From the publisher:
Yesterday’s headlines were hard to ignore: Government experts warn that COVID-19 may claim 100,000 to 200,000 lives in the United States.
For those of us in the news business, our role as information providers has never been more vital. At QCity Metro, we embrace that responsibility.
On Monday, we were the first media organization in Charlotte to point to an alarming and still-unexplained rise in COVID-19 infections among Black residents of Mecklenburg County. Others quickly followed.
Here are some things we plan going forward:
Starting today and for the immediate future, Morning Brew will be published more frequently, Monday through Friday. This will allow us to keep you better informed, because events are changing fast.
Also, be on the lookout for a new, Sunday health edition of Morning Brew, sponsored by Atrium Health. In addition to containing some original content, it will get you caught up on developments you might have missed.
How is COVID-19 impacting you, your family, your business? We want to hear from you. To gather your input and story ideas – and to collect your questions – we’ve installed a special app. Here's a link.
Now, for a favor: If you have not become a Press Club member, please consider joining. The money we collect from our members -- $50 for one year or $80 for two years – goes to pay the local writers and reporters who make QCity Metro possible. You can join here.
Finally, our readers are our best ambassadors. Tell your friends, coworkers, church members, etc., about Morning Brew. Here’s a link to our signup page. Post it on social media or share it with your friends. In times like these, let’s support the businesses that support our community.
Thank you.
Glenn H. Burkins, publisher (gburkins@qcitymetro.com)
|
|
|
Navigating hurdles of entrepreneurship: When meeting sites recently shut down due to coronavirus-related restrictions, Charlotte native Jania Massey took her traditionally in-person business online to keep nearly 60 girls connected during a time of physical distancing.
On March 16, she officially launched the Stiletto Boss University Headquarters portal, an online university for program participants.
Stiletto bosses work with mentors during weekly sessions to learn business principles and create a business venture. At the end of the program, participants have an opportunity to pitch their ideas to judges for cash prizes.
Read the full story. [Nakisha Washington]
|
|
|
Hey DJ, keep playing that song: While the national phenomenon of DJ D-Nice's #ClubQuarantine caught our attention, Charlotteans don’t need to look far to find musical relief. Local DJs have been virtually spinning on the “ones and twos” since Gov. Roy Cooper initially limited gatherings to 100 people.
We talked to three local favorites about the role of music in bringing our community together, connecting with their audiences, and why it’s important to support their industry.
Read the full story. [Loán Lake]
|
|
Concern for the homeless in the age of coronavirus
I have been overly concerned with news reporting of homeless people sleeping on the streets in Charlotte for years, and especially since the COVID-19 virus. This ongoing problem has not been addressed enough by our elected officials. From what I have witnessed, some Black and White politicians alike care more about building beautiful buildings, financing state-of-the-art transportation and simply holding an official office to do nothing, but mostly satisfy the status quo. God will ask: Who fed my sheep? Who cared for my people? ~ C. Graham, Charlotte
In response to: Opinion | Why is no one talking about the spread of COVID-19 in Mecklenburg’s Black communities? (Read)
I have a problem with Glenn Burkins' article about COVID-19 in the black community. Eight percentage points in demographic mix is not a huge difference. If it had been 20, 30, or 40% difference, that would have been a major issue. Why is Mr. Burkins trying to turn coronavirus into a racial issue? Any journalist or politician who's trying to turn coronavirus into a political issue should have their butt kicked. That's the last thing we need at a time like this. ~ R.B., North Carolina
I wouldn't run too far with this concern just yet. The sample size is much too small to show any statistical relevance. The difference between the % of black population in Mecklenburg and those who have confirmed cases is a total of 20 people. It's also a point in time where testing is happening dynamically and numbers are changing quickly (though still very, very small). In other words, it may have been a fluke that more black residents were tested on a particular day. You would need to look at a larger sample over a longer period to see any serious trends. ~ C. Lewis, Davidson
Note: Mail Bag comments are edited for brevity, clarity, grammar and punctuation. Click here to add your voice.
|
|
Alvin Ailey All-Access: For a limited time, Ailey is thrilled to share full length videos of the Company performing on stage.
Poetry Dipped in Melanin (Sat.): Put the kids to bed, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy some grown and sexy poetry.
Let us know about other Charlotte-based virtual events that you plan to host/enjoy from home.
|
|
As people are forced to stay home, the pandemic and nice weather have prompted many to tackle home projects. The result has been an overwhelming number of drop-offs at Goodwill stores and donation centers. However, Goodwill locations have been closed since March 26.
Goodwill President & CEO Chris Jackson said they love to accept donations, but can't take them right now.
“People are dropping things off and it is not only a health hazard - but the cost to clean this up redirects funds away from our mission, which we know is especially important right now as people are losing their jobs," he said. "We are asking people to organize their items at home and have them ready to donate when we reopen.”
Photo courtesy of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
Send us your Scene in the City photos.
|
|
|
Did someone forward this newsletter?
Subscribe below.
|
|
|
|
