First Lady Michelle Obama Tells It Like It Is At Bowie State University Graduation

It's college graduation season, with young men and women all over the country receiving their degrees after four (or more) years of hard work. Many of them are lucky in that their commencement addresses are delivered by high profile, inspirational, and successful people (Lou Holtz spoke at my college graduation 11 years ago...man, I'm getting old). Of the news clips of graduation speeches I've seen so far this weekend, First Lady Michelle Obama's commencement address Friday at Bowie State University stands out the most.

Credit: whitehouse.gov

Both the First Lady and President Obama have to walk fine lines when talking about race. As the United States' first-ever African-American First Couple, when discussing the all-important-yet-sometimes-overly-sensitive topic of race, they run the risk of black people feeling they don't address race enough and white people thinking they talk about it too much. I'm generalizing here to make a point, but I think you understand what I'm saying.

So I'm happy to see that when Mrs. Obama spoke in front of the 2013 graduating class at the historically black university in Maryland, she delivered a message they needed to hear (and thanks to the Internet, the whole world can hear it). Below are a few of her notable remarks (click here for the full transcript):

• For generations, in many parts of this country, it was illegal for black people to get an education. Slaves caught reading or writing could be beaten to within an inch of their lives. Anyone -- black or white -- who dared to teach them could be fined or thrown into jail. And yet, just two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, this school was founded not just to educate African Americans, but to teach them how to educate others... And since then, generations of students from all backgrounds have come to this school to be challenged, inspired and empowered.

• So back then, people were hungry to learn. Do you hear me? Hungry to get what they needed to succeed in this country. And that hunger did not fade over time. If anything, it only grew stronger. I mean, think about the century-long battle that so many folks waged to end the evil of segregation...

• But today, more than 150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 50 years after the end of “separate but equal,” when it comes to getting an education, too many of our young people just can’t be bothered. Today, instead of walking miles every day to school, they’re sitting on couches for hours playing video games, watching TV. Instead of dreaming of being a teacher or a lawyer or a business leader, they’re fantasizing about being a baller or a rapper. Right now, one in three African American students are dropping out of high school. Only one in five African Americans between the ages of 25 and 29 has gotten a college degree -- one in five.

• But let’s be very clear. Today, getting an education is as important if not more important than it was back when this university was founded. Just look at the statistics. People who earn a bachelor’s degree or higher make nearly three times more money than high school dropouts, and they’re far less likely to be unemployed. 

• And as my husband has said often, please stand up and reject the slander that says a black child with a book is trying to act white. Reject that.

Preach!

Watch the video below of the First Lady's full commencement speech.

I often hear (or read in the comments section of online articles) people questioning the need of HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) today, or assertions that the continuation of black colleges is discriminatory or racist. This is an example of where healthy and honest discussions are needed. To answer that question simply, as the First Lady pointed out, Bowie State was founded in the mid-1800s when that was only the way blacks could get a higher education. So, after the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, were those universities, with their rich histories and traditions, supposed to close down since black students could finally attend college practically anywhere? (And don't forget, blacks continued to face resistance at many mainstream colleges on through the 1970s). Secondly, most HBCUs today, like Bowie State and Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte (Civil Rights icon and former Congressman and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young spoke at JCSU's commencement this morning), aggressively recruit students of all races. The reason they're referred to as HBCUs is because they're "historically black" (I didn't attend an HBCU, so I don't need to defend them other than to speak the truth). We can't deny history; let's embrace it and move forward. And focus on the alarming statistics the First Lady stated.

By the way, Bowie State is a member of the CIAA, which holds its annual basketball tournament in Charlotte. Institutions of higher learning make up the CIAA, despite all the partying and debauchery the events surrounding the tournament have become known for.

Who spoke at your college graduation? Was it memorable?

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'From Sit-ins to Eat-ins,' Multiple Events Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Desegregation in Charlotte

May is a significant month in Charlotte's history, and over the next two weeks there's a coordinated effort to recognize a brave step the city and its residents took 50 years ago. "From Sit-ins to Eat-ins" celebrates the desegregation of Charlotte that occurred in May 1963. It's great to see that several organizations are coming together to present these events. I hope it serves as a reminder to us that 50 years isn't all that long ago, and if people from different walks of life could work together decades ago on something as serious and monumental as desegregation, most of our issues today aren't as difficult as we make them out to be.

Below are details from the press release, including the list of community events (admission is free, except where noted).

Charlotte made national headlines in May 1963 when Chamber of Commerce members led by Mayor Stan Brookshire voluntarily joined with African American leaders to go two-by-two and desegregate Charlotte’s leading restaurants. This “eat-in” came three years after the sit-in movement had opened lunch counters.

Charlotte Civil Rights activist Dr. Reginald Hawkins triggered the action, leading a march on May 20, 1963 from Johnson C. Smith University to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse and declaring “We shall not be pacified with gradualism; we shall not be satisfied with tokenism.  We want freedom and we want it now.” His call echoed a spirit of revolution dating to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence demanding freedom from England, which tradition holds was signed on May 20, 1775, a year before the 1776 US Declaration of Independence.

The successful desegregation on May 29-31, 1963 – a year before the 1964 U.S. Civil Rights act required desegregation of “public accommodations” – pushed Charlotte into the national spotlight. The city’s progressive action contrasted sharply with the massive resistance then going on in places such as Birmingham, where police chief Bull Connor turned fire hoses and police dogs on young Civil Rights protesters that same month. It was a key turning point in Charlotte’s emergence as a major Southern city.

Organizers of this two-week celebration include: Levine Museum of the New South, Mecklenburg Ministries, The May 20th Society, Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Relations, and Mert's Heart & Soul, with assistance from Charlotte Center City Partners, Charlotte Chamber, Queens University, Johnson C. Smith University, and the Carolina Room of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Sunday, May 19

From Sit-ins to Eat-ins: History Makers Panel Discussion
Several participants from the 1963 desegregation march in Charlotte will be a part of this panel discussion, including the son of Charlotte activist Dr. Reginald Hawkins, who marched beside his father in 1963; Jack Claiborne, who is a long-time reporter for The Charlotte Observer and covered the Civil Rights movement locally; Evan Faulkenbury, who has studied Dr. Hawkins’ life; and Patricia A. Albritton, board chair of Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Relations Office. 2:30 p.m. First United Presbyterian Church, 406 N. College St.

Monday, May 20

March from Johnson C. Smith University to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse
Scheduled speakers include Malcolm Graham, attorney Charles Jones, James Ferguson, Dr. Reginald Hawkins, Abdullah Salim Jr., and Mayor Anthony Foxx. 10:30 a.m. Johnson C. Smith University, 100 Beatties Ford Rd.

Annual Noon Commemoration of Mecklenburg Declaration
Event will include cannons, a reading of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, and a celebration of Mecklenburg County’s 250th anniversary. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Square, corner of Trade and Tryon streets in Uptown.

The May 20th Society 8th Annual Speaker Series featuring Isabel Wilkerson
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Warmth of Other Suns will connect her research on 20th century African American history with the Charlotte 1963 history. 7:30 p.m. $12. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., blumenthalarts.org.

Wednesday and Thursday, May 29 and 30

“From Sit-ins to Eat-ins” Event
To mark the city's historic desegregation, some of today’s civic leaders will kick off two days in which Charlotteans are urged to invite someone of a different race to lunch. Throughout Charlotte.

Thursday, May 30

“From Sit-ins to Eat-ins” Community Festival
Music and munchies set the mood in 1963. Participants in the 2013 eat-in reflect on history, share what they’ve learned, and suggest hopes for future. Hosted by Mecklenburg Ministries’ “Friday Friends.” 5:30-7 p.m. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. Seventh St., museumofthenewsouth.org.

You can also find details at www.may20thsociety.org and www.meckdec.org.

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Saturday's Black History Brain Bowl Is One of Several Great Programs by Project L.I.F.T.

It was a little more than two years ago that plans for the ambitious Project L.I.F.T. philanthropic education initiative were announced to help improve some of Charlotte's lowest-performing schools. Several of the city's largest corporations and charitable foundations--Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Duke Energy, and the C.D. Spangler and the Leon Levine foundations, among others--came together to give $40.5 million to launch the program; then several other community organizations and philanthropists stepped up during the next year and a half to help the group reach its $55 million fundraising goal. Now, with Project L.I.F.T. having been officially implemented in a five-year plan with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system, beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, we're seeing many of the efforts start to come to fruition.

You can witness one of those efforts in a fun and creative way this Saturday, February 23 during the first-ever “Lifting Our Black History” Brain Bowl at West Charlotte High School. At the crux of Project L.I.F.T. is West Charlotte High and the elementary and middle schools that feed into it. The six middle schools are competing in Saturday's Brain Bowl, and the teams have been preparing for it all month with IB students from West Charlotte tutoring them.

There will be three rounds in the bowl, consisting of true false, multiple choice, Family Feud-format, and single-elimination questions. The questions have been written by the staff at Beatties Ford Road Public Library and are derived from the book African American Firsts: Famous Little-Known and Unsung Triumphs of Blacks in America, by Joan Potter. Students received copies of this book last semester, thanks to a donation by Johnson C. Smith University. The Brain Bowl is designed by Charlotte City Councilman James “Smudgy” Mitchell, his wife and former astronaut Joan Higginbotham, and West Charlotte IB students. The event will be moderated by Mayor Anthony Foxx, Congressman Mel Watt, Councilwoman Lawana Mayfield, Councilman David Howard, and Former Mayor Harvey Gantt. This event alone embodies how much of a community effort Project L.I.F.T. is.

Parents and the community are invited to attend the “Lifting Our Black History” Brain Bowl, this Saturday, 9 a.m. at West Charlotte High School, 2219 Senior Drive, and support their favorite middle school. The school with the most school spirit will receive an award along with the first and second-place winners in the competition.

The Brain Bowl is just one of several innovative ways Project L.I.F.T. organizers are attempting to achieve 90 percent proficiency, 90 percent on grade level, and 90 percent graduation goals with its more than 7,000 students. CMS recently signed off on a plan that will allow four Project L.I.F.T. schools--Bruns Academy, Walter G. Byers School, Druid Hills Academy, and Thomasboro Academy--to begin a year-round school calendar beginning next school year. Project L.I.F.T. is also engaging in the One Laptop Per Child program and Microsoft's Shape the Future program, to provide computers and Internet access to students and families at a significantly reduced cost. 

Read more about Project L.I.F.T. and find out how you can support this great initiative, by visiting www.projectliftcharlotte.org.

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Catch the Final Night of 'Kiss My Black Angst' Tonight

On Q Productions' two-week run of Kiss My Black Angst concludes tonight at 8 p.m. at Johnson C. Smith University's The Arts Factory. I had the privilege of attending the second-to-last show last night.

Kiss My Black Angst, which is billed as "an evening of revolution dedicated to the Black Arts Movement," is comprised of two plays, directed by On Q's artistic director, Quentin "Q" Talley. Q is an amazing talent that Charlotte is fortunate to have (he was recently awarded a handsome grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation). Through productions such as this he's continuing to expand the presence of African-American arts and culture within the city's growing cultural scene.

Funnyhouse of a Negro performed last night.

The first of the two plays in tonight's finale is Funnyhouse of a Negro, written by Adrienne Kennedy, a key figure in the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and '70s. The play runs about 55 minutes and chronicles the last hours in the life of Sarah, a young black woman who we witness experiencing terrible nightmares resulting from her race and identity issues--she's visited by several black spirits. The play is very dark, and at times, even creepy, but is well-performed by the cast of eight.

After a 10-minute intermission, the second play begins. Titled Dutchman and written by Amiri Baraka, another instrumental black playwright from the 1960s, this was my favorite of the two last night. It puts a twist on the Adam and Eve story--as you'll see from the presence of apples--but it takes place on a city subway and features a black leading man and white leading woman. Aside from a few people riding on the subway, they're the only characters in this 50-minute play. It's edgy, thought-provoking, sometimes funny and sometimes tragic, all the while examining race.

So, you can catch the final show tonight at 8 p.m. and purchase tickets ($24) by clicking here or at the door. It is also a good chance for you to experience the black box theater at JCSU's The Arts Factory (1545 W. Trade St.), which opened two years ago.

Also, before that, this afternoon On Q Productions is presenting a free panel discussion. "The Black Arts Movement: Present Condition - Future Vision" takes place at 3 p.m. today at Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square (345 N. College St.). Distinguished leaders of the Black Arts Movement will explore the radicalism, relevance, and vision of this groundbreaking creative crusade from its emergence out of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement to current 21st century reality. The discussion will be moderated by John "Moe" Moore, and panelists include Amiri Baraka from Newark, NJ; Lou Bellamy, founder/artistic director of Penumbra Theatre Company from St. Paul, MN; and Joan Myers Brown, founder of Philadanco! - The Philadelphia Dance Company.

Visit www.YouAreNowOnQ.com for more details on these events.

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JCSU Is Lighting the Way in Northwest Charlotte

Over the last few years, Johnson C. Smith University, led by its president Dr. Ronald L. Carter, has worked hard on initiating revitalization efforts of the community where the university sits. Pegged as the Northwest Corridor, including a unique intersection where Beatties Ford Road, West Trade Street, West Fifth Street, and Rozzelles Ferry Road all meet, just outside of Uptown, the impact of JCSU's efforts are starting to come to light—literally. The latest is “Passing Through Light,” a new work of public art using LED technology that's located at the I-77 and West Trade Street underpass.

See more photos of "Passing Through Light" on JCSU's Facebook page. 

Lighting the underpass was a priority for Dr. Carter to make it safer for pedestrians and students, and also to make it more visually appealing to the many motorists who drive through it each day. For too long, the area around the university was seemingly neglected by the city, when it has both a valuable history and is only a mile from thriving Uptown complexes like Gateway Village, which is home to Johnson & Wales University, Bank of America offices, and numerous other corporate tenants.

"Passing Through Light" was made possible by funding from JCSU and the City of Charlotte. The project was also supported by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Art Commission, which is managed by the Arts & Science Council. Through this public/private partnership, they commissioned Austrian artist Erwin Redl to create the artwork that consists of three sequences of light that slowly loop through a color gradient. If it looks familiar, it's because Redl also created the ribbons of lights that wrap around the exterior of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which opened in Uptown nearly two years ago.

In this video, WFAE takes you inside the LED-lit public art and talks to the artist and other parties involved.

The university continues to forge ahead on previously announced projects in the neighborhood, such as Mosaic Village. I ran into Dr. Carter at an event a few weeks ago and he was excited about the progress they've made.

Saturday, March 31
JCSU is giving community members the opportunity to voice their opinions and share ideas about the future of the Northwest Corridor at the Second Annual Indaba Community Forum on Saturday, March 31. The free event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside Grimes Lounge in the Mary Joyce Taylor Crisp Student Union on campus (100 Beatties Ford Road), and will include breakfast and lunch. Topics to be discussed regarding the Northwest Corridor are: economic development, land use planning, education, small business development, and community leadership.

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JCSU Breaks Ground on Mosaic Village

On Friday I attended Johnson C. Smith University's ground breaking ceremony for Mosaic Village, the university's ambitious project to help revitalize the northwest corridor along West Trade Street and Beatties Ford Road. Mosaic Village is planned as a mixed-use development that will include 300 student apartments, retail space, and a parking deck. It's being constructed at 1601 West Trade St., which is next to The Arts Factory, JCSU's first off-campus facility that opened last fall. The ground breaking for Mosaic Village was actually followed by an official ribbon cutting for The Ats Factory and attendees were given a tour. This was all part of JCSU's Founder's Week Celebration.

JCSU broke ground on Mosaic Village on Friday.

This project is the latest effort in JCSU President Dr. Ronald L. Carter's vision to lead his historically black university beyond its traditionally closed gates and to not only improve the community around it, but to also strengthen the school's connection to Charlotte as a whole. Carter says he'd like to see Mosaic Village opened in 14 months, but that won't come without challenges, including a $4 million funding gap that the university has asked the City of Charlotte to assist with.

Below is video I captured from Friday's ground breaking ceremony. There were a lot of people in attendance showing their support, including Mayor Anthony Foxx, City Councilman James Mitchell, Charlotte Center City Partners President Michael Smith, members of the Griffin family who own the land, and plenty of community and business leaders, alumni, and neighborhood residents. It's not often that you see such a variety of people coming together on this part of town.

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Black History Tribute: Dr. Ronald Carter

This is the final installment in my week-long tribute to Black History Month, where I've spotlighted Charlotte-area people and organizations that are making black history.

One of the things I enjoy most about my work as a journalist is the remarkable people I often meet when I'm working on stories. Last September, I spent a great deal of time with Dr. Ronald L. Carter, president of Johnson C. Smith University. I attended at least a half-dozen of his meetings and events where he spoke, as I gathered material for the article I was writing for Charlotte magazine. Months after the article came out ("Answering the Call," November 2010 issue), I'm seeing some of the things Dr. Carter was working on come to fruition.

Dr. Carter speaking at a recent event at JCSU. Photo by Jon Strayhorn/Media Arts Collective.

In his third year at the helm of JCSU, he's passionate about helping the historically black university connect more to the city--culturally and physically. He's launched several community-based programs that he feels will expose students to great opportunities and teach them to be civic-minded. He chairs the Charlotte Streetcar Advisory Committee, not the type of committee many university presidents would roll up their sleeves for, but he wants to ensure that his university and its Beatties Ford Road community are represented in the city's transit plans. One of those plans is Charlotte's proposed streetcar. The line would run a total of 10 miles along Beatties Ford Road near I-85 through Center City along Trade Street, traveling up Elizabeth Avenue by Central Piedmont Community College, and out to Central Avenue at Eastland Mall. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) got a huge push in the right direction when it received a $25 million federal grant for the project last summer, but the costly streetcar still faces many economic challenges.

Dr. Carter was able to celebrate a smaller, but very important, victory two weeks ago, however. The Gold Rush, CATS' free Uptown bus service (the trolley on wheels that a lot of city and bank employees use), began its extended red line stops at JCSU on the west and Central Piedmont Community College to the east. The extension is made possible by a financial partnership between CATS, Charlotte Center City Partners, JCSU, and CPCC. Now JCSU students are able to travel to Uptown more conveniently to get to restaurants, meetings, cultural events, jobs/internships, and to catch buses and the light rail, all without using a car. Not to mention the potential for Uptown leaders--from city councilmen to business executives--to take the Gold Rush to JCSU's campus, where Dr. Carter has made the traditionally closed campus more open to building community and business relationships.

Another important initiative by the prez began in September. I attended a press conference then, in which he announced the university would be funding a community survey called Soul of the Northwest Corridor. Dr. Carter was inspired to have the study conducted after seeing the results of the Knight Foundation's Soul of the Community Project, which is a new community model that provides guidance for community and local government leaders seeking to create long-term, positive change within their cities. JCSU wanted to dig deeper and zero in on its neighborhood specifically. So it partnered with the Knight Foundation and hired Gallup to conduct the survey, which is said to be the first in the nation to be conducted at the neighborhood or community level.

Yesterday, JCSU released the results of the Soul of the Northwest Corridor Survey, in which 1,000 residents of neighborhoods along Beatties Ford Road were polled. It's a lot of data that can be particularly useful for a segment of the population that's not traditionally studied in such ways (click here to read it). I'm reminded of something Dr. Carter said a few months ago at an event in which he spoke in front of an audience of mostly African-American businessmen: "We cannot continue to say there is a problem and not define the problem." That's where Dr. Carter's going to make the most impact in the community. He's leading efforts to define the problems many African-Americans have complained about for years. And once they've been defined, real solutions can be sought.

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Johnson C. Smith's Commemorative Classic to Tackle Minority Male Crisis this Week

When the football teams for Johnson C. Smith University and Livingstone College, who have a rivalry that dates back more than 100 years, play in the annual Commemorative Classic this Saturday, November 6, the game will be preceded by a two-day symposium on the black and minority male crisis.

This Thursday and Friday, November 4 and 5, JCSU and Livingstone are hosting “Black and Minority Males Taking Flight through Personal Development, Knowledge Sharing, and Commitment to Community.” Topics to be covered during the symposium include health and wellness, relationship development, leadership development, and gang and violence prevention. The goal is to address some of the problems currently plaguing young black males, particularly the staggering high school dropout rates (53 percent nationwide). Scheduled keynote speakers include Dr. Maya Angelou, Stedman Graham, Captain Barrington Irving, Donnie Shell, and Mike Minter.

The two HBCUs are also collaborating on a two-year research project on "The Black/Minority Males in America: Identification. Impact. Diversion. Redirection." They plan to present its results at the 2012 classic.

The symposium is open to the public and is being held at the Park Expo and Conference Center. The game will be played at 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. For more details and ticket information, visit www.commemorativeclassic.com.

And in related news, you can read my profile of JCSU President Dr. Ronald L. Carter, "Answering the Call," in the November issue of Charlotte magazine, where you'll get a background on why the university is tackling such important community and societal issues.

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Events for CIAA Week: February 22-28

The highly anticipated CIAA Week in Charlotte is here. There are more than 100 parties going on this week, and to help you narrow them down I've picked the best ones (in my opinion) and listed them below. Use websites listed for the events to verify information, and you'll be wise to purchase tickets in advance, if they're still available. For a complete list of CIAA parties and events going on this week, click here.

Men and Women's Basketball Tournament
February 23-27
Remember, there's a basketball tournament in town this week. Teams from eleven CIAA schools will battle it out as they try to advance to Saturday's championship game. Women's tournament starts Tuesday; men's starts Wednesday. Only tickets remaining for purchase online are the upper level multi-game package, $100. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.ciaatournament.org.

Monday, February 22

5th Annual CIAA Media Mixer
The Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ) presents this networking event each year during CIAA Week to bring together professionals working in media and communications. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served along with a cash bar. 6-9 p.m. Free, but RSVP is required by emailing rsvp@caabj.com. Tutto Mondo, 1820 South Blvd. www.caabj.com.

Tuesday, February 23

CIAA African-American Heritage Segway Tour of Charlotte
Explore Charlotte's African-American history on a Segway. Price includes museum fees and lunch. Tour will be going on all week. Presented by Charlotte NC Tours. $80. www.charlottenctours.com/CIAA_Tournament.html.

Wednesday, February 24

CIAA Ford Fan Experience
A full day of events for fans, including car displays, video gaming zones, cooking exhibitions, and live performances by slam poets (7:30 p.m.) and R&B singer Joe (9 p.m.). Wednesday is also CIAA Education Day. 4:30-10 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.ciaatournament.org.

Pop Life: Tournament Edition
It’s the most popular social and networking event on a Wednesday night and it’s amped up this week with the CIAA Tournament in town. Free food 6-8 p.m., provided by Sadie's. Special appearance by Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Wonder. Music by DJ Skillz. 6 p.m.-until. Free. Luna Lounge, 521 N. College St. www.thesolkitchen.com.

Thursday, February 25

CIAA Ford Fan Experience/Yolanda Adams Morning Show
The syndicated radio host and singer gets the day stared early, followed a full schedule of events for fans, including car displays, video gaming zones, cooking exhibitions, and more. There will also be a career expo (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and live performances by K'Jon (7 p.m.) and Melanie Fiona (9 p.m.). 5:30-11:00 a.m.; reopens 4:30-10 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.ciaatournament.org.

Celebrity NBA Day Party
Portland Trailblazer Greg Oden and Power 98's Ms. Ivory host this party at one of the city's trendiest lounges. Music by DJ Tab D'Biassi and DJ Ampz. 2-7 p.m. $20. Crave Dessert Bar, 500 W. Fifth St. www.cravedessertbar.com.

Heaven 3
This popular party returns for a third year. Featuring drink specials, a late-night menu, and valet parking. Music by DJ 06 and D.C.’s Let It Flow Band. Presented by Talk of the Town. 8 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Free before 8:30 p.m.; $20 in advance. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.talkofthetownent.com.

Pink Groove 5
The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rho Psi Omega chapter, present this annual party, which usually reaches capacity. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rho Psi Omega Scholarship Fund. Music by DJ Stacey Blackman. 9 p.m. $35 in advance; $50 at the door. The Forum, 300 N. College St. www.rhopsiomega.org/pinkgroove5.

Purple Passion
It's a chance for you to party and check out one of Charlotte’s newest venues. And it's Tiffany L. Jones's annual birthday celebration. Presented by Digital Divas and The Queen City Omegas. 10 p.m. $20 and up. The Liberty, 1812 South Blvd. www.digitaldivasevents.com.

The Best of Both Worlds 3
The Alphas and Deltas of Charlotte present this annual party. Music by DJ Flemingo. 10 p.m. $25 in advance. Grand Central Events, 1000 Central Ave. www.charlottesocialscene.com.

Friday, February 26

CIAA Ford Fan Experience/ Steve Harvey Morning Show
The syndicated radio host and comedian gets the day stared early, followed a full schedule of events for fans, including car displays, video gaming zones, cooking exhibitions, and more. There will also be live performances by Laura Izibor (7 p.m.) and Ginuwine (8 p.m.). 5:30-11 a.m.; reopens 4:30-9 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.ciaatournament.org.

JetSet Series: Day Dreams - The CI Edition
They kept the day parties going throughout the summer and are back for CIAA Week. Music by DJ DR. 12-6 p.m. $10 in advance; more at the door. Mez, inside the EpiCentre, 20 E. Trade St. www.thesolkitchen.com.

The Pre-Game Day Party
They're suggesting you party here before you go to any party that night. Featuring live entertainment. Presented by NXL21 Charlotte. 2 p.m. Cost varies. Aquavina, 435 S. Tryon St. charlotte.nxlevelent.com.

The Aristocrat Lounge
It's a sophisticated party set in Charlotte's newest and most elegant hotel, and it's happening Friday and Saturday night. Hosted by UPTOWN and VIBE magazines CEO Len Burnett, Seattle Seahawks' Deon Grant, actor Lamman Rucker, St. Louis Rams' Leonard Little, and Charlotte Bobcats' D.J. Augustine. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the CIAA General Scholarship Fund. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. General admission, $50; VIP, $100. The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, 201 E. Trade St. www.blumenthalcenter.org/ciaa.

H.I.M.
It's "History in the Making" at this celebration with music by celebrity DJs Shogun and Mars. Presented by Eddietainment. 9 p.m. $20 in advance. BlackFinn, inside the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.eddietainment.com.

CIAA Extravaganzas
This party is taking over the 25,000 square-foot ballroom. So big they're doing it Friday and Saturday night. Music by DJ Bro Rabb (Friday) and DJ Kool (Saturday). Hosted by The A List. 9 p.m. Cost varies. The Westin, 601 S. College St. www.alistnextevent.com.

History
It's a party set in the city's new African-American cultural center, comprising all three levels and the rooftop patio. Music by Boogie Down Productions' DJ D-Nice. 9 p.m. General admission, $10 in advance; VIP, $30 in advance and includes an open bar and buffet. Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St. www.historyciaa.eventbrite.com.

Swank II
Dress your best and party with an elite crowd. Event will also feature a fashion preview. Hosted by former NFL player Terry Cousin. Presented by Talk of the Town and L.K. and R&R Productions. A portion of the net proceeds will go towards the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 10 p.m. Cost varies; register online to receive complimentary admission before 11 p.m. Chima Brazilian Restaurant, 139 S. Tryon St. www.talkofthetownent.com.

The Brown Eye Geisha Experience
Come party with a mature crowd (25 and up preferred). Hosted by So So Def's own DJ Shakim. Presented by Q and NoGrease. 10 p.m. $30 and up. Nikko's Japanese Restaurant, 1300 South Blvd. www.ez-tixx.com.

The Signature Event with DJ Khaled
This party sells out every year and returns with another celebrity DJ. Presented by Inner Circle Events. 10 p.m. $30 and up. The Forum, 300 N. College St. www.innercircleevents.com.

Saturday, February 27

McDonald's Super Saturday
Featuring the Miss CIAA Pageant, a cheerleading exhibition, battle of the bands, dance show by celebrity choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson, and a performance by Bow Wow. 9 a.m. Free. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.ciaatournament.org.

Uptown Saturday
This day party usually reaches capacity within a couple of hours. Part of Digital Divas' Welcome to Charlotte Weekend. Music by DJ Polo. 12-6 p.m. Cost varies. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.digitaldivasevents.com.

The Day Affair Vol. 4
It’s billed as "The Best D#mn Day Party…Period" and returns for another year. Includes an open buffet. Presented by BestFriendz. 12-7 p.m. $25 and up. Whisky River, inside the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. thedayaffair.eventbrite.com.

C.I. Day Party Headquarters Part 2
It’s one of the largest day parties, spread over two days. Encompassing three levels with 40 TVs, 10 pool tables, and card games. And featuring five DJs as well as live performances by BlacCatt. Presented by Talk of the Town, L.K. and R&R Productions, and Pinkies-Up Productions. 12-7 p.m. $10 in advance; free before 1 p.m. Fox and Hound, 330 N. Tryon St. www.talkofthetownent.com.

Diddy Presents The Event
Hosted and including a performance by the hip-hop music mogul. VIP packages available, including a meet-and-greet with Diddy. Presented by Taylor Massey Entertainment. 9 p.m. $60 and up. Ramada Hotel, 212 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.ez-tixx.com.

The Colossal Finale
This is night two of Maz Entertainment’s takeover of one of the city’s tallest buildings. Party on marble floors as you gaze at the city’s skyline through a three-story glass ceiling. Plus the escalators will lead you to the large VIP section located on level two. 9 p.m. $30 and up. Bank of America’s Founders Hall, 100 N. Tryon St. www.mazentertainment.net.

The Tournament Extravaganza
They're giving you the CIAA's first theater party. DJ BroRabb will be spinning in the main room, while DJ Tron will play in the theater with music videos on the big screen. 9 p.m. $20 in advance; more at the door. Presented by Sol Kitchen. Mez and EpiCentre Theaters, 210 East Trade St. www.thesolkitchen.com.

Drake’s CIAA 2010 Grand Finale
He’s the hottest new rapper of the past year, and you can see him in person as he hosts this party. 9 p.m. $40 in advance. Club 935, 935 S. Summit Ave. www.club935.com.

Sunday, February 28

Panache – It's Just Brunch
Enjoy good food as you say good-bye to the CIAA Tournament during this annual brunch. Presented by Digital Divas. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ruth's Chris, 222 S. Tryon St. www.digitaldivasevents.com.

Jazzy Sundays Farewell Party
Get one more party in before the weekend concludes. Hosted by V101.9's Chirl Girl and music by DJ '06. 2-7 p.m. Cost varies. Tempo, 4809 Wilkinson Blvd. www.tempocharlotte.com.

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KokoMo's Opens at JCSU

KoKoMo’s Coffeehouse is celebrating the grand opening of its new location on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University. The budding coffeehouse franchise was started by the late Tiwanna Hagans, who passed away last September. Hagans was a JCSU alum who dreamed of opening the campus's first coffeehouse, and before she died she was working hard to make it happen. The Uptown KoKoMo's location has recently closed, so hopefully this new one will carry on Hagans's legacy.

The celebration is today and tomorrow and features live entertainment and spoken word poetry.

Click on flyer for larger view.

For more details, visit www.kokomoscoffeehouse.com.

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Events for the Weekend: January 22-24

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.

Charlotte Restaurant Week – January 22-31
This popular dining event will once again cover ten days, boasting 79 participating restaurants. Each of the restaurants, many of them upscale, are offering a prix fixe, three-course dinner for $30 per person (not including tax and gratuity). Participating restaurants include: Aquavina, Blue, Ruth’s Chris, Vivace, Sullivan’s, M5, Del Frisco’s, and dozens more. Visit website for complete list and menus. www.charlotterestaurantweek.com.

Friday, January 22

Seventh Annual Legacy of Women Film Showcase
The Deltas of Charlotte Foundation present this showcase, featuring award-winning short films by African-American women filmmakers. Event also includes a reception and opportunities to shop from local vendors. Reception starts 6:30 p.m.; films start 7:30 p.m. $20. Spirit Square, 130 N. Tryon St. www.deltasofcharlotte.org.

Jerry Seinfield
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see this comedic genius perform his stand-up live. Two shows, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $48-$78. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 East Independence Blvd. www.ovensauditorium.com.

2010 Leadership Awards
The Young Professionals Auxiliary of the Urban League of the Central Carolinas present their annual leadership awards. This year’s recipients are Okeatta D. Brown, vice president, Wells Fargo corporate supplier diversity; Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers linebacker and founder of the Defending Dreams Foundation; and Joachim Rogers, National Black MBA Association. The event will feature live performances by national recording artist Laura Izibor and award-winning poet True Life, and will be hosted by Power 98’s Janine Davis. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $35 in advance; $45 at the door. The Big Chill, 911 E. Morehead St. www.leadership.urbanleaguecc.org.

Kickin It on the Southside (weekly event)
Digital Divas presents this weekly Friday night event for those who live or want to party in south Charlotte. Enjoy a great crowd, drink specials, and a DJ spinning hip-hop and R&B. 10 p.m. Free. On the Roxx, 14021 Conlan Circle (Ballantyne). www.digitaldivasevents.com.

Saturday, January 23

Sprite Step Off Regional Finals
See college fraternities and sororities go head to head in what’s being called the largest national step competition in history. Hosted by Johnson C. Smith University. Live performances by The Dream and B.O.B. Doors open 6 p.m.; competition starts 7 p.m. $17. Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Drive. www.spritestepoff.com.

Get Right for Haiti
100 percent of the proceeds from this event will go to the Red Cross to aid earthquake relief in Haiti. So enjoy one of Charlotte’s trendiest lounges during this good cause. Music by DJs Ahuf and Animate. 9 p.m. $5 minimum donation. Dharma Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St., Suite 105 (entrance faces West Summit Ave.). www.dharmacharlotte.com.

TheVelvetNights.com Presents Risqué
It’s promising to be one wild night. Models will be wearing body paint and lingerie, naked sushi will be served (9-11 p.m.), and the first 100 people will receive a complementary gift bag from the Red Door. Guest appearance by Erin Tietsort from Sunset Tan. Hosted by TheVelvetNights.com, which is celebrating its one year anniversary. 9 p.m. Cost varies; ladies wearing lingerie admitted free. Halo, inside the N.C. Music Factory, 820 Hamilton St. www.thevelvetnights.com.

Addiction – Hosted by Vince Carter
Come party with the Orlando Magic star and other NBA players after the Charlotte Bobcats game. 10 p.m. Cost varies; members free before 11 p.m. Club 935, 935 S. Summit Ave. www.club935.com.

Sunday, January 24

Super Fresh Sundays
This party is for those who know how to get “fresh”—and want to party hard on a Sunday night. Music by DJ Magic. 10 p.m. Free before 11:30 p.m.. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.kisscharlotte.com.

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Events for the Week: May 18-24

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends.

Weeklong

May 19-24
Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple
It’s your chance to see this award-winning “musical about love.” Tue.-Thu., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 and 7:30 p.m. A limited number of tickets are still available, $35-$125. Belk Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

May 21-23
Food Lion Speed Street
This annual festival takes over the streets of Uptown for three days in celebration of race week. You’ll find plenty of food and drinks form vendors, NASCAR driver appearances (Kyle Busch, Mark Martin, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, Jeff Burton, Richard Petty, and more), and several live musical performances headlined by Bell Biv Devoe, Rodney Atkins, Lifehouse, Gavin DeGraw, and Clint Black. Visit website for schedule. Free. Uptown, between Tryon and Brevard streets and Fourth and Eighth streets. www.600festival.com.

May 21-23
SpeedCentre
The EpiCentre is getting in on the action this year in celebration of this weekend’s NASCAR race. Although it is essentially copying off of Speed Street (live music and driver appearances, but they’re having Dale Earnhardt Jr.), you can enjoy this replica at the EpiCentre’s most popular nightspots: Suite, Whisky River, StrikeCity, BlackFinn, Pavilion, and Penthouse. Visit website for schedule. Free. EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.speedcentrecharlotte.com.

Tuesday, May 19

Touch One Tuesdays (weekly event)
Come and enjoy open mic poetry and live music. Hosted by Filmore, with DJ Flemingo on the turntables. Presented by Touch One Productions. 9 p.m. $10 ($5 with college ID). Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.wine-up.com.

Wednesday, May 20

Changing Times...Changing Minds
The topic of this month's community conversation and cocktail reception is "Providing and Paying for Infrastructure: The Impact of Growth on Communities." Local experts will discuss how to handle both existing demand and future growth. Panelists include Todd Mansfield, chairman and CEO of Crosland; Ned Curran, president and CEO of The Bissell Companies; and Danny Pleasant, director of the Charlotte Department of Transportation; moderated by Dr. Steven Ott, professor and director of the Center for Real Estate at UNC Charlotte. 6 p.m. Free. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. Seventh St. www.museumofthenewsouth.org.

Pop Life (weekly event)
It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night. Starts after work but runs past midnight. Music this week by DJ DR. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. www.apostrophelounge.com.

Trivia Night
It’s the kickoff of trivia night at this south Charlotte restaurant and bar, hosted by Larken Egleston. Test your general knowledge and compete for prizes like buckets of beer and gift cards. Plus it’s Wednesday, which means half-price bottles of wine. 8-11 p.m. Free. The Tavern On Park, 1600 Woodlawn Rd. www.thetavernonpark.com.

Thursday, May 21

Cufflinks and Cocktails
Presented by Charlotte’s Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity alumni, this event is held at a different bar each month. Come mingle with a group of well-dressed professionals, from 20- to 40-somethings. Drink and appetizer specials will be served. 6-10 p.m. Free. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.cufflinksandcocktails.com.

Pre-Charlotte Fashion Week Industry Night
Come meet the new spokes models of Charlotte Fashion Week 2009, talk with show producers, designers, models, and photographers. All industry professionals welcome. Live music. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. www.charlottencfashionweek.com.

Crips and Bloods: Made In America
See a screening of this provocative film about gang life, narrated by Forest Whitaker. Following the film will be a discussion about Charlotte’s increase in gang membership among young people and how you can get involved in our community gang prevention coalition, Gang of One. Presented by GenerationEngage. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Johnson C. Smith University, Biddle Hall, 100 Beatties Ford Rd. www.generationengage.org/state/chltt.

Friday, May 22

Barack and Curtis: Manhood, Power, and Respect
This short film examines the contrasting styles of manhood exhibited by President Barack Obama and rapper/entertainment mogul Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent. Two other short films will be shown, I Am Sean Bell and Reflections. Presented by Reel Soul Cinema. 7 p.m. $8. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. www.aacc-charlotte.org.

Summer Nights
Come dressed to impress at this party that’s sure to be live from the bar to the patio and look for many of Charlotte’s movers and shakers among the mostly 30-and-older crowd (25-and-up are welcomed). Music by DJ Daddy D. Presented by Digital Divas. 10 p.m. $10 in advance, more at the door. Sunset Club, 1820 South Blvd. www.digitaldivasevents.com.

Saturday, May 23

Coca-Cola 600
It’s NASCAR’s longest race of the season and one of the most exciting as many of the drivers compete in front of the home crowd. The 50th running of this race also provides plenty of pre-race entertainment as they pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces during Memorial Day weekend. 5:45 p.m. $10-$125. Lowe’s Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. South, Concord. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

Chateau Noir Presents Destination
This elegant affair will feature a five course wine dinner prepared by Chateau Noir's Executive Chef Jay, along with live jazz by 5th and York, a cigar lounge, and after-dinner entertainment consisting of music by DJ Peace Parker and poetry by Concrete Generation. 7 p.m.-2 a.m.: dinner service, 8-10:30 p.m.; after-dinner entertainment, 11 p.m.-2 a.m. $95 for singles, $165 for couples. The Orchard House, 5125 Hamby Branch Rd. Concord. www.orchardhousenc.com or www.noirlife.com.

Sunday, May 24

Pre-Memorial Day List Party
To show appreciation to its supporters, Six Figure Entertainment is letting members of its email list in free until 11:30. Music by DJ Flemingo. 9:30 p.m. Visit website to join the list. Loft 1523, 1523 Elizabeth Ave. www.sixfigureentertainment.com.

The McCafé Experience
McDonald’s brings Dwele to town as part of this national touring event. 10 p.m. $15 in advance. Cans Bar and Canteen, 500 W. Fifth St. www.365black.com/365black/mccafe.jsp or www.ez-tixx.com.

A Night in XS
The popular promoters of “premium professional nightlife” are throwing a party featuring bongo players and belly dancers in addition to your favorite hip-hop and R&B spun by DJs. Presented by Inner Circle Events. 10 p.m. $15 in advance, more at the door. Cosmo’s Café, 300 N. College St. www.innercircleevents.com.

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Scenes From CIAA Week

The CIAA basketball tournament has packed up and left Charlotte, leaving behind Johnson C. Smith University as winners of the men's and women's championships, and thousands of locals and visitors resting up from several days of partying. (I'm sure today's snow day was welcomed by many who got the day off from work.) I didn't manage to make it to any basketball games (shame on me), but below is a glimpse of what I experienced throughout the week.



You can see more photos on Charlotte magazine's Spotted site.

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'Black In America' In Charlotte Today

CNN is coming to the campus of Johnson C. Smith University today and anchor Don Lemon is hosting a town hall forum. The event is being taped and parts of it will air in CNN's "Black In America 2" series in July, which is a follow-up to last year's acclaimed and controversial specials that depicted the life, shortcomings, and achievements of African-Americans in this country.

Don Lemon will moderate CNN's town hall forum today.

JCSU is an excellent site selection for this forum as it is an historically black college and university (HBCU) that is trying to grow its presence in Charlotte. Many HBCUs are struggling to continue to attract top African-American students and are working hard to lure students of all races. These schools also often face scrutiny as some question the need for them today. I have a simple answer for that: Most black colleges were founded in the mid to late 1800s after the Civil War, during a time when African-Americans couldn't attend white schools, among many other things (both JCSU and Morehouse College in Atlanta were founded in 1867). So by the time most African-Americans began enjoying the results of desegregation in the 1960s, these schools were nearly 100 years old and steeped in tradition. That's not something you simply throw away once you've been accepted into the larger culture.

I'm pretty sure CNN chose this week to come because the CIAA basketball tournament is in town, a conference that has a rich history itself. JCSU is one of ten historically black colleges and universities in the conference and their men and women's basketball teams are competing for the conference championships during five days of games at Time Warner Cable Arena. And unless you've been living under a rock, you know that the CIAA tournament is about much more than basketball.

Today's town hall forum is only open to current students and faculty, but I'm fortunate to be attending. And I'm looking forward to it.

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Events for the Week: Feb. 23-Mar. 1

This is not your typical week for events because the CIAA basketball tournament comes to town Feb-24-28, and with it comes more parties and events than you can count. To help you decipher among the massive list of more than 150, below are GPT-recommended events that I think you’ll enjoy—but you can’t sue me if you don't! Pay attention to times become some of them are day parties. Prices are subject to change (a.k.a. increase at the door).

Monday, February 23

Media Mixer and Welcome Reception
Inviting professionals working in media, communications, marketing, and public relations to mingle and network to kick off the start of CIAA Week. Free hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and great music will be playing all night. Presented by the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (CAABJ). 6-9 p.m. Free. Tutto Mondo, 1820 South Blvd. RSVP at info@caabj.com if you plan to attend. www.caabj.com.

Tuesday, February 24

CIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Begins
See women’s teams compete from the 10 CIAA schools: Bowie State, Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, Johnson C. Smith, Livingstone, Saint Augustine’s, Saint Paul’s, Shaw, Virginia State, and Virginia Union. Tournament runs through Saturday, culminating with the championship game. Visit website for times and ticket prices. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.ciaatournament.org.

A Peace of Jazz Concert Series Part I
Featuring live music by Kim Waters and a complimentary buffet. Ages 30 and up preferred. Presented by Food Lion, the CIAA, and Jaye and Monica Delai. 6 p.m. $30 and up. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Road. www.jayeandmonica.com.

Wednesday, February 25

CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Begins
See men’s teams compete from the 10 CIAA schools: Bowie State, Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, Johnson C. Smith, Livingstone, Saint Augustine’s, Saint Paul’s, Shaw, Virginia State, and Virginia Union. Tournament runs through Saturday, culminating with the championship game. Visit website for times and ticket prices. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.ciaatournament.org.

Pop Life: CI Edition Part 2
The popular weekly social networking event is expanding this week into two rooms and featuring two DJs. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. www.apostrophelounge.com.

Thursday, February 26

Kickin’ It On the Northside
Mix and mingle with young professionals after work. Featuring live jazz music and a DJ. Presented by Digital Divas. 5-9 p.m. Free. Utopia Restaurant, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.digitaldivasevents.com.

T.I. and Young Jeezy
See two of the top rappers in the game live in concert. 7:30 p.m. $45-$75. Bojangles' Coliseum (formerly Cricket Arena), 2700 E. Independence Blvd. www.cricketarenacharlotte.com.

The World Tour Party Part 1
Enjoy a chic party over dinner. Hosted by Consuella with music by DJ Johnny Davis and DJ Daddy D. Ages 25 and up preferred. Sponsored by RushmoreDrive.com. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $25-$75. VIP tickets include all-you-can-eat dinner. Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, 139 S. Tryon Street. www.rushmoredrive.com/nightlife.

Pink Groove 4
This party draws a beautiful crowd each year. Presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Rho Psi Omega Chapter. A portion of proceeds will benefit its scholarship fund. Music by DJ Stacey Blackman. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $30-$60 in advance. The Forum, 300 N. College St. www.rhopsiomega.org.

Friday, February 27

Steve Harvey Morning Show/CIAA Ford Fan Experience
The nationally syndicated radio show is broadcasting live from the Ford Fan Experience, followed by a full day of events for fans. 6 a.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.ciaatournament.org/page/ciaa-ford-fan-experience

CI Day Party Headquarters: Double Day Party Part 1
Party while the sun’s out and enjoy four DJs, more than forty TVs, 10 pool tables, card games, food, and drinks. Presented by Talk of the Town of Charlotte. 12-7 p.m. $15. Fox and Hound, 330 N. Tryon St. www.talkofthetownent.com.

The Crown Royal Affair
Your favorite liquor that comes wrapped in a purple bag is throwing a party at Charlotte’s newest hotel. Presented by UPTOWN magazine. 6-9 p.m. You must RSVP to get on the guest list. Aloft Charlotte, inside the EpiCentre, 210 E. www.uptownlife.net/royalaffair.

Anthony Hamilton’s Grammy Award Party
Celebrate with the R&B singer and Charlotte native. Presented by Dynasty5, The Sol Kitchen, and Firm Events. 10 p.m. $25-$40 in advance. Cans Bar and Canteen, 500 W. Fifth St. www.dynasty5.com.

Saturday, February 28

CIAA Ford Fan Experience
A full day of events for fans, including live performances by Anthony Hamilton and Robin Thicke, choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson, and the Funkmaster Flex Car Show. 12 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.ciaatournament.org/page/ciaa-ford-fan-experience.

Uptown Saturday Part III
It’s one of the most popular day parties, so get there early. Music from DJ Polo. Presented by Digital Divas and Alizé. 12:30-5 p.m. $16 in advance. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of 5th and College streets). www.digitaldivasevents.com.

CIAA Women’s and Men’s Championships
Ten teams are pared down to two in each competition. The men’s game will be televised by ESPN Classic. Women’s 5 p.m., men’s 8 p.m. Visit website for ticket prices. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.ciaatournament.org.

L.O.V.E.
It stands for Lavish, Opulent, Vibrant, Elite—and sounds like the right kind of party. Ages 28 and older preferred. Presented by Talk of the Town of Charlotte, Urban Professionals of Atlanta, and LK Productions and R&R Productions of the Triad. 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $20-$40. LaVecchia’s Restaurant, 225 E. Sixth St. www.talkofthetownent.com.

The Green Lounge Afterparty
Party inside this swank restaurant and bar, with music by DJ Jazzy Jeff. Presented by The Sol Kitchen and Simmons Media Group. 9 p.m. $30-$50 in advance. Mez, inside the EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.thesolkitchen.com.

Sunday, March 1

Panache—The 3rd Annual Farewell Jazz Brunch
Celebrate the end of a long week of partying over brunch. Featuring live jazz. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $20. Utopia Restaurant, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.digitaldivasevents.com.

2009 CIAA Basketball Tournament CIAA Parties 2009 Charlotte Uptown Downtown Celebrities Concerts Nightclubs CIAA Weekend 2009 Light Rail 2009 CIAA Events

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2009 CIAA Week Is Getting Near

The 2009 CIAA basketball tournament kicks off two weeks from today, February 24-28, and for the fourth consecutive year it will take over uptown Charlotte. I moved here about six months before the first tournament came to Charlotte so I've witnessed it grow. The number of people visiting and amount of money being pumped into the local economy has set records each of the last three years. The recession is sure to have an effect this year, but I don't think it's going to slow down the partying.


The thing about CIAA Week is that for five or six consecutive days Charlotte is a non-stop party scene: day parties, after parties, concerts, fashion shows, live broadcasts from syndicated radio shows, and celebrity appearances galore. The CIAA puts on its own official events including a step show, concert, health forum, career expo, and fan experience in addition to the men's and women's basketball teams from 10 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Johnson C. Smith University, competing for the conference championships.


But it's the non-CIAA sanctioned events that dominate the week. Seems like every party and event promoter in town--and beyond--is planning something, renting out just about every bar, lounge, nightclub, and hotel ballroom in uptown. I'm literally receiving five to ten emails a day about events going on that week. Instead of me trying to post them all, I'm going to bow down to the great and extensive list compiled by The Charlotte Observer's entertainment reporter and "Paid To Party" columnist Sarah Aarthun. She has more than 100 events listed now and I'm sure the number will increase as we get closer to the start of the tournament (see link below).


What I will do here on Grown People Talking is list the events I recommend in my "Events for the Week" leading up to CIAA Week. With so many events for you to try and decipher, I'll suggest the ones I think are worth your money (they do get pricey), based largely on the reputation and past results by the particular promoters and venue. Because anyone can throw together a nice-looking flier, but all parties aren't created equal.

I'll also post a Celebrity Counter on this site that lists all of the celebrities that are scheduled to come to Charlotte, many of whom will be hosting parties. Last year's celebrity sightings included: Floyd Mayweather Jr., Steve Harvey, Fat Joe, Doug E. Fresh, Jermaine Dupri, Idris Elba, Morris Chestnut, MC Lyte, Bow Wow, Lil Kim, and many more. Keep your autograph book and camera phone in hand.


If you do party it up this year, be safe and have fun. But also be sure to check out a basketball game or two at Time Warner Cable Arena. I had great seats to last year's championship game and was able to sit near several celebrities. Plus, the game was enjoyable, too. College basketball always is. This is why the CIAA wants to put the focus back on basketball--this year's theme is "Rock the Rim." Show your support by attending a game--after you leave a day party.


Here's what you need to know:

Click here for the official CIAA Tournament website, which includes conference-sponsored events and info on lodging, parking, and dining.

Click here for the Paid To Party list of events taking place, more than 100 of them so far.

2009 CIAA Basketball Tournament CIAA Parties 2009 Charlotte Uptown Downtown Celebrities Concerts Nightclubs CIAA Weekend 2009 Light Rail 2009 CIAA Events

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Free Friday: HIV Testing

As part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Mecklenburg County Health Department is offering free, confidential HIV and syphilis testing tomorrow, 10 a.m to 4 p.m. at Johnson C. Smith University. The testing is open to the public and is being conducted in the Counseling and Testing Center on campus.

In Mecklenburg County, African-Americans account for 69 percent of all HIV/AIDS cases, but only make up 31 percent of the population.

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Events for the Week: February 2-8

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. If I learn of more events, I’ll update this post throughout the week.

Tuesday, February 3

Premiere of Crossroads Charlotte: The Movie
This film is a cinematic version of the four Crossroads stories, each depicting a possible future for the Charlotte community in the year 2015. 6-8 p.m. Free admission. Playing at six locations: Ballantyne Village Theatre, the Charlotte Museum of History, Davidson College, EpiCentre Theaters, Johnson C. Smith University, and UNC Charlotte. Visit website to RSVP. www.crossroadscharlotte.org/moviepremiere.

A Peace of Jazz (weekly event)
Radio personality Jaye Delai and his wife Monica present this weekly jazz series at one of Charlotte’s swankest lounges. This week features Latin jazz. Complimentary buffet by La’Wan’s Soul Food. 6-11 p.m. $10 and up. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.jayeandmonica.com.

Wednesday, February 4

Pop Life (weekly event)
It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night. Starts after work but often runs past midnight. Music by select DJs. This week, newly launched news website QcityMetro.com presents this Mixed Media edition. Sponsored by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. (South End). www.apostrophelounge.com.

Thursday, February 5

Kickin' It On the Northside (weekly event)
Enjoy an after-work networking event in north Charlotte. Featuring drink and appetizer specials with live jazz and R&B. Presented by Digital Divas. 5-9 p.m. Free. Utopia Restaurant and Lounge, 10210 Berkeley Place Dr. www.digitaldivasevents.com.

Top Notch Thursdays (weekly event)
It’s billed as a party for “local celebrities, young professionals, ordinary people, and superstars.” Sounds like it’s for everyone, and the hours are all-encompassing, too. 5 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Free before 10:30, women $5 and men $10 after. Tilt, 127 W. Trade St. www.tiltcharlotte.com.

Touch One Thursdays (weekly event)
Come and enjoy a live band and spoken word by Charlotte’s slam poets. An after-party follows. Presented by Touch One Productions. 9 p.m. $10. Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.wine-up.com.

Friday, February 6

Diva Couture
It’s a shopping event and happy hour for “chic ladies,” including complimentary hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and wine. Women will be able to shop for clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes, and more. Hosted by JnR Wholesale Apparel. Quality Suites-Pineville, 9846 Pineville Matthews Rd. 4-9 p.m. Free. www.jnrwholesaleapparelco.com/events.

South End Gallery Crawl
Tour seven art galleries throughout historic South End during this monthly gallery crawl and enjoy art, music, and hors d'oeuvres at various stops. 6-9 p.m. Free. Start at Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. www.historicsouthend.com.

Friday Afterwork Rendezvous
End your workweek on a high note at this networking event, held at a different venue each week. Enjoy live jazz and drink and appetizer specials. Presented by Talk of the Town. 6-10 p.m. Free. Sullivan's Steakhouse, 1928 South Blvd.

1st Fridays Charlotte: Fade To Black
This month in this popular series is an “All Black Affair” in honor of Black History Month, so wear your black blazers and little black dresses because black attire is mandatory. Music by DJ Chase and Jay-Z’s right-hand soundman, Young Guru. 10 p.m. Cost varies; ladies free before 10:30 p.m. Sheraton Airport Hotel, 3315 Scott Futrell Dr. Click here for advanced tickets.

Saturday, February 7

2009 RPO Minority Business Expo
This event highlights female entrepreneurs and will feature vendors, giveaways, food, music, a panel discussion with Q&A, and guest speakers including Lisa Wu-Hartwell. Presented by the Rho Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. www.businessexporpo.com.

Savor the Romance
This cooking demonstration will get you ready for Valentine’s Day. Learn how to prepare delicious recipes in your kitchen, led by Executive Chef Gene Briggs. Each dish will be served and paired with fine wines. 11 a.m. $39.95 per person. Reservations required. Blue Restaurant & Bar, 214 N. Tryon St. (corner of Fifth and College streets). www.bluecharlotte.com.

Celebrity Birthday Bash
Disturbing Tha Peace artist and North Carolina native Small World will be celebrating his birthday with special invited celebrity guests. 10 p.m. Cost varies; ladies free before 11 p.m. Alive, 2909 N. Davidson St. (NoDa). www.myspace.com/alivenoda.

Sunday, February 8

Ssshh: Sensual Seduction Sundays at Happy Hour (weekly event)
Enjoy an infusion of open-mic poetry and jazz over candlelight. Hosted by poet Bluz. After-party and dancing follows. Presented by Pink Diamond. 9 p.m. $10. Happy Hour Bar and Lounge, 3603 S. Tryon St. www.pinkdiamondpromo.com.

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Let Them Have Football

A city the size of Charlotte should have a major college football team. The only college football we have is Johnson C. Smith. And while the JCSU Golden Bulls often field a strong squad and get great support from alumni, they play in the CIAA. UNC Charlotte, our largest college by far with more than 23,000 students, got one step closer to its efforts to start a team. UNCC Chancellor Philip Dubois announced his recommendation this morning that the university should start a football program and field a Charlotte 49ers team by 2013.

You can read more about Dubois' announcement below, but here's my take. A group of dedicated folks have been pushing hard for the past two years with this campaign to launch a team. It has plenty of support from current students and alumni and, to me, that's all you need to make it happen. Well, it will also take about $80 million, which includes the cost of building a stadium, but it's worth it. Football is part of the college experience that every student should be able to enjoy. So I say give the kids a team!

From press release

CHARLOTTE – Sept. 18, 2008 – In a presentation Thursday to the University’s Board of Trustees, UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois recommended the University should start a football program and field a team by 2013. The proposal came during the board’s meeting at the Harris Alumni Center.

The trustees took the chancellor’s recommendation under advisement. They will make the final decision whether or not to accept the recommendation, and the decision likely will come in November.

The chancellor’s recommendation comes after 21 months of deliberation and research by a football feasibility committee, Dubois and others at the University. Dubois has given several previous reports to the trustees on the issue of whether to add football to the University’s roster of athletic programs.

In his presentation, Dubois said he felt the time was right for football at UNC Charlotte because it helps foster a full university experience that many students crave in their undergraduate careers and could help build even closer relationships with the greater Charlotte community. The University is expected to have 35,000 students by 2020.

Dubois said the issue was not really about whether UNC Charlotte will play football in 2013. Instead, “this should be a question of where UNC Charlotte wants to be 20 years after 2013.”

The soonest the trustees are expected to make a final decision would be at the board’s Nov. 13 meeting. If football is approved, the most likely scenario would have UNC Charlotte fielding its first team in the fall of 2013.

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Do You Know Who's Been In Our Backyard?

Across the country, people are realizing that Charlotte is the "It" place for African-Americans. We consistently rank in the top-three among cities attracting the most African-Americans, primarily young professionals. So it is no wonder why we're seeing a growing number of conferences and conventions coming to this city that appeal to that demographic. But I'm starting to wonder why those events haven't been making a bigger splash.

Everyone, by now, knows about CIAA and the impact its tournament has had on Charlotte during the last three years it's been held here. We've embraced it and it has embraced us, and the historically black conference has signed on to come back for another three years. But the CIAA Tournament is different. There are a hundred parties and events that take place around it—most of them not sanctioned by CIAA—so you would have to be living under a rock in Rock Hill not to know that the tournament is held here during the last week of February.

But there have been a handful of other African-American related events that have come to town with much less fanfare and recognition, two of which I've blogged about recently. The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference was here for four days, wrapping up yesterday, and last month, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network presented the "Get Your Money Right: Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment," a one-day event on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University. Also in October, the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment held its International Women's Leadership Summit here for four days. How many of you were aware that all of these events came to Charlotte?

We're talking business here.

The great thing about Charlotte is that these conferences can come here and essentially have the city to themselves for the duration of their events. It's not like Atlanta where there can be four big conferences going on at the same time in one hotel. While I assume the organizers of these events are attracted by what Charlotte has to offer, I think they've failed to realize what it takes to engage the local community, to make everyday people--the ones they're supposedly here to serve—aware of what they're doing. They can bring all of the celebrities and high-profile people they like--and they have—but what good is it if a large segment of the public doesn't know about the event until after it has passed?

I've talked to countless people who weren't aware that the aforementioned conferences were in town (again, not including CIAA). There's usually very little news coverage of the events while they're here and oftentimes that is too late for someone who might be interested in attending. So when I go to some of the events, I'm often left thinking how nice it would've been if more people would've been there. How nice it would've been if more people knew about it.

So here's my advice to out-of-town organizers. When you're bringing your wonderful conference to Charlotte, you're going to need to do more than schmooze with the local executives and corporate sponsors that you're happy to be in front of. Stop preaching to the choir and turn around and face the congregation. As a matter of fact, rather than me just using that as an analogy, you might want to actually consider spreading the word to area black churches that you're coming. See that's the thing. When you're in Charlotte you must do as Charlotteans do. You'll also need to reach out to the many young professional organizations here—and there are a lot of them because there are a lot of us. And when an organization like the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists (my group) reaches out to you months in advance and says that its members represent all of the major media outlets in the area, you might want to get back to them.

Oh okay, now we get it.

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