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Renata Berlin, director

25 years have passed since Matthew Shepard, a young, gay student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die in a field under a blanket of stars. Five days later, when Matt passed away, the world watched and reacted, passing hate crime legislation at the state and federal level. We will sing Matthew’s story by performing Craig Hella Johnson's oratorio, Considering Matthew Shepard. A compelling array of musical styles and texts from Hildegard of Bingen, Lesléa Newman, Michael Dennis Browne, and Rumi, passages from Matt’s personal journal, interviews and writings from his parents Judy and Dennis Shepard and newspaper reports, convey that light prevails over darkness and love over hate.

Free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.

Piano students from the studios of Cynthia Lawing and Will Fried take center stage in Tyler-Tallman Hall for a program of solo and collaborative works.
Free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.

Musician. Griot. Drummer. Poet.

These are some of the people who will share the importance of storytelling in Black culture at "EQUALibrium Live: The Power of Black Storytelling."

Africans who were forced into the trans-Atlantic slave trade preserved many of their traditions by passing stories down generation after generation.

Featured performers (subject to change):

+ Drums 4 Life

+ Hannah Hasan, storyteller and spoken word poet

+ Cheryl "Sparkle" Mosley, storyteller

+ Sean C. Watson (SWATS), musician

Host:

Chris Jones, WFAE on-air announcer

Dr. Sonya Ramsey will talk about her new biography of Bertha Maxwell-Roddey. One of the most instrumental leaders in the establishment of black studies and sparking an interest in Charlotte's Black History. Born in 1930, Bertha Maxwell-Roddey became one of Charlotte’s first Black women principals of a white elementary school. She was the founding director of UNC Charlotte’s Africana Studies Department and in 1974, she cofounded the Afro-American Cultural and Service Center, now the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Art & Culture. Maxwell-Roddey founded the National Council for Black Studies.

The Leaders in Action Lecture Series provides the McColl School of Business and Queens University’s campus community with an opportunity to interact with and be exposed to a variety of leaders with varying leadership styles and experiences. The lecture events are hosted in an intimate setting where the audience can ask questions and hear personal and professional leadership experiences from our guests.
The lecture begins at 6:00pm and a networking reception will immediately follow each lecture.
Contact, Jane Williams, williamj@queens.edu to learn more.

Join Sustain Charlotte for a FREE board game night at Divine Barrel Brewing in NoDa on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 7-9pm! We will have games with transportation and building themes like Ticket to Ride, Monopoly Builder, and Megacity Oceania. We’ll provide light snacks. Food will also be available on-site from the fantastic food truck Sal’s Roadside Eatery. Come meet other locals who are interested in sustainability while having some low-key competitive (or cooperative) fun! No knowledge of how to play the games is required. We’ll learn together. Feel free to bring your own games, too!

The Leaders in Action Lecture Series provides the McColl School of Business and Queens University’s campus community with an opportunity to interact with and be exposed to a variety of leaders with varying leadership styles and experiences. The lecture events are hosted in an intimate setting where the audience can ask questions and hear personal and professional leadership experiences from our guests.
The lecture begins at 6:00pm and a networking reception will immediately follow each lecture.

Contact, Jane Williams, williamj@queens.edu to learn more.

The Fertile Ground Foundation is a nonprofit based in Charlotte, NC that advocates for women battling infertility. It will host its First Annual “Queen’s Charity Lunch” which will raise awareness and funding for women battling infertility that need assistance with infertility reproductive assistance procedures and consultations. Fertile Ground works to advocate for women and families and connect them with the resources they need to battle infertility.

What did it mean to be Chinese in Black space during segregation? Following director Crystal Kwok’s personal journey of discovery, she digs into how her grandmother’s family navigated life as grocery store owners in the black neighborhood of Augusta, Georgia. The film weaves personal family stories with memories from the larger Chinese and Black communities, opening up uncomfortable but necessary conversations around anti-black racism and the deeply rooted structure of white power and Chinese patriarchy that contributed to this. Which fountain did the Chinese drink from? Where did they sit on the bus? An entrance into our connected histories we never knew or dared speak about as told through the woman’s lens.

The Charlotte Museum of History will screen this feature film, followed by a panel discussion about the Black and Asian experience in Charlotte. Light refreshments and catered food will be available for purchase.

This event is sponsored by our partners at the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce and by North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, www.nchumanities.org.

'A Sign Of The Times' 2023 Black History Concert will be held 4 PM Saturday, March 25th at Central Piedmont Community College Parr Center featuring African drummers, dancers and the ‘A Sign Of The Times’ Band.

This event is organized by a Dance Academy in South Charlotte, Nrityangan Cultural Academy,where 150 plus students come together to transcend the audience thousands of miles away to a different culture.This lively, colorful and musical collaboration is a Bollywood dance and drama which is narrated in English.
This event is a fundraiser for International and Domestic Organizations.

A little bit about the organizations we support:

Maiti Nepal is a non-profit organization with a mission to rescue and rehabilitate young, sexually trafficked girls in the India-Nepal area. Maiti has 10 transit homes, 2 rehabilitation centers, 4 prevention homes, and 1 hospice. They have been able to intercept 40,000 women.

Tree House Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a local community based, coordinated response to child victims of sexual or physical abuse in the Charlotte areas. They now have their own private shelter, with a playground, playroom, kitchen, common areas and 16 rooms with attached bathrooms.

Are you interested in pushing for change in your local community? Collective giving, where individuals pool their resources and decide together where to give their support, is a model being practiced by everyday people around the world.

We Give Summit ignites and unites all of us in the powerful movement of collective giving. Open to giving circle members, community leaders, philanthropy experts and social impact newcomers, we'll celebrate and lean into our power as givers.

Join us May 2-4, 2023 for this virtual event, featuring live and on-demand sessions centered on this year's theme: Bolder Together.

Here's a quick event overview:
- 40+ incredible speakers including adrienne marie brown, writer & activist; Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author & professor; Carlos Saavedra of Ayni Institute; and Gloria Walton of The Solutions Project.
- 20+ sessions happening May 2-4 including fireside chats, panel discussions, and networking
- Hundreds of members of collective giving groups and supporters from around the world connecting with one another
- All sessions are FREE (Suggested donation: $100)
Session topics will cover everything from democracy and advocacy to funding leaders of colors. Donate $50 or more when registering and you’ll receive a swag box in the mail (while supplies last!)
Register now at WeGiveSummit.org

Join us Wednesday, April 19th at The Mint Museum Uptown from 6:00pm – 8:30pm for PFLAG Charlotte's third annual fundraiser, Pride and Purpose, presented by Bank of America. The evening will feature interactive art, entertainment by the Charlotte Pride Band, a spoken word piece by Charlotte's Poet Laureate Jay Ward, a short program, including PFLAG National's Brian Bond, a bottle-pull, and silent auction.

All proceeds will benefit PFLAG Charlotte’s mission to support, educate, and advocate for Charlotte area LGBTQIA+ people and those who love them. We invite you to be a sponsor, make a monetary donation, and join us for an evening of inspiration and celebration!

Your ticket includes event admission, parking, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar (beer and wine) and a signature scent candle by NOLABEL Candles. We suggest dressy casual attire.

Tickets are on sale now: https://pflagcharlotte.org/prideandpurpose-2023/

As part of its mission to make the arts more accessible to all, Matthews Playhouse has added a special performance of Seussical that has been modified for children with sensory sensitivities and their families on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 11 a.m.
This show will be modified to have lower sound and light levels and eliminate startling or loud sounds. The theatre will remain dimly lit during the performance, and audience members will be allowed to stand, roam around, and come and go as needed. Parents are also welcome to bring certain items that provide their children comfort, cushions, headphones, electronics, snacks, and other support items. Designated quiet and calm spaces will be available to children as needed. 
What: Sensory Friendly Performance of ‘Seussical’ at Matthews Playhouse
Who is this for: Families with children who have sensory sensitivities, are on the autism spectrum and/or have a cognitive or developmental disability.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2023
Seussical is recommended for children ages 4 and up. Showtimes and tickets are available at www.matthewsplayhouse.com/seussical. Tickets range in price from $10-$19.
KiDS Seussical Day Camp - March 4, 2023
To complement the 11am Sensory Friendly performance of Seussical, we are also offering a special Seussical themed KiDS (Kids with Disabilities in the Spotlight) camp prior to the performance beginning at 9:00am. Space is limited to 15 students and participants must pre-register prior to the event. 
Date: March 4, 2023 @ 9:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $25 per Child (includes a special art project, special activities and a ticket for the 11:00am performance. (Snacks not included)
* Parents may purchase a ticket for the show if they would like to attend with their child. 
Interested families may register by going to www.matthewsplayhouse.com/special-events

Twenty-five years ago, on the night of October 6, 1998, a 21-year-old gay man, Matthew Shepard, was tied to a fence, savagely beaten, and left to die. Composer Craig Hella Johnson takes us on a deeply meaningful and transformative journey, telling Matt's story with text drawn from news coverage, from of Matt's mother and father, and from Matt's own journal.

Join the Gay Men's Chorus of Charlotte and the Women's Chorus of Charlotte as we combine to present Considering Matthew Shepard. It's a story that's both beautiful and hard to hear, but truly inspiring. If we listen and are open, we have the opportunity to shift our perspectives and open our hearts.

The summit will provide an opportunity for 120 middle and high school students to build relationships, exchange information, learn skills and knowledge to make positive changes and expose students to new careers as well as entrepreneurship ventures.

The event will include entertainment and a DJ, as well as unique immersive experiences such as reflection\neaction booths, selfie stations and a Tik Tok competition. While participating in a scavenger hunt and various workshops, youth have the opportunity to earn “Verified” cards that can be exchanged for prizes at the event “store.” Educational workshops will be facilitated by local industry experts on fashion, skin care & make-up, video media (YouTuber), physical therapy, art, technology, graphic design, audio engineering, entrepreneurship, law and finance. Breakfast, lunch, and swag bags will be provided

Exposure Projects mission is to equip middle and high school youth with the practical tools for career and character development by curating transformative experiences that impact future economic opportunities. The Youth Summit was created to provide young people the skills and knowledge to make that positive change while exposing them to Industry Experts that can increase their career goals. It is a place to increase social engagement and learn from other young people, to create opportunities for young people to be leaders in the community.

Opening Reception & Artist Talks : MARCH 5 Sunday 1-4pm.GUEST CURATED Exhibition: Feb. 8, 2023 – March 26, 2023
PRATIBIMB (means Reflection) : A Reflection of Indian Folk Art
Local artist and teacher, Gayathiri Selva is our GUEST CURATOR for this Exhibition of 6 forms of Traditional Folk Art from India, crafted by local artists!
She is bringing together a team of nine (9) local Artists who have studied these traditional methods, to showcase their work in Folk Art forms:
1.Tanjore Painting2.Madhubani
3.Kerala mural ( In canvas ,Fabric, vases)
4.Warli painting
5.Pichwai Painting
6.Lippan  Art
7.Pattachithra
8.Mandala Art
9.Kolam Art
Some of these Folk Art forms go back two thousand years!
The magic and Mysticism of India comes alive through these crafts, which have been passed down for Generations.
A 3D model of Peacock made from recycled Materials by Visual Artists from India association of Charlotte is Displayed in the Show.
A 3D model of Thanjavur Temple made from recycled Materials by Visual Artists from India association of Charlotte is Displayed in the Show.
This Show is a Reflection of the Ancient Folklore, Mythology and Culture.
Opening Reception & Artist Talks : MARCH 5 Sunday 1-4pm.
Click Here for event listing with images!

Charlotte’s History Comes Alive with “Voices From The Past”

Voices From The Past is returning in 2023 as a part of Charlotte SHOUT! Come take a "spirited stroll" through Charlotte’s historic cemeteries and interact with portrayers as they tell the stories of the men and women who helped make Charlotte what it is today.
Multiple food trucks and live music will be on-site for the guests to enjoy. Whether you are a native of Charlotte or new to the city, this is a fun event for all to learn more about our history while helping to preserve it.
This event is put on by the Historic Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery Inc. It is free and open to the public. It is both family-friendly and pet-friendly.
WHEN: Saturday, April 1st from 1 - 4 p.m.
WHERE: Historic Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery (700 W. 6th St.)
LEARN MORE: Learn more and register by visiting www.voicesfromthepastcharlotte.com
About the Historic Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery, Inc (HEPI): HEPI is a 501(3) non-profit dedicated to preserving, restoring, enhancing, and sharing the original historic and park-like atmosphere of Elmwood/Pinewood, and Settler’s Cemeteries.

Before there was a Department of Parks and Recreation, cemeteries were purposely designed for dual-use. Easter and Halloween parades were conducted in Elmwood. Families had picnics and children played in the green space. We at HEPI believe that we, in concert with the City, can provide a safe, friendly, and serene environment for those interred, those visiting loved ones, and those wanting to learn about our past or just take a break from the hubbub.

The mission of the Rankin Institute's annual Fletcher Forum is to increase public awareness and understanding of language-based learning differences and disabilities. This event is an annual presentation by a nationally recognized expert in the field of learning disabilities. It is underwritten by corporate and individual sponsors and open to the public at no charge. The Fletcher Forum provides education and enrichment to teachers, other professionals, parents and community members.

The Fletcher School empowers students with learning differences to achieve bright futures by offering an individualized, multisensory, college preparatory curriculum that prepares them to reach their full potential. Our bright, talented, and often gifted students learn in small, structured classes with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Individual and prescriptive learning plans are developed for each student.
The Fletcher School is a kindergarten through twelfth grade college preparatory school offering intense remediation in academic subjects as well as opportunities to learn strategies for compensating.

Mark your calendars for RockyFest 2023 on Saturday, April 22 at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area in Alexander County! RockyFest features old-time and bluegrass music (with stage and seating under the big tent!), arts & crafts vendors, delicious food, free rock climbing sessions, kids’ activities, games, cornhole tournament, and more. We're especially excited about this year's music lineup! Bands include: Carolina Cowboys and Maggie (10:00-10:45), The Blue Ridge Girls (11:00-11:45), Slate Mountain Ramblers (12:00-12:45), Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee (1:00-1:45), Crooked Road Ramblers (2:00-2:45), and New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters (3:00-4:00). Visit https://rockyfacepark.com/rockyfest for complete details about this awesome family-friendly event!