On June 14, Charlotte Black Pride held the “Black & Bold” Gala, celebrating 20 years that the LGBTQ+ organization has been at the forefront in helping and advocating for Charlotte’s black queer community. At the event, longtime supporter Connie Vetter was awarded the Inaugural Achievement Award for her contributions to the city and CBP.
The Inaugural Achievement Award is given to recipients by CBP in recognition of early efforts dating back to the organization’s inception and the lasting impact by those recognized.
Vetter traces her efforts in the Charlotte LGBTQ+ community back to the early ‘90s when she served as an activist for marginalized communities. In 1994 she opened her first law office in Charlotte. She continues to practice law focusing on the needs of the LGBTQ+ community today.“Absolutely,” said Vetter. “That’s part of why I went to law school, was to marry my activism and be able to use what I was learning as an attorney,” Vetter told QNotes.
In the many years that CBP has been active, Vetter has been a dedicated asset in one form or another. Whether dedicating her time when able, or providing for other needs of the organization, Vetter has been a constant supporter.
When asked about how she felt about Charlotte Black Pride’s efforts and their many years of activity, Vetter gave a glowing endorsement. “I love their work, and from where they’ve started to what all they’re doing is phenomenal and much needed, especially in this time. And you know, they’ve got a number of events going on. They do things throughout the year, and I just couldn’t believe in them more,” Vetter said.
Jesse Roberts, a member of Charlotte’s LGBTQ community as well as a friend of Vetter’s, had this to say in reflection of the award on June 14, as written in a Facebook Post.
“To say that I am proud of this incredible human would be a gross understatement.. [She] received the Inaugural Impact Award for her contributions to Charlotte Black Pride over the past two decades,” Roberts wrote. “The action she puts behind her passion for diversity, equity and the inclusion of all people is inspiring, to say the very least. She is more than an incredible attorney – she is an advocate. Her friendship continues to challenge me to be a better version of myself on so many levels.”
Other winners of the 2025 Inaugural Achievement Award include Earl D. Fowlkes Jr., Pastor Roger Hayes, David & Tracy Taylor and Dianna Ward.