Charlotte Community Connections

You know, when we talk about getting older, we often think about our physical health. But what about our brain health? And what happens when someone we love begins to experience memory loss or dementia?  For so many families, those changes bring questions they never imagined having to answer—from understanding a diagnosis and finding the right care to protecting a loved one's independence, fi...

When it comes to our children, every parent wants the same thing—a place where they can learn, grow, feel supported and begin to discover who they can become.  We are talking about A.C.E. Academy, a tuition-free public charter school serving families in the Charlotte area with an approach that goes beyond traditional academics. A.C.E. stands for Academics, Character, and Entrepreneurship , an...

Chances are, we all know someone whose life has been touched by breast cancer—a mother, sister, friend, coworker, or maybe even you.  Today, we're going beyond the pink ribbon to talk about early detection, survivorship, and turning awareness into action. Because knowing your risk, getting screened, supporting someone through the journey, and funding research can make a real difference. ...

Caregiving is often a role we step into because we love someone—but few of us are truly prepared for everything that comes with it. The emotional toll, the physical demands, the financial decisions and the uncertainty about what the future may hold can quickly become overwhelming.  Tammy Hall, Executive Director of Beacon of Hope for ALS and a caregiver herself. Tammy cares for her husband, w...

You know, when we hear the word “overdose,” it can be easy to think, that’s somebody else’s family, somebody else’s child, somebody else’s problem. But the truth is, overdose can touch any family and any community.  August is International Overdose Awareness Month, and it gives us an opportunity to have some very real conversations—not only about the lives we’ve lost, but about the lives we c...

Caregiving is an incredible act of love, but let's be real—it can also be exhausting, emotional, isolating, and sometimes overwhelming. And when you're caring for someone you love who is living with dementia, finding something to smile about can feel almost impossible.  Today, we're talking about making room for joy even in the midst of a difficult caregiving journey. I'm joined by Venitra Wh...

Welcome to the show. This year, Charlotte is welcoming the 32nd South Atlantic Regional Conference of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated — bringing together women from across the region for a powerful gathering centered on sisterhood, service, leadership, and impact.  Founded in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta has built a legacy rooted in public service and social action, and that legacy contin...

July is Disability Pride Month—a time to recognize, celebrate, and amplify the voices, experiences, accomplishments, and contributions of people with disabilities.  This year also marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the landmark civil rights law signed in 1990 that helped prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities and expand access and opportunity....

Today, we're talking about a stage of life that every woman will experience, yet so many of us feel completely unprepared for it: menopause.  Maybe you've noticed the weight creeping on, you're forgetting things you never used to forget, you're exhausted even after a full night's sleep, or your emotions seem all over the place. You may have even wondered, "What's happening to me?" The answer...

May may be over, but the conversation around mental health is far from finished. In a world where stress, burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion have become increasingly common, many are asking an important question: Are we truly prioritizing mental wellness — or has mental health simply become another buzzword? Today, we’re joined by Kristyn Bly , a certified clinical therapist in Charlotte ,...

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, f...

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 and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-inf...

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 and The Exposure Project 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 buildin...

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, medi...

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. Thei...

Some conversations are difficult—but necessary.  Today, we’re talking about loss… the kind that changes you forever. The loss of a child. The loss of a mother. The kind of grief that too many families carry, often in silence.  We’ve just recognized Black Maternal Health Awareness Week here in North Carolina—a time to bring attention to the stark disparities that continue t...

This week on community connection, we are in the community to speak with the MENtors of the City.  We discuss the importance of mentorship, as well as the benefits of having a mentor.  Joining us today we have Brantly Grier- Leap of Faith Consultants, Ahmad  Lanier- Fit Kids For Life and Vice President of The Fatherhood Empowerment Network, and Rufus Lockheart- Owner of The Fatherhood Empowerment...

Success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through vision, discipline, resilience, and the courage to keep going when the path isn’t clear.  Today on  Community Connections , we’re joined by  Sonja Nichols —a philanthropist, entrepreneur, published author, trusted advisor, and a powerful force in Charlotte’s business and nonprofit communiti...

Charlotte is growing fast—and with that growth comes an important question: how do we move more than a million people across a region that spans hundreds of square miles?  Public transit plays a critical role in connecting people to jobs, healthcare, education, and opportunity. Here in Mecklenburg County, the  Charlotte Area Transit System , better known as CATS, operates dozen...

March is  Women’s History Month , a time to celebrate the voices, stories, and impact of women who have shaped culture and inspired generations.  On this episode of  Community Connections with Janine Davis , we’re joined by  Sunshine Anderson , a  Charlotte  native whose music became the voice of a generation navigating love, heartbreak, and resilience. Her...

March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the women who shape our communities, break barriers, and make history in ways both big and small. On this episode, we’re shining a light on two true movers and shakers. Two women who grew up in small towns, went to college with big dreams, and today are running their own businesses.  We’re joined by  Rhonda Caldwell ,...

Affordable housing isn’t just a national conversation—it’s a growing crisis right here in  Charlotte . Rapid population growth, rising home prices, and a severe shortage of affordable homes are putting intense pressure on families across our region. Today, only a small fraction of rental housing is considered affordable, and with median home prices hovering around $444,000—requ...

Israel United in Christ (IUIC) is a Bible-based organization started in 2003 in NY that dedicates their time gathering the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. At the heart of the IUIC's mission is the belief that the Black, Hispanics, and Native Americans communities represents the true and historical descendants of the Biblical Israelites. They also dedicate their time to organizing community clea...

On this episode, we are highlighting a place where purpose meets impact — the  Autism Achievers Center   in  Gastonia . Their mission is clear and simple: to help young people achieve life skills daily . Every day, this center focuses on helping children and young adults with autism develop independence, confidence, and practical skills that extend far beyond the...

 Today’s conversation is an important one because mental and behavioral health challenges affect far more people than we often realize. Here in  Mecklenburg County , roughly  one in five adults reports living with a mental health condition , and thousands of residents experience days each month when their mental health isn’t where it need...