MeckPAC seeks supporters
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee, MeckPAC, held an interest meeting on June 3 in order to engage the community to join its steering committee.
The committee meets on the first Tuesday of each month. While convening, participants are given the opportunity to evaluate candidates for local office and provide endorsements based upon whether or not they are LGBT inclusive. They can also work with elected officials to advocate for policy and ordinance changes to make Charlotte-Mecklenburg more LGBT inclusive.
Over the past few years, MeckPAC worked with the school board to get sexual orientation and gender identity added to CMS’s anti-bullying policy in 2008. It was instrumental in getting domestic partner benefits for Mecklenburg County and Charlotte city employees in 2009 and 2012 respectively. Additionally, MeckPAC worked with elected officials to get sexual orientation and gender identity added to the county’s non-discrimination policy in 2005 and 2014 and sexual orientation and gender identity added to the city’s non-discrimination policy in 2010 and 2012.
Current steering committee members are Scott Bishop, chair; Jerry Ancrum, vice chair; Larry Ferri, treasurer; Sarah Demarest; Jamie Hildreth; Roberta Dunn; and Crystal Richardson.
To learn more or to attend a meeting, email meckpac@gmail.com
info: meckpac.org.
Seniors meeting approaches
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Aging Solutions Dinner will be held on June 16, 7 p.m., at Flying Biscuit Cafe, 4241 Park Rd.
Topic for the June meeting is “Unique Care Giving Issues in the LGBT Community – Where to Get Support.” Presenter will be Lyndall Hare.
The group’s goal is to provide information and support for LGBT seniors. Professional and non-professional providers, as well as allies are encouraged to attend.
Thirty-six people attended the May meeting.
Email RSVPs to clt.lgbt.elders@gmail.com. Due to facility size and available seating, only the first 50 to reply will be honored.
Festival celebrates freedom
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 17th Annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas will be held June 12-15, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., at Independence Park, 1601 Park Dr.
The celebrations embraces freedom for all people — for those who have been enslaved at some point in history. It is imbued with an array of cultural traditions and diversity through food, arts and music. Vendors will be on hand showcasing their wares like unique arts, crafts and clothing from around the world. Music will keep the party going with selections from R&B, blues, jazz, reggae, hip-hop and other soul-stirring sounds. Dance troupes will be on hand as well.
More than 20,000 are expected to attend. Volunteers are welcome.
info: juneteenthofthecarolinas.com.
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Share your news with us
Does your organization or special interest group have events or great information to share with our readers? If so, be sure to send in your information to specialassignments@qnotescarolinas.com. In the upcoming months, we’ll feature one of you in our news notes section in each issue. Are you a part of a Meetup, Yahoo or Google group and do you do something that’s really newsworthy? Do you provide a service for the community or hold fundraisers for worthy causes? Do you educate the public about LGBT issues or concerns? Of course, this is only a sampling of things we are interested in. It’s the aim of these pieces to inform, enlighten and educate our readers about what we’re doing here in the Carolinas to champion LGBT rights, as well as offer resources for those who may be interested in what your group is doing.