly in the United Forgiveness can be found at the Kingdom and will possibly become dominant in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. of ‘therapy’ United States in a matter of weeks, according to All 20 branches are now fine free White House Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anthony and extending amnesty to card- By Hannah Correll, Liz Johnson, Fauci. holders by canceling outstanding and Sonia Rao UNC MEDIA HUB “The Delta variant compared to, for account balances in addition to re- For six months, Prince Foster III example, the original virus that had storing unrestricted access to library woke up at 6 a.m. every day and been circulating very early last year, the resources effective July 1. It’s part hung clothes at a red-bricked Sal- comparison is that it is transmitted of the transformation of the library vation Army warehouse in Char- more efficiently,” Fauci said last week, system to a modern, more user- lotte. He spent 40 hours a week “which means the chances of getting in- friendly organization that impacts working — but instead of receiving fected upon exposure is greater to the more than 150,000 residents. Card- SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY the North Carolina minimum wage, dominant variant that we have in the holders remain responsible for re- Harris he earned a tiny weekly stipend United States.” turning materials, and while late and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library CEO Mar- worth far less. Within this strand of COVID-19, the mutation overdue fines have been removed, cellus Turner. The rest of Foster’s pay went to known as Delta Plus is easily transmitted to others fees remain in place for room and nectivity throughout the system. his room and board at the Salva- and makes an infected person sicker than SARS- equipment rental as well as lost ma- “I'm moving through all of them, tion Army Adult Rehabilitation COV2. As of June 29, the Delta variant accounted for terials. getting a chance to talk to the staff, Center in Charlotte. From May to about 26% of new cases reported in the U.S. accord- At the forefront of change is Mar- a chance to view those libraries and November 2020, Foster, 37, was a ing to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- cellus Turner, who was named CEO see just what they’re trying to do so patient at the Charlotte ARC’s pro- tion. What does it mean for Mecklenburg County? in February. As part of his onboard- that I can bring together this unify- gram, recovering from a cocaine Cases have continued to decrease, with 45% of res- ing, Turner is visiting each branch, ing mission of where we're going to addiction he’s faced since his early idents fully vaccinated according to public health di- exploring 14 of 20 thus far. As he go next,” he said. “I’m also looking twenties. rector Gibbie Harris. prepares to help lead the vision for at how we can make sure that Foster declined to specify how “Our number of cases, number of hospitalizations the new main branch, Turner, who people understand that the new much he was paid, but Richard and our positivity rate has dropped significantly spent the previous 10 years as Se- Main Library is for everyone no New, an administrator at the Char- over the last month,” Harris said. “So, we are at our attle Public Library’s executive di- matter what part of the city or the lotte ARC, said patients receive a lowest numbers right now than we did last March.” rector and chief librarian, is county you live in. I want them to $26/week gratuity. The Fair Labor About 2.5% of people who were tested in the engaging with Mecklenburg’s know they can just as easily walk Standards Act requires a nation- branches to foster a sense of con- Please see MECKLENBURG | 3A Please see LIBRARY | 3A Please see REHAB | 3A INSIDE Please STAY IN TOUCH Digital edition: 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, July 8, 2021 State courts last stand for voting rights protections Continued from page 1A laws. from voting rights advocates for the Lawsuits and election challenges U.S. Congress to pass an update to the dominated the 2020 election in North Voting Rights Act even more urgent. Carolina. In the Newby and Beasley The bill has passed the U.S. House but race, each candidate filed petitions is held up in the Senate over uniform with numerous county boards of elec- opposition by Republican senators, tions in a fight to count — or reject — including Richard Burr and Thom Til- ballots. lis representing North Carolina. Dem- The election litigation also pitted ocratic Sens. Joe Manchin from West Phil Berger and Tim Moore, leaders of Virginia and Arizona’s Kyrsten Sinema the state Senate and House, respec- also oppose the bill, giving Democrats tively, against the N.C. State Board of MARK DARROUGH | CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS Elections and Democratic Party- a 52-48 disadvantage. South Park, just south of downtown Raleigh, is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city. Ac- Without the federal legislation, the backed litigants in a months-long cording to a study by UNC Center for Urban and Regional Studies, 61% of its predominantly Black Brnovich decision puts pressure on fight over what amounted to about state courts to defend voting rights, 0.2% of ballots cast in the state. households earn less than $25,000 per year. Of the 280,000 North Carolina households still behind according to Rick Su, a law professor That is the margin of victory parti- on rent, 91% are low-income and 57% people of color, according to a Census Household Survey at the University of North Carolina. sans in North Carolina are concerned conducted in May. Historically, when the Supreme Court about. changes members and becomes less In Arizona, where the Brnovich case friendly to certain legal claims, those originated, Joe Biden defeated Donald NC renters at risk of eviction after litigators find different avenues to Trump by 0.3% of the vote. pursue. But in his opinion, Alito created The incentives are mounting for lit- weak guidelines for disparities in July with end of moratorium igators to move to state court. voter impact and rates of disenfran- Continued from page 1A Although mass evictions and there’s no way they’re The court under the leadership of chisement, though he did not estab- demic. will be prevented until the going to be able to cover Chief Justice John Roberts has been lish specific standards or tests by Cooper promised to work CDC order’s July 31 expira- them.” consistently antagonistic to voting which to measure what is acceptable, toward ensuring that land- tion, according to Driscoll, Housing advocates are claims. according to Jennifer Nwachukwu, an lords abide by the national state courts will still likely working to secure ad- “When you couple this opinion with elections lawyer for the nonpartisan moratorium, which the see an increase in eviction ditional federal and local the 2008 ruling in the Crawford case Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Biden administration ex- hearings because “we’ve funding to cover all or a … the 2013 ruling in Shelby County Under Law, a national civil rights ad- tended last week. The U.S. lost those additional pro- portion of tenants’ deficits. killing off the preclearance provision vocacy organization. Department of Justice tections of the governor’s Cooper established the of the Voting Rights Act … and today’s “To the extent that minority and urged state courts to adopt order.” HOPE program last fall to reading of Section 2, the conservative nonminority groups differ with re- strategies to help prevent Under the CDC order, provide rent and utility as- Supreme Court has taken away all the spect to employment, wealth and edu- evictions due to the pan- landlords cannot legally sistance to landlords on major available tools for going after cation, even neutral regulations, no demic. move forward with any at- behalf of 37,000 applicants voting restrictions,” wrote Rick Hasen, matter how crafted, may well result in Following the federal ex- tempt to evict once a ten- who applied, but only half law professor at the University of Cal- some predictable disparities in rates tension on June 24, Treas- ant asserts the protections. of the appropriated $132 ifornia Irvine, in his influential Elec- of voting and noncompliance with urer Dale Folwell called for However, Legal Aid NC’s million had been awarded tion Law Blog on Thursday. voting rules,” Alito wrote. the governor to allow the Isaac Sturgill said in No- by June 28, according to North Carolina’s courts have been The existence of some disparities state’s moratorium to ex- vember that many land- Cooper’s office. moving in the opposite direction with does not mean that an equal opportu- pire on June 30 instead of lords were “moving North Carolina renters a majority-Democratic Supreme nity to vote does not exist, Alito wrote. aligning with the CDC’s forward with the eviction who can’t cover their entire Court. North Carolina uses partisan But this is a weakening of the stan- July 31 date. process anyway and (were) deficit will likely lose their elections to select who will serve on dards that voting rights advocates Folwell, who supported disregarding it.” cases in court, McCoy said. the state Supreme Court. have sought to use in the past, Su the original order but op- When Cooper announced Evictions not only create In addition, the state constitution is said. posed the three extensions the executive order last housing instability, but “more detailed and specific than the For Nwachukwu, this framing is a enacted since September, fall, he pointed to reports they significantly disrupt federal Constitution in the protection problem because states are currently said it reduces “opportuni- showing enforcement of the way of life for low-in- of the rights of its citizens,” according pursuing voting laws that make it har- ties for citizens to rent be- the CDC moratorium was come evictees: Their to a Superior Court, three-judge-panel der for some groups to vote. cause landlords don’t want inaccurate and inconsis- records will show an evic- ruling in Common Cause v. Lewis. “All Americans should be able to to take the risk that they tent in some parts of the tion, making it hard to find But the state courts may only be a vote free from discrimination,” Su won’t get paid.” state. Citing mounting con- a new residence or obtain a refuge for voting rights litigators for a said. “Discrimination is not something “What was originally an fusion among landlords, mortgage; kids may be short while longer. Democrats cur- of the past. It’s still very prevalent in act of COVID now exists tenants and the courts, the forced to leave desired rently have a 4-3 majority on the state our society today.” solely as an act of the state governor required land- school districts; and those Supreme Court, and all four Demo- Alito’s ruling also created guidelines and no longer advances lords to notify tenants of who use public transporta- crats are up for reelection before any favorable to states in analyzing any public purpose,” Fol- their rights. tion may have to relocate of their Republican counterparts. whether their laws are sufficiently well said last week. “It is An inevitable wave? farther from bus and rail “These precedents are possibly only open by looking at the cumulative potentially lowering rental Evictions in North Caro- lines. as good as you have the majority on positive impacts of voting laws, but housing inventory.” lina last summer resulted “We don’t want the evic- the court itself,” Su said. not the negative ones, according to Folwell, a member of the in 15,690 coronavirus tion in and of itself to Su said his analysis was cynical and Mitchell Brown, an elections lawyer at council, voted against the cases and 304 deaths, ac- create an enormity of ad- that courts are supposed to respect the nonprofit Southern Coalition for extension. He later said the cording to a study con- ditional problems that just precedent, though he also pointed to Social Justice. order’s expiration “pushes ducted by researchers at putting in some money research showing that partisan- If a state passes a law that makes the power back to the four U.S. universities, in- and covering the deficit elected judges tend to be more politi- Election Day voting more difficult, for people” to find solutions to cluding Wake Forest and would solve,” McCoy said. cal. example, the court would also need to late rent payments without Johns Hopkins, and a pub- Liz Carbone, community With the federal protections weak- consider whether the state also offers government intervention. lished preprint in the So- coordinator at the Good ened, Su described a self-perpetuating early or by-mail voting. The law also Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson cial Science Research Shepherd Center in Wil- cycle of voter suppression that will has an undefined grace window for said he voted against the Network. mington, which admin- heighten the politicization of the state when it becomes restrictive. extension because land- The increased cases and isters the city’s eviction courts. “A procedure that appears to work lords have been forced to deaths were caused by the prevention program, pre- With the requirement for federal for 98% or more of voters to whom it shoulder the burden from expiration of North Caro- dicted a sharp rise in the preclearance for changes in voting applies — minority and nonminority loss of rental income, and lina’s previous evictions eviction rate in the coastal laws in many Southern states struck alike — is unlikely to render a system property owners are now ban on June 20, 2020, the city. down in the Shelby case, voting rights unequally open,” Alito wrote. hesitant to rent out their researchers argued. The center received advocates have increasingly turned to That 2% margin caught Brown’s at- properties to tenants who When the CDC re- $920,000 in CARES Act the courts to prevent discriminatory tention, along with many election law might not pay. sponded to various studies Community Development laws from going into effect. As the Su- scholars across the country. Many “While this policy made that found high eviction Block Grant-Covid funds. preme Court closes the door to the elections are decided by much smaller sense during the intense numbers causing in- Among the 1,250 appli- federal courts, litigants in North Car- margins. parts of the pandemic, it is creased COVID cases, cants who applied for the olina are turning to the state courts. “A little voter suppression is not no longer necessary, and McCoy said the ensuing program, 60% were African Su said he anticipates more political OK,” Brown said. the state needs to remove moratorium was inter- American, and 70% were campaign focus on judicial seats, Alito’s guidelines also only account itself from making one- preted inconsistently by women, according to Car- especially at the state Supreme Court for the restrictive impacts of proce- size-fits-all mandates,” the states and by different bone. level. This already happened in the dures one by one, what scholars have Robinson said. localities within the states. “Whether there is a pan- last election, when Republican Paul quickly dubbed the “death by a thou- The immediate effect “If the major metropol- demic in our community Newby ousted Democrat Cheri Beas- sand cuts” approach. “The governor doesn’t itan areas say, ‘We’re fol- or not, those are people ley by 401 votes, or 0.007% of the bal- “If you get a half percent here and have to do anything for the lowing the CDC order,’ but who will constantly teeter lots cast in that election. 1% here, you add it up, over let’s say CDC order to continue ap- the rural areas say, ‘Well, on the edge of being one fi- “That’s just going to be part of the three or four or five different election plying to North Carolina,” have fun with that, we’re nancial emergency, one political football going forward and, regimes, you can easily get to 3, 4 or and no mass evictions will gonna do what we want to medical emergency, one of course ironically, all that gets af- 5%,” Su said. take place until August be- do,’ then you don’t have sick-child-taking-you- fected by the election laws that ends The small numbers could easily de- cause the CDC order will uniformity in the process,” away-from-work from not up getting enacted,” Su said. cide an election, Su said. still be in place, said Sean McCoy said. being able to pay their ‘A little voter suppression is not OK’ With enough of the disenfranchised Driscoll, a spokesperson “And so, what happened rent,” Carbone said. In a political environment in which voters favoring Democrats, a 3% mar- for Legal Aid of North Car- was, every state has these “So, the pandemic just every last ballot is bitterly contested, gin in select states would have easily olina, a nonprofit law firm localities — some that fol- exacerbated the issue.” Alito’s opinion gives states leeway changed the outcome of the 2020 that represents tenants in low the order and others The landlords’ burdens when defending the scope of dis- presidential election. eviction cases. that don’t — and it wasn’t Critics of the moratorium enfranchisement caused by new voter However, Duke Univer- the universal effect that point to a rental industry sity professor and civil the CDC intended.” held back by federal over- rights attorney Jesse Gov. Cooper’s decision reach and the shrinking of McCoy, a former Legal Aid helped standardize how an already undersupplied attorney, argued that the different counties and market of affordable rental governor’s executive order cities carried out the mor- options. was essential to streamlin- atorium, according to Kathy Robertson chairs Bill Cosby urges ‘push forward’ ing and clarifying the McCoy. Violation of an ex- the N.C. Realtors Associa- just about Mr. Cosby, it is voted to acquit the come- CDC’s moratorium. ecutive order may result in tion’s property manage- By Stacy M. Brown criminal charges. NATIONAL NEWSPAPER about what you saw, it is dian but was ordered by The federal government ment division and is vice PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION about what you know, and Judge O’Neill to deliberate plays a limited role in land- Although a nationwide president of T.E. Jonson The Pennsylvania Su- you must tell it, and you further. That first trial lord-tenant law unless it in- eviction crisis existed long and Sons, a Winston-Salem preme Court’s ruling to va- must be believed, and you ended in a hung jury, de- volves public housing or before the pandemic, mas- firm that manages 850 cate Bill Cosby’s conviction have to put it in a way a spite Cosby’s team declin- federally backed mort- sive unemployment condominiums, single- is not only about vindica- level of intelligence,” he ing to put on a defense. gages, he said. As such, it numbers in 2020 “thrust family homes and multi- tion. said. Former prosecutor Bruce is up to states to ensure the more people into the crisis, family units throughout For Cosby, The National Newspaper Castor told the Black Press CDC’s order is being car- particularly those who are the Triad region. Many of it is now Publishers Association that Cosby should never ried out effectively and ac- more middle class,” McCoy the managed properties about helping closely monitored both of have been tried because of curately. said. provide affordable other Black Cosby’s trials and the re- a deal he reached with the Although the CDC mora- Unemployment numbers monthly rates between men who porting done by the Black superstar a decade prior. torium still applies to in the state are steadily de- $700 and $900, Robertson were falsely Press proved far different Castor also called into North Carolina tenants and creasing — from 6.1% in said, but those numbers accused. from mainstream media’s. question the credibility of landlords, Driscoll said, December to 4.8% in May may soon rise. He told the For instance, the Black Andrea Constand, the lone “it’s likely that less people — but renters are still The company initially Cosby Black Press in Press regularly reported on alleged victim in the case. will, de facto, be protected faced with arrears. supported an eviction ban a telephone conversation the egregious behavior of “What is happening to by it.” “The moratorium did during the beginning of the just hours after his release trial court Judge Steven Bill Cosby is a travesty, a Driscoll also identified nothing to offset late fees pandemic. But as it from a prison outside of O’Neill, District Attorney miscarriage of justice,” the need for tenants to or rent,” said McCoy, who dragged on, causing many Philadelphia. Kevin Steele, and several Castor said. know their rights. “If they also serves as a supervis- of the firm’s landlord “This is an opportunity lawyers who openly The state Supreme Court don’t know about the mor- ing attorney for the Duke clients to sell their proper- that the Black Press, the coached witnesses while backed up Castor in over- atorium, if they don’t know Law Civil Justice Clinic. ties due to a lack of rental writers, the men and the they were giving tes- turning the conviction. that they have to provide a “A lot of my clients are income — with a few fac- women have now an op- timony. “By publicly announcing declaration to their land- working now, and they’re ing possible foreclosures portunity with great intelli- The Black Press also re- that appellant William lords, then they can still be able to take care of rent — the company began to gence, with great foresight, ported that jurors in Cosby would not be evicted, or they can’t fight moving forward. But these oppose the CDC morato- an eviction effectively,” deficits that have accumu- rium, according to Robert- with great after sight, not Cosby’s first trial initially Please see COSBY | 3A Driscoll said. lated are just unbearable, son. 3A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, July 8, 2021 Rehab center flouts labor law in name of ‘therapy’ Mecklenburg preps for Continued from page 1A said over email that the programs flouting fair wide minimum wage of Charlotte ARC operates the wage standards have arrival of Delta variant $7.25 per hour. With the thrift stores and converts reached members of Con- ARC’s $26 weekly allow- donated goods to cash to gress. Continued from page 1A “Overall, across our system cases ance, participants who pay for the cost of the re- In November 2020, U.S. county were positive, bringing the tend to turn downward,” Priest said in work 40-hour weeks rehabilitation program. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D- average down to 45 cases reported a statement. “Much of that improve- ceive approximately 65 “All of the revenues of Mass.) and Tammy Baldwin daily, Harris said. ment here and nationwide are attrib- cents per hour. the thrift stores go to pay (D-Wis) sent a letter to the As of now, the state does not have a uted to the success of the vaccine as Across the country, The expenses relating to the op- Government Accountabil- system to track the Delta variant in well as really the high numbers of Salvation Army of Califor- eration of the program,” he ity Office, requesting that it new cases, but it has reached North COVID cases [have] had over the last nia is now facing a class ac- said. begin investigating fed- Carolina. several of months that gives some in- tion lawsuit for alleged Lack of oversight, impact erally funded facilities. “We know we have the Delta virus in dividuals natural immunity.” Those who have yet to receive the labor violations. In Spill- The Charlotte ARC isn’t li- “Requiring individuals to the state,” said Harris. “We don’t have vaccine are at higher risk of exposure man v. Salvation Army, the censed. Charles Epstein, work without compensa- any idea how much of it, and how far to the new strand. Medical experts say Superior Court of Califor- legal communications spe- tion is a violation of the it’s spreading at this point. So that’s a vaccination boosts herd immunity nia ruled that the organiza- cialist for the North Caro- Fair Labor Standards Act,” challenge for us because we just have- and prevents more variants from tion must pay damages to lina Department of Health the senators wrote in the n’t implemented the systems that emerging. participants including un- and Human Services, said letter. Further, they said, allow us to track it that easily. And so, “Thankfully, getting fully vaccinated paid overtime, minimum the agency does not license federal funding dedicated we really don’t know the extent of the will protect individuals from the Delta wage compensation and or inspect the ARC due to a to supporting individuals spread in Mecklenburg County.” variant,” Priest said. “We encourage rest period compensation. religious exemption. with substance use dis- The county and state are offering in- people to go ahead and get vacci- In that case, plaintiffs Murphy said part of the order must be used in facil- centives such as cash cards and lot- nated.” claimed to receive any- reason the center is unli- ities of evidence-based tery awards to get more people The best way to ward off another co- where between $1-$25 a censed is that “the services treatment. vaccinated and prevent from another ronavirus surge is to wear a face mask week in “canteen cards” provided at the program Also mentioned in the surge of the virus. At Novant Health, cases remain in and get vaccinated. and wages, often working are not clinical in nature.” letter was the apparent lack Aaliyah Bowden, who covers health more than 40 hours. In addition, no state or of evidence supporting the the single digits according to David Priest, the company’s senior vice pres- for The Post, is a Report for America Considering the FLSA and federal labor organizations idea that work therapy pro- corps member. legal precedent from the oversee or regulate the grams are beneficial to ident and chief safety, quality and epi-

Supreme Court case Tony Charlotte ARC. addiction treatment. demiology officer. and Susan Alamo Founda- In 1990, the U.S. Depart- More than 20 years ago, tion vs. Secretary of Labor, ment of Labor ruled that the federal Substance the Salvation Army’s type the Salvation Army must Abuse and Mental Health of work-based therapy pro- pay its workers minimum Services Administration gram is almost certainly il- wage, according to report- also expressed concern in legal. ing from The Charlotte Ob- work-based rehab pro- Yet an ongoing lack of server. Charlotte Salvation grams. Their 2000 findings Library leader eyes the future oversight and jurisdiction Army representatives said revealed that these pro- Continued from page 1A brary,” Turner said. “I was ognize. Our resources are from both federal and state work therapy programs grams do not help partici- into the new main library cutting out snowflakes and free.” agencies enables rehabs would be difficult to oper- pants advance from here in Uptown as easily as leaves for the bulletin Turner, who is also a uni- like the Charlotte ARC to ate if the beneficiaries re- low-skilled work into they walk into one in South board and I was stamping versity lecturer, is respon- skirt around labor law and ceived wages. higher-paying job opportu- Charlotte or West Boule- date returns. That was just sible for the library’s pay recovering addicts Salvation Army officials nities. They noted that vard. I want the staff to be my first exposure to it, and Blueprint 2025 Vision Plan, next to nothing for their said the organization basic education and suffi- able to articulate that to the it never left me. I won't say which addresses the li- long hours of work. didn’t intend to comply cient training procedures public. That's a prime and it's what triggered it, but I brary’s commitment to About the program with the minimum wage re- for low-skilled labor are foremost mission right never forgot that.” equity and supporting the The Salvation Army, a quirement. And three dec- more helpful. now.” Turner wants the library Charlotte Mecklenburg Li- Christian organization ades later, they still aren’t. As concerns about work- Turner, who goes by to feel accessible and invit- brary Foundation’s fund- known for its thrift stores In response to the 1990 based programs continue “MT,” and succeeded Lee ing to the communities raising and working with and charity work, has 101 investigation, the Salvation to reach government Keesler, the library’s first they serve. county leaders, architects rehabilitation centers ac- Army filed a lawsuit and agencies and public offi- chief executive, in April, re- “Libraries do a really and contractors on the new ross the country. The lobbied lawmakers, refus- cials, the future of these called moving to Charlotte great job getting people in Main Library in Uptown — centers are notorious for ing to pay rehab partici- programs is in question. on Easter Sunday, April 4. [the door], but one of the a $100 million, 115,000- their use of “work ther- pants. The Department of Recent developments in In typical Southern fash- things that I noticed across square-foot project. He apy,” where participants in Labor quickly backed off, the legal battle with The ion, heat was the first thing libraries across the country sees the new main branch recovery work full-time suspending its investiga- Salvation Army may be the to greet him – a significant and not specifically here in as a bold vision. jobs for little to no pay: a tion of the Salvation Army. beginning of the end for difference for someone Charlotte, but I imagine we “I have a meeting on the process some have called The Department even the organization’s count- who spent the last decade get it from time to time, Blueprint 2025 next week,” “slave labor.” added new rules to its field less attempts to stave off in Seattle. Turner turned people are just a little bit Turner said. “I'm really The Charlotte ARC operations handbook that action from the Depart- on the air conditioning intimidated by coming into going to get up to speed on opened in 1951. For the ap- said investigators had to ment of Labor. within five minutes of the library. They haven't that. It captures the es- proximately 116 men who get approval before inves- On May 14, a New York- moving into his new home. used one since school. sence of what libraries are participate at a time, the tigating the Salvation based law firm filed a na- “I was like, ‘it’s hot, They aren't sure how to trying to do to remain rel- program can last between Army’s rehabilitation tional class action lawsuit where's the air con- use the computer. They evant to our users, and six months and two years, centers, according to a against The Salvation ditioner?’” he said with a aren't sure what they need make sure that we have the New said. Participants’ jobs 2020 report by Reveal. Army. The firm accused it laugh. to come in. We are trying to resources to support them. might include processing “One of the things that of violating anti-discrim- Turner’s journey with li- make sure they know there I'm really excited about donations, hanging and you’ll find in the field oper- ination laws after the Bos- braries began as a fourth- is nothing needed, no ID, learning more and under- sorting clothing, assisting ations handbook is a state- ton ARC barred Mark grader in his home state of no Visa, no MasterCard, no standing what we've done in stores and helping out at ment that says they’re not Tassinari from its facility Mississippi. any of that to walk in our li- to reach that and how soon the front desk, or working to bring cases against the for using buprenorphine, a “We had to start working braries and use them for we need to update it.” in the kitchen. Salvation Army,” Hancock drug that helps individuals in different offices in the free, which is another thing “Our main focus is on re- said. “But it also makes it with opioid-use disorder school, and I got the li- a lot of people don't rec- habilitating the whole clear that the Salvation manage their addictions. man,” he said. “And so that Army is still covered by the The Salvation Army’s pol- kind of goes to speaking to Act, and that the workers icy against medications Cosby urges ‘push forward’ that spiritual side, provid- have the right to bring their violates the American Dis- ing social and emotional own lawsuit to recoup wha- abilities Act, the Rehabilita- Continued from page 2A Bruce Castor learned that because of the tremendous assistance.” tever wages they’re not tion Act and the Fair charged with any crimes Andrea Constand had re- interest of Black America. When they’re not work- being paid.” Housing Act. related to Andrea Con- ported that William Cosby “Today’s decision by the ing, participants attend 12 Murphy said participants The Charlotte ARC’s pro- stand — a decision appar- had sexually assaulted her Supreme Court of Penn- step meetings, bible study, in the rehabilitation program has proven ineffec- ently made, in part, to in 2004 at his Cheltenham sylvania emphasizes the and classes on topics like gram are not paid for their tive for the vast majority of force Cosby to testify in residence. Along with his importance of what the finances, anger manage- labor because they are not its participants. But the few Constand’s future antici- top deputy prosecutor and NNPA has been doing ment, and healthy living. considered employees. success stories that emerge pated civil suit — former experienced detectives, about the Cosby case,” The Charlotte ARC also Referred to as “beneficia- keep it up and running. Montgomery County Dis- District Attorney Castor Chavis said. partners with Pfeiffer Uni- ries,” they perform tasks Prince Foster III gradu- trict Attorney Bruce Castor thoroughly investigated “As I visited Cosby in versity, which provides in- that “are designed to assist ated from the program in intended to, and in fact Constand’s claim,” Wecht prison in Pennsylvania, I terns who are studying the Beneficiary in devel- November 2020. Now, did, force Cosby to give up wrote. witnessed firsthand the drug and alcohol counsel- oping skills for the work- Foster works as a pallet his Fifth Amendment right “In evaluating the likeli- strength of his spirit and ing. place,” he said. builder at 48forty Solutions against self-incrimination,” hood of a successful pros- affirmation of his inno- The program is divided Public records requests and Chep Pallets in Char- Justice Kevin Dougherty ecution of Cosby, the cence. Yet, it took the great into four phases, each 45 to the North Carolina De- lotte, where he was born wrote. district attorney foresaw work of his lawyers and the days long. During phase partment of Labor and U.S. and raised. He has also “Then, years later, Cas- difficulties with Con- growing sentiment in the one, participants are under Department of Labor found started a rap career, using tor’s successor used the stand’s credibility as a wit- court of public review that “total lockdown,” New said no records relating to the his music as an outlet for damaging evidence Cosby ness based, in part, upon enabled the Supreme Court — they can’t leave the Charlotte ARC. The U.S. De- his struggles with drug turned over in the civil her decision not to file a to make this historic deci- building or have phones. partment’s Office of addiction. case to convict him of the complaint promptly. D.A. sion. New said participants gain Worker’s Compensation “Work therapy con- same criminal offenses he Castor further determined “I know from personal more freedom with each said the request would fall ditioned my brain to be had previously been in- that a prosecution would experience, and it is very additional phase. under the North Carolina able to get up every morn- duced to believe were off be frustrated because there difficult to have an alleged The facility provides par- State Workers Compensa- ing and go to a real job,” the table. I am constrained was no corroborating fo- criminal conviction over- ticipants with food, tion Program, which has Foster said. to agree with the majority rensic evidence and be- turned by appellate courts. room/board and work op- not yet responded. Graduation rates for gov- that due process does not cause testimony from But now, like what hap- portunities, New said, and What’s next? ernment-run programs— permit the government to other potential claimants pened to the Wilmington their gratuity is meant to The Charlotte ARC isn’t like the Walter B. Jones engage in this type of coer- against Cosby likely was Ten in the 1970s and go toward personal items: the only rehabilitation fa- Center in Greenville and cive bait-and-switch.” inadmissible under gov- 1980s, we have the Bill “Things like laundry.” cility in the state accused the Julian F. Keith Alcohol Justice David Wecht erning laws of evidence.” Cosby case today as a re- Lawyer D. Michael Han- of unethical practices in and Drug Abuse Treatment broke down the reason for NNPA President and CEO minder of the systemic rac- cock, former assistant ad- work therapy programs. Center in Black Mountain— overturning. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., said ism and injustice in ministrator for the U.S. Despite efforts to expose generally hover around 70 “In 2005, Montgomery the Black Press continues America’s criminal justice Department of Labor’s these work therapy pro- to 90%. County District Attorney to cover the Cosby matter system.” Wage and Hour Division, grams for labor violations, Meanwhile, at many wrote an NBC guest col- facilities continue offering work-based rehabs, the umn about work therapy programs due to an unwa- graduation rate is 30% or rehab programs. Hancock vering demand for drug less. But that’s not the case said The Salvation Army rehab programs in North for the Charlotte ARC. Not makes an immense Carolina. even close. amount of money from its Recently, concerns about It’s 12%. thrift stores. the legality of work-based In 2019, the Salvation Army’s North and South Carolina branch received over $115 million in revenue. Of this, thrift stores provided $26 million and donations provided another $59 million. There’s a thrift store ad- jacent to the Charlotte return to the Library without fines. ARC, and two others in the area that ARC participants help support. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is now ńe free. Beginning July 1, 2021 “All of this sort of be- customers are no longer charged ńes on overdue materials. hind-the-scenes work—a Come back to the Library. Return any overdue materials and enjoy all lot of that’s being done by these residents, and it’s re- of the resources, services and programs the Library offers. sulting in a massive Life happens, nes don’t. amount of revenue,” Han- ´ cock said. Salvation Army represen- tative Major John Murphy reclaim your weekend | visitnc.com/parks cmlibrary.org/ńefree 704-416-0100 4A NEWS & OPINION | The Charlotte Post Thursday, July 8, 2021 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost 2021 Post intern Presswood earns The Voice of the Black Community Gerald O. Johnson | CEO/PUBLISHER internship at The Washington Post [email protected] Robert L. Johnson STAFF REPORTS Washington Post, Howard’s lotte Post. of Law in 2001. A native of | PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER Hadiya Presswood, a Cathy Hughes School of Her previous experience Monroe, Jordan is the son [email protected] 2020-21 academic year in- Communications and the included a digital editorial of retired Wingate Univer- tern at The Charlotte Post, University of Maryland’s internship at the Food Net- sity employee Cindy Jor- Herbert L. White | EDITOR IN CHIEF has earned an internship Philip Merrill College of work. dan, who managed the with The Washington Post. Journalism, where two stu- Thomas, editor in chief school’s bookstore for 37 [email protected] Presswood, a senior at dents from each school of The Hilltop, Howard’s years. Howard Uni- will participate during the student newspaper, has in- A partner at Published weekly by The Charlotte Post Publishing Company versity and 2021 fall semester. ternship experience at The Smith, Dickey Inc., 5118 Princess Street, Charlotte, NC 28269 (USPS #965500). graduate of Presswood and Howard Washington Informer and & Dempster Subscription is $65 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Char- Cato Middle classmate Donovan The Charlotte Observer. P.A. in Fay- lotte, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Charlotte College High Thomas will report and • Cull Jordan III has etteville, Jor- Post, PO Box 30144, Charlotte, NC 28230 School, is edit on the Metro and mul- been appointed to the 12th dan also joining The tiplatform editing staffs, District Court bench in worked for Washington respectively. Presswood Cumberland County by the Cumber- Presswood Post’s Aca- will serve as an editor on Gov. Roy Cooper. Jordan land County demic Year In- the multiplatform editing A member of the Wingate District Attor- ternship Program, an team, covered news topics University class of 1998, ney’s Office and Brady Law PBMs risk to immersive experience from Black Lives Matter Jordan majored in history Firm during 20 years of created to develop the next protests to the impact of and minored in English be- prosecuting and defending generation of journalists. the CityLynx Gold Line’s fore earning his juris doc- cases in district and super- equitable NC The new program is a part- impact on the Beatties Ford torate at North Carolina ior courts. nership between The Road corridor at The Char- Central University School healthcare North Carolinians deserve a healthcare system Black women need more respect that prioritizes patients and equity. Everyone should be able to receive the best, Black women need more speak the King’s English Arts Phylicia Rashad sent multiculturalism exists, most cost-efficient care regardless of socio-eco- support and respect. Monday through Friday, out an emotional tweet in and you try to force every- nomic status. Independent pharmacies are a They need it like a dia- but on weekends or when support of Bill Cosby. one into one category, you crucial part of that patient-centered care, pro- betic needs the situation calls for it, HU students put down create hate on one side, viding access and personalized services to com- insulin, like break out that second lan- their books, strapped on distrust on the other, and munities across the state. But like many small my grits need guage the streets rec- their Black Panther claws, division down the middle. business, independent pharmacies need our jelly or how ognize. Sometimes it’s just tore into her and de- The racism word was help. my eggs taste so exhausting being in the manded she resign or be thrown around with track I co-sponsored S. 257, the “Medi- better with skin I’m in, so I need a fired. As the rumblings and field sprinter Sha’Carri cation Cost Transparency Act” to hot sauce. woman in my life who can grew stronger, Rashad Richardson after she tested protect independent pharmacists Now that I’ve hear me when I’m quiet blinked instead of standing positive for marijuana and, by extension, the health and introduced and understand why I’m in strong, and offered her leading up to the 2021 KENNETH well-being of North Carolinians. my case so pain when I don’t articulate “most sincere apology.” In- Summer Olympics. She This bill ensures all patients get the HARDIN eloquently, it. sert eye roll here. was banned from compet- best, most accessible care at the let me ex- A sister told me a strong PBS sought to show that ing in the 100 meter event, MUJTABA most transparent pricing possible. pound. I’ve Black woman doesn’t allow this country should belong which she was the favored The COVID-19 pandemic only had a cadre of strong Black a tear to stain her face, but to everyone by including to win gold. Her situation MOHAMMED further proved the value of care women in my life that have it’s been a rough few weeks actress, singer and former was compared to legen- pharmacies provide. At the height helped shaped me to be- for them, so I would under- Miss America, Vanessa Wil- dary swimmer Michael of the pandemic, independent pharmacies were come the strong man I am stand if it did. New York liams to its Capitol 4th Phelps, who was banned testing for COVID-19, providing medical advice, today. Most of my teachers Times Magazine Pulitzer Celebration lineup. In a from competition for three shifting operations to comply with new govern- from kindergarten through Prize winning reporter Ni- demonstration of inclusiv- months for testing positive ment guidelines, and alleviating the stress on high school were Black kole Hannah-Jones, who ity, she was slated to sing back in 2009. People ques- hospitals — all while practicing routine duties. women who taught me the created the 1619 Project, the Negro National An- tioned why he was allowed Now, they have eagerly taken on another role fundamentals of learning, was denied tenure at her them, “Lift Every Voice and to compete, but the sister to finally overcome this pandemic, administer- but also nurtured me like I alma mater, UNC-Chapel Sing.” wasn’t. ing vaccine doses and providing crucial infor- was one of their own. Hill, because a white major Heads exploded and a Phelps’ suspension came mation about the vaccines as trusted members Each week, I send all my donor got caught up in his large segment of white six months after the 2008 of the community. articles to my favorite 10th racial insecurities and feel- America lost their minds Olympics, but Richard- Despite their critical place in the healthcare grade teacher, and love ings. tweeting messages con- son’s takes effect less than ecosystem, the survival of independent phar- when she sends a message For over a month, this ac- demning the song’s inclu- a month before the start of macies is threatened by major pharmaceutical back with her approval. complished sister was sion. One comment read, the Games. I believe in cal- middlemen, called pharmacy benefit managers. The beautiful thing was treated poorly as protests “I view this as divisive and ling out racism when it’s Because of their size and influence, PBMs deter- that not only did you see erupted and the school’s creating a culture only car- real and relevant, but not mine what pharmacies are in an insurance net- them in the classroom, but reputation took a huge hit. ing about skin color…!” He as a get out of jail free card work and the medications covered by an my teachers lived in my They eventually did the doesn’t understand that a when we engage in actions insurance plan. neighborhood, went to my right thing and awarded person’s blood can bleed and behaviors we know are PBMs dictate a pharmacy’s prescription medi- church and were part of her tenure. Skinfolk turned red, white and blue while wrong. cation reimbursement rate, often paying them the community I lived in. I on one of their own in the also flowing with red, black Black women need more less than they administer the drug for. And like my sisters with class, wake of the Cosby jail re- and green. support and respect. And PBMs cozy relationships with manufacturers are elegance and sophisticat- lease debacle. Another angry tweet with that, my sermon for known to drive up medication prices for pa- ion. I gravitate to the ones They gave credence to read, “This is ridiculous. the day is done. Peace with tients. who can adapt to any envi- the metaphorical adage of There is no Black America. two fingers. Unfortunately for them, independent phar- ronment and match my wit how some animals eat their There is no “Black National Kenneth L. Hardin lives in macies must work with PBMs – they are too pow- and intellect. young. Immediately after Anthem” as there is not a Salisbury and a member of erful to simply work around. As a result, But I need my sisters to his release, “Cosby Show” Black nation!” Therein lies the National Association of independent pharmacists are often pushed into have a little edge and be bi- mom and dean of Howard the problem with America. Black Journalists. bad deals with unsustainable reimbursements. lingual. They have to University’s College of Fine When you fail to recognize They are losing out on needed revenue, tied down by unnecessary red tape, and struggling to stay in business. There are those in the healthcare ecosystem Reckoning with our history who do prioritize independent pharmacies and their survival, like pharmacy services admin- Having gone through a sums for plantation racism is to visit those Hill is buried in the town istrative organization. PSAOs assist pharmacies tenure battle at the Univer- owners and businesses in places where significant graveyard. We bragged with administrative, back-office tasks and nego- sity of North Carolina at New York and London. events occurred, or people that both Hill and Stone- tiations with PBMs, so that pharmacists can Chapel Hill based, in part, The nearby Louisiana lived and worked. Such wall Jackson had married focus on patient care. on conflicting views about State Penitentiary is on the places are almost every- daughters of the first Da- Still, PBMs are too powerful, and pharmacies how history of racism site of Angola, a gigantic where. vidson president. need legislative help. should be plantation. The prison has I thought of the monu- Smith’s book has S. 257 is a step in the right direction to right taught in our become a modern enslaver ments to slavery and rac- prompted many other the wrongs of PBMs. The Medication Cost Trans- schools, it is and exploiter of its mostly ism in my hometown, memories of how my be- parency Act requires PBMs to have licenses and refreshing to black inmates. Davidson, where Smith loved hometown and col- holds them accountable under the North Caro- encounter At Bradford Cemetery in went to college. The lege were part of an lina Department of Insurance. The Insurance “How the Petersburg, Virginia, Con- school’s greatest benefac- oppressive system of white Commissioner will be able to investigate PBMs Word is federate soldiers from the tor before the Civil War dominance. Next time and can penalize them for forcing pharmacies Passed: A Battle of the Crater are bu- was Maxwell Chambers, a Smith and I are in town at into bad deals that ultimately harm North Caro- D.G. Reckoning ried. Today reunions of slaveholder and cotton the same time, we can talk linians. with the His- such organizations as Sons broker who provided about the impact of the With their money and influence, PBMs should MARTIN tory of Slav- of Confederate Veterans funds for a magnificent town and campus and not be able to threaten the fate of independent ery Across demonstrate that the “Lost campus building. Although reckon with our common pharmacies. I am cosponsoring this bill because America” by Clint Smith. Cause” is still alive, pre- the building burned 100 history. compassionate, community-based healthcare The book debuted last serving and strengthening years ago, its ghost ap- D.G. Martin hosts “North advocates must be protected, not squeezed out month at number one on the ideals of white suprem- pears during the dry sea- Carolina Bookwatch,” Sun- of healthcare by big corporations. Who knows The New York Times best- acism. sons when the outline of day 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday where we’d be had independent pharmacists seller list. In Galveston, Texas, its foundations is marked at 5 p.m. on PBS North Car- not stepped up in the fight against COVID-19, Smith, a New Orleans events of Juneteenth are by dying grass. olina. The program also often risking employee health and to the det- native, Davidson College remembered by some cur- We took great pride that airs on the North Carolina riment of their business? graduate, Harvard Ph.D., rent residents, who are de- Confederate General D.H. Channel Tuesday at 8 p.m. And while we’ve made progress against the and staff writer for “The scendants of slaves pandemic, we aren’t out of the woods yet – we Atlantic,” explores race and liberated on June 19, 1865. need all hands on deck to achievable an equi- racism not simply by Smith learns that many of table recovery and provide equitable care after preaching or pontificating. the supposedly free people the pandemic is over. Instead, he takes his were quickly returned to S.257 advocates for those who advocate for readers to places where slave-like repression. us. Mujtaba A. Mohammed of Charlotte represents stories of race and racism In New York City, he District 38 in the North Carolina Senate. are told by real people. learns this city had the sec- Smith's first stop is at ond largest slave market, Monticello, where guides next to Charleston. Banks not only tell of Thomas Jef- and businesses in the city ferson’s genius and lovely were deeply involved with We Cancel TIMESHARES for You home. They also tell how wealth created by slaves in he managed more than 100 the cotton fields of the slaves, including six who South. Every year 150,000 people reach Get your snap on! were his own children. He Finally, Smith takes us to out to us for help getting rid of their sold slaves to get funds to Africa and Senegal where Follow The Charlotte Post pay his debts. Finally, at the “Door of No Return” timeshare. In 2019, we relieved over his death, all his slaves has drawn tourists and pil- $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and were sold, breaking up the grims because it is said on Snapchat at families of many of them. that millions of Africans maintenance fees. We can help. This man whose words departed from this place in thecharpost inspired our high ideals is slave ships. In fact, only forever connected to his about 35,000 left from this Get your free information kit participation in the institu- place. But Smith believes tion of slavery. that the myth of the mil- and see if you qualify: Smith visits Whitney lions departing is as impor- Plantation in Louisiana tant as if it were fact. As where guides and exhibits one Senegalese told him, 844-213-6711 describe the ill treatment “One slave is too many.” of slaves whose labor in Smith persuades us that sugarcane and cotton a good way to learn about fields created exorbitant the impact of slavery and The Charlotte Post PAGE 5A

THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2021

CHARLOTTE FC Cary native Adam Armour (right) is the first Black player signed by Charlotte FC as well as the team's first athlete born after 2000. It’s NC homecoming for Charlotte FC’s Armour Defender from Cary is the first Black athlete signed by Major League Soccer’s newest franchise By Ashley Mahoney and a dream come true,” he said in a lotte FC Sporting Director Zoran Krneta July 2020. Armour played for North [email protected] statement. “I am honored to have this said. “He will benefit from working Carolina FC at both the USL Champi- Adam Armour has carved a place in opportunity and can’t wait to continue alongside experienced defenders like onship and USL League Two levels and Charlotte FC history. my professional career with a team that Christian Fuchs and will provide defen- was a Duke verbal commit but opted to

The Cary native is the first Black will make soccer bigger and better in sive support as we build the founda- play professionally in Europe. player and the first born after 2000 to this region.” tion of a successful club.” Armour, Charlotte FC’s sixth signed sign with the club. Charlotte FC signed Charlotte FC had its eyes on Armour Armour was a member of the U.S. player, is the club’s third defender and

him on June 28. Armour joins the club since the expansion franchise was an- Men’s National Team at the 2019 FIFA second North Carolinian. Midfielder on a two-year contract, with a one-year nounced in 2019. U-17 World Cup in Brazil and Concacaf Brandt Bronico, who grew up in High option. “We are proud to sign a North Car- U-17 Championship and has 19 USYNT Point and played collegiately at Char- “To be able to play in your home state olina native. He is a young talent with caps. He joins Charlotte FC from 2 Bun- lotte, is on loan with USL Champi-“ and represent the Carolinas in matches good technical skills and a strong po- desliga, second division German side onship side Charlotte Independence against MLS teams is a great challenge tential to grow with the team,” Char- FC Nurnberg, with whom he signed in after three seasons with Chicago Fire.$

To be able to play in your home state and represent the Carolinas in matches against MLS teams is a great challenge and a dream come true. “ Charlotte FC defender ADAM ARMOUR Miguel Ramirez, proponent of risk-taking, to become coach By Ashley Mahoney ers, only one of whom has MLS experi- 16, 10 and 9 teams. Between 2008-17 Liverpool Football & Languages as the [email protected] ence (midfielder Brandt Bronico, a he experienced what he English side pushed to expand its reach Charlotte FC has its inaugural head Charlotte alumnus). Ramírez started described as a learning to the Canary Islands. In 2012, Ramírez coach.$ coaching at the youth level with Union phase, working with clubs served as the U-16 head coach for De- Miguel Ángel Ramírez’s official an- Deportiva Las Palmas, where Char- across Europe, such as portivo Alaves in Spain while also pur- nouncement as head coach by the ex- lotte’s inaugural signee, midfielder Ser- Panathinaikos FC, AEK suing a doctorate in physical pansion Major League Soccer franchise gio Ruiz, is on loan. Athens FC and Olympia- education. is expected this week. News of The road to Charlotte cos FC in Greece, Atalanta He left Europe to pursue opportuni- Ramírez’s hire was first reported by the Ramírez spent 2004-12 with Las Pal- FC in Italy, Athletic Club ties in Qatar as assistant U-12, 13 and Athletic. It will be the 36-year-old mas as director’s advisor on youth in Spain, as well as New- 17 coach and head coach for the U-13, Ramirez Spaniard’s first time coaching in MLS football development, assistant coach castle United and Liver- 14 and 16 sides with Aspire Academy when the club debuts in 2022. He will for the under-19, 15, 11 and 9 sides pool in England. from 2012-18. Aspire Academy collab- join the club with a roster of six play- and ultimately head coach of the U-17, Ramírez was regional coordinator of Please see CHARLOTTE FC | 6A

«HBCU BASKETBALL Livingstone A&T earns launches new invite to esports venue Facility includes gaming Emerald and community space Coast By Kimberly Harrington SPECIAL TO THE POST By Bonitta Best SALISBURY – A state-of-the-art esports THE TRIANGLE TRIBUNE N.C. A&T men’s basketball will complex is coming to Livingstone in the fall. participate in the seventh annual The school is establishing the Livingstone Emerald Coast Classic in Novem- College Athletics Esports Facility, to be lo- ber. cated inside its School of Hospitality Man- “The Classic is one of the best agement and Culinary Arts at 530 Jake preseason tournaments in the Alexander Blvd. South. ALABAMA SPORTS INFORMATION country,” coach Will Jones said. The venue, projected to be completed in “The field is awesome with two September, will comprise five components: Livingstone College is building a new esports facility to be housed inside its School of Hospitality teams that played in the NCAA competitive esports; simulation golf; iRac- Management and Culinary Arts in Salisbury. The venue is projected to be completed in Septem- Tournament last season. It will be ing; broadcasting; and space for social gath- ber. great for this team as we mold a erings. Upon completion, Livingstone mated $1.3 million project that will include Livingstone esports will include 16 com- contender in the Big South Con- esports anticipates an active schedule and a more compact facility in the Walls Center petitive gaming stations; 16 social play sta- ference.” has already established facility hosting at its West Monroe Street campus, desig- tions; a pre-game strategy and coaching The Aggies will face Wake For- plans for 100-plus events annually. nated for students only. The larger off-cam- room; two golf simulation stations; a broad- est Nov. 18 in Winston-Salem. Livingstone has contracted with Ohio- pus venue will be open to the public as well casting center; two iRacing simulation units Then they head to Stanford and based Meridian HD to develop the esti- as students. Please see LIVINGSTONE |6A later Samford. And speaking of A&T, freshman guard Kyle Duke has earned a spot on Canada’s U19 National Team to play in the FIBA World JCSU alumnus Jenkins earns Olympics berth Cup. The games begin July 3. By Herbert L. White National Championship meet. Dorchester, Massachusetts. “My goal is to represent my [email protected] Jenkins, a five-time All-America and the Ewers$was All-CIAA and holds the school country to the best of my ability,” Johnson C. Smith alumnus Tovea fifth Golden Bull to earn an Olympics record of 34 consecutive singles wins, Duke said. Jenkins is headed to the Tokyo berth, will be a part of Jamaica’s 4 x which includes victories against players Lincoln (Pa.) gets new coach Olympics. 400-meter relay team pool.$ from Purdue and Northwestern.$Ewers won Daytona State College head Jenkins, a 2017 graduate from The first JCSU Olympian, sprinter three CIAA titles (1967-69), an NAIA cham- coach Janice Washington is Lin- Kingston, Jamaica, will represent her Vince Matthews, earned gold in 1968 pionship (1968) and is a member of the coln’s new women’s basketball country in the women’s 400 meters. (men’s 4x400 relay) and 1972 (400). JCSU Hall of Fame.$$ coach. The 2017 NCAA Division II outdoor • James Ewers, a 1970 JCSU gradu- Ewers, a Winston-Salem native, is a mem- Washington replaces Darrell national champion on JCSU’s 4x400 ate, was inducted in the Black Tennis ber of the United States Tennis Association Mosley, who took an assistant’s meters relay team ran a personal best Jenkins Hall of Fame last week at the Sports- Louisiana and the USTA Southern Schools & job at the University of Delaware. men’s Tennis & Enrichment Center in After Schools Committee. of 50.68 to finish fifth at the$Jamaica Please see JANICE | 6A 6A SPORTS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, July 8, 2021 Colleges scramble to ensure NIL Livingstone launches deals are safe, compliant By Steve Reed vise them on professional athletic oppor- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS tunities. Hill said delineating between the its new esports venue two could prove difficult. Chris Clunie chuckles thinking about Continued from page 5A “We have also dedicated scholarship what Stephen Curry’s marketing potential “I think it’s almost impossible to police positioned in the College’s pit room; money to ensure we are competing not might’ve been at Davidson College during that,” Hill said. uniquely-designed esports hotel suites; only against other state-of-the art facil- the Wildcats’ remarkable 2008 NCAA Tour- Last week, the NFL Players Association and a concessions/beverage bar. ities, but with scholarships as well,” nament run had Curry played in an era sent out notifications to agents on just The facility will include overnight Massie-Sampson said. “When this proj- when college students could profit from such a topic, saying in part, “Any NIL con- hotel rentals; large gathering halls for ect is completed, Livingstone will be fame and celebrity. tracts entered into with college players by community and professional associa- competing and leading in the esports Curry jerseys. Curry shoes. Curry a contract advisor should be wholly sepa- tion meetings; and expanded athletic industry.” chicken sliders. Who knows what else? rate from any future contract advisor serv- boarding for the College’s existing ath- There are also plans for a student- “It would have been absolutely bananas ices involving the negotiation of player letic programming. centered curriculum incorporating around here,” laughed Clunie, a former contracts with NFL teams.” “In collaboration with Meridian HD STEM education and preparing stu- Wildcats basketball player who now serves With the doors flung wide open on ath- and the leadership of [Livingstone Pres- dents for career opportunities that de- as the college’s director of athletics. letes receiving compensation for self-pro- ident] Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr., we have rive from esports including The groundbreaking ruling that went motion, this is a new world for those who an exciting concept that no other commercial and defense drone opera- into effect$July 1 enabling college athletes work mostly behind the scenes in college HBCU, or any other college for that tors; computer programming; sports to profit from use of their name, image or compliance offices. matter, has conceptualized,” said Lam- journalism and broadcasting; audio/vi- likeness for the first time has sent athletic Some of what is happening is contrary to onte Massie-Sampson, Livingstone’s sual entertainment professionals; con- directors and compliance officers scram- the policies and procedures they’ve grown athletic director. “This combination of tent creators; and hospitality and event bling. Even though the NCAA essentially accustomed to for years. education, competition and revenue planning management. cleared the decks for the money to flow — “I think there will probably be a lot of generation sets Livingstone college ath- “The launch of our state-of-the-art es- with some restrictions — it is up to schools nervous twitches from compliance staff as letics years ahead in this new initia- ports program this fall is demonstra- to help ensure all those endorsement deals they see these (sponsorship) deals,” joked tive.” tive of Livingstone’s commitment to and social media shoutout arrangements Cameron Walker, the deputy athletic direc- After almost a year of design plan- remain progressive and relevant with follow state laws and still-fresh school poli- tor at Tennessee. ning, Massie-Sampson said he is ex- the programs we offer,” Jenkins said. cies. Chad Jackson, a senior associate AD for cited Livingstone’s program will be the “We are also excited for this inaugural In short, their job responsibilities have compliance at Baylor, summed it by say- model for others to follow. The facility partnership with Meridian HD as we de- increased and become infinitely more ing, “prior to (July 1), we simply said ‘no,’ will allow the college to recruit the best liver on a competitive and cutting edge complicated. We might not have liked saying ‘no,’ but esports’ competitors. esports program.” Clunie said the work is focused on edu- that was the answer. It was pretty easy to cating athletes about making sure their just say ‘no.’$ newly granted marketing decisions are “Today, we’re saying, ‘yes, but ...,’ Jack- compliant. son added. ”And that ‘but’ part is verified “We want to support them,” Clunie said. through the law and institutional policy.” “We want to make sure kids don’t make What complicates the NIL ruling is that bad decisions and get trapped into oppor- not all school compliance officials will be tunities that don’t make sense.” working under the same guidelines. Janice Washington hired as new Charlotte 49ers athletic director Mike Hill For instance, Clemson doesn’t allow use called this “one of the most exciting times of the Tigers logo in NIL efforts “at this in the history of college athletics.” time.” However, Tennessee athletes can Lincoln women’s hoops coach Charlotte is one of many schools that has use the Volunteers logo and name — pro- tried to get ahead of the curve, starting a viding they get approval from the school Continued from page 5A or junior college transfers. Contact coach “Greenlight” initiative that uses cus- first. DSC is a two-year college in the Mid- Wykevin Bazemore at (919) 719-8862. tomized tools to allow college athletes to “We have encouraged our student-ath- Florida Conference. Three of Washington’s Hampton assistant pursue opportunities associated with their letes and given them a contact person former players are in the CIAA. Hampton women’s basketball coach NIL. The school has partnered with COM- where, if you want to use the logo, this is “Her background of being a former stu- David Six has added Lauren Johnson to his PASS and INFLCR to provide solutions for person you contact and this is the process dent-athlete and playing at an elite level, staff. Johnson was an assistant at education, monitoring, disclosure, and you go through to seek approval for that,” being a head coach at all levels of the Charleston Southern for two seasons. brand-building. And there are other com- Walker said. “So it not only depends on game, her ability to identify and develop “I am very happy to bring Lauren back to panies, too, that have all struck deals with using the logo, but how you use the logo.” talent, win championships, and lead young the 757 and coaching for us,” Six said. “I schools to help connect athlete to deal. And what about shoe deals? women to reach their maximum potential have seen her development having Hill said that while the university is “not An athlete at Baylor couldn’t sign an en- on and off the court propelled her to the coached against her in high school, in col- in the business of negotiating or facilitating dorsement deal with a competitor of top of our list,” athletic director Harry Stin- lege as a player and in college as a coach these opportunities,” he added that “we school sponsor Nike under a brand-new son III said. “We are looking forward to a at Charleston Southern. She knows the area have system in place where the student- Texas NIL law. However, Tennessee ath- coach carrying the torch and leading us to and will be able to help us keep the local athletes will provide information to us not letes can, providing they don’t wear the many CIAA championships and becoming talent.” to review and approve, so much as it is to competitor’s brand — say Under Armour a perennial NCAA championship con- Johnson is the second coach to leave CSU ensure that it’s clearly not a pay-for-play or Adidas — while participating in school tender.” for an HBCU that we know of. Fred Applin or a recruiting inducement of any kind and activities. Shaw camp was the head women’s basketball coach meets the minimum standards the NCAA College sports is entering the great un- The Bobby Collins Elite Camp is July 12, who left for an associate head coaching po- has put forth regarding eligibility.” known. 9 a.m. to noon, at Spaulding Gymnasium. sition at N.C. Central. Crossing that fine line is what concerns And there are many more questions to The exposure camp is for unsigned seniors longtime Connecticut women’s basketball be resolved, including whether schools coach Geno Auriemma. The Hall of Fame with significantly more marketing re- coach said he’s made one simple request sources could impact an athlete’s decision to his players: run any potential endorse- in recruiting, thus putting more distance Charlotte FC coach Ramirez an ment opportunities by him or the compli- between the haves and have-nots. ance department before signing. “The bottom line here is student-athletes “The last thing we want is to go, ‘Hey have to take it upon themselves to step advocate of risk-taking attack coach, I got this great deal. Yeah, great, into this phase and educate themselves now you’re ineligible,’” Auriemma said. and think through this and do the right Continued from page 5A the Copa do Brasil by lower tier side Despite his excitement over the NIL rules, thing, while understanding the implica- orated with Ecuadorian side Independiente Vitória. $ Hill anticipates there will be some issues tions and all of the things that come with del Valle. The connection would lead to Style of play to deal with in the coming months and this new opportunity,” Clunie said. “For Ramírez’s introduction and ultimately op- Expect Ramírez to establish a posses- years. (schools), the work is less about helping portunity to step into a managerial role. sion-oriented style in Charlotte, which is One of those involves agents. them get opportunities but more about In 2018, he accepted the position as exactly the type of coach Charlotte FC While college athletes can hire agents to making sure if they’re going about the op- academy director for the Ecuadorian side, Sporting Director Zoran Krneta and com- represent them to handle their NIL deals, portunities in the right way.” remaining in the role until May 2019 when pany have been looking for. Krneta also those same agents are not allowed to ad- the club named him interim head coach. said they would produce exciting, high- He replaced Ismael Rescalvo, who left the press, attacking football. Ramírez prefers club to manage Emelec, another Ecuado- what he described as a risky style.$ Follow The Post on social media rian club. Ramírez led the club to its first “I obviously want to keep balance, which win of the Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana allows me to defend, but I like to subdue in 2019, defeating Argentine club Colón 3- the opponent, playing close to the oppos- 1. It is the second most prestigious inter- ing goal,” Ramírez told the Athletic in De- national competition in South America cember. “In terms of the relationship with behind Copa Libertadores.$ space, it’s like a chess game: the opponent Ramírez went on to manage the club might leave a gap, or not and there are cer- through December 2020, followed by a tain spaces I want to win. I play with the three-month stint as first team head coach opponent to win certain areas where I @thecharpost The Charlotte thecharpost of Sport Club Internacional in Brazil. The think I can do damage.”$ Post club fired him after being knocked out of The Charlotte Post

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