Queen City Stay At Home Moms

Seventeen years ago, I created Queen City Stay At Home Moms as an outlet for managing my sorrow. I had just lost my oldest daughter the year before and was preparing to give birth to my second son. All while homeschooling with low funds. Yes, I was married, but we were living off one income at that time. This group provided me with a way to meet up with other families, allowed my homeschooled kids to engage with other diverse children, and the opportunity to use my professional skills because we were highly structured with organized activities beyond the playground. Soon, it would be an additional blessing because I was sought out for ads, product review parties, and my entry into blogging!

Over the years, I have hosted over 20 thousand gatherings. Some from new business ventures,

They have included:

• Political playdates at local elected officials office
• Family Vegan Valentines Day Party
• Family photo days,
• Thursday group dinner at EarthFare
• STEM explorative play dates,
• Community outings,
• sports play-time,
• Swim days,
• museum tours,
• group baby showers,
• New Mom Speed dating,
• Total Children’s Wellness Fair,
• local garden visits,
• Shopping members’ new businesses
• Coliseum shows

and more! We have even helped staff our members new businesses as needed. It was perfect because my eight children were the ages of every child that became a member ( except for the newborns)! We even made write-ups in The Charlotte Parents (a local magazine ) a few times!

The moms that join came from various walks of life. I refused to limit it to just families that look like me. I figured the best way to learn about a culture is by befriending as many families as possible. Still amazed that we reached three thousand members.

Although we have never had all three thousand in attendance at any event, we always had a great time and built strong connections. I understood that change happens and once a mom hit a milestone her objective may not include our group anymore. Most times it was due to moving, going back to work, children getting older, or no longer homeschooling.

Today it still blesses my heart to have strong connections with many of those that have graduated from Queen City Stay At Home Moms. As I have. Our youngest is now ten years old and is currently in public school. I work more for grassroots nonprofits and myself. Although I work from home, I’m most in various states at any given time. And at 46, I have learned to live in spite of losing my eleven- year old daughter in 2005.

Queen City Stay At Home Moms will always be special to me, but it has served its purpose and deserves to end on top. This week, I said goodbye to 15 wonderful years to one of the best holistic support groups for moms in the Queen City!

Friday Four-Homeschooling In N.C.; Startup 101

87,978 students are homeschooled in North Carolina! Yes, my friends. homeschooling in is on the rise. We don’t stop at the basic curriculum because the world is our classroom!

GENERAL FACTS, STATISTICS, AND TRENDS

• There are over 2.3 million homeschool students in the United States.  That is, there were an estimated 2.3 million in spring 2016, and this was up from one estimate of about 2 million home-educated children (in grades K to 12) during the spring of 2010 in the United States (Ray, 2011). It appears the homeschool population is continuing to grow (at an estimated 2% to 8% per annum over the past few years).
• Homeschooling – that is, parent-led home-based education; home education – is an age-old traditional educational practice that a decade ago appeared to be cutting-edge and “alternative” but is now bordering on “mainstream” in the United States. It may be the fastest-growing form of education in the United States. Home-based education has also been growing around the world in many other nations (e.g., Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Russia, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Kingdom).
• A demographically wide variety of people homeschool – these are atheists, Christians, and Mormons; conservatives, libertarians, and liberals; low-, middle-, and high-income families; black, Hispanic, and white; parents with Ph.D.s, GEDs, and no high-school diplomas. One study shows that 32 percent of homeschool students are Black, Asian, Hispanic, and others (i.e., not White/non-Hispanic) (Noel, Stark, & Redford, 2013).
• Families engaged in home-based education are not dependent on public, tax-funded resources for their children’s education. The finances associated with their homeschooling likely represent over $27 billion that American taxpayers do not have to spend, annually, since these children are not in public schools
• Taxpayers spend an average of $11,732 per pupil annually in public schools, plus capital expenditures. Taxpayers spend nothing on most homeschool students and homeschool families spend an average of $600 per student annually for their education.
• Homeschooling is quickly growing in popularity among minorities. About 15% of homeschool families are non-white/nonHispanic (i.e., not white/Anglo).
• An estimated 3.4 million or more U.S. adults have been homeschooled for at least one year of their K-12 years, and they were homeschooled an average of 6 to 8 years. If one adds to this number the 2.3 million being homeschooled today, an estimated 5.7 million Americans have experienced being homeschooled. [note 1]

Now my question to you is this? Are you prepared to dedicate 75% of your day to teaching?

• group field trips,park days and/or p.e. days – ( join QCSAHM; we might change the name if you join!)
• organized clubs such as geography club, 4H, chess, robotics, etc.
• book and curriculum exchanges- You will save SO much money by sharing resources!!! Here is video from homeschool graduation last year. Click Here! Many of the parents in this group share resources and community goodies.

Places like Home Depot Kids Workshops offers free instructions and play on building motor skills and creative engineering. And it’s free 1st Saturdays of the month!

• dedicated email loops or Facebook groups for sharing information (join my newsletter – HERE! in the subject line type Charlotte Homeschool News)
• organized athletic opportunities. (the YMCA is great for this)
• the opportunity to make new friends!! (Join my Facebook page. We gotta stick together- QCSupermom )

Contact the NC Department of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE)

The key requirements for homeschooling in North Carolina include:

• Parents must have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent).
• Families must file a notice of intent to homeschool with the NC Department of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE) between July 1st and August 15th
• Families should keep attendance and immunization records on file for each homeschool student.
• Homeschooled students should take a nationally standardized test each year and keep the results on record for one year.
• The homeschool should operate on a regular schedule for at least nine months of the school year. (Don’t worry, it’s easier to do than you think!)
• Families should notify the NCDNPE when closing their homeschool

For a full explanation of each of these regulations, including forms that will be helpful in staying compliant, visit the NC Home School Information Portal.

Homeschool Record keeping in North Carolina

The records that homeschoolers are required to keep in North Carolina do not have to be submitted to the NCDNPE unless specifically requested. However, it is a good idea to keep a detailed, accurate, and professional homeschool portfolio of items for each student. Information that you might want to include in your homeschooler’s portfolio could be:

• Subjects covered each school year
• Parent-administered or online school report cards or assessments
• Yearly standardized test scores
• High school transcript for any student in grades 9-12

Let Me Just Say This: Well Homeschool Children are SMARTER – Just kidding a bit here, but most tend to have more time to focus and recite things like this from Collin K.

We have been homeschooling since 2005. Here’s 4 Ways It Works For Us:

1. Flexibility – I don’t like getting up early on cold mornings, and sometimes, I like to go to the zoo in the middle of the week. To do that, I need my kids to go with me. lol. Seriously, the flexibility is a blessing! If my dad needs us to come to SC for his care, we can just jump up and go. And yes, spontaneous field trips are pretty cool too!
2. Protection– I know that anything may happen anywhere at anytime. But I’m sorry, some public schools are like Sodom & Gomorrah. The schools in our area are very rough. Having them with me in controlled, safer environments makes me stress less. At least I don’t have to worry about any teachers or other kids pinning them up for rape, bullying or anything else deemed ill favored. (Even the food at basic schools suck) And we can’t afford private school for 4 boys right now.
3. Diversity– I want my children to really be prepared for their future. There are so many topics not covered in public school that children need. For example, basic finance, urban horticulture, Real World cultures, home economics, Africa:pre slavery, and mechanics -just to name a few.
    So in short, our more tailored social interactions, support our values.
4. Empowering – I trust myself to do this. I honestly feel that they are thriving better with me as a teacher. And because I have my husband to help financially support us. I want to continue putting them first so that when we are older, they will be more inclined to take care of us, if needed.

Here’s a tiny clip from a trip to Discovery Place. (I can show you how to save a lot of money on local admissions through my coaching sessions)   

 

Disclosure: I am resourceful. Not the smartest. My husband, older children, wise friends, and technology helps educate our four young ones. When/if the time comes and proves our system no longer serves our best interest, they’ll go to public school with the quickness.

As a homeschool coach, I can hold your hand as you get started. It is time consuming. It requires organization skills. It requires patience. It also requires research. I’ve done a lot of that so you don’t have too. Hire me to help get you started and to be available for coaching sessions. Inbox me at
QCSupermomInfo@Gmail.com for more details.
Please use in subject line (The HomeSchool Coach ). I’d love to help navigate you through this new chapter of life.

To all my friends and family that refers people to me for home school coaching, thank you. I really appreciate that!

Get more statistics here on homeschooling.

In home music class snippet- here!                                                       

Play time with Chubby!

Showing manners with Rachel the Raccoon

Urban Horticulture in The QC.

Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime

– author unknown

It’s been a minute huh? Ok, here’s a very fast  update. I’m on the Bulb’s advisory board! (Yaaaay Me!) And I’m also now a certified in CPR for youth and adults.

For the last 6 weeks, home-schooled students across Charlotte from 3 years old to 16 have been learning how to grow food in small spaces. These kids were from very diverse walks of life.  I taught Urban Horticulture and the focus of the class was self sufficiency.

Each class was taught in a age appropriate group using engaging strategies to encourage creativity and exploration.  The students face literally lit up with our weekly gardening adventures.

So far we have successfully learned how to make:

• Seed Bombs
• Hydroponic Plants
• Mini Greenhouse
• Raised Bed Gardening

The biggest take home for these students were

 

For me, it was verification that parenting greatly reflects a garden.

We all begin as seeds. The better you tend to it the seeds, the better it grows, and the more fruitful it will be. To do the opposite is perilous. Too many weeds and wild animals will destroy it.

Disclosure—> I am not a master gardener or carry any degree in the science of horticulture. I am just a mom that believes in self sufficiency and have learned so much from local master gardeners and lots of trial and error with my little guys in tow.

 

Homeschooling with Hurricane Florence

First off, let me just say, “I survived Hugo”!

Hugo was scary. It was loud. It was confusing. And it was destructive.

I remember following it’s path. Noting what it was doing in each town it touched. My parents did everything they could, from boarding up the windows, getting tons of supplies, and even waiting in a gas line for 3 hours only to get 5 gallons. As it was the limit per car.  Then Hugo hit. We all slept together in our parent’s bed and oddly enough, we siblings fell asleep till the next day. That morning we woke up to many disasters. Starting with a big hole in the roof of our back porch and a fallen tree in the front yard. My dad wanted to go out to see what damages occurred in town.  And boy it was a mess!! Our little town of Hemingway is still recovering. From that experience, I’ve learned to be mindful but not fearful.

So when I heard about hurricane Florence, I knew what we needed to do, and what nonessentials to remiss

My husband purchased a generator months ago. That was the best investment yet. We purchased 2 cases of water, fruit, rice, beans and ordered pizza. We knew we wouldn’t get over a category 1 effects of Florence and that wasn’t enough for us to leave our home.    https://www.facebook.com/clt.stories/videos/729447094062156/

So it’s Sunday and Florence has done her damage, as she approaches Charlotte!!!!! 

Florence weakens to a tropical depression but flash flooding is far from over

Although flooding is still possible, I can take the rain. Heck, I LOVE the rain and wind flow. No problem there. But the kids are a whole different story. Sure we could have just cuddled up and watch movie galore and played a few cards games but we’re extra. lol

1. We did container gardens with our worn out Nike sneakers.
2. Played card games.
3. We cleaned up our closets
4. Researched hurricanes. We learned what causes them, what it is, and how they end.

My message is this, you control their world. Make it scary or make it empowered.  The difference is information and creativity. Neither of them are expensive. Okay, gotta go hide and take a nap. (((Hopefully)))

Florence Notes:

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Check out these checklists while you have power/ WiFi -( click here! https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan  )

 

And we have a little stupidity (opportunist) Just read it.

National HomeSchool Spirit Week

We have been homeschooling for 13 years now! It works for us! Right now we have four boys homeschooling and I recently (get this) started teaching again out side of the home. For  three years I taught SES in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School system with MasterMind and Centipede Math tutoring companies. And even now, I tutor privately (moonlight) with Wyzant.  (I know- what don’t I do- right?) But get this, it’s at the local YMCA and it their African american homeschool  group. And it’s something we do here for our class study, Urban Horticulture. { Growing produce, flowers, and other plants in small spaces scientifically and aesthetically}  I make a little change AND my boys get to attend other classes at a big discount! It’s a when win as I see it!

Now, my question to you is – have you heard about National Homeschool Week? Neither did I, but that’s okay. Here’s what it looks like:  National HomeSchool Week is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort to support homeschooling families, share homeschool resources, and to amplify homeschooling parents voices. Granted, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states now. Yet, the battle for public opinion is where we have more work to do.

It is celebrated September 17th – 21st each year.

Monday-> Selfie With Your Favorite Teacher-  Dress alike, move alike, Ask her/him to                                                                                   look like you. Just take a really nice                           picture    and share it Use hash tag —>                                                                                                                       #HomeSchoolersBeLike

 

Tuesday -> Make A Law            No Written Homework on Thursdays, All A’s reward of                                                         5 day beach vacation. Pizza for your birthday week.                                                               You get the picture. Take one for the team and Think                                                             Big !

Wednesday -> Create It!           Get your sibling together and make an obstacle                                                                      course. Create an outfit out of colorful duct tape or                                                             your old graded homeschool assignments, make                                                                       some fun jewelry from old fabric, paint your own                                                                 selfie. Design your own ‘spirit wig’ with ribbon from                                                            the local Family Dollar store

Thursday –> Go Green.                    Recycle your stuff, Reduce your waste,—find a                                                                          smart a fun way to reuse your school supplies! 

Friday –> Give Back Friday             Visit a senior living center, go read to shelter                                                                             pets, deliver needed supplies to the homeless. 

Those are just a few example of what to do on those days. Make those days yours. You maybe lucky enough to get a nonprofit to work with you or a few donations from local businesses if you need financial support.- Kelle Pressley

I love this daily missions.

They all reflect the quality, and progressive education we parents provide in a fun way. As you see homeschooling is slowly buy surely gaining credibility, traditional traditions and performance standards. Our goal is to create options that make it easier for all parents. Help us show some of the faces of homeschooling–and homeschool groups.

Join us and even tell someone about this upcoming fun week!

 

 

Pirates Voyage Review

The best dinner and show family date EVER! Family dinner is important….but add in live entertainment with live animals and a fantastic story line-totally priceless!

 

 

I still can’t believe it. I grew up near Myrtle Beach and never went to a dinner and show! But that’s ok, I making up for it now. Being a parent has really allowed me to enjoy my childhood again!  Which brought us to  the Pirates Voyage!

We didn’t plan to go to the show, but our baby boy turned 6, my husband loves the beach, we got a unbeatable deal……so why not?

The night started with a ice breaking pre-show. It was a mix of karaoke, trivia, and a mini meet & greet kinda thing. We even got to meet Salty, the sea-lion! Talk about one smart sea-lion, he can wave hello, stand on his fins, run, and even say goodbye!

(Of course we had a mini home-school lesson too. Turns out these animals can get up to  500 lbs and 6-7ft tall. Mother sea lions are pregnant for 12 months, and give birth on land.)

Then the show began. It was a fun filled – epic battle between the crimson and sapphire pirates that takes place inside of a large ship! (YES, it looked that authentic!)

The dinner and live show included a spectacular acrobatic competition, live animals and original music scores by the one and only Ms.Dolly Parton!

Psst, here, watch our family videos here on Youtube–>

(Warning- turn the volume down; I’m kinda loud)

Click HERE!

Here too!

Tip: Go to Myrtle Beach SC.. Stop at a Welcome Center (just about any of them will have the discount offer)! Arrive early for great pre-show seats. Enjoy!

Here’s some more information for you.

Dinner and Show Details–>   

• Show Lasts Approximately 1.5 Hours
• Pre-show, Dinner & Show Are All Included
• Appropriate for All Ages
• Handicap Accessible
• Non-Flash Photography is Permitted

Address: 8907 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Phone: (843) 497-9700

Reservations: piratesvoyage.com

 

They have a list of do’s and don’ts. here one below. See the rest at  show information 

• Mate, for the safety of our live animals and pirates, we request that no video recording or flash photography be taken inside the facility.

Have you registered for Imagination Station yet? Do it here.  Dolly Parton is doing great things for our tiny readers. Check it out here!

 

MLK Birthday Celebration in The QC!

Hey Charlotte, are you looking for a meaningful way to celebrate MLK with your child?  Then plan to join us for a FREE kid-friendly birthday party to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!  

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.- MLK

MLK Day and the days surrounding it provide the perfect opportunity to talk with our kids about justice, service, and the ability of people working together to change things for the better. But it can be hard to find an event that speaks to kids at their level.

That’s why we’ve created a special birthday party on MLK weekend (Sunday, January 14th) geared to kids and families in Charlotte. Can you join us? RSVP here! 

At this year’s party, we’ll also be celebrating the power of children. While their contributions are often left out of the history books, children and young people played a critical role in the struggle for equality.

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

From the thousands of children who marched and were jailed in the Birmingham Children’s March to Ruby Bridges and the many other children who bravely integrated schools to Claudette Colvin who at 15 refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus nine months before Rosa Parks and so many more, our nation’s history is filled with brave kids who stood up for what was right.

At this year’s MLK family birthday party, we’ll celebrate their contributions in kid-friendly ways while encouraging all of our community’s children to think about how they too can help make our world a kinder, more just place.

There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

At this FREE celebration, we’ll have story time, crafts, activities, and top it all with birthday cake as we sing “Happy Birthday” to Dr. King.

Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy in a way that your children will understand. Mark your calendars and plan to join us! RSVP here.

Here are all the details:

What: Join us for a free story time, crafts, activities, and birthday cake as we celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy in a way that kids can understand.

When: The party will take place on MLK weekend, Sunday, January 14th from 1-4 pm.

Where: Beatties Ford Rd. Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216

It’s going to be a lot of fun! Will we see you there? RSVP here so we’ll know to look for you.

Celebrating MLK and those who stood alongside him is great way to teach our kids that they too can make a difference. We hope you’ll join us and help spread the word about this free event!

-Beth, Kelle, Ruth, and the whole NC MomsRising.org team

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Like what we’re doing? Donate: We’re a bootstrap, low overhead, mom run organization. Your donations make the work of MomsRising.org possible–and we deeply appreciate your support. Every little bit counts. Donate today on our secure website.

On Facebook? Become a Fan. Follow us on Twitter.

Want info from MomsRising.org in Spanish? Sign up to receive emails from our Spanish-language community, MamásConPoder.org!

What should MomsRising tackle next? Tell us what’s on your mind.

Thanks to this co-sponsors, special guests :

Queen City Stay At Home Moms, We Chic’ it, Black Ferris Bueller, Brandi Alexandria, Dr, Jerry Bowman, and Author S, Cheree.

*****Last year was good. This year will be even better—–>

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Our 1st Carnival Cruise

 

I know! I know, I’ve been away for a while! But wait till you hear about my journey back to you!

Well, here it goes…. I went on my very first cruise EVER! We had the time if our lives! The porting city was Miami, Florida and we stopped in Key West and ended the adventure in Cozumel,  Mexico! It was 5 days and four nights of fun, food, adventure, friends, and fabulous-ness (yes, it’s  a word!)

 

We could not ask for a better vacation.  At first, I had internal hesitation.  The Love Boat was the only good memory I ever had to relate toward any fun ship. Then there’s  Gilligan’s Island and Titanic to overshadowed that.  Never the less, I was able to keep it together for my 5 sons.

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Checking in and registering everyone was easy! The ship was grand! The staff was happy to see us! They even learned our names! Can you believe that? The food, the service, the shopping in Cozumel, the value, the memories! UUUgh, I can’t wait to take my girls and husband on the next trip!

 

This trip was paid for by my oldest son and planned by my  (hope to be soon DIL) Genny!

 

 

I even thought about you!

Here’s your 1st gift:

10 Tips for a Vicory Cruise with Boys:

1. The cruise is just the beginning. Spring for an excursion.

2. Don’t forget the camera. The water and smiles are rare and priceless.

3. If you are racist, Stay home.  No explanation needed.

4. Forget the kid’s bedtime.  Each night my boys watched a movie in the hot tub under the stars. Why stop them?

5.If you are a homeschooler, teach about your intended traveling and culture before boarding.  You’ll get the best teacher of the year title! Trust me!

6. If you’re taking more than one child, twin them up! Even the ship guest will help you keep up with them. You’ll thank me later for this!

7. If you have a long drive to the port, don’t throw away your water bottle, It quickly becomes a mobile potty.

8. Pack, then check twice before leaving home. Packing light and smart is the goal.

9. After letting your best friend know that you’re leaving, contact your credit card and cell phone company.  International rates and credit card freezing at the point of purchase is no fun!

10. Once checked in; grab the itenary and use it up! There’s so much to do!

 

Based on Daphne du Maurier’s mystery-romance novel of the same name, the film stars acclaimed actress Rachel Weisz and rising British star Sam Claflin (ME BEFORE YOU, THE HUNGER GAMES).

And here’s your 2nd gift! Get free passes to see #MyCousinRacheal

Till next time…… “Cheerio’!

NC SHEROES 2017 AWARDEES

It’s Woman History Month! Let’s celebrate the amazing contributions women make to our world and our future.

We are so fortunate to have several remarkable women from our community who are going to share their journey as we as answer any question you may have for them.

Come join  Momsrising THIS Saturday March 18th 2017   Beatties Ford Rd. Regional Library at 1pm; as we highlight and celebrate our selected SHEROES!

The award ceremony and roundtable includes a “Dress Up-Fantasy”  area for the children and a light reception following.This event is free! So come on! Ready to attend? Well it’ll be here  in no time. For now get to know more about each of them here.

Meet Chautauqua Ellison, NC SHERO

Chautauqua Ellison, NC SHERO

Born February 24, 1973, on a Saturday evening to Glenda Graves (American) and Herman Morris (Guyanese). A product of both the foster care system and adoption system. Adopted at the age of 15 after going from one abusive foster family to another and having experienced abuse with the family she hoped to have finally found love and her place of belonging only to feel the cycle of being not wanted, she came to understand what she wanted part of her journey to be. She understood she wanted to help little brown girls like herself.
A graduate of Marlboro County High School in 1992 and immediately went off to college. She attended Morris College in Sumter, SC, Commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, April 1997 and graduated May 10th, 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
After graduating from college Chautauqua moves to Charlotte, NC and this is where she began her career in Early Education. Chautauqua has taught Early Education for 19 years. She is also a former HeadStart Educator.
Chautauqua became a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Queen Sheba #5 at the age of 21 and is still active with the Junior Eastern Stars affiliated with her chapter. At this time she began to have a full experience with SISTERHOOD.
Fast forward to the year 2010 and Chautauqua becomes involved with an amazing organization called I Am My Sister. She has facilitated evidence-based program pm Teen Pregnancy and Teen STDs/STI for 4 years for the organization. In 2013 Chautauqua started the first community-based club for the organization. In January of 2016, she became the Executive Director for I Am My Sister NC and SC chapter.
I Am My Sister is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides programs and resources centered around leadership development, healthy relationships, beauty and body image, career development, community service and support, entrepreneurship and workforce development, financial literacy, adolescent sexual health and teen parenting support, education and mentoring services for youth and their families.
I Am My Sister’s programs and services are available to youth and families in NC, SC, MD, NY, GA and CA.
I Am My Sister LOVES diversity! We’re PRO-YOUNG PEOPLE and don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex or disability.
Along with being an active member of the OES (Order of Eastern Star), Chautauqua is also an active member of the Black Women Caucus of Mecklenburg , a member of the School Leadership Team at Lincoln Heights School (CMS) and a member of The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Chautauqua was also a nominee for the 2017 Mayor’s Mentor Alliance Award.
Chautauqua also lives by her personal motto: In order to teach life lessons, one must have lived the lesson beginning taught.

Meet Amanda Zullo, Founder + Owner

Amanda Zullo is the Founder and Owner of Pop Up Produce

Pop Up Produce

Amanda Zullo is the Founder and Owner of Pop Up Produce and a 2016 Emerging City Champions grant recipient winner, sponsored by 8 80 Cities and the Knight Foundation. A designer, community engager and food enthusiast, she has a passion for health and wellness, sustainable living and fresh food. Amanda earned her Masters in Urban Design with a Post-Masters Certificate in Real Estate Development, a Bachelors of Architecture, and a Bachelors of Arts in Architecture with a Minor in Geography, all from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In both academic and professional realms, her focus has been to foster healthy communities through the built environment using design towards community activism. She has been involved in numerous local volunteer organizations, from educating the youth through various programs and work relating to community outreach.

 

Meet 2017 NC Shero: Nakisa Glover 

She is a mom, native of Charlotte, NC and holds a biology degree from UNC-Charlotte.
She has built a track record as a community organizer, with years of experience in corporate, community and service-based work. She has a passion for advocacy and contributing positively to the community. She is the co-host of TheAgenda, a local think tank dedicated to creating space built on four pillars to Inform, Discuss, Network and take Action. As a strong collaborator, she brings her perspective to her current role with Hip Hop Caucus as National Climate Justice Organizer. She is the former national field coordinator for the Justice Action Mobilization Network (JAMN), a group dedicated to advancing climate change policy using a fusing social justice and climate justice. Her deep local and national networks mean that Ms. Glover has resources and contacts for dealing effectively with such critical issues as climate, social and economic justice. She was recently recognized as an Emerging Leader in the Climate Movement and is the recipient of the Clean Air Carolina the 2016 Airkeeper Award, joining NC Governor Roy Cooper, Dr. James Kenny, and other business leaders.

Meet NC Shero; Je’lah Singleton.

D-Jé Boogie can be contacted via the following channels: Email – http://www.djeboogie00.com Instagram – @djeboogie00 Twitter- @djeboogie00 Facebook- D-Je’ Boogie Telephone – 980.202.3036

Jèlah Singleton, aka D-Jé Boogie, is a teenage female DJ who has presently been developing her craft for a little over a year. The idea of aspiring to become a DJ occurred when she realized how she could share her creativity and her love for music with others. D-Jé believes music has no boundaries or barriers. The art of being a DJ bridges gaps of age, ethnicity and various backgrounds.

 

Music has always been a huge part of D-Jé Boogie’s life. Sharing her craft allows her to share her love for the innocence and different moods of music. The variety of DJ engagements allows her to choose and ‘’play with” the appropriate genre of music for any occasion.

Becoming a DJ has required the investment in equipment, time and learning the art of the craft. She enrolled in classes, which enhanced her love for mixing and transitioning music. While attending the WTHands DJ Academy, D-Jé Boogie was selected to appear on WBTV for one their young DJ spots. That exposure improved her confidence to perform in front of crowds. Entrepreneurship has proven to be challenging and has also required discipline. However, entrepreneurship has also allowed D-Jé Boogie, as a teenager, to be her own boss. The God-given gift of her love for music will continue to reach people of all ages and allow her to share  their special moments.

Although DJ Boogie has been trained to provide the appropriate music for many occasions, she has been labeled as having an Old Soul. Her personal music of choice is different genres of music from the 1960s -1990s

 

Meet NC Shero; Flo Ward, We Chic’d It

Flo is a creative environmentalist and DIYer. She used her prior experiences to start  We Chic’d It!, a furniture upcycling company based in North Carolina with the mission to help keep usable solid wood antique and vintage furniture from going into our landfills.
After completing her undergraduate work in Fine Arts, she worked as a graphic designer for several publishing/marketing companies, such as AutoTrader and Pilot Media Companies, until switching careers and going back to school to become an educator/trainer of technology within the school system. Now, several years later, she uses her knowledge of color, DIYing (do it yourself crafts), and education to teach others how to refinish, refurbish, reupholster, and repurpose their home furniture and decor items. Becoming the Queen DIYer/Upcycling Creationist that everyone knows her to be. Always thinking outside of the box, and generating ideas on Facebook, Pinterest, and HomeTalk. She is a married, mother of three and lives in the Lake Norman area, near Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

Meet NC Shero; Judith Wilson, – Foodie4Access

Judith Wilson Burkes http://www.foodie4access.org http://www.sssmovement.com Facebook: #judielise #foodie4access #sssmoves #celebratec Twitter: @judielise, @sss_movement, Foodie4Accessclt

 

Judith Wilson Burkes is a nonprofit founder, author/blogger, internet radio host, community disability advocate and business owner.

Growing up in New York City, she developed a passion for the arts and all creativity. After attending an art high school against the wishes of her family, Judith tried to work for corporate America. She worked for various industries, usually finding a way to bring her love of creativity to the job, for more than 15 years, before her health made her leave the workforce in her mid-30s. She faced hardship in her relationships as well, as two marriages ended in divorce, leaving her to raise two sons on the autism spectrum virtually by herself. Despite her own health issues, Judith continued to work at home, first with her own graphic design company, and then virtually for technology-driven companies.

Moving from NY to MD, and now making Charlotte, NC her home, Judith formed her own nonprofit, Foodie4Access in 2016, to break down barriers of isolation faced by people and families touched by disability. Then, after meeting the founder of a local singles organization, Judith quickly saw the value of his idea to do for Christian singles what she was driven to do for people with disabilities.

With her two sons grown and independent, Judith now spends her time creating inclusive events that focus on changing lifestyles and mindsets.

Today, as President of The Single, Saved and Serious Movement and founder of Foodie4AccssCLT, she hopes to foster a sense of community among people who want to expand their social and entertainment horizons, while making a difference in local underserved communities, with small businesses and outreach organizations poised to make a difference.

 

“Do Not wait for someone else to come and speak for you. It’s you who can change the world”. -M.Y.

This gathering is in part sponsored by Momsrising. To RSVP and find out more information, visit our Facebook event at: https://goo.gl/NXoUDw   or follow along on Twitter with NCSheroes2017

 

 

Soulful Saturday

Last weekend in the Queen City was super busy! And we loved every minute of it! I tell ya, there is never a dull moment in the QC!

 

 

As a 70’s baby, I grew up in mainstream -everything! Every depiction of Santa that we saw — from television to movies to storybooks — shows that rosy-faced, jolly grandpa who is unapologetically white.  He looked nothing like me. Am I not generous?

Am I not generous? Are others like me, not givers? At a certain age, I think it does matter subliminally and he’s not just a jolly, ole fat guy in a red suit.

Is it possible that a long, white beard, the big-bellied man in red with dark skin would not appeal to children in predominantly black and Hispanic parts of the city?

Well, a few of my children and I got to see for ourselves this weekend. We attend two events and both had a positive turn out!

Soulful Santa

The first was Pride Entrepreneur Education Program, (PEEP) it’s a nonprofit of Pride Magazine. They had the happiest SoulfFul Santa on the Westside there. The crafts table was there to reinforce the holiday spirt by giving children the opportunity to create gifts for their loved ones.

The other event was at the Free Store Charlotte. It was outdoors and loaded with fun!  From face painting, coat drives, amazing hot fancy and filling food complete with cocoa, jump house, fire pit, free gift table, and so much more.

Did You Know: The Mall of America – the country’s biggest indoor shopping complex – decided to hire a black Santa for the first time this year!

I wanted to know how some of my mom friends thought about ethnic Santa’s. So I spoke with three of them from my mom group, Queen City Stay At Home Moms and each had very interesting responses.

The first mom said: “We balk at the notion that our children should believe that a white man brings them toys, when we ( black parents) are the ones working hard to make their children feel safe, loved and happy/ “

The second  mom asked, “Why can’t there be two at each at a time? Like half brothers? When I was small enough to believe in Santa, he was dressed so completely, including the beard, that I could see only his eyes behind thick glasses. I could not see, nor did I care, what skin color he was.  I would definitely take my children to go see an Asian Santa,” 

The last mom commented:” Santa’s race matters. White folk have enough superheroes. I’m white, but have no tolerance for the abysmal prejudice and past treatment of people of color in this country.”

Although we do not celebrate Christmas, I wanted my children to see that the Santa doesn’t have to look only one way. Santa can be whatever they want him to be. Looking at my littlest Noah’s face, he may never want to go see Santa again, but he has photographic evidence that Santa can reflect the skin tones of many cultures. And that’s, well, pretty magical.

To see more culturally diverse Santas all you have to do is show up when he’s in town. Charlotte organizations like PEEPs, and The Free Store Charlotte will continue to invite him in our hearts, centers, businesses and home! 

End Notes-

Baron Davis adds a bit of color to Christmas with The Black Santa Company

The former NBA star aims to diversify the holiday with his game-changing venture.

You can find children’s books that feature a black Santa Claus, and he appears in some ornaments and other products. The website blacksanta.com, founded by the former N.B.A. player Baron Davis, sells products like T-shirts, hats and ornaments featuring images of black Santa. In a classic episode of “The Cosby Show,” Dr. Huxtable explains to one of the children that as Santa drops down each chimney, his race morphs to match that of the family he’s visiting – Asian, African-American, Caucasian and so on. -By The NYTimes