Dreamin' of homeownership

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Happy Wednesday, QCity!

In today’s newsletter: Read about a new affordable homeownership community, how these Charlotte creatives helped unveil a PUMA line and the BayHaven Food & Wine Festival lineup.

Today in History: In 1864, America’s first daily Black newspaper was published. The New Orleans Tribune was printed in English and French. Though no longer published in French, the modern-day Tribune still operates today.

Today in Charlotte: BayHaven Food & Wine Festival

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NEWS & BUZZ

Thousands help build homes in west Charlotte

Bri Samford, 31, is a Charlotte native excited to become a homeowner. (Destinie Jaram/QCity Metro)

Before this week, Bri Samford had never installed floors or cabinets, but she’s learning.

She’s just one of thousands of volunteers working to help build The Meadows at Plato Price, an affordable housing community in Charlotte’s West End.

But Samford isn’t just any volunteer on the project; she’s helping to build her own home. “I feel like I’m dreaming,” she told QCity Metro.

Keep reading. [Destiniee Jaram]

ARTS & CULTURE

Local artists help unveil new Puma collection

*Kalin Devone is a multidisciplinary artist who’s work mainly focuses on portraitures with abstract backgrounds. (Jalon Hill/QCity Metro)*

Puma unveiled the LaFrance Collection, LaMelo Ball’s new clothing and shoe collection, today at Charlotte Art League amid original work from some of Charlotte’s Black artists.

The local creatives were commissioned to create pieces that reflect Ball’s new releases for an exhibition-style showcase.

Keep reading.

PARTNER POST

Free health rides with LISC

With a $200,000 grant from the Health Access Fund of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Care Ring facilitates transportation to doctors’ offices, grocery stores, meetings with social workers and more.

“We work with residents and partners to really bridge the gap,” Ralphine Caldwell, LISC Charlotte Executive Director, said. “We support the community through funding and technical assistance and help with areas such as affordable housing, health, safety, sports and recreation and economic development — all the things that make up a great community.”

According to Care Ring, the grant has already provided more than 2,600 free rides.

Learn more

PARTNER POST

See Melissa White at Knight Theater

Discover the tragic beauty of The Butterfly Lovers violin concerto, featuring Melissa White with your Charlotte Symphony!

The violinist’s specially designed dress transforms throughout the piece in a program of unity and humanity, together with Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony and Valerie Coleman’s Umoja. Oct. 6-8 at Knight Theater.

Get tickets now!

THINGS TO DO

BayHaven Food & Wine Festival returns

*The first BayHaven Food & Wine Festival at Camp North End. October 24, 2021: (Photo by Clay Williams.)*

The BayHaven Food & Wine Festival kicks off today with multiple events over five days in the Queen City. The Black-led festival celebrates Black culture and contributions to the culinary industry.

This year, the festival includes multi-course dinners featuring chefs from all over the country, an “all ladies” dinner, a gala, “boogie-down” brunch and more.

Here’s the lineup.

PARTNER POST

A vegan food truck’s story

Chenelle Bragg transitioned to a plant-based diet after getting sick from eating meat and dairy products.

After making the switch to veganism, she noticed a lack of vegan food options in Charlotte — so she decided to do something about it.

The “something” ended up becoming what is now The Rooted Vegan, a meat-free food truck. Despite having to close the restaurant after a decline in business, The Rooted Vegan is still going strong.

Read Bragg’s story.

PARTNER POST

See Joshua Redman this weekend

Acclaimed saxophonist Joshua Redman is bringing his “Where Are We Tour” to The JAZZ ROOM on Oct. 6 – 7th!

In this limited tour, Joshua Redman has made Charlotte his last stop – so don’t miss this opportunity.

Check out his new album, then see him perform live. Tickets start at $30.

More news

➡️ Sports: Patrick Ewing has returned to the Charlotte Hornets, serving as a coaching consultant. (Sports Illustrated)

➡️ Health: Black women may benefit most from PrEP, but doctors aren’t prescribing it to them. (NPR)

➡️ World: At least 21 people died on Tuesday after a bus carrying tourists to a campground crashed off an overpass near Venice in northern Italy. (Reuters)