Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Alex Highsmith is an inspiration to his former Charlotte 49ers teammates TThhee CChhaarrllootttteeTHE VOICE P POF THE BLACKo oCOMMUNITYss SINCEtt 1906 WEEK OF NOVEMBER 12, 2020 VOLUME 47, NUMBER 10 WWW.THECHARLOTTEPOST.COM $1.50 COVID crisis spreads to housing By Melba Newsome FOR THE CHARLOTTE POST In 1981, Martha Brown moved to Charlotte from rural Rutherford County to escape an abusive rela- tionship. In the nearly 40 years since then, Brown has had more than her share of personal and health mis- fortunes but always managed to keep herself afloat with a series of low-paying jobs, including as a cer- tified nursing assistant, hotel cleaner and restaurant worker. Then the coronavirus pandemic TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST came. It took its toll on the 63-year-old Charlotte City Council voted Monday to return South Tryon Street between 3rd and 4th streets to vehicular traffic five months after a Black Lives Matter one catastrophe at a time. Over the mural was painted there. The vote was 10-1, with Braxton Winston the lone dissenter. span of a few months, the virus at- tacked her health, took away her employment and destabilized her housing. Weeks after recovering, Tryon plaza inspired by BLM Brown wonders if her life will ever return to its pre-pandemic state. In early May, Brown was supple- menting her disability by working part-time at a small soul food res- art returns to vehicle traffic taurant on the city’s east side. She got sick almost out of nowhere. “One afternoon, I left work and City council closed block of Uptown street as part of pedestrian experiment rode the bus to Walmart. I think I By Ashley Mahoney “Even our artists know that if you put as a city.” was drooling at the mouth,” she a mural on the ground, it’s not sustain- While the mural will fade, its signifi- says. “When I got there, I threw up [email protected] able,” said assistant city manager Taiwo cance cannot. Black Lives Matter was in the bathroom. I went to the South Tryon Street between 3rd and Jaiyeoba, who helped make the mural painted on one of the busiest streets in emergency room twice and stayed 4th streets are again open to vehicle possible in June. “It’s going to even- Charlotte in response to the death of for four to six hours each time. traffic. tually fade, and so how can we memo- George Floyd, a Black man who was Both times they just sent me back The Uptown block became a pedes- rialize it? Maybe we print it [and] hang killed in May by police in Minneapolis, home.” trian-only space three days after a Black it on a prominent wall, in a prominent Minnesota. Charlotte artists were com- The details of the next few weeks Lives Matter mural was painted there on place Uptown.” missioned by the city to create the are a blur. Brown starts to cry as June 9, but Charlotte City Council voted The city has maintained the mural as mural, with each letter telling a differ- she recounts what she can recall. 10-1 Monday to reopen the street to ve- part of its street cleaning efforts but is ent story. Jaiyeoba also suggested po- “I lost 8 pounds because I didn’t hicles. Council member at-large Braxton beginning to fade. tentially creating programing around eat for 10 days. I stayed in this Winston voted no. The alternative “Tryon was going to be repaved at the mural and its significance annually room for 20 days with my daugh- would have been to keep the plaza some point in the future,” Jaiyeoba said. on June 9. Another potential would be ter taking care of me. I had a fever closed to vehicles through the end of “It just happens to be that future will be providing local artists with residency of 104 and I could hear them say- the year. City staff suggested conclud- next year. What we don’t want to do is opportunities to, as Jaiyeoba said, “el- ing they need to break my fever,” ing what was coined the Tryon Street to go and pave over it, because that evate the role of artists in our city.” she said. Pilot Plaza on Nov. 2. would be more of a harmful step to take Please see TRYON PLAZA | 2A “It was so bad I told God, ‘Just take me home. I’m ready to go home!’ I wanted to die but I said ‘Lord, I can’t leave my only daugh- Please see COVID | 2A America to Trump: Green light You’re so fired for Eastland By Stacy M. Brown NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION development After days of post-Election Day counting, Democrat Joe Biden has defeated President Donald Trump to By Ashley Mahoney become the nation’s 46th commander-in-chief. [email protected] With all eyes on Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, Charlotte City Council unani- and Arizona, it was the Keystone State’s 20 electoral mously approved plans to rede- college votes that put Biden over the top, and helped velop the former Eastland Mall America send the message Trump had become area. known for years earlier during his “Apprentice” re- The onetime shopping center ality television show: “You’re Fired!” site has been a thorn in the side of “Trump finds out Biden won while ASHLEY MAHONEY | THE CHARLOTTE POST several councils over the years, but he’s playing golf,” Washington Informer on Nov. 9 city leaders voted to Charlotte City Council representatives Larken Egleston (from left), Victoria Watlington, Journalist Anthony Tilghman tweeted, move forward on a public-private as Trump played golf at his National Mayor Vi Lyles and Malcolm Graham represented municipal government at a Thurs- partnership with Crosland South- Club in Sterling, Virginia. day press conference announcing Corridors of Opportunity initiatives along the West east. Reportedly, it was the 410th day Pres- Boulevard corridor. “Tonight has literally been a dec- ident Trump spent at one of his name- ade in the making,” District 5 rep- sake properties since taking office. Biden resentative Matt Newton said. “I “This election is about so much more Opportunities and new remember years ago having con- than @JoeBiden or me. It’s about the versations with former council soul of America and our willingness to member and now state representa- fight for it,” Vice President-Elect Kamala businesses along West Blvd. tive John Autry about this project Harris tweeted alongside a video. “We By Ashley Mahoney and many of the challenges it have a lot of work ahead of us. Let’s get tunity, a $24.5 million investment, posed years ago, and it is really re- started.” [email protected] kicked off in September with an- markable to see where we are Charlotte has unveiled the next When Biden and Harris are sworn in nouncements for planned devel- today to have such a dynamic and stage of its Corridors of Opportu- on Jan. 20, 2021, the California senator opment along the Beatties Ford game-changing proposal in front nity program . Harris will become the first Black vice pres- Road corridor. The others are Cen- of us.” West Boulevard is the second of ident in U.S. history. tral Avenue/Albemarle, Freedom They also voted to enter into a six corridors where After what’s expected to be the most contentious Drive/Wilkinson Boulevard, Gra- public-private partnership with city officials seek and violent post-election in American history, inau- ham Street/North Tryon Street, as Tepper Sports and Entertainment On The Net to address gaps guration ceremonies will occur. Demonstrators had well as Sugar Creek Road/Inter- to place the Charlotte FC Elite https://char- in infrastruc- already gathered outside of vote counting centers state 85. Academy headquarters at the site. lottenc.gov/co ture, workforce, around the nation, mainly as the country waited anx- District 3 council member Vic- The vote on the latter also in- rridorsofoppor- transportation, iously for results from Pennsylvania, Arizona, Geor- toria Watlington, who represents cluded authorizing city manager tunity/Pages/d housing and gia, and Nevada. the West Boulevard corridor, and Marcus Jones to negotiate terms efault.aspx code enforce- Chants of “Stop the Count! Stop the Count” by pro- Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles addressed with TSE for reimbursement for ment, business de- Trump supporters turned to “Stop the Steal! Stop the residents. They were accompanied costs associated with Bank of Steal!” The president egged on the commotion, velopment, public safety and by council members Larken Egles- Please see EASTLAND | 4A Please see BIDEN| 2A urban design. Corridors of Oppor- Please see OPPORTUNITIES|4A INSIDE Digital edition: Please STAY IN TOUCH Sports 5A Snapchat: thecharpost www.thecharlottepostnewspaper.com Recycle Life 1B Twitter: @thecharpost A&E 5B To subscribe: (704) 376-0496 or online Facebook: The Charlotte Post Classified 4B http://tcppc.com/Subscribe Instagram: @thecharlottepost #PaperThursday 2A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, November 12, 2020 Tryon plaza COVID crisis spreads to housing Continued from page 1A later. If you lose [in court], Health Organization as “You can’t shelter …” ter!’” you have 10 days to appeal basic necessities that in- Samuel Gunter, executive After a few weeks, and post a rent bond. On fluence how healthy a per- director of the North Caro- art returns to Brown’s physical health the 11th day, the landlord son or community can lina Housing Coalition, turned around but by then can swear out a writ from become, social deter- says housing insecurity her job was gone and there the sheriff, the writ gets ex- minants of health such as poses an even greater risk was an eviction notice on ecuted and they can pad- housing, transportation for personal and com- vehicle traffic her apartment door. lock your doors.” and economic security munity health during a Brown’s experiences par- This is the scenario that loom large in the most vul- pandemic. Government Continued from page 1A allel those of many Black troubled Brown on a Sat- nerable communities. stay-at-home orders pre- District 2 council member Malcolm Graham de- people across the country, urday evening in August as Social determinants ac- sume that residents have a manded the city do more than paint words on the state and city whose lives she listened intently to the count for roughly 80 per- home in which to isolate to street. have been upended by the news. During a press con- cent of someone's health avoid spreading or getting He referenced his late sister Cynthia Graham pandemic. As of October ference, President Trump and chronic medical prob- infected and to recover. Hurd, who was one of the nine people killed in the 25, Mecklenburg County touted a new executive lems. Housing is one of the “You can’t shelter at mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in has recorded 33,065 cases order which he claimed most researched and un- home if you don’t have a Charleston, South Carolina in 2015. of coronavirus and 381 would prohibit landlords derstood of these issues. A home,” says Gunter. “For someone who really gets the notion of Black deaths. But those numbers or housing authorities number of studies have Brown shares the apart- Lives Matter, whether it is the death of George only tell part of the story. from filing eviction ac- shown that the chronically ment with her 39-year-old Floyd or Breonna Taylor or Cynthia Graham, it is A wave of evictions tions, charging nonpay- homeless and those who daughter and 20-year-old more than just paint on a street,” Graham said. “I State and local govern- ment fees or penalties, or are housing insecure are at grandson. Intergenera- can only speak for one of the three I mentioned, ments have offered a giving notice to vacate. substantially higher risk of tional living arrangements but she would say, ‘it’s the actions that we take, patchwork of confusing For a moment, Brown poor health because it can like this are more common not the words that we paint.’” and insufficient measures thought that might be the result in disruptions to em- among Asian, Hispanic and The city also used the time the street was closed to help people like Brown help she’d been praying ployment, social networks, Black families according to to study what pedestrian-only areas in Uptown stay in their homes. On for. education and the receipt an analysis by the Pew Re- could look like, which is a consideration for the March 27, the federal She soon grew despon- of social service benefits. search Center. It also leads 2040 Charlotte Center City Vision Plan. CARES Act imposed a 120- dent when she realized Even the threat of evic- to increased patterns of Future events at the mural site will require an day moratorium on evic- that the president’s ex- tion can negatively impact virus transmission because event permit now that the street is open. While city tions, but it applied only to ecutive order merely di- both mental and physical younger persons are more officials said they will maintain the mural better renters whose landlords rected some regulators to health. Children raised in apt to go in and out of the than while the street was closed, they will allow it had federally backed mort- study whether an eviction unstable housing are more house for work or recrea- to fade over time. A committee will also be formed gages. moratorium was necessary prone to hospitalization, tion and bring that expo- to write a report exploring the potential for public On May 30, Gov. Roy and directed other homelessness is linked to sure home to more space on Tryon Street. Also, once the 2040 plan Cooper issued a statewide agencies to investigate delayed childhood devel- susceptible family has been adopted, they will explore public space executive order that kept whether they could appro- opment, and mothers in members. and ways to support artists as well as explore op- residents in their homes by priate money for rental as- families that lose homes to Dense living environ- portunities for art as activism Uptown in areas pausing all eviction hear- sistance. eviction show higher rates ments also make effective such as Polk Park and Levine Avenue of the Arts. ings until June 21. These “What’s this? Is he just of depression and other isolation nearly impos- The city also intends to establish a new permit- moratoriums only delayed saying something for the health challenges. A 2014 sible. ting process for programming of plazas by the city the inevitable. When they election?” she asks. study published in The Charlotte and Mecklen- or non-profit organizations looking to utilize city- expired, the back rent Basic need Lancet found that home- burg County have set aside owned public space. came due and eviction Jerome Williams Jr. leads less people have higher millions of dollars in local court proceedings re- Novant Health’s overall rates of premature mortal- and federal funds to pro- sumed. strategy for social respon- ity than the rest of the pop- vide rental assistance for In the first week after the sibility programs, com- ulation. struggling renters. In ad- state’s eviction morato- munity engagement Williams sees a direct dition, agencies like the rium ended, 602 summary partnerships, and com- connection between Char- United Way and Founda- Biden prevails ejections or eviction hear- munity impact and well- lotte’s affordable housing tion for the Carolinas are ings were scheduled in ness programs to address crisis and the disparate im- raising their own funds to Continued from page 1A Mecklenburg County and health disparities. He likes pact of the pandemic on help. tweeting false claims about voter fraud and that the 133 for the week after. to remind you that the people of color. Brown sought help from “Democrats are trying to steal the election.” Magistrates are working pandemic didn’t cause “We have frontline and Crisis Assistance Ministry, With little question, Black voters pushed Biden over the their way through the many of these challenges; essential workers who may a nonprofit that has been top. backlog. Once those orders it merely exposed them. not have appropriate or providing financial assis- Biden trailed the president in Pennsylvania, but as the are issued, Jesse Hamilton “Housing insecurity or adequate housing or the tance?for people in crisis count included predominately Black Philadelphia and McCoy, a housing lawyer lack of housing, food inse- ability to completely iso- since 1975. It took several surrounding counties, Trump’s lead disappeared, and and supervising attorney curity, transportation, lack late,” says Williams. “A weeks for the agency to the Democrat prevailed. for the Duke Law Civil Jus- of access to health care ac- number of them are no work through its backlog That scenario repeated itself in Georgia, where Atlanta tice Clinic, says the time to cess capital and social cap- longer employed because of requests but Brown and Fulton County also came through for the former vice vacate the residence will ital, lack of upward certain businesses have eventually received $1,000 president. come quickly. mobility opportunity to closed. When paychecks toward her $1,200 rent. “At this historical moment, the voters have made it “North Carolina is the name a few all existed be- are not coming in, rent But soon, she was back to clear that they want a country that works for all people. second-fastest eviction fore COVID,” says Wil- can’t be paid. The stimulus fretting over where she They want a country that is not broken by racism and state in the nation,” says liams. “Some of the isn’t forthcoming so indi- would find money for the bigotry,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson wrote in a McCoy. “The entire process activities that have oc- viduals who are already on next month. statement. can be done in as little as curred prior to COVID are the margins and already A coming tsunami? “They want leadership that can create opportunities for 23 days. When the com- now being exacerbated and challenged may now be On Aug. 7, a group of na- all Americans to succeed in all aspects of society, without plaint is filed, you get a I don’t think we’ve seen the faced with the prospect of tional housing and eviction fear of over-policing, discrimination, and destructive pol- court date somewhere be- worst yet.” eviction, which only exac- experts, including Emily icies at our expense.” tween seven and 10 days Defined by the World erbates the problem.” Please see EVICTIONS |4A

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You may qualify for Extra Help to PAID FOR BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES pay prescription drug costs. Go to ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/ prescriptionhelp/ to find out more. 3A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, November 12, 2020 4A NEWS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, November 12, 2020 TheThe CharlotteCharlotte PostPost Opportunities in West Boulevard The Voice of the Black Community Continued from page 1A tion itself, but this iteration the corridor in order to de- put it into a piece that is Gerald O. Johnson | CEO/PUBLISHER ton (District 1) and Mal- has been working very velop jobs that fit. Watling- starting with the uplifting colm Graham (District 2), hard to achieve opportu- ton said her district has of the community, and [email protected] City Manager Marcus Jones nity for the residents,” said been hit particularly hard how that blooms and Robert L. Johnson | PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER and Assistant City Manager Cousins, founding partner by the pandemic in terms fosters into new devel- Tracy Dodson. of the Freedmen Law of unemployment. opments like the addition [email protected] “If you’ve been here a Group. “We consider our- “Many of our residents of the library, the YMCA while, you remember when selves to be the mouth- work in service industries, and also building off of the Herbert L. White | EDITOR IN CHIEF [1520 West Blvd.] was a piece of the residents and are also essential fact that this land was [email protected] thriving shopping center, along the West Boulevard workers,” she said. “What bought by Charles Parker, and it went through a little corridor – all 19 com- we’ve seen is unemploy- and how his decedents en- Published weekly by The Charlotte Post Publishing Company bit of a change, but what munities – and hope to live ment rates in (ZIP code) sured that this land would Inc., 5118 Princess Street, Charlotte, NC 28269 (USPS #965500). we are about is revitaliza- up to that in everything 20208 spiking, despite stay in the hands of Black Subscription is $65 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Char- tion without gentrifica- that we do. Opportunities being essential workers. people,” Binter said. lotte, NC. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Charlotte tion,” Lyles said. like this, you can’t pass Due to the flexibility in the Zsa-Zsa Porter and Nikkis Post, PO Box 30144, Charlotte, NC 28230 Watlington shared a them by. We’re more than service industry, labor Campbell are Ironman tri- number of projects in the thankful for the city to take rates and things of that na- athletes providing healthy works for the area, as well the steps that they have in ture, we’ve seen people food at Exposed Vegan as financial commitments terms of walking with us in being laid off. They are un- (1540 West Boulevard). from the city to provide the various initiatives that deremployed or unem- They also intend to serve support for economic de- we have as the coalition.” ployed. Getting them back the neighborhood through Huge victory The city will also estab- to work is going to be criti- a food truck. velopment. She also cred- ited the West Boulevard lish a multi-year commit- cal.” “We are very excited to Neighborhood Coalition’s ment of $80,000 per year City representatives also provide healthy options to and more work advocacy for their com- to the WBNC to develop the unveiled the addition of West Boulevard,” said munity. West Boulevard Merchant’s the corridor to its #Stree- Porter, who also works in Association as well as ex- tEats program at City West corporate finance. “During After four exhausting years of President Donald Among the projects is the pand on youth programing Commons (1520 West the pandemic we recog- Trump and four excruciating days of vote count- establishment of the city’s at the Seeds for Change Boulevard), which trans- nized that there are so ing, the election was called for President-elect Joe first grocery co-op, Three Farm. A commitment of forming parking spaces many who are looking for Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Sisters Market. $85,000 in grants will be and sidewalks into outdoor healthy options, especially Saturday. Hallelujah! “When we think about provided to the City West eating spaces. The goal is if they are working from Those days of counting felt ago- the Three Sisters Market, Commons center for ren- to encourage people to home, and they need to get nizingly slow to many of us, but the we know that not only do ovations and improved se- support local restaurants, fresh food or plant based momentum was always on our side: you need neighborhood curity. A public Wi-Fi hub while maintaining a safe food, and we are excited to Democratic voters—mostly Black support, you also need in- will be established at City physical distance during provide those options, voters—in and around Philadelphia, vestment,” Watlington West Commons. The city the COVID-19 pandemic. especially on West Boule- Detroit, Milwaukee and Atlanta de- said. “Not only is the city will also work with the new Two additions to the City vard.” livered the battleground state votes working with the Three owners of the former Jack- West Commons center are Denise Hairston, who ex- needed to deny Trump a second Sisters Market to find the in-the-Box at 1600 West Dee’s Vegan To-Go and Ex- pects to open Dee’s Vegan term. In Nevada and Arizona, Latino perfect location for their BEN Blvd. to renovate and reac- posed Vegan. West Boule- To-Go (1540 West Blvd. and Native American voters pro- proof of principle, we’re tive at site. A $30,000 grant vard is considered a food Suite 100) by the end of JEALOUS vided crucial votes. also committing $35,000 will be established to im- desert, and until that November, has been a sta- News that Pennsylvania put Biden to support interior uplifts prove Mr. Jim’s Pizza (1603 changes, bringing in res- ple at the Charlotte Re- over the top sparked dancing in the streets and to the co-op market and West Blvd.) the neighbor- taurants that serve healthy gional Farmer’s Market for tears of joy in many households. So did the sight the city will support the ing beauty salon and help food is critical. years and previously of Kamala Harris making her historic appearance proof of concept phase for the property owner fill the “It is so important that owned a full-service res- as our next vice president—the first woman, first the next four years, at a third retail space. we continue to provide taurant in St. Louis. While Black woman, first South Asian woman, to be total cost of $60,000.” The West Side Com- healthy food options and she studied culinary arts at elected to the White House. For WBNC board member munity Land Trust will get access to residents along Johnson and Wales and In his speech Saturday night, Joe Biden made it Guy Cousins, who chairs $249,000 in gifts between the corridor, because right Central Piedmont Com- clear that he understands how much he owes to Three Sisters, the initiative four donated parcels of now we don’t have that,” munity College, Hairston Black folks. “The African American community is an opportunity the land and funds to buy land Watlington said. “We want saw a lot of illnesses par- stood up again for me,” he said. “They always have neighborhood needs to for the relocation of two to invest in people’s educa- ticularly among Black my back, and I’ll have yours.” take advantage of. historic shotgun homes. tion and their economic women based on what they We will all need to help Biden make good on that “This is right in line with “If you want to have a mobility, but we also want were eating. Now she commitment with policies that address our com- the work that we have been seat at the table, you’ve got to invest in their health. strives to provide delicious munities’ needs. doing for 30-40 years al- to have some ownership Part of doing that is part- and nutritious food. There’s a lot to do. most in terms of the coali- stake,” Watlington said. nering with healthy food “When I used to work We need a more effective response to COVID-19 “The West Side Com- options with business with the Women’s Health pandemic and its particularly hard impact on the munity Land Trust has owners.” Network, I found that there health and economic well-being of people of color. Evictions been working very hard for #StreetEats runs through were a lot of illnesses in We need a vision and a plan for an economy that Continued from page 2A several years to start to ac- Nov. 22 at City West Com- the Black community, does not leave Black communities behind, an Benfer at Wake Forest Uni- quire property in an effort mons. The space also in- especially with African economy where opportunity is widely available versity School of Law, re- to ensure that we protect cludes a mural by American women that are and prosperity is widely shared—not one that leased the COVID-19 affordability across the Davidson College graduate things that could be pre- strips wealth out of middle-class and lower-in- Eviction Crisis: An Esti- city.” Makayla Binter, who is a ventable,” Hairston said. “I come families and funnels it to the richest people mated 30-40 Million People The city will also conduct Hearst Teaching Fellow at had four women die in a in the world. in America are At Risk. The a labor study, which will Charlotte Country Day. Her five-year time period from We need to eliminate voter suppression researchers found that include the corridor to un- work depicts the history of chronic diseases. I started strategies—and resist ongoing efforts by Trump many property owners will derstand barriers to em- the neighborhood. studying. I said there’s and his allies to delegitimize and overturn his also struggle to avoid ca- ployment as well as learn “I took some major imag- something to [what Black decisive defeat. lamity and face increased the skillsets of residents in ery from the [history] and women are eating].” We need to confront the systemic racism that risk of foreclosure and leads to police killings of Black men, women, and bankruptcy. children—killings for which justice far too often is That stark warning may delayed and denied. have pushed the Centers We need to address the corruption of our federal for Disease Control and court system by Trump and Senate Republicans Prevention to issue its Sep- and the hard-right judges they have spent four tember 4 nationwide evic- years packing into our federal courts, which we tion moratorium for the can no longer count on to uphold our constitu- remainder of the year, a tional and civil rights. tacit acknowledgment that All those jobs will be made so much harder if Re- stable housing and health Secure your savings. publicans maintain control of the Senate. The un- can’t be decoupled, par- principled obstructionist Republican leader Mitch ticularly during a pan- Lock in your rate today. McConnell has turned that half of Congress into a demic. graveyard for legislation the American people In late October, Gov. Roy CDs are a great way to save for your need to advance the vision of a more just society Cooper issued an executive for which we just voted. order that complements long-term goals. Our financial experts are So, we have work to do, right now, in Georgia, the CDC’s moratorium, in- where two U.S. Senate races are headed for runoffs creasing some protections ready to help you open a CD today. Whether in early January. Both races feature corrupt, for North Carolina renters. it’s in a branch or online, we’re here for you. Trump-enabling Republicans who represent the His move requires that worst kind of politician. Both are being challenged landlords inform tenants by smart, progressive Democrats who will help of the CDC moratorium Biden and Harris achieve good things for the and prohibits them from American people. placing extra hurdles to 11-Month CD or IRA CD Special Those victories in Georgia are achievable, largely renters taking advantage of in part to the brilliant organizing work of my dear the CDC’s protection. friend Stacey Abrams. She responded to her own North Carolina also made APY* unjust defeat in Georgia’s race for governor in available $117 million for 2018 by leading a coalition that registered hun- the HOPE program, an as- dreds of thousands of new voters and turned the sistance fund for residents 0.70% state blue this year. struggling to pay utility She believes Democrats can absolutely win the bills and rent. But that Senate runoffs, and that the outcome of those money has been moving races will help determine whether we have access quickly and as of the end to health care and access to justice in the U.S. The of October, more than excellent Democratic candidates, Rev. Raphael 22,800 applications had Warnock and Jon Ossoff, need and deserve all the been made for funds. 24-Month CD or IRA CD Special support we can give them. When there were no state Defeating Trump and electing Joe Biden and Ka- or federal moratoriums in APY* mala Harris was a huge victory. Let’s celebrate, get place from June 24 to Sept. a good night’s sleep or a long nap, and get back to 3, Mecklenburg County work. landlords filed 2,301 evic- Ben Jealous is president of People For the Ameri- tion cases, according to 0.70% can Way and People For the American Way Foun- data analysis by the North dation. Carolina News Collabo- rative. A report prepared for the National Council of State Housing Agencies in Sep- Eastland deal tember estimated that be- Continued from page 1A tween 300,000 and 410,000 households across America Stadium improvements for Major League Soccer North Carolina are cur- and the Eastland site not to exceed an aggregate of $35 rently unable to pay rent million, which the city will pay from hospitality funds. leading to the possibility of They will also set terms for agreements, such as leases nearly 240,000 eviction fil- and licenses with TSE for bringing MLS to the city and ings in January. collaborate on a vision for the area surrounding Bank of The CDC’s federal evic- America Stadium. It too received unanimous support tion moratorium expires Open an account at ozk.com or one of our local branches.** from council. on Dec. 31. But without ad- “Sometimes we stay around long enough that we can ditional financial assis- get it right,” said council member at-large James Mitchell, tance, housing advocates *Annual Percentageg() Yield (APY) effective as of the ppublication date. Offer ppapplies to new CDs only. y who was on the panel when the property was purchased predict another deluge of $1,000 minimum deposit is required to open CD and to earn stated APY. Penalty for early withdrawal. in 2012. IRA CD is subject to eligibility requirements. Offer not available to brokers, dealers and other financial evictions at the worst time institutions. Fees could reduce earnings. Offer subject to change without notice. Offer good in Said council member at-large Dimple Ajmera: “East imaginable--the dead of Mecklenburg County, NC only. Charlotte residents have been asking for a catalyst.” winter. Cooper’s order ex- **IRA CD must be opened in person and cannot be opened online. The site will include green space, multifamily and sin- pires on the same day. gle-family housing, commercial and retail space, an “You’re just essentially MEMBER FDIC Atrium Health facility and a sports component. Demoli- postponing those evictions tion is scheduled to begin this winter and completed in from now until January,” 2022. said McCoy. By Ashley Mahoney Independence head coach Mike The Charlotte Post PAGE 5A [email protected] Jeffries for their inaugural sea- Lesesne son in 2015, was part of playoff Troy Lesesne’s time in Char- appearances in 2016 and 2017. lotte prepared him for success in “The expansion process and earns USL’s New Mexico. working with Mike Jeffries is The New Mexico United head what prepared me for helping coach and technical director was New Mexico get off the ground,” top coach named 2020 USL Championship Lesesne said. “There is no way I coach of the year, along with have the same level of expertise

Sports Reno 1868’s Ian Russell. Le- without the guidance of Mike

honor sesne, who was hired as an assis- and the Charlotte Independ- THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020 tant coach by Charlotte Please see TROY |6A It’s evident that we’re close but close isn’t good enough “ Moton a because we’re not getting those victories. I just think it trickles down to us not beating ourselves and allowing those mistakes and eliminating that stuff so we can man for his have a cleaner game and a better opportunity to win. “ Panthers wide receiver ROBBIE ANDERSON time and community LeVelle Moton and I have an under- standing. He can never retire. Never. Ever. Not as long as I’m at The Tribune anyway. Moton is too good for business. Retweet one of his many ingenious tweets, and we snag several followers. Post his basketball jersey retirement ceremony on our You- Tube page, and it breaks our viewership record. So when word came down last week that a sculpture in his like- ness was going to be created and installed at Lane Street Mini-Park, soon to be called Moton Mini-Park, yours truly stopped everything to post it on our social media chan- nels. And he didn’t dis- appoint. It wasn’t all self-promo- BONITTA tion, however. No one is BEST more deserving. Everyone knows Moton’s CAROLINA PANTHERS | BRANDON TODD story by now. His mother moved the Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey scored twice in the Panthers’ 33-31 loss to Kansas City last week, but pulled family to the Lane Street area when he himself late after sustaining a shoulder injury. He missed the previous six games with a high ankle sprain. and his brother were children. To say they were poor would be like saying sugar is sweet. But his mother and grandmother wouldn’t allow poverty as an excuse to fail. Close losses, injuries He was a star high school player at Enloe High in Ra- leigh, and an even bigger star at North Carolina Cen- Moton tral, where he is No. 3 on the mar Panthers’ season program’s all-time scoring list. Since being named the Eagles head coach in 2009, NCCU has recorded just one losing Four-game losing streak a microcosm of what’s wrong with Carolina season, four MEAC championships and five postseason appearances. By Steve Reed games this season, including on Sun- down to us not beating ourselves and But what Moton has given back to the THE ASSOCIATED PRESS day against the defending champion allowing those mistakes and elimi- The Panthers found themselves in Chiefs, it also appears to be the ear- nating that stuff so we can have a Please see NCCU | 6A a familiar position Sunday — with the mark of a young squad that is still cleaner game and a better opportu- ball in their hands on the final drive figuring out how to win. nity to win.” and a chance to win the game. “When you think about how we are Injuries haven’t helped. Tim Schuldt But with Christian McCaffrey on the coming up short in McCaffrey, the team’s best player, sideline for most of the possession these games, you know has missed six games with a high with a shoulder injury, Carolina a game like today, it ankle sprain. When he’s played, he’s takes over as could only reach Kansas City’s 49- (ticks) you off, espe- been incredibly productive with 374 yard line, and a desperation 67-yard cially when you play a yards and six touchdowns in 11 field goal attempt by Joey Slye sailed team as good as the quarters of action. Carolina has also president of the wide right as time expired, resulting Chiefs are — that’s a sustained key injuries to a number of in a 33-31 loss to the Chiefs. great football team,” defensive starters as well, including The game was a microcosm of Car- quarterback Teddy tackle Kawann Short, who was lost Independence olina’s season: another close loss Bridgewater Bridgewater said. “We for the season with a shoulder injury. with another untimely injury. don’t want it to be the WHAT’S WORKING By Ashley Mahoney The Panthers (3-6) have lost five common theme of being right there Wide receiver Anderson has turned [email protected] and losing.” out to be one of the top free agent ac- games this season in which they’ve Tim Schuldt is the new president of the Added Panthers wide receiver quisitions in the NFL this season. either had a chance to win or tie on Charlotte Independence. Robby Anderson: “It’s evident that Through nine games he’s tied for their final offensive possession. Schuldt joined the team in August 2019 we’re close but close isn’t good third in receptions (60) and is fourth While it’s promising that first-year as chief revenue officer, but was pro- enough because we’re not getting in yards receiving (751), shattering coach Matt Rhule’s team has been moted to president and chief operating those victories. I just think it trickles Please see | 6A surprisingly competitive in all nine CLOSE officer in October. He still reports to club founder, managing partner and CEO Jim McPhilliamy. Schuldt said there is no raise with the role, although his title now re- flects his work. “Jim and I have talked throughout my time there, and this was a goal for a while,” said Schuldt, whose background Davidson women picked fourth in A-10 hoops is in marketing and revenue with Major League Baseball and NASCAR. “A couple By Herbert L. White honors for Fordham, which went 21-11 the year Shauna Green, return preseason of years ago I started as a consultant and [email protected] and 11-5 in the A-10. all-conference picks Erin Whelan, Araion was focused on sponsorship primarily Davidson is expected to finish in the Virginia Commonwealth is the presea- Bradshaw and Kyla Whitehead to a squad and a little bit of ticketing. As we got into middle of the pack of the Atlantic 10’s son favorite to win the championship. that won the league’s postseason tour- this – communications, marketing, broad- women’s basketball campaign. The Rams, who finished second last sea- nament and a berth in the NCAA tourna- casting, in-game entertainment – all of The Wildcats, Duquesne and Fordham son, earned the top spot in the presea- ment before the COVID-19 pandemic that started to fall on my plate. Jim and I tied for fourth in the preseason poll with son poll of head coaches at a virtual ended the season. had a discussion about a more accurate 140 points. Davidson, which went 16-15 media day, a first for the A-10. Saint Louis (19-13, 9-7) was picked title for that, since the job description and overall and 8-8 in league play last year, VCU, which finished 20-12 overall last third with 171 points and a first-place responsibilities had expanded. I was for- are paced by three preseason all-confer- year, 13-3 in the A-10, returns three vote. Ciaja Harbison and Rachel Kent tunate enough to receive that advance- ence players: Suzi-Rose Deegan, Katie starters, paced by preseason all-confer- earned all-conference and Harbison and ment.” Turner and Sarah Donovan. ence picks Tera Reed and Taya Robin- Brooke Flowers were named All-Defen- Daily operations remain the same, with Duquesne, (20-9, 9-7) which also gar- son. sive team. McPhilliamy working with the ownership nered a first-place vote, placed Libby Defending champion Dayton, which The season tips off on Nov. 25 and the group, head coach and general manager Bazelak and Lala Sole on preseason all- was picked second, totaled 176 points, tournament is scheduled for VCU’s Sie- Mike Jeffries overseeing the competition conference teams. Kendell Heremaia and including two first-place votes. The gel Center March 3-7. side and Schuldt running the business Anna DeWolfe each received preseason Flyers (25-8, 15-1), led by A-10 coach of Please see TIM SCHULDT | 6A Highsmith’s NFL success is an inspiration to all 49ers walk-ons By Ashley Mahoney rookie is adapting from his college role as [email protected] a defensive end to his professional job as Alex Highsmith is the standard for a linebacker. Charlotte 49ers walk-ons. “It was awesome, incredible, and not For a player who almost left the pro- shocking,” Charlotte coach Will Healy gram because he could not afford the fi- said. “That’s Alex. He’s a stud. What’s nancial burden of college, the NFL really cool is when you have a guy who is seemed like a longshot when Highsmith having that type of success, who had that was on the 49ers’ scout team. He earned type of success here, who represents ev- a scholarship, which allowed him to stay erything you could possibly want in a in school and grow as a player who set program in a culture, in a person [and] school records for sacks in a game (4.5), you hope that people follow that mold. season (14) and career (20). “Obviously it helps you in recruiting. It Now Highsmith is with the NFL’s only continues to help you with the culture of remaining undefeated team the 7-0 this football team. What’s fun about it for PITTSBURGH STEELERS Steelers, who drafted him in the third me is you’ve got a group of guys who you round earlier this year. He earned his first feel are a lot like Alex with Tyriq [Harris] Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith, who started his college career as a professional interception in Pittsburgh’s and with Jalen Fischer and Ben DeLuca walk-on with the Charlotte 49ers, is held as an example of what hard work – and a 28-24 win in Baltimore on Nov. 1. The Please see HIGHSMITH’S | 6A scholarship – can do among his former 49ers teammates and coaches. 6A SPORTS | The Charlotte Post Thursday, November 12, 2020 Troy Lesesne earns USL’s Close losses, injuries coach of the year honor mar Panthers’ season Continued from page 5A like New Mexico United’s Diversity Fel- ence.” lowship Program, which is designed to Continued from page 5A tremely well due to his high football Said Jeffries: “I probably didn’t tell him provide a pathway for people of color and the label of only being a deep threat. IQ. Rhule said Chinn has been “terri- this at the time, but he was the first and women to attain and succeed in leader- Anderson has worked well under- fic” this season and “is going to be a basically only guy I interviewed. You ship roles in the sport. The first team also neath coverage and shown an ability really good player in this league for a could tell his passion for the game, his established a raffle of 2020 jerseys to to make big catches in long, long time.” passion for teaching and that he was a raise money to help the Community Desk traffic. Likewise, Curtis STOCK DOWN young coach who wanted to develop and Project build desks for children learning Samuel is blossoming The Panthers as a team simply have- move forward. He was super energetic at home called the Shirts Off Our Backs. into a valuable offensive n’t been able to generate much of a and super organized.” The project also benefits the Somos Un- weapon whether he’s pass rush outside of Brian Burns. Lesesne joined New Mexico United as idos Foundation. lined up wide or in the They are averaging one sack per their inaugural head coach and technical “Our goal is to be an agent of positive backfield. He has 225 game, tied with the Jaguars for the fe- director in 2018, and the club debuted in change and to bring people together in a yards and four touch- west in the NFL. 2019. He took the club to the playoffs in way they have never been brought to- downs in the last three INJURED their inaugural season and the quarterfi- gether before,” Lesesne said. “That’s our Rhule games and has routinely The Panthers are awaiting the status nals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, club. That’s part of the mission of our made big plays on third of McCaffrey’s shoulder injury after beating Major League Soccer sides Col- club. We have to measure up to that every downs. he went down early on Carolina’s final orado and FC Dallas along the way. New day. We are not just going to talk. We are WHAT NEEDS HELP drive. He returned for one play, then Mexico advanced to the USL Champion- going to bring actionable change. The Di- The Panthers haven’t been able to left again. Rhule offered no update on ship Western Conference semifinals this versity Fellowship Program is one of resolve their issues at left tackle. Car- the injury after the loss. If McCaffrey season, where they fell 5-3 on penalties those ways, and what you are seeing now olina addressed the problems this off- is out again for any length of time, to El Paso. All 17 of their 2020 matches with selling the jerseys off our players’ season by trading for Russell Okung, Mike Davis will resume the starting were played on the road. backs to raise money for desks for kids but the 11-year NFL veteran has only role at running back moving forward. “Year one, we established a wonderful here in New Mexico is another. We hope played in five games due to injuries. KEY NUMBER(S) foundation and a culture and a com- that influences other clubs, and that there Carolina tried three players at left 88% — Panthers touchdown per- munity here that I am really proud of is a national way of positive change tackle on Sunday — Dennis Daley, centage (8 of 9) in red zone when both on and off the field with making the brought by all clubs.” Greg Little and Trent Scott — but McCaffrey has been healthy enough to playoffs in year one, the quarterfinals of Said New Mexico defender Josh Suggs couldn’t seem to solve the Chiefs’ play. the Open Cup,” Lesesne said. “Then in in a statement: “Working alongside Troy pass rush, leaving Bridgewater under 47.6% — Panthers touchdown per- year two, you are seeing our culture really for these past two seasons has been an heavy duress most of the game. If Car- centage (10 of 21) in red zone when be amplified and just brought to light by absolute honor and a pleasure. Troy olina decides to move on from the in- McCaffrey has not been on the field the challenges of playing every match on pushes us to not only be better soccer jury-plagued Okung after the season, due to injury. the road and still having success and ac- players, but better men. To say that he is left tackle could be a high priority in NEXT STEPS tually progressing further in the playoffs deserving of this award is an understate- the 2021 draft. The Panthers’ playoff hopes are this year amidst that challenge. Now year ment. He has striven for excellence in STOCK UP dwindling fast as they return home three it’s about how can we make New even the most adverse circumstances. Despite missing Sunday’s game with Sunday to face the Tampa Bay Bucca- Mexico a champion?” The best coaches are those who promote a knee injury, Jeremy Chinn still leads neers, who will certainly be motivated Lesesne helped create a culture that ex- growth in their players, and every player all NFL rookies with 67 tackles. Chinn after getting shellacked by the New tended off the pitch through the Somos who has come into contact with Troy has plays a hybrid linebacker/safety posi- Orleans Saints on Sunday night. Unidos Foundation, creating initiatives grown immensely.” tion and is asked to do quite a bit for Tampa Bay handed Carolina its worst the Panthers. He’s responded ex- loss of the season in Week 2, 31-17. Tim Schuldt takes over as CEO of the Charlotte Independence Highsmith’s NFL success is an Continued from page 5A two soccer teams when attendance for side. minor league soccer has been historically The club struggled this season, like all lackluster. The Independence averaged inspiration to all 49ers walk-ons sports, due to the impact of COVID-19. roughly 1,700 fans per game over the last Charlotte hosted only one home match in two seasons prior to the pandemic; ho- Continued from page 5A was a ‘he did it, why can’t I’ kind of deal. their condensed USL Championship sea- wever, Charlotte FC’s inaugural season and Chris Reynolds, our captains for this There has been success with walk-ons in son that allowed for the attendance of was pushed from 2021 to 2022, giving year. It’s a great example for all of us, but this program for sure, and Alex was the fans. That match was not ticketed for the the Independence time to test whether so happy for his success.” start of that.” profit of the club, but as a fundraiser for their new location will make a difference Said Harris, a senior defensive end: Reynolds started off on the scout team, McKenna Woodhead, a local youth soccer at the ticket office. However, sources “Walk-ons obviously see that they have like Highsmith, and made the most of his player who was paralyzed in a 2018 boat- have indicated the club is working with an opportunity to succeed here. Alex set opportunities. Reynolds, who has passed ing accident. It was also Charlotte’s first the league to sell the franchise. McPhilli- a precedent that was never done before. for 1,100 yards, six touchdowns and two time hosting a playoff match. amy could not be reached for comment. He continues to be unparalleled in all the interceptions this season, set the school Schuldt said not having fans at games “I talk with Jim every day, and with this things he has done for this program. He’s record for passing touchdowns in a sea- was the biggest financial hit the Inde- virus that is going on, we are literally tak- continued to grow, and he’s continued to son in 2019 with 22. pendence took this season. ing it day by day,” Schuldt said. “We have work on his craft. He’s going to become “I had the opportunity to compete in “It was not as devastating [with spon- future aspirations and hopes. One thing I famous, and he’s going to keep doing his spring ball [as a freshman],” Reynolds sorships] as it was losing fans’ ability to do know, we have the rights to a USL thing in Pittsburgh.” said. “I was able to be the starter of the come to the games,” he said. “We have Championship team in this territory. We Highsmith was known as Thanos by his spring game that year, and after the some really, really good corporate part- have that team. We have a 10-year lease Charlotte teammates for his love of Mar- spring game coach [Brad] Lambert gave ners that support us. Many have already on a new stadium. Our intent is to have a vel movies and his favorite character. He me a call, and let me know the deal. He signed multi-year agreements going into great season at that new stadium in 2021. would buy tickets for his teammates to was like, ‘hey, buddy, I know you already the new stadium. I’m excited about where That’s our goal. That’s our hope. see the latest movie together, and they know this, but we are going to throw you we’re going. It’s been a very challenging “We feel like there is room for two pro- would pay him back. While he may not be on scholarship.’ It was a breathtaking mo- year. I don’t think we’re unique in that.” fessional teams. Our product will be in Charlotte, he stays in touch. ment for a second. I had to immediately The Independence are slated to move good, as will theirs. Our price points are “I don’t know what them boys up there call my dad and my mom. They were ec- from the Sportsplex at Mathews, where going to be vastly different. The kind of in Pittsburgh are doing, but he’s still Tha- static. It was probably my top three favor- they have been since 2017, to Memorial experience that we’ll deliver may be ca- nos in my eyes,” Harris said. “That boy ite moments of being here. It was Stadium in the Elizabeth neighborhood in tered to a different audience than their has just been ballin’. Big INT [Sunday]. I’m extremely special.” 2021. The site is adjacent to center city, core audience, and that’s OK. We think super proud of him. I actually called him Highsmith and Reynolds were given and is just down from the club’s offices. there is a winning strategy that is avail- yesterday to talk about it and everything. scholarships under former head coach However, with the addition of a Major able to us that isn’t their strategy, and He actually got that play off of a halftime Lambert, but Healy has also turned walk- League Soccer franchise, speculation that we both can thrive in this market.” adjustment. That boy is destined for ons into scholarship players. For sopho- lingers about Charlotte’s ability to host greatness. …He’s doing good. I’m excited more cornerback Lance McMillan, the for him.” news came during Christmas 2019. He Highsmith inspired the next wave of has 16 tackles this season, as well as an walk-ons making their mark on the pro- interception and fumble recovery, which The podcast for local sports. gram, particularly junior quarterback were significant in Charlotte’s 38-28 win Reynolds, who earned the starting job last against Texas-El Paso, which put them 2- season. 1 in Conference USA play. “I will never forget it. It was fall camp “I was surprised [the scholarship news] my true freshman year, and this is when was happening that day,” McMillan said I would go into meetings, and they would after the UTEP game. “It was just a great tell me I’m not doing anything in practice, feeling. I just have to step up, keep doing I didn’t throw routes on air,” Reynolds what I do, and keep balling.” said. “I just watched [quarterbacks] Ha- Said Harris: “It’s really cool to see guys saan [Klugh], Books Barden and those like Lance really come along and really guys. I’d get done with practice and I’d be just buy into the program, buy into the walking off the field, and Alex Highsmith process. Just being able to see him grow was the only one out there hitting the over the past few seasons, and being able bags, getting some extra work in. I was to see how he’s flourished, it’s unreal.” told that he just earned a scholarship. It NCCU basketball coach Moton a man for his time and community Continued from page 5A Howard, Duke partner in Classic community is priceless: the VelleCares Howard and Duke men’s basketball Foundation which salutes single mothers, teams have partnered to co-host the Mako back to school community day at the Ra- Medical Duke Classic next month. The leigh Boys and Girls Club, and the re- four-team event will also honor Duke’s cently announced Raleigh Raised first black faculty surgeon, the late Dr. Development Group. The company, Onye E. Akwari. founded by Moton, Terrell Midgett and Dr. Akwari’s legacy intertwines the two Clarence Mann, is a new construction universities. He organized the first meet- company specializing in commercial and ing of the Society of Black Academic Sur- residential properties. geons in 1989, and one of the “It was important for me to honor res- participants was a doctor named LaSalle idents and family (mom, brother and Leffall Jr., the chair of surgery at Howard. grandmother) that helped me along the “The connections for so many of us way as well,” Moton wrote in an email. … trace back to our time at Duke, and to ”It’s a surreal experience when members those who invested in me not only as a of that community request to take a pic- player but as a person and as a man,” said ture with you in front of the signage. I lost Howard coach Kenneth Blakeney, who so many friends along the way, due to played under Duke coach Mike Krzy- Follow The Post on death or incarceration from Lane Street. zewski in the early 1990s. “Dr. Akwari I’ll forever be grateful to God for keeping was one of those people who showed in- Twitter… @thecharpost his hand on a broken kid and seeing him credible kindness and support while serv- through.” ing as an exemplary model, scholar, The city has put out a call for applica- administrator and African American tions for the sculpture. (Would hate to try male.” to fill those shoes.) Visit its website at ra- Howard will play Bellarmine University leigh-nc.org. Deadline to apply is Nov. 18 on Dec. 6 and Elon on Dec. 8. More details And Snapchat at 10 a.m. Three semifinalists will be to come. thecharpost chosen and given a $250 stipend to create Bonitta Best is sports editor at The Trian- a proposed sketch. The sculpture budget gle Tribune in Durham. is $15,000.