In a time when the Black community is bombarded with images of things being done TO us, I relish the moments when we can celebrate the excellence that happens a lot more often. An example of that was Monday’s unveiling ceremony for Who’s Who in Black Charlotte.
More than 300 people filled The Westin’s ballroom to celebrate nearly 150 community members who are making their presence felt in Charlotte.
Although people stepped out in suits and cocktail dresses, the vibe was pretty much the equivalent of your family reunion. (I need every gathering moving forward to open with City Council member James “Smuggie” Mitchell’s “What’s happening, Charlotte” greeting.)
The seventh edition was a salute to education leaders and put a spotlight on six principals including Casey Jones (West Mecklenburg High School), David LeGrand (Independence High School), Erik Turner (Sedgefield Middle School), Merita Little (Steele Creek Elementary School), Sharon Bracey (Garinger High School) and Sonya McIniss (J.M. Alexander Middle School).
It was great to see organizers recognize three Living Legends — Charlotte football legend Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick, award-winning news reporter Steve Crump and trailblazer Anna Hood — because I’m all about giving people flowers while they’re still alive to smell them.
Guests partied til the lights went off, but Who’s Who in Black Charlotte also showed that we’re a force to be reckoned with when we come together.
“You’ll walk out of here with a book, but this is about us documenting who we are. We’re not just what the 6 o’clock news says we are,” said Hiram Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media.
See more photos of the presentations here. Interested in getting a copy of the book? Order online at whoswhopublishing.com.
Katrina Louis is managing editor of qcitymetro.com who can always find something to do in Charlotte. She’s an offline hustler (and has the shirt to prove it) but when online, find her on Instagram and Twitter.
