ONE MUSICFEST Is Celebrating 15 Years With A Lineup You Don’t Want To Miss
ONE Musicfest is the largest music festival in the Southeast.
We’re just five weeks out from celebrating 15 years of ONE Musicfest, the largest music festival in the Southeast. It all goes down in Atlanta, Georgia, Oct. 26 and 27.
ONE Musicfest promises a weekend of gratifying entertainment from yesterday’s, today’s and tomorrow’s hitmakers. The two-day program is bringing multiple headliners to multiple stages who speak to multiple genres within Hip-Hop and R&B.
Day one boasts megastars such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Fantasia, Method Man & Redman, Nelly and Cardi B. Atlanta’s own DJ Greg Street’s OMF Anthem will showcase homegrown talent including Young Dro, Crime Mob, Travis Porter, and Trillville.
Day two is packing its own heat. It features Jill Scott, Victoria Monet, Keyshia Cole, Dru Hill and this year’s hottest Hip-Hop acts: Gunna, Glorilla and Sexyy Red. Festival goers can expect DJ Drama to pull up with a lineup of special guests. DJ Mars Block Party is featuring T.I., Keri Hilson, Lloyd and others to do what needs to be done. The upcoming 15-year celebration of ONE Musicfest will certainly be one for the books, and with less than 40 days left, you don’t want to miss it. Peep 2023 OMF below.
Tickets for the event start at $99 for a single-day ticket and are available at ONEMUSICFEST.com. Ticket buyers should be aware that $99 tickets are limited and part of a last chance promotion that ends soon. Those who are seeking more affordable options can use the “buy now, pay later” deal and reserve your single day ticket for $30.
Morehouse School Of Medicine Honors Newest Class In White Coat Ceremony
The ceremony marks the moment where students emerge as doctors-in-training, with this year's occasion holding a significant weight among attendees.
Morehouse School of Medicine has a long history of educating diverse future doctors. The institution held its 40th Convocation and White Coat Ceremony as its latest cohort begins classes.
The ceremony marks the moment when students emerge as doctors-in-training, with this year’s occasion holding a significant weight among attendees. Its first-year class of 332 scholars includes those pursuing physician assistant studies. Other students will receive a graduate education in biomedical sciences and public health.
Of this number, nearly a third will train to become medical doctors. While the white coats they put on are shorter than what official doctors wear, putting on the garment signifies that they are well on their way.
“It’s the start of my superhero’s journey and the start of the medical journey,” shared medical student Peyton Pritchett to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “[And] the start of me learning how to be in the position that I was supposed to be and that I want to be for my future patients.”
Another student, Juan Gomez, added, “It’s a symbol of the superpower I’m now able to put forth into that work.”
Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, also attended the ceremony as its keynote speaker. Becerra shared that he understood the journey of many students and families in the audience. Moreover, he noted his own uphill battle to overcome his working class upbringing to achieve his greatest ambitions. Of his recognition, the school’s president and CEO, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, declared his speaking engagement an “honor” while they welcomed this historic class.
“Morehouse School of Medicine is honored to welcome Secretary Becerra and excited for him to share his insights with our incoming students,” said Montgomery Rice in a press release. “Convocation is one of the school’s most significant events each year, as we warmly welcome these scholars into the MSM community and celebrate their commitment to their academic journeys. In just a few short years, they will graduate as healthcare and scientific professionals, ready to improve the lives of countless individuals in their communities and make the world a healthier, more equitable place for all.”
Morehouse School of Medicine aims to provide an academic pathway for scholars of all backgrounds. In fact, with over half of its incoming 105 medical students identifying as Black/African American men, the school continues to bridge the representation gap for medical providers.
Nick Cannon, ‘Wild ‘N Out’ Fans, State Farm Arena Donate $25K To Rich Homie Quan’s Family
Nick Cannon: 'A brother like Rich Homie Quan is somebody who is truly worth all of our tears because he put on for us.'
Atlanta recording artist Rich Homie Quan died on Sept. 5. During a tour stop in Atlanta, multi-hyphenate Nick Cannon and fans of his Wild ‘N Out show donated $25,000 to the dead rapper’s family.
According to Rolling Stone, the Masked Singer host and his crew did a show at The State Farm Arena where they acknowledged the death of the rapper during the event. Fans raised $10,000 for the family of Dequantes Devontay Lamar AKA Rich Homie Quan. Cannon matched that amount with another $10,000, and the State Farm Arena added an additional $5,000 to total $25,000. The comedy show took place on Sept. 19.
“A brother like Rich Homie Quan is somebody who is truly worth all of our tears because he put on for us,” Cannon said while on stage at the show. “Every time we had him on the show, every time he was a part of this tour, he rocked. He went crazy.”
Quan performed on Wild ‘N Out several times over the years, including seasons six and 20. Cannon stated in the video that the rapper was supposed to be at that performance.
Billboard reported that Quan’s father, Corey Lamar gave some words about his son.
“From the day I met Quan and I held him, my life changed,” he said. “I knew failure was not an option. But little did Quan know, he pushed me to be a dad, a role model, and to be an example as what a man should be. Built upon integrity, morals, and values.”
On Sept. 17, a memorial was held for the late rapper at World Changers Church International in South Fulton, Georgia.
According to Complex, Sept. 17 was officially declared Rich Homie Quan Memorial Day by lawmakers in Atlanta. He was pronounced dead after being discovered unresponsive in his home.
400+ Economists, Former Policymakers Endorse Harris’ Economic Vision For America
The more than 400 economists and former policymakers endorsing Harris are from left-leaning economists and officials who served under Democrats.
As we inch closer to Election Day, with voters in some states already casting their ballots, the list of endorsements for Vice President Kamala Harris is growing.
According to CNN, more than 400 economists and former high-ranking U.S. policymakers are endorsing Vice President Harris and her economic vision for America.
This latest endorsement comes as Americans hone in on both Harris’ and former President Donald Trump’s economic policies. National polls show the economy is a critical issue in this upcoming election. A poll from The Economist/YouGov found that 54% of voters said the most important issues to them were “inflation/prices,” “jobs,” and the “economy.”
The more than 400 economists and former policymakers endorsing Harris are from left-leaning economists and officials who served under Democrats, including Brian Deese, a top economist for Biden; Jason Furman, Bull Daley, and Penny Pritzker from the Obama Administration; Robert Reich and Alan Blinder from the Clinton Administration. Blinder also served as vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, CNN reported.
“The choice in this election is clear: between failed trickle-down economic policies that benefit the few and economic policies that provide opportunity for all,” the endorsement document reads. “It is a choice between inequity, economic injustice, and uncertainty with Donald Trump or prosperity, opportunity, and stability with Kamala Harris, a choice between the past and the future.”
Some officials who served under Republicans, such as Sean O’Keefe, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget and NASA administrator under George W. Bush, also endorsed Harris.
Other notable economists supporting Harris include University of Michigan economists Justin Wolfers and Claudia Goldin.
“With Kamala Harris in the White House, workers, families, and businesses can be confident that they have a president who will work relentlessly to build a strong, pro-growth economy for all Americans,” reads the endorsement, which was also signed by former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and ex-Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, both Democrats.
Accused Young Dolph Killer Finally Admits To Shooting Rapper
Cornelius Smith says Yo Gotti's Brother, Big Jook ordered the killing
The trial of Justin Johnson, one of the men charged with killing the rapper Young Dolph, began Sept. 23. It was revealed that his alleged accomplice, Cornelius Smith, stated that the brother of hip-hop recording artist Yo Gotti, Big Jook, allegedly placed an order out to kill the beloved Memphis rapper.
On Nov. 21, 2021, Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr., known to hip-hop fans as Young Dolph, was fatally shot while purchasing cookies at Makeda’s Butter Cookies in his hometown of Memphis, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported.
According to ABC News, Smith was with Johnson when the 36-year-old rapper was gunned down. Johnson is on trial for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and being a felon in possession of a gun. Smith is testifying against Johnson and was also charged with murder and conspiracy.
Smith admitted he was with Johnson when they opened fire on Young Dolph.
During opening arguments, Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman stated that Young Dolph was pursued by Memphis rapper Yo Gotti but had no interest in signing with the Collective Music Group (CMG), the label owned by Yo Gotti. Instead, he had his own recording label, Paper Route Empire. Young Dolph became a rival and made several songs dissing him and Gotti’s brother, Big Jook.
Big Jook was killed outside a Memphis restaurant in January 2024.
Smith told prosecutors that he was paid $800, prior to getting arrested, while his attorney was given $50,000 by Big Jook.
Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that he and Johnson were supposed to receive $40,000 each for carrying out the contracted killing.
Smith confessed that he was on drugs at the time of the murder and was just trying to “get some money.” His son had recently died, and he started ‘popping pills and not caring about anything.’
“I wasn’t feeling nothing at the time. I’m not gonna lie. I was trying to get some money.”
Smith was shot at the scene of the murder by Young Dolph’s brother, Marcus Thornton.
Black Trump Fan Sues NY Mets After Staffer Allegedly Forced Her To Remove MAGA Hat
Moody said a Citi Field staffer demanded she remove her MAGA hat, but White fans were inside the Mets game sporting their MAGA gear.
The New York Mets and Citi Field are facing a $2 million dollar lawsuit after Donald Trump supporter Aura Moody claimed she was racially profiled and denied entrance into the stadium because she was a Black woman sporting a “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hat.
According to The New York Post, the 64-year-old from Saint Albans, Queens, has accused the Mets of “racial discrimination,” “political retaliation,” and “reputational harm” after she and a friend were allegedly prompted by a Citi Field staff member to remove their MAGA gear during the Aug. 14 Mets-Oakland A’s game because it was “too political.” A Brooklyn Federal Court lawsuit filed on Sept. 6 alleged the incident stripped Moody of her freedom of speech and caused emotional distress for the Trump supporter. “This country is supposed to be the beacon of freedom for all,” Moody said. “It was embarrassing. It was heartbreaking. It was shocking. It was humiliating.”
Moody attended the game last month with her friend and several other members of the Queens Village Republican Club, a group she is a board member of. The woman and her friend were approached by the Citi Field staff member after they had already passed security.
Legal documents stated Moody “knew she was being racially targeted and politically retaliated against for being a Black woman wearing a MAGA hat.” The two decided to remove their hats to avoid any inconvenience for the other members who were already seated inside the stadium for the game. However, court documents stated Moody asked permission to put her MAGA hat away in her bag but was told “No.” A security supervisor allegedly told her that removal of the MAGA gear from inside Citi Field was “the policy,” so she and her friend returned to their vehicle to put them away. Moody claimed there were white visitors at Citi Field sporting MAGA gear inside the stadium.
The incident has prompted the New York Mets to reach out to Moody in an attempt to apologize. On Aug. 17, a representative allegedly reached out on behalf of the team and confirmed there is “no such policy against wearing a MAGA hat.” The team attempted to invite Moody back to the ballpark. However, the Trump fan said it will be some time before she returns to Citi Field.
NAACP To Spend $20M In Effort To Mobilize Black Voters
National NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement released by the NAACP on Sept. 19 that it is imperative to stop the schemes of radical extremists to curtail Black voting power by using the ballot.
The NAACP is preparing to spend $20 million to mobilize Black voters across 12 key states for the upcoming presidential election. The sum includes $6 million for local NAACP chapters, $1 million for polling research, and $1.4 million for text bank outreach.
According to NBC News, Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia will be specifically targeted through a $3 million radio advertising campaign in Black communities, and another $2 million will go towards a mailer campaign aimed at encouraging Black voters in those states to participate in their civic duty.
EXCLUSIVE: The NAACP has unveiled a first-of-its-kind “Black Policy Agenda," demanding that Congress combat voting rights restrictions, safeguard labor rights, and push for criminal justice reform.
Although the push from the NAACP is not geared toward a specific candidate, National NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement released by the NAACP on Sept. 19 that it is imperative to stop the schemes of radical extremists to curtail Black voting power by using the ballot.
“Radical extremists are working diligently to interfere with our free and fair election process. These agents work in statehouses, counties, and communities across the country and want to do everything in their power to stop people from voting, especially communities of color,” Johnson said in the NAACP’s press release.
Johnson continued, “While the threats against our democracy are present and dangerous, our commitment to making our voices heard is unwavering. Our most important Black job this November — for all of us — is showing up to the ballot box and making our voices heard. The only way to combat these radical extremists is with your vote.”
According to Dominick Whitehead, the Senior Vice President of Campaigns and Mobilization for the NAACP, Project 2025 presents a clear and present danger to strides made by Black folks under a Democratic presidency.
“The Black community has made enormous progress over the last four years, from student debt cancellation to lower healthcare costs. But Project 2025 is threatening it all,” Whitehead warned in the press release.
Whitehead continued, “With our vote, we’ll not only defend the hard-won victories our communities have seen over the last four years, but we will build on them. This election isn’t about who sits in the Oval Office. It’s about which candidate represents policies and priorities that move us forward. And Black Americans are listening.”
The NAACP also announced that it recruited over 100,000 volunteers to engage with 14.5 million Black voters in the battleground states of Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The Sept. 19 press release follows a Sept. 13 press release in which the NAACP maintained its focus on Black voter outreach. The organization’s leaders, such as Johnson and Phaedra Jackson, the NAACP Vice President of Unit Advocacy and Effectiveness, said that Black voters were the targets of the organization’s ongoing civic engagement program.
Jackson stated, “As part of our massive civic engagement program, we’re targeting both frequent and low propensity voters, especially those in densely populated Black communities. Our latest research will not only help us to understand and reach black voters, but will inform GOTV initiatives across the country. The soul of this nation is on the ballot in November. We want Black communities to understand what’s at stake and take action.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Former USC running back Reggie Bush attends the USC game against Utah as a guest on the pregame show on Fox Sports at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 20, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Reggie Bush Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, USC, Pac-12 To Recoup NIL Money
He is just the latest student-athlete to try to be compensated for name, image and likeness during college years
Former NFL player Reggie Bush has filed a lawsuit against the University of Southern California (USC), the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association), and the PAC-12 Conference. He wants to recoup money that the organizations made based on his name, image, and likeness (NIL) during his college years.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the former running back played his collegiate career with the USC Trojans from 2003–2005, years before the NCAA was forced to change its rules about compensation for student-athletes in 2021. He is now looking to be paid “to address and rectify ongoing injustices stemming from the exploitation of Reggie Bush’s name, image, and likeness during his tenure as a USC football player.”
Evan Selik, the attorney for the former New Orleans Saints player, said in a written statement, “This case is not just about seeking justice for Reggie Bush. It’s about setting a precedent for the fair treatment of all college athletes. Our goal is to rectify this injustice and pave the way for a system where athletes are rightfully recognized, compensated and treated fairly for their contributions.”
Bush won the Heisman Trophy while attending USC (University of Southern California) in 2005. He relinquished the honor in 2010 after NCAA officials discovered he accepted improper benefits. After fighting for years to regain the trophy, the NCAA reinstated the honor on April 24.
Bush isn’t the only former student-athlete to file suit to recoup money that could have been made in college.
Former Michigan athletes Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards were among several other former Michigan players who sued the NCAA and the Big Ten Network earlier this month. In June, ten players who won the NCAA championship while playing for North Carolina State in 1983 sued the NCAA and the Collegiate Licensing Company.
The NCAA and major college conferences are trying to settle three antitrust lawsuits related to NIL compensation for student-athletes. There is an agreement to pay $2.78 billion to hundreds of thousands of college athletes.
Meagan Good Reveals How Being Pretty Stopped Her From Getting Some Acting Roles
Good shared these revelations while on Raven-Symoné and wife Miranda Maday's podcast, "The Best Podcast Ever."
Meagan Good is getting real about her experience with pretty privilege. The actress spoke about how being pretty hurt her during the audition process.
Good shared these revelations while on Raven-Symoné and wife Miranda Maday’s podcast, The Best Podcast Ever. The 43-year-old actress revealed that while her looks have helped her career, some casting directors would deem her too pretty for certain roles, as reported by The Jasmine Brand. The Culture Files re-shared footage of the conversation.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into something and I’ve had an audition, and they were like, ‘She was great, but we just don’t realistically believe her as this character because she’s a pretty girl.’ And I’m like, how can you determine what that character should look like or even what I will look like when I [take the role.]”
Good added that the filmmakers were concerned that people would not “buy” the fact that the leading man could be with someone of her beauty. However, Good has not let those instances stunt her desire to create art. She emphasized that she has no desire to be famous, besides the few perks.
“I know that what I want to put in the world has never been about being famous,” explained the actress. “And also, I don’t have a desire to be famous. I don’t mind getting through the airport quicker, I will say that.”
She added, “I don’t mind the perks. But just [with] as many perks come with it, come the other things as well or the abuses. Whatever it may be.”
Thankfully for Good, being pretty has not hindered her career too severely. The actress revels in this new era of her life, including her starring role in Tyler Perry’s 2024 film Divorce In the Black. On the romance side, her relationship with fellow actor Jonathan Majors also continues.
Beyond Amazing Donuts Owner and Chef Jasmine Macon
Meet The Chefs Cooking Up a Culinary Renaissance in Charlotte
The Queen City is a growing destination for Black-owned restaurants and southern cuisine
Charlotte, NC, has long been a hub for sports, culture, innovation, and business. Located 165 miles southwest of Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, Charlotte is home to the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, the MLS’ Charlotte FC, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. It’s also one of the largest financial centers in the U.S. However, outside of sports and finance, the city is gaining recognition for its rich and diverse restaurant scene. As more visitors explore this Southern gem, Black-owned eateries have become essential stops, not only because of their flavorful dishes but also for the stories behind each establishment.
Black-owned restaurants in Charlotte are at the forefront of a culinary renaissance that celebrates African American heritage through food while also adding modern twists to classic dishes. So, whether you’re a tourist looking for a weekend getaway or a Charlottean seeking new experiences in the city, the Queen City (QC) offers an array of options, from traditional soul food to contemporary fusion eateries.
BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke to five restauranteurs in Charlotte about their love for the QC and how their food contributes to the city’s thriving community.
If you’re looking for a good, down-home southern comfort meal, then look no further than Mert’s Heart & Soul. Established in 1998, the restaurant is known for its Gullah-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits, creole red beans and rice, and salmon cakes. In addition to high-quality products and delicious food, owner James Bazzelle says southern hospitality and great service are what keep hungry customers coming back.
“We stress to our employees [to make] everybody feel like they’re going to the Auntie’s house,” he told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
Source: Mert’s Heart & Soul’s red beans & rice with turkey kielbasa (Facebook/Merts Charlotte)
Several high-profile celebrities including Kevin Hart and President Barack Obama, along with local theater groups, athletes, and coaches have enjoyed the restaurant’s low country-style cuisine. It was also featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, a TV show that spotlights small, family-owned eateries.
Source: Mert’s Heart & Soul’s salmon cakes, rice, and black-eyed peas (Photo courtesy of Mert’s Heart & Soul)
Located in a prime Uptown location, Bazzelle said that his community involvement and philanthropic efforts have also played an important role in his restaurant’s success and longevity.
“We do a lot in the community. Matter of fact, a few hours ago we did a cooking demonstration at the library,” he said. “[If] anybody asks us to help any way we can, we do. We usually donate to all the fundraisers for public schools and back-to-school [drives]. We provide meals for a mentor group every week. We also provide meals for a homeless kids’ center,” he continued. “We just try to be involved in any way we can in the community.”
Location: 214 North College Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28202
THE HEART OF CHARLOTTE
Source: Chef Gregory and Subrina Collier (Facebook/LeahAndLouise)
Four-time James Beard nominee Chef Gregory Collier and his business partner and wife, Subrina, are the driving force behind the culinary explosion in Charlotte. Originally from Memphis, the couple arrived in the QC in 2019 with the dream of opening a restaurant. Today, the couple hosts a food festival and owns three popular Charlotte eateries under the umbrella of their company BayHaven Restaurant Group: Uptown Yolk, Leah & Louise, and 3rd and Fernwood. Not only are they part of the food movement in Charlotte, but they’re also two of the most sought-after names in the hospitality and food service industries.
Source: (Facebook/UptownYolk)
Uptown Yolk puts a modern twist on breakfast and brunch favorites. The restaurant, which closed during the pandemic and reopened last year at Vantage South End, is known for perfecting classic breakfast dishes like their irresistible, fluffy pancakes and their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. Plus, it includes a full-service bar. Subrina adds that they’ve poured just as much love into the menu as they did the restaurant’s décor, which pays homage to the Memphis Design Style created by the Memphis Group, a popular design style that blends Art Deco with pop art.
Source: (Facebook/UptownYolk)
“The design there is Memphis Art Deco. The original Memphis Milan design is what you see, like color blocking.” Uptown Yolk also pays tribute to the Colliers’ Memphis roots by including Tennessee zip codes in the design of the tiles and other “things specific to Memphis, Tennessee,” says Subrina.
Location: 1220 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C. 28203
Source: Mud Island (Facebook/LeahAndLouise)
Leah & Louise, a nationally renowned Southern comfort food restaurant, was named in tribute to Greg’s late sister and grandmother. Since its opening in 2020, the self-described “modern juke joint” has paid homage to Southern culinary traditions by reimagining classic dishes, ingredients, and techniques, all while honoring their rich heritage. Among its standout offerings is the Mud Island, a blackened catfish served with smoked catfish stew, pickled field peas, and rice grits—a dish so celebrated that Vice President Kamala Harris personally requested it during her visit in January.
Location: TBA (The restaurant is relocating to Charlotte’s Historic West End neighborhood.)
Source: Chicken thigh sandwich with Carolina gold sauce & Memphis-style slaw (Facebook/3rd and Fernwood)
Their newest restaurant, 3rd & Fernwood, is a Southern seasonal restaurant with an all-day menu that includes dishes like hambone grits, braised beef meatloaf, pan-seared trout with roasted okra gravy, and candied yams.
Source: Beyond Amazing Donuts Owner and Chef Jasmine Macon
Beyond Amazing Donuts (B.A.D), a small batch donut shop in the Montford neighborhood, puts a creative spin on donuts. The menu features six staple flavors that range from classic treats like the raspberry sprinkle donut and the sweet and creamy vanilla glaze known as “The O.G. Donut” to unique pastries like the brown butter with sorghum carmel donut and the savory black garlic everything donut. Owner and chef Jasmine Macon says her goal is to get patrons to reimagine the classic sweet.
Source: Beyond Amazing Donuts menu (Photo courtesy of Beyond Amazing Donuts)
“I want to expand people’s understanding of what a donut can be by experimenting with both traditional and non-traditional flavors, blending sweet and savory elements,” she told BE in an email.
Macon opened B.A.D. in 2022 after she stepped down as the pastry chef at Leah & Louise. Along with putting a fresh spin on donuts, she sees the pastry shop as a vehicle to build community and foster human connections.
“I named my business Beyond Amazing Donuts [because] my love for these pastries goes beyond just how good they are. I want to cultivate a space where everyone can connect, release, and become part of a larger story.”
Source: (Photo courtesy of Beyond Amazing Donuts)
Macon’s love for baking stems from childhood, after her grandmother encouraged her to experiment with cooking.
“My passion for baking emerged early on. I had several Easy-Bake Ovens and was always experimenting in the kitchen. That’s when I knew an eatery was the path for me.”
Macon, a native of Thomasville, North Carolina, moved to Charlotte and “fell in love with the city” after enrolling in Johnson & Wales University in 2008. “I knew I could comfortably plant my roots in the Queen City.”
Now, her ultimate goal is to leave a legacy in the QC that brings people together and promotes unity.
“I want to be remembered as a giving and considerate person—not without flaws or annoyances—but someone who genuinely sought to offer true connection through donuts.”
Location: 1730 Abbey Place, Charlotte, NC 28209
CUZZO’S CUISINE
Source: Chef Andarrio Johnson (Courtesy of Cuzzo’s Cuisine)
Cuzzo’s Cuisine is a popular Charlotte restaurant known for Southern fare and comfort foods like red velvet waffles. It is owned by cousins Chef Andarrio Johnson and Anglee Brown, who launched Cuzzo’s as a food truck in 2014 before opening the first of three brick-and-mortar restaurants in 2016.
Source: Cuzzo’s Cuisine located at the Charlotte Premium Outlet Food Court (Facebook)
Paying homage to their South Carolina roots, Chef Johnson infuses his dishes with Gullah Geechee culture and flavor. His specialty dishes are his award-winning Shrimp and Grits and his Lobster Mac and Cheese.
“My number one dish is my Shrimp and Grits. I won the best Shrimp and Grits in the city from Charlotte’s Best,” he said. “Everybody here in Charlotte loves my lobster mac and cheese.”
Source: Chef Andarrio Johnson’s award-winning shrimp and grits (Facebook/cuzzoscuisine)
Outside of running Cuzzo’s, Chef Andarrio teaches underserved youth from 10 to 15 years old how to cook and eat healthy through his nonprofit Culinary Connection.
“I got a nonprofit [where] I teach kids how to cook and eat healthy. And I got cooking classes for kids. I do it like once every two months. It’s called Culinary Connection. So, anytime a customer shops with Cuzzo’s Cuisine…some of that proceed goes to one of my nonprofits.”
Source: Chef Andarrio Johnson’s award-winning lobster mac and cheese (photo courtesy of Cuzzo’s Cuisine)
Culinary Connection began after Johnson started providing free meals for children during the pandemic.
“Cuzzo’s Cuisine has been feeding kids for free since COVID 2020 started. And we just never stopped. And that’s what made me start my nonprofit at the time.” He added, “The community really will support you as long as you support them.”
Locations:
Charlotte Premium outlet Food Court located at 5428 New Fashion Way, Charlotte, N.C.
9601 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28262
BIRD PIZZERIA
Source: Bird Pizzeria owners Kerrel and Nkem Thompson (Facebook/Bird Pizzeria)
Bird Pizzeria is not just one of the best pizza joints in Charlotte, it’s one of the best pizzerias in the country, according to The New York Times.
Owners Kerrel and Nkem Thompson opened Bird Pizzeria as a pop-up restaurant in October 2020 before establishing the shop in December 2021 in Charlotte’s Optimist Park neighborhood. But pizza has been part of the husband-and-wife’s love story long before they opened a pizzeria. In fact, they enjoyed pizza on their first date, proving that “love at first slice” is, indeed, a thing.
Source: (Facebook/Bird Pizzeria)
“When we started, we had no staff, just us, and Nkem was pregnant,” says Kerrel. “Everything you see is only what we could do, little by little. People can feel that when they come. It’s real. We have the most diverse customer base throughout every sort of demographic coming every week. We’re really for the people. Can’t complain about our music selection either!”
At Bird, the pizzas are made to be shared and feature browned caramelized crusts. Seasonal toppings like dandelion pesto and local mushrooms are also offered. Nkem describes the style of their pies as “East Coast artisanal,” explaining that they’re reminiscent of the pizza Kerrel grew up eating in Cleveland. “It’s a combination of all the little things Kerrel gathered over the years from different experiences that he loved with hints of childhood nostalgia,” she told BE in an email.
Source: (Facebook/Bird Pizzeria)
In addition to delicious pies – and a great playlist, Nkema says their faith has played a major role in Bird Pizzeria’s success.
“The Lord has led us through this whole thing. We’ve been committed to the process and only doing as much as we could do throughout each step. It’s been such a gift to serve so many folks and to be received so well.”
Location: 510 E 15th St, Charlotte, NC, 28206
Discover more Black-owned businesses and start planning your trip to Charlotte at charlottesgotalot.com.
