Janine Davis Girl Talk Foundation Charlotte NC 2025 Travel Interview
By Staff
Trend Magazine Online™
A First For Charlotte!
Re-published from a previous edition with Updates...
Trend Magazine Online™
A First For Charlotte!
Re-published from a previous edition with Updates...
The idea of a Women's History and Heritage Toursm 💃🏛️ came to our Director Juan a.k.a. "Jay" Whipple back in 2002 📅 — ten years after he developed his first area tour of Black Charlotte ✊🏾🏙️ called the Charlotte Black Heritage Toursm 📖🌍.
He commissioned one of his female guides to begin the research; however, the project was never completed due to an unforeseen stoppage. The idea of the women's history and heritage tour was shelved until 2009 📅 when Mr. Whipple decided to dust off and complete the project himself.
🗣️ "The timing is a lot better for this type of tour because women have made a much larger impact on the Queen City since 2002," says Whipple. "Back then there were just a handful of women contributors to highlight. Today, you have a much larger pool of notable women to highlight, which allows for at least a three-hour tour." ⏳🏆
Charlotte's first Women’s History and Heritage Toursm 💜👩🎓 highlights the contributions of notable area women from the past and present such as Doris Duke 💰🏛️ (Duke Energy), who was born on November 22 📅, 1912 in New York City 🗽.
She was the only child of James and Nanaline Duke of Durham, NC 📍. At the early age of 12 🎂, she became the richest woman/little girl in the world after inheriting her father's fortune worth reportedly $300 million dollars 💵💎. In order to become the sole heir of her father's estate, she had to sue her own mother, whom some blamed for his death in 1925 ⚖️. She reportedly never had any real childhood friends and hence was known as the “Poor little rich girl.” 😢💰
Billionaire tobacco, electric energy, and transportation heiress Doris Duke passed away on October 28 📅, 1993 at the age of 80 years old 🕊️.
📅 Latest Update on Doris Duke - 2025 📅
As of February 2025 📅, the legacy of Doris Duke 💰🏛️, the renowned philanthropist and heiress, continues to thrive through the ongoing efforts of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) 🌿🤝. The foundation remains dedicated to fostering a more creative 🎭, equitable ⚖️, and sustainable 🌍 future by supporting various initiatives across the arts 🎨, medical research 🏥, environmental conservation 🌱, and child well-being 👶💖.
🔹 2024 Notable Programs & Initiatives:
-
🎭 Performing Arts Technologies Lab:
🚀 This inaugural program awarded grants to 20 innovative projects spanning theater 🎭, jazz 🎷, contemporary dance 💃, and multi-disciplinary arts 🎶, integrating technology and creativity in groundbreaking ways.
🔗 Learn More -
🌍 Building Bridges Fellowship:
✨ In collaboration with the Islamic Scholarship Fund 📚 and the Sundance Institute 🎥, this initiative promotes U.S. Muslim stories 📖, fostering greater understanding and representation in media and arts.
🔗 Learn More -
🏆 Doris Duke Artist Awards:
🎨 Recognizing exceptional talent, the foundation granted up to $550,000 💵 each to six artists in February 2024 📅, empowering them to pursue their creative endeavors with financial support.
🔗 Learn More
🌟 Doris Duke’s impact lives on! Through these initiatives, her philanthropic vision 🤝 and commitment to positive change 🔄 continue to shape the future, ensuring her legacy adapts to modern challenges and opportunities 🌱⚖️.
Dr. Selma Burke 🎨🏛️ (Sculptress) was born on December 31 📅, 1900, in Mooresville, NC 📍, to Mary L. Elizabeth Jackson Cofield Burke, a homemaker/educator, and Neal Burke, a Methodist ⛪ minister. She studied at the Slater Industrial and State Normal School 🎓 (now Winston-Salem State University 📚) in Winston-Salem, NC, and worked as a Registered Nurse 🏥 in the 1920s and 1930s in Philadelphia 📍 and New York 🗽 while receiving several art fellowships. She returned to this area and completed her Doctorate 🎓 in Arts 🎭 and Letters 📜 from Livingstone College 🏫 in Salisbury, NC 📍. Dr. Selma Burke passed away on August 29 📅, 1995, at the age of 94 years old 🕊️. She is featured on the QCT Charlotte Black Heritage Toursm 🚍🖤.
📅 Latest Update on Dr. Selma Burke - 2025 📅
As of February 2025 📅, the remarkable contributions of Dr. Selma Burke 👩🏾🎨, a pioneering African American sculptor and educator, continue to inspire and influence the art world and beyond. Born on December 31, 1900 🎂, in Mooresville, North Carolina 🏡, Dr. Burke's legacy is celebrated through various ongoing initiatives and commemorations.
🔹 Celebrating Artistic Achievements:
-
🎨 Iconic Sculptures:
🗽 Dr. Burke is renowned for her bas-relief portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which many credit as the inspiration for his image on the U.S. dime. Her works, including sculptures of prominent figures like Booker T. Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., are displayed in esteemed institutions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Winston-Salem State University. 🔗 Learn More -
🏛️ Educational Institutions:
📚 Dr. Burke's commitment to art education led her to establish the Selma Burke Art School in New York City in 1946 and later the Selma Burke Art Center in Pittsburgh. These institutions have nurtured countless artists and continue to serve as beacons of artistic excellence. 🔗 Learn More
🔹 Recent Honors and Recognitions:
-
🏅 Posthumous Accolades:
🏆 In recent years, art communities and educational institutions have organized exhibitions and events to honor Dr. Burke's legacy, ensuring that her contributions to art and culture are remembered and celebrated. -
📰 Media Features:
📺 Various platforms have highlighted Dr. Burke's life and work, bringing her story to new audiences and inspiring future generations of artists. 🔗 Learn More
🌟 Dr. Selma Burke's legacy endures! Through her timeless art and unwavering dedication to education, she continues to inspire and shape the cultural landscape, leaving an indelible mark on history. 🖤🎨
Representative Sue Myrick 🏛️👩⚖️ (R-NC 9) was born August 1, 1941 📅, in
Tiffin, Ohio 📍.
She attended Heidelberg College 🎓 in Tiffin 📍 from 1959 to 1960. In 1995, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate 🎓 of Humane Letters 📜 from Heidelberg College 🏫.
Before moving to Charlotte, NC 📍, she was an on-air television personality 📺 in Harrisburg, Virginia 📍.
Representative Myrick 🏛️ began her public life as executive secretary to the Mayor 🏙️ of Alliance, Ohio 📍.
She made history by being elected as the first woman Mayor 👩⚖️🏛️ of Charlotte, NC 📍, in 1987, after defeating Harvey Gantt ⚖️ (Charlotte's first Black Mayor), and served until 1991.
🏛️
📜 Myrick was the first Republican woman to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Congress. During her tenure (1995-2013), she was known for her work on various committees and her focus on national security and healthcare issues, and she was theCEO 💼 of Myrick Advertising and Public Relations 📢 and Myrick Enterprises 🏢.
She is part of the QCT Charlotte Daily City Toursm 🚍🏙️.
📅 Latest Update on Sue Myrick - 2025 📅
🏡 Private Life:
🌸 Myrick has largely maintained a private life, focusing on family and personal interests. While not actively involved in politics, her legacy continues to influence discussions on leadership and public service in North Carolina.
Representative Beverly M. Earle 🏛️✊🏾 (D-NC 101) was born on December 30 📅, 1943, in Greensboro, NC 📍—home of the first sit-in movement. She is the first Black woman 👩🏾⚖️ to represent Mecklenburg County 🏙️ in the North Carolina House of Representatives 🏛️. She is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University 🎓 with a degree in Social Service ❤️ and has received many civic awards for her care of the elderly, children, and the sick. She has lived in Charlotte, NC 📍 for over thirty years and is the owner of Earle and Associates 💼, founded in 1991 📅. From 1985 to 1991, she owned and operated Beverly’s Frozen Desserts 🍦. Representative Earle served until 2018 and that same year was the winner of the North Carolina PACE 🏆 (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) Advocate Award 🌟.
📅 Latest Update on Beverly M. Earle - 2025 📅
🗳️ Chairwoman of the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections:
🗳️ Since her appointment on June 29, 2023 📅, Earle has been serving as the Chairwoman of the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. Her term is set to continue until June 26, 2025 📅. In this capacity, she oversees electoral processes, ensuring fair and transparent elections within the county.
Elisabeth "Liz" Green Hair 🏛️🌿 (D) was born on January 2 📅, 1920, in St. Louis, MO 📍, and in 1949, moved to Charlotte 📍 with her second husband, Sam Hair.
She made political history in 1974 📅 when she became the first woman to head the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners 👩⚖️, making her the most powerful woman in town. She was instrumental in creating the county’s first affirmative action plan, the Charlotte Women’s Political Caucus 🗳️, and the Mecklenburg County Democratic Women’s Club 🏛️.
She campaigned for a "green necklace" 🌿 around the Queen City 🏙️, and today the Liz Hair Nature Walk 🌳🚶♀️ is named in her honor along the 14-mile 🛤️ Little Sugar Creek Greenway 🌲, which is on the route of the
QCT Charlotte Daily City Toursm 🚍🏙️.
She passed away in March 📅 of 2014 at the age of 94 years old 🕊️.
📅 Latest Update on Liz Hair - 2025 📅
As of February 2025 📅, Liz Hair's legacy continues to influence Charlotte's political and social landscape:
-
👩💼 Increased Female Representation:
Building upon Hair's groundbreaking achievements, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners now boasts a majority of female members. In 2024, six women served on the board: Leigh Altman, Pat Cotham, Vilma D. Leake, Laura Meier, Elaine Powell, and Susan Rodriguez-McDowell. -
🌿 Ongoing Environmental Initiatives:
The "Liz Hair Nature Trail" remains a cherished part of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, symbolizing Charlotte's commitment to environmental conservation and serving as a reminder of Hair's visionary leadership.
🌟 Elisabeth "Liz" Hair's enduring impact on Charlotte's political and social fabric is evident in the strides made toward gender equality in governance and the city's dedication to environmental stewardship. Her pioneering spirit continues to inspire current and future generations of leaders. 🗳️🌿
Commissioner Ella Butler Scarborough 🏛️✊🏾 (D)
was born in 1952 📅 in Sumter, SC 📍, and in 1971 moved to Charlotte 📍 after graduating from South Carolina State University 🎓.
She made political history by becoming the first Black/African-American 👩🏾⚖️ woman to win an at-large seat on the Charlotte City Council 🏙️, and again in 1998 when she won the Democratic primary to run for Mayor 🏛️ of the Queen City 👑.
She is the great-niece of Dr. Mary McLeod-Bethune 🎓📚 (Founder of Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida) and was shot at, attacked by dogs, and repelled with fire hoses during the Orangeburg Massacre ⚖️ in 1968 📅 during the height of the Civil Rights Movement ✊🏾.
She served as Chair At Large on the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners 🏛️ and it was reported on February 3 📅, 2022, that she requested a medical leave of absence.
Update: Sadly, Commissioner Scarborough passed away on Tuesday, May 24 📅, 2022, at the age of 75 years old 🕊️. Our condolences to her family!
She is featured on the QCT Charlotte Black/African-American Heritage Toursm 🚍🖤.
📅 Latest Update on Ella Scarborough - 2025 📅
🔹 The Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center:
In honor of her unwavering commitment to the community, Mecklenburg County inaugurated the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center 🏢 at 430 Stitt Road in northeast Charlotte. Officially opened in October 2023, the center serves as a hub for various health and human services, connecting residents with essential resources such as WIC, Medicaid, and energy assistance programs. The facility embodies Scarborough's vision of accessible and holistic support for all community members.
Mayor/Commissioner Jennifer Roberts 🏛️👩⚖️ (D) was born on April 18 📅, 1960, and is a native of Charlotte, NC 📍.
She graduated from East Mecklenburg High School 🎓 before earning her Bachelor’s 🎓 degree from the University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill 📚 and Master’s Degrees 🎓 in International Affairs 🌍 from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Toronto.
She was the first person (male or female) to be elected as Chair 🏛️ of the Board of Mecklenburg County Commissioners 🏙️ (2006 - 2011) and later Mayor 🏛️ of Charlotte 🏙️ (2015 - 2017).
Mayor/Commissioner Roberts is a proud recipient of the Maya Angelou Women Who Lead 🏆 award, among others, and currently (2022) works as the Director 📢 of the Path to Positive Communities 🌱 program with ecoAmerica 🌍, a national non-profit organization that builds public support and political will for climate actions in the United States 🇺🇸.
In 2023 📅, former Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and former State Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr provided an update on their ongoing work to help restore and strengthen faith in the honesty and legitimacy of
U.S. elections 🗳️.
She is featured on the QCT Charlotte Daily City Toursm 🚍🏙️.
📅 Latest Update on Jennifer Roberts - 2025 📅
🔹 Continued Advocacy and Roles:
-
🌿 Director of Path to Positive Communities:
After her mayoral term, Roberts served as the Director of the Path to Positive Communities program with ecoAmerica, focusing on building public support for climate action across the United States. [Source] -
🗣️ Carter Center's Democracy Project Co-Lead:
Since 2021, she has co-led the Carter Center's Democracy Project in North Carolina, working to restore faith in democratic institutions and ensure fair elections. [Source]
🔹 Recent Engagements (2025):
-
🎓 Educational Outreach:
In early February 2025, Roberts provided an in-depth overview of local governance to students, emphasizing the roles of elected officials and the importance of civic engagement. [Source] -
🗳️ Voting Rights Advocacy:
On February 17, 2025, she participated in a voting rights protest in Charlotte, highlighting concerns over voter disqualification and emphasizing the need for electoral integrity. [Source]
🌟 Jennifer Watson Roberts' enduring commitment to public service, environmental sustainability, and democratic principles continues to inspire and shape the Charlotte community and beyond. Her multifaceted roles reflect a deep dedication to fostering positive change and advocating for inclusive policies. 🗳️🌿
Mayor Vi Alexander Lyles 🏛️👩🏾⚖️ (D) is a native of Columbia, SC 📍 (home of
Fort Jackson, United States Army basic training post).
She served the city as Mayor Pro-Tem 👩⚖️ and At-Large council member from 2013 to 2017.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts 🎓 degree in Political Science 🗳️ from Queen's University 📚 and her Master’s of Public Administration 🎓 from the University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill.
She also served as Assistant City Manager 🏛️ from 1996 to 2004.
She was 64 years old 🎂 at the time of her historic victory, widowed (late husband John), and the mother of four children.
She was officially sworn in on Monday, December 4 📅, 2017, and led her first official city council meeting on Monday, December 11 📅, 2017.
She is featured on the QCT Charlotte Black/African-American Heritage Toursm 🚍🖤.
Update: On Tuesday, November 7 📅, 2023,
Mayor Lyles 🏛️ won her fourth term, making her the longest-tenured Black politician to hold that office in Charlotte, NC, history.
📅 Latest Update on Vi Lyles - 2025 📅
🔹 Recent Initiatives and Developments (2025)
- Affordable Housing and Infrastructure: Mayor Lyles continues to prioritize affordable housing and infrastructure development to accommodate Charlotte's rapid growth. The city is projected to reach a population of 1 million by 2040, and her administration is actively planning to meet the associated challenges. [Source]
- Community Engagement: In December 2024, Mayor Lyles proclaimed December 12 as the sixth annual "Share the Warmth Day" in Charlotte, emphasizing the city's commitment to supporting residents in need during the winter months. [Source]
- Leadership and Governance: In October 2024, Mayor Lyles and a majority of the City Council voted to end the employment of City Attorney Patrick Baker, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in city governance. [Source]
Mayor Vi Lyles' leadership continues to shape Charlotte's trajectory, fostering a city that is inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking. Her dedication to public service and community well-being remains evident as she guides Charlotte through opportunities and challenges alike.
