Pride Magazine ~ Charlotte, NC

02/20/2026

Meet Harold Rice, Jr. - a visionary leader building stronger communities across our region.

As CEO of the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson and founder of the Black Social Capital Initiative, Rice is growing legacy institutions while cultivating the next generation of leaders. Founded in 1937 as a school for Black students, the Ada Jenkins Center now provides critical services including youth education, economic mobility programs, food pantry support, homeownership initiatives, and free tax preparation for low-to-moderate income families. Under Rice’s leadership, the organization’s budget has grown from under $1 million in 2020 to $3.2 million today, alongside major facility renovations supported by partners like Steph and Ayesha Curry.

Recognizing the need for stronger leadership pipelines, Rice launched the Black Social Capital Initiative to mentor and coach Black nonprofit professionals into executive and board roles, and graduates are already stepping into top leadership positions.

By honoring Ada Jenkins’ legacy, Harold Rice, Jr. continues to open doors, expand opportunity, and empower future leaders.

02/18/2026

As college enrollment among Black men declines nationwide, many are rethinking the traditional four-year path and finding opportunity in the skilled trades.

Data shows Black male enrollment and graduation rates continue to lag, with many citing cost, debt, and lack of belonging as barriers. But in Charlotte, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is helping shift the narrative. Through no-fee certification programs in HVAC, electrical, and carpentry, young men and women can complete training in as little as six months and step directly into high-demand careers.

With a national shortage of up to 500,000 construction workers and starting salaries that can reach $60,000–$70,000 within a few years, the trades are proving to be more than an alternative - they’re a strategy.

For many, success isn’t being redefined by skipping college. It’s being rebuilt through hands-on skills, financial stability, and careers they can see, touch, and grow.

02/16/2026

Centuries-old Kuba textiles from the Democratic Republic of Congo are taking center stage at The The Mint Museum Randolph in Designing Dynamism: Kuba Textiles from the DR Congo, The Wesley Mancini Collection (running through August 23, 2026).

Created by Kuba artisans, these intricate raffia cloths feature bold, improvised geometric patterns that have inspired global icons like Matisse and Picasso, and continue to showcase fashion and interior design today. Traditionally, men wove the raffia base while women embroidered the complex, velvet-like designs, producing prestige cloths worn during ceremonies and special occasions.

The exhibition highlights the artistry, innovation, and cultural significance of these extraordinary textiles - celebrating the makers, their process, and a design legacy often compared to the improvisational rhythm of jazz. Read more here: https://issuu.com/watchdog-ent./docs/pride_magazine_-_2026_january_february_men_s_iss/27

02/13/2026

Joe Machicote is an organizational culture strategist, national bestselling author, and Board President of Mental Health America of Central Carolinas.

In his role at Mental Health America of Central Carolinas - MHA, Joe directs the board on efforts to advance mental health awareness, education, and advocacy, championing dignity and support for individuals and families impacted by mental illness. His national bestselling book, “Own Thy Stuff!”, amplifies his belief that healthy relationships and empowered people are the foundation of an extraordinary society.

Through his leadership, writing, and advocacy, Joe inspires a future where mental “fitness” is embraced as essential to human potential, organizational success, and the vitality of the mental health ecosystem.

02/11/2026

Inspired by the 1969 moon landing, Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. dared to dream beyond the limits placed before him and made history doing it.

Guided by a strong foundation in education, resilience, and mentorship, Harris pursued medicine while keeping his eyes on the stars. In 1993, he became a NASA astronaut, and in 1995, the first African American to complete a spacewalk. Today, Harris continues to make on impact beyond space through entrepreneurship, education, and youth empowerment, encouraging underserved communities to dream boldly and embrace infinite possibilities.

Read more at the link in our bio.

02/09/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer Thomas - the new Executive Director at Teen Health Connection!

A licensed psychologist with more than 15 years of experience, Dr. Thomas has been serving as Chief Psychologist, leading behavioral health triage, assessments, and support services for adolescents and their families. With a PhD in Clinical Psychology from UNC–Chapel Hill, she brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where teens can access the medical and behavioral health care they need now more than ever.

02/06/2026

Tinzelow Baldwin is a powerful example of resilience in action.

As Director of Vocational Trades at the Urban League of Central Carolinas, and a licensed HVAC and Unlimited Electrical Contractor, he brings over 20 years of expertise to workforce development in Charlotte. After serving 12.5 years incarcerated, Tinzelow rebuilt his life through education, the skilled trades, and entrepreneurship as the owner of Mr. Charlotte Comfort.

Today, he mentors others, creates pathways to meaningful careers, and advocates for fair reentry opportunities - proving that redemption, purpose, and legacy can redefine a future.

02/04/2026

A single night at the opera changed Kwamé Ryan’s life. At just seven years old, watching Porgy and Bess in 1977, he knew he wanted to stand at the podium. Nearly 50 years later, that childhood spark has led him to become music director of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra - one of the few Black conductors leading a major American orchestra. Also, a huge congratulations are in order - Kwamé was the recipient of a GRAMMYS for Best Opera Recording! 🎉

Ryan’s journey is rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and an unwavering trust in the music itself. Shaped by theater, film scores, and a belief that great art belongs to everyone, he brings both artistic brilliance and human warmth to Charlotte. His vision: a symphony deeply connected to its community, playing at the highest level and serving as the musical heart of the region.

To learn more about his journey, head to the full article here: https://issuu.com/watchdog-ent./docs/pride_magazine_-_2026_january_february_men_s_iss/20

02/02/2026

Erectile dysfunction isn’t just about aging, and it’s not something men should carry in silence. It’s often an early warning sign of vascular issues linked to blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation, and research shows it can appear before heart disease.

The hopeful news: ED is often reversible. Studies show that whole food, plant-based lifestyles can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support vascular health. This is especially important for Black men, who face higher rates of hypertension and diabetes-related complications.

By focusing on better nutrition, daily movement, reducing harmful foods, and addressing concerns early with a healthcare provider, many men can restore function and protect long-term health. ED isn’t a diagnosis - it’s a signal, and positive change is possible.

Dawn Hilton-Williams

02/01/2026

Snowed-in Sunday! This gives me time to reflect on our 2010 Pride Awards titled “People, Planet, Profit.” I would like to thank our public relations and event planning team (Nepherterra Estrada Best and Rhonda Caldwell). I appreciate our sponsors, Atrium Health and Lowe's Home Improvement, and the rest of the Pride team for orchestrating excellent entertainment for this memorable night! Enjoy!

2010 Pride Awards

01/30/2026

Erik Ortega is driving real change in Charlotte.

As Chief Program Officer for the Urban League of Central Carolinas, Ortega brings more than 30 years of leadership in workforce development, creating high-impact programs that break down systemic barriers and open doors to economic mobility. From managing multimillion-dollar grants to building partnerships that deliver employment outcomes as high as 94%, his work centers equity, access, and opportunity.

A proud father, New Yorker, and lifelong sports fan, Ortega blends heart with strategy - strengthening communities and helping change lives across Charlotte, one pathway at a time.

01/28/2026

North Carolina’s musical legacy keeps going strong. Here are three more Black artists with deep NC roots who helped shape Go-Go and hip-hop—and changed culture far beyond the South.

🥁 Chuck Brown – Born in Gaston, NC, and later rooted in Washington, D.C., Chuck Brown became the Godfather of Go-Go, blending Afro-Latin rhythms with funk and soul. His 1979 hit “Bustin’ Loose” took Go-Go global, and his influence still pulses through hip-hop and R&B today. D.C. continues to honor his legacy every August with a Go-Go celebration in his name.

🎛️ 9th Wonder – Winston-Salem native Patrick “9th Wonder” Douthit is one of hip-hop’s most respected producers. From co-founding Little Brother at NCCU to producing for Jay-Z, Nas, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu and Kendrick Lamar, his sound is everywhere. A true scholar of the culture, he’s also taught hip-hop history at Duke, Harvard and beyond.

🎤 J.Cole – Raised in Fayetteville, J. Cole uses music as both storytelling and social commentary. From “Be Free” to chart-topping albums, his work speaks to freedom, struggle and self-reflection. A Grammy winner and founder of Dreamville Records, Cole continues to uplift voices while reshaping modern hip-hop.

From Go-Go grooves to conscious bars, these North Carolina artists prove the state’s influence on Black music is deep, powerful and still growing.@