Charlotte Community Connections

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].

Diversity in the sports hub

Yandrick Paraison- Founder and President of Diversity in Sports Hub is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access, exposure, and opportunity for young adults pursuing careers in the sports industry. Through career forums, mentorship, and strategic partnerships with leagues, teams, and corporations, the organization prepares and connects talent to real pathways across sports business, media, technology, and leadership. Its mission is to build access and develop the next generation of leaders in sports. 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].

Gone Too Soon: The Crisis of Violence Against Women

There are some stories that stop us in our tracks. Stories that force us to confront painful truths about violence against women, domestic abuse, and the devastating consequences of silence. Today’s conversation comes in the wake of unimaginable tragedy—the deaths of Tammy McCollum, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, and Nancy Metayer — women whose lives were taken at the hands of the men they once loved. Their deaths have sparked heartbreak, outrage, and urgent conversations about the epidemic of intimate partner violence affecting women across this country every single day. Now, women in Charlotte and beyond are turning grief into action through MayDay: Women In Distress—a movement and march calling for awareness, accountability, protection, and change. Guests: Melody Gross [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammelodyco/] - Courageous SHIFT [https://www.instagram.com/courageousshift/] Kristie Puckett - Second Chance Federation [https://www.instagram.com/secondchancefederation/] Natasha Witherspoon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-witherspoon-13b96b58/] - Philanthropic Strategist, Domestic Violence Advocate --- MAYDAY: Women In Distress Wednesday, May 20 11am - 12:30pm Gather at Bank of America Tower 620 S.Tryon Street walk/rally to First Ward Park, Charlotte 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].