Charlotte Community Connections

Menopause: More Than Hotflashes

Today, we're talking about a stage of life that every woman will experience, yet so many of us feel completely unprepared for it: menopause.  Maybe you've noticed the weight creeping on, you're forgetting things you never used to forget, you're exhausted even after a full night's sleep, or your emotions seem all over the place. You may have even wondered, "What's happening to me?" The answer may not be stress or simply getting older—it could be menopause.  Today, we're bringing together African-American women who are living through this journey and sharing their honest experiences, along with a gynecologist who will help us separate myth from fact, explain what's happening to our bodies, and discuss the treatments and lifestyle changes that can help.  Most importantly, we're talking about why women don't have to go through this season alone. Because sometimes, the greatest healing begins when we realize someone else has been walking the very same path.  Guests: * Dr. Cynthia Wesley – Board-certified OB-GYN; owner, creator of intimate skin care line, Beauty Below [https://beautybelowmd.com/] * Candice Johnson – Founder, principal CEO, and lead esthetician of CJ Wax Studio [https://cjwaxstudio.com/]; IG: @cjwaxstudio; IG: @RadiantSeasonCollective See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Mental Health After May

May may be over, but the conversation around mental health is far from finished. In a world where stress, burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion have become increasingly common, many are asking an important question: Are we truly prioritizing mental wellness — or has mental health simply become another buzzword? Today, we’re joined by Kristyn Bly, a certified clinical therapist in Charlotte, to unpack why mental health remains just as relevant long after Awareness Month ends. We’ll talk about the realities of self-care, what it really looks like beyond social media trends, and how people can better care for themselves in today’s fast-moving world. Guest: Kristin Bly [https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJP0tZ4S2mX/], Daybreak Counseling [https://www.daybreakcounseling.net/] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Juneteenth: Then, Now & Why It Matters

Today, we’re celebrating history, culture, and a legacy nearly three decades in the making. The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, now in its 29th year, is the longest-running Juneteenth festival in the region — but its story began with one man’s vision to educate and unite a community. When Pap Ndiaye moved to Charlotte from New York in 1997, bringing his dreams and House of Africa with him, few people here fully understood the meaning of Juneteenth. Feeling a responsibility to educate, Pap helped create what would become a beloved annual tradition rooted in freedom, culture, and community. Joining the conversation is this year’s Juneteenth celebration chair, Jay Ferguson, whose family legacy in civil rights runs deep. Together, we’ll explore the meaning of Juneteenth, the importance of preserving Black history, and why this celebration continues to matter now more than ever. GUESTS - Pap Ndiaye - House of Africa [https://www.instagram.com/houseofafrica/?hl=en] Jay Ferguson - Juneteenth of the Carolinas [https://www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com/] Juneteenth of the Carolinas June 18 - 21, 2026 1218 Thomas Avenue & Commonwealth For more information, call 704-376-6160 or visit www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com [http://www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Boys of Promise: The Future of Mentorship

The Boys of Promise Leadership Program is designed to support male students through leadership development, social emotional learning, accountability, academic encouragement. We sat down with 3 young scholars to discuss this importance of mentors as an adolescent  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Reality Check: Are Your Teens Ready For Life?

Today we’re talking about something every young person needs but doesn’t always get — real-world preparation for life beyond the classroom. In Charlotte, organizations like A Giving Heart Project [https://www.agivingheartproject.org/] and The Exposure Project [https://www.exposureprojectinc.org/]are stepping up to change that.  Through their upcoming Reality Check/Life Lab, teens are getting hands-on experience with the skills that matter most — from resume building and career exploration to making healthy, informed life choices. It’s all about exposure, empowerment, and giving young people the tools they need to confidently navigate their future. GUESTS: * Glennis Davis -- Co-Founder & Executive Director, A Giving Heart Project * Leanna Calvin - Founder & Executive Director, The Exposure Project  * Braelyn Arceneaux -- Student Intern, A Giving Heart Project  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].