Plus, major donation for CMS grads.
 
06.14.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE

Today’s Weather

93º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:08 a.m. | Sunset 8:39 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report
 

💻 Providing necessary tech

Laptops donated to 300 CMS graduates heading to HBCUs
CLTtoday_student gifted laptop_June 2024
32 CMS students and recent graduates were gifted refurbished laptops during a ceremony at E2D’s Technology Lab at the AvidXchange. | Photo by CLTtoday
Bridging the digital divide. That’s exactly what E2D, Eliminate the Digital Divide, is doing for hundreds of recent Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools graduates.

“We found out a lot of first generation students that were going to historically Black colleges and universities didn’t actually have their own computers,” said Pat Millen, E2D President and Co-Founder. “That should never be a reason why people are not successful in college.”

Thanks to donations from Google Fiber, Honeywell, Lowe’s, and Truist, 700 refurbished laptops will help 300 students succeed in college.

“A laptop is one of the most important things we know will help lead to success for our students,” said Dr. John Oliver, Johnson C. Smith University’s Project Manager for Charlotte’s Inclusive Tech-Innovation Project.

A table with a blue tablecloth and several stacks of black Dell laptops.

Since 2013, E2D has donated more than 48,000 laptops to students across Charlotte.

|

Photo by CLTtoday

E2D also employs CMS students from Title I schools, trains them, and gives them a head start at life after high school.

Olympic High School senior Aria McKinney was a recipient and an E2D technician. “Receiving this laptop from E2D is a game-changer for me. It means I can fully participate in my classes, conduct research, and stay connected with my professors and peers.” Editor’s note: McKinney will proudly be attending North Carolina A&T State University this fall.

A row of people working to refurbish laptops for E2D's giveaway.

E2D’s IT Workforce Development program provides students the ability to refurbish laptops and gain transferable skills for life after school.

|

Photo by CLTtoday

“Since 2013, E2D has provided nearly 48,000 computers since we started,” said Millen. Moving forward, E2D will be doing more outreach to North Carolina companies for computers and partnering with the Kramden Institute to provide technology to students across the state.

“We need to get our hands on every computer we can so that we can refurbish them and get them to families, students, and workers that need them. This is about economic development and this is about family prosperity,” said Millen.

How can you help? E2D partners with companies across the Carolinas for laptop donations and financial contributions.
Asked

How old were you when you got your first laptop?
A. 10-15
B. 15-20
C. 20-30
D. 30-40
E. Other
Powering up
 
Events
Friday, June 14
  • St. Sarkis Armenian Food Festival | Friday, June 14 | 5-9 p.m. | Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, 7000 Park Rd., Charlotte | Free | Celebrate Armenian cuisine and culture at this free, weekend-long festival.
  • Art After Dark: For the People | Friday, June 14 | 6-10 p.m. | Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | Free | Be immersed in art, live performances, and conversation during this curated experience.
Saturday, June 15
  • Hot Wheels Legends Tour | Saturday, June 15 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Walmart Supercenter, 2406 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe | Free | Bring the family to see life-size Hot Wheels + custom cars competing to become the next best toy on the track.
  • Queen City Juneteenth Parade and Cultural Celebration | Saturday, June 15 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Central Piedmont Community College - Cato Campus, 8120 Grier Rd., Charlotte | Free | Cheer as vibrant floats parade the streets + dance to live music, shop local vendors, and more.
  • An Intimate Evening With Priscilla Presley | Saturday, June 15 | 6 p.m. | Mooresville Performing Arts Center, 160 S. Magnolia St., Mooresville | $35-$50 | Hear stories of Priscilla and the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
  • The Speakeasy | Saturday, June 15 | 7-11 p.m. | Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte | $34+ | Experience the roaring 20s as the science museum turns into a speakeasy for one night only.
Sunday, June 16
  • Juneteenth Festival of The Carolinas | Sunday, June 16 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | 1214 Thomas Ave., Charlotte | Commemorate Juneteenth at this annual festival with performances, art, food, and more.
  • Father’s Day Cookout + Concert at Duke Mansion | Sunday, June 16 | 4 p.m. | The Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Rd., Charlotte | $45-$75 | Treat the fathers in your life to a cookout and live music.
  • Sean Paul - Greatest Tour 2024 | Sunday, June 16 | 8 p.m. | The Fillmore, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte | $56+ | The “Temperature” will climb in the Queen City when the artist takes the stage.
Monday, June17
  • BREAKTHROUGH: A ThetaBreathwork Experience | Monday, June 17 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Unpause Your Dreams Creative Studio, 1251 Arrow Pine Dr., Ste. B150, Charlotte | $50 | Practice meditation, breath work, and healing for a healthier future.
  • The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session | Monday, June 17 | 7 p.m. | Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte | $7-$10 | Dance to the city’s best musicians performing the Charlotte-native’s music in an intimate setting.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 

⚾ Summer fun with the Charlotte Knights is a home run
A GIF showing fireworks at Truist Field and little kids running up to a mascot.
Cheer on the Charlotte Knights as they take on the Gwinnett Braves this month. | Photos provided by Charlotte Knights
Summer’s heating up, and the Charlotte Knights are bringing the fun to Truist Field. From Tuesday, June 18 to Sunday, June 23, catch their home games against the Gwinnett Braves.

Highlights include:
  • Back-to-back fireworks | Friday, June 21 + Saturday, June 22
  • Catch on the field before the game | Saturday, June 22
  • Family Fun Day + Princess Day | Sunday, June 23
Bonus: Look out for two giveaways (think: a bobblehead and youth jersey).
    See the full schedule + snag tickets
    News Notes
    Civic
    • Some Charlotte residents oppose using tax funds for the proposed improvements to Bank of America Stadium. Council members also call for protections with Tepper Sports & Entertainment. A public meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 17 at 3 p.m. (WCNC)
    Transit
    • South Carolina wants your input on the Statewide Rail Plan. SCDOT wants to improve freight and passenger train travel. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26. Registration is required. (WCNC)
    Development
    • A grocery store could be coming near Camp North End. Mecklenburg County plans to pay $1.5 million to fund Spangler’s, a California-based grocer. The 8,000-sqft store would be at the corner of Kohler and Statesville avenues. An opening date is TBA. (The Charlotte Observer)
    Real Estate
    • Toll Brothers will soon build 188 homes in Weddington. The Fortune 500 company acquired 29 acres at 5932 Weddington Matthews Rd. The homes will range between 4,051 to 5,155 sqft with four to six bedrooms. Prices will start at $1.1 million. (Charlotte Business Journal)
    Charlottean
    • A Hickory native is competing at the US Open. J.T. Poston is playing his fifth Open — which started Thursday in Pinehurst. The tournament runs through Sunday, June 16. (WSOC)
    Cause
    • Birdsong Brewing is hosting a tie-dye workshop with shirt sales going to Time Out Youth. The event is Saturday, June 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. The $35 fee includes a complimentary brew.
    Sports
    • The USL Super League has announced it will livestream games on Peacock. The Division One professional women’s soccer league will kick off its inaugural season Saturday, Aug. 17-Sunday, Aug. 18. You can watch Carolina Ascent FC face off against Lexington SC on Sunday, Aug. 25.
    Listen
    • The Panthers are taking a six week break before Training Camp. Who stood out during the mandatory mini camp? Go beyond the locker room for the biggest stories on the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Wellness
    • Imagine caffeine-free energy with no jitters, no crash, and no impact on sleep — plus reduced hunger and cravings. Explore MTE energy drink + get 22% off with code MI22.*
    6AM City Drink Up Campaign
     
    Transit

    🚙 Get in, we’re going shopping

    Buckle up for a free ride around Plaza Midwood
    An electric six-person van parked outside a gray shop on a bright day.
    Jaunt will take riders anywhere within a one-mile radius of the Plaza Midwood Business District. | Photo via Let’s Meet CLT
    Next time in Plaza Midwood, you’ll notice a new rideshare service on the streets. The Plaza Midwood Merchants Association and Jaunt are providing free electric vehicle rides around the business district.

    “This innovative partnership aims to enhance accessibility to the local shops, restaurants, and businesses in Plaza Midwood while reducing parking congestion and promoting eco-friendly transportation,” said Phil Gussman, a Board Member of the Plaza Midwood Merchants Association.

    How can I get a ride? Through Sunday, July 28th, you can request a free ride by texting 704-980-2742.

    Jaunt only runs on the weekends:
    ● Fridays and Saturdays: 4-10 pm
    ● Sundays: 12-6 pm

    “Our energy-efficient, zero-emission EVs provide a sustainable solution for getting around one of Charlotte’s most popular districts hassle-free,” said E.J. Drayton, Jaunt’s CEO and Head of Partnerships.
    The Buy
    Do you have a bourbon lover in your life? Gift this Box Of Bourbon from Adams Apple Co. for National Bourbon day. The set includes a marinade and grilling sauce, made ready for a barbecue.
    Answered

    How fast can a black bear run?
    With all the bear sightings around the Charlotte area, we hope giving you a little quiz was “bearable.”

    A. 10 mph
    B. 20 mph
    C. 30 mph
    D. 35 mph

    Correct answer: 35 mph. Only 30% of you got it right. 🐻
    6AM City In-house
     
    The Wrap
     
    Headshot of CLTtoday author Maria Delgado

    Today’s edition by:
    Maria
    From the editor
    So, I recently heard the members of Toto did not think “Africa” was good enough to go on the album. Anyone else love jamming to that song? Please sing along this weekend as we wish all the father figures a happy Father’s Day
    Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
    Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
    Advertise     ›
    Shop     ›
     
     
    Feedback on Today's Newsletter

    Did you like today’s newsletter?

    😍 Loved it 🙂 Solid effort 😞 Changes needed
     
     

    Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

    Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

    Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

    P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

    ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY