Charlotte Community Connections

Janine Davis

The Charlotte Community Connections podcast spotlights those who are making a difference in the greater Charlotte area. From area non-profits to healthcare initiatives and local leaders to startup entrepreneur, we'll learn the diverse ways we can work together to strengthen our community.   Interested in being featured on Charlotte Community Connections or have a suggestion?  Drop us a line at janine.davis@bbgi.com. Make sure to subscribe to the Charlotte Community Connections podcast.  New episodes drop each week.

  1. 4d ago

    Juneteenth: Then, Now & Why It Matters

    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, few people here fully understood the meaning of Juneteenth. Feeling a responsibility to educate, Pap helped create what would become a beloved annual tradition rooted in freedom, culture, and community. Joining the conversation is this year’s Juneteenth celebration chair, Jay Ferguson, whose family legacy in civil rights runs deep. Together, we’ll explore the meaning of Juneteenth, the importance of preserving Black history, and why this celebration continues to matter now more than ever. GUESTS - Pap Ndiaye - House of Africa Jay Ferguson - Juneteenth of the Carolinas Juneteenth of the Carolinas June 18 - 21, 2026 1218 Thomas Avenue & Commonwealth For more information, call 704-376-6160 or visit www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    27 min

  2. 6d ago

    Boys of Promise: The Future of Mentorship

    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-info.

    28 min

  3. May 26

    Reality Check: Are Your Teens Ready For Life?

    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 building and career exploration to making healthy, informed life choices. It’s all about exposure, empowerment, and giving young people the tools they need to confidently navigate their future. GUESTS: Glennis Davis -- Co-Founder & Executive Director, A Giving Heart ProjectLeanna Calvin - Founder & Executive Director, The Exposure Project Braelyn Arceneaux -- Student Intern, A Giving Heart Project  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    26 min

  4. May 21

    Diversity in the sports hub

    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, media, technology, and leadership. Its mission is to build access and develop the next generation of leaders in sports. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min

  5. May 14

    Gone Too Soon: The Crisis of Violence Against Women

    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. Their deaths have sparked heartbreak, outrage, and urgent conversations about the epidemic of intimate partner violence affecting women across this country every single day. Now, women in Charlotte and beyond are turning grief into action through MayDay: Women In Distress—a movement and march calling for awareness, accountability, protection, and change. Guests: Melody Gross - Courageous SHIFT Kristie Puckett - Second Chance Federation Natasha Witherspoon - Philanthropic Strategist, Domestic Violence Advocate --- MAYDAY: Women In Distress Wednesday, May 20 11am - 12:30pm Gather at Bank of America Tower 620 S.Tryon Street walk/rally to First Ward Park, Charlotte See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min

  6. May 1

    A Mother's Loss, A Mission Of Love

    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 to impact Black mothers and babies at disproportionately higher rates. The reality is that too many families are still experiencing preventable loss.  In the United States, thousands of families experience stillbirth each year. Here in North Carolina, the numbers are especially troubling—with Black infants dying at 3x higher rate than White infants. Behind every statistic is a story. A mother. A family. A life forever changed.  But today is not just about loss—it’s also about love, resilience, and the power of being seen. Guests: Vanessa Sencherey -, Creator of Cupcakes With Compassion, after losing her son after carrying him to full-term. Dr. Cynthia Wesley - Board-certified OB-GYN See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    31 min

  7. Apr 23

    The MENtors of the City

    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 Network   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    29 min

  8. Apr 23

    Built, Not Given: Sonja Nichols Story

    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 communities. As President and Owner of The Southern Lion, she has helped shape organizations, raise millions, and lead with purpose.  But behind the titles is a journey—one built step by step.  In this conversation, we’ll explore not just what she’s accomplished, but how she did it—the mindset, the risks, the challenges, and the lessons that can help anyone striving to build something meaningful.  This is a conversation about success—and what it really takes to achieve it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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2 Ratings

About

The Charlotte Community Connections podcast spotlights those who are making a difference in the greater Charlotte area. From area non-profits to healthcare initiatives and local leaders to startup entrepreneur, we'll learn the diverse ways we can work together to strengthen our community.   Interested in being featured on Charlotte Community Connections or have a suggestion?  Drop us a line at janine.davis@bbgi.com. Make sure to subscribe to the Charlotte Community Connections podcast.  New episodes drop each week.

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