Mambo sauce on everything

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Happy Wednesday, QCity!

Today in History: In 1775, Phillis Wheatley was freed from slavery. Wheatly, a poet, went on to become the first Black person and second woman in American history to publish a book.

Today in Charlotte: Brewery movie night

Today’s Hot Job: Crisis Assistance Ministry is looking for a director of development.

Become a member

QCITY BIZ

Charlotte-based sauce grows with national retailer

*Larry Swayne, owner of Wingzza Mambo, picture with his sauce at a local US Food CHEF’STORE. October 2023. (Jalon Hill/QCity Metro)*

If you’ve been in Charlotte for a while, you might remember Wingzza Food Truck, known for its signature wings with “mambo sauce,” a mildly sweet condiment popular in the D.C. area.

Owner Larry Swayne bottled his recipe and began selling it. He told QCity Metro people put Wingzza Mambo Suace on everything: fried fish, chicken wings — even dessert.

This month, his signature sauce will hit shelves in stores across the Southeast region.

Early voting begins tomorrow

*A woman with a sign marching alongside others to the polls.* *(Amanda Harry*/*QCity Metro)*

Early voting for the 2023 Municipal Election begins tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 19, in Mecklenburg County.

Voters can cast ballots at Hal Marshall (700 N. Tryon Street) on weekdays from tomorrow through Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

18 additional sites county-wide will open Oct. 26.

Early voting ends No.v 4 at 3 p.m. Anyone in line by then will be able to vote.

Remember: Voters will be asked for a valid photo ID.

PARTNER POST

Autumn in the mountains

It’s not too late to plan a trip to Grandfather Mountain in Linville, N.C., for fall! Color is widespread on the mountain right now and sweeping across the N.C. High Country.

Even past its peak, the mountain is a lofty vantage point for seeing fall color as it makes its way down to lower elevations.

Plan your mile-high autumn excursion to Grandfather Mountain today.

Learn more

CITY & COUNTY

County approves $6 million to address opioid crisis

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved $6 million in funding to support local organizations addressing the opioid crisis.

Funds will support 17 efforts, including a risk factor education program, transportation access to medication treatment, employment services and more.

Approvals range from $100,000 to $1 million.

Keep reading. [Destiniee Jaram]

PARTNER POST

An enslaved woman’s gift to her child

After learning that her 9-year-old daughter would soon be sold, Rose filled a cotton seed bag with pecans, a dress and a braid of her own hair to give to her daughter, Ashley.

They never saw each other again.

Currently, the sack is on display at the International African American Museum in Charleston, on loan from the Middleton Place Foundation.

How the foundation acquired the sack is a story all its own.

NEWS 2 USE

For F-R-E-E

COLLEGE APPS: High school seniors can apply to 43 universities and all 52 community colleges in N.C. now through Oct. 20 for free.

PLANT A TREE: TreesCharlotte will be giving away free trees at this weekend’s planting demonstration. Register by tonight 11:59 p.m. to claim your spot…and your tree.

PARTNER POST

A family affair

*Chenelle Brag (left) pictured with her son Alijah. (Photo courtesy of Chenelle Bragg)*

Veganism and entrepreneurship run in the family for Chenelle Bragg, owner and founder of The Rooted Vegan. The business is a family affair.

Her daughter invested in the business, and her son, helps her cook.

Read Chenelle’s story.

PARTNER POST

It’s getting cold — here are kid-friendly things to do indoors

SEA LIFE: An aquarium in Concord Mills Mall that’s home to Charlotte’s only 180-degree ocean tunnel.
Sports Connection: A venue that’s home to laser tag, bowling, and arcade games.
Children’s Theater: A theater that puts on a variety of shows from fantasy to biography.

These events and more await you and your family; check out our list and learn more.

More news

➡️ Local: STK Steakhouse has opened its first restaurant in North Carolina. It’s located in Uptown Charlotte. (WSOC)

➡️ National: A six-year-old was stabbed 26 times when he and his mother were murdered in Chicago. Authorities believe their landlord targeted them because they were Palestinian-American. (ABC News)

➡️ Health: The FDA is proposing a ban on using formaldehyde as an ingredient in hair relaxers, a huge step in raising awareness about the potential harms such products create for the many Black women who typically use them. (NBC)