FLOWER POWER: Black Women in Charlotte Are Getting Bouquets
From Healthcare Worker to Floral Designer, a Blossoming Creative
“I think one of the most beautiful things about the project thus far is the metaphorical giving of flowers. It is the giving that meets her where she is — often at home — and affirms that we see all she is doing, all she is conquering. It is giving right back to another Black woman because we want her to have her flowers, too. It is the circle of giving without requiring. It is love. ” – Olivia Chisholm
We’ve all experienced shifts over the last couple years, and the ones in Olivia Chisholm’s life are really inspiring. Her work as an occupational therapist led her to shift into consulting and programming around disability inclusion and accessibility.
But when the pandemic hit, she launched a creative project called “Giving Black Women Their Flowers” – and her life started shifting yet again. #GBWTF is a beautiful initiative in which she began delivering floral bouquets to Black women all around Charlotte. It took off here in the QC, and eventually got some national love.
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? A Chat with Sarah Parker of Jesus Christ Superstar
“For me, every day is kind of its own journey based on what I’m going through personally that day or that week in my life. That’s a beautiful thing about this show. You can put yourself into it so deeply, so honestly.” – Sarah Parker
We’ve had heaven on our minds for 50 years, and now, at last, Jesus Christ Superstar returns to Charlotte! Everything’s alright on this tour with its lean, streamlined storytelling and strong focus on dancing.
With the musical headed to the Belk Theater March 22 to 27, our writer, Andrea Long, was invited to interview the talented Sarah Parker, who portrays the Mob Leader in the 50th anniversary tour. Buy your tickets here and then click the button below to enjoy their conversation about — among other things — Parker dancing in both the current tour and in the 2018 Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert on NBC.
CREATIVE FUNDING: Lowe’s to Award 100 Impact Grants
DEADLINE TO APPLY: March 28
Lowe’s has announced a $100 million, five-year commitment to fund nearly 1,800 community improvement projects across the country. Of these, 100 “signature projects” will be selected from those nominated by Lowe’s customers. The remainder will be selected by Lowe’s stores in communities throughout the United States. According to the company announcement, this is the largest commitment Lowe’s has ever made to community improvement work.
Nominations are now open for “Signature Impact Grants.” Lowe’s patrons are encouraged to nominate local projects focused on repairing, restoring or improving the following:
- Neighborhood Housing/Shelters (critical repairs, renovations, tiny homes, etc.)
- Skilled Trades Education Facilities (mobile bus, workshops, etc.)
- Community Centers (senior citizen centers, youth centers, accessible home needs, food pantries, etc.)
- Parks/Outdoor Spaces (community playgrounds, greenways, community gardens, etc.)
CLICK HERE to read more about this funding opportunity or to nominate a project in the Charlotte area by March 28.
We work hard to share as many tales of Queen City creativity as we can through The Biscuit, but there’s so much going on! Here are three recent stories from our media friends that got us excited.
ONE: Anuja Jain Celebrates National Fanny Pack Day
Yes. You read that right. There is a holiday for everything. To prepare for National Fanny Pack Day, Charlotte Is Creative reached out through Instagram to ask, “Who designs the coolest fanny packs?” The answer? Local mandala artist, Anuja Jain, who got to share her work on WBTV’s QC Life. WATCH THE SEGMENT.
TWO: Hannah Hasan and I Am Queen Charlotte
Our media partners at WFAE caught up with Charlotte storyteller, Hannah Hasan, to chat about the creation of I Am Queen Charlotte week. READ MORE.
THREE: The Creation of the Queen’s Tifo for Charlotte FC
Speaking of Queen Charlotte, as the city’s newest sports franchise, Charlotte FC, took the pitch for their home debut at Bank of America stadium, so did a 52-foot tifo (or banner) of the Queen. The Charlotte Ledger recently shared the story of fans working together to design and build it. READ MORE.
Charlotte SHOUT! returns to the streets of uptown Charlotte in just two weeks, bringing a wide array of opportunities to celebrate food, art, ideas and live music! Here are four we’re excited to experience when the festival returns April 1-17. Click here for more events.
FOOD: Get Hungry for Charlotte StrEATs Festival
The inaugural Charlotte StrEATs Festival will take over Gateway Village the last weekend of SHOUT! Admission is free April 15 and 16, but the main course is a special tasting event featuring 14 of Charlotte’s best restaurants from noon to 3 p.m. on April 16. A limited number of tickets are available to the tasting event. MORE HERE.
ART: Watch a Dozen Local Artists Live Paint at Spray Jam
You know their art, but do you know the people and the process behind the art? Witness creatives at work the second two weekends (April 8-10 and 15-17) when 12 of Charlotte’s best muralists team up to cover the blank walls at the new Victoria Yards, across from The Market at 7th. Entry is free. MORE HERE.
IDEAS: Explore Tupperware and Truth Bombs with Dixie Longate
Comedic personality Dixie Longate returns to the Queen City, trailer in tow, to perform her first stand-up set, “Cherry Bombs and Bottle Rockets,” at the Knight Theater on April 9 at 8 p.m. Not one to hold back anything, Dixie’s ready to leave the pandemic in the rearview and regale you with tales ranging from Loretta Lynn to alien abductions. MORE HERE.
MUSIC: Enjoy Six Local Musical Acts in One Day at Indie Fest
To kick off the second weekend of SHOUT!, Gateway Village will explode with sound when six Charlotte-based musical acts take the stage for Indie Fest, a free concert featuring Pluto Gang, Swim in the Wild, Braxton Bateman, Natalie Carr, Emanual Wynter and DJ Fannie Mae. The event will be available in person and streaming … oh, and there will be a curated laser and light show. MORE HERE.
These news items are sponsored by Charlotte SHOUT!
There’s something important in the back of your mind today:
- an idea you want to explore …
- a thing you want to make …
- a spark you want to ignite …
There are also nagging thoughts that say “it’s not perfect, yet” or “now’s not the right time.” Ignore them. Push forward. Jump in with both feet. There are a million reasons NOT to create. But, you only need one TO create: It’s in your nature and it will bring you joy. Set aside some time today to simply get started. Take one step today. Take another tomorrow. Soon, you’ll be running.
In other words: Don’t wait. Create.
This logo was designed by Nalee Thao.
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