2nd Annual Knights of Peter Claver
Awards Gala June 22, 2024
The 2nd Annual Knights of Peter Claver Award Gala recognizes and celebrates phenomenal people that exemplifies Innovation, Sustainability, Influence, Community and Resilience .Gourmet lovers and connoisseurs will describe this as a impeccable“eruption of the senses” where all your senses will be awakened by seductive aroma, jazzy music, luxurious interior setting and elegant ambience. With precise attention to detail, perfect execution, and exceptional experience. This event will recognize local and regional people that are making an impact within the Charlotte area.This signature event generates significant funding in support of the Capital Campaign giving Our Lady of Consolation the tools they need to make a lifelong impact on the city Charlotte.
The Trail Blazer Of The Year
Dr. Patrick Graham
Dr. Patrick Graham is a public and social sector leader with over 25 years of executive-level and policy
experience. He served as the chief executive officer of the Martin Luther King Center of Long Island, Urban League of Central Carolinas, Charlotte Works, Senior Policy Advisor for Wealth Building with the
City of Richmond, and a director with the Crisis Assistance Ministry. He currently serves as CEO of
WeBuild Concord and, in three years, turned it into the largest affordable housing developer in Cabarrus
County. However, Dr. Graham’s true impact is in regional and national economic and social justice
strategies.
Dr. Graham’s innovative thinking and commitment to inclusivity are evident in his creation of the
Career4All strategy. This groundbreaking approach, which workforce boards still use to reach segregated
communities, was a game-changer in the field. He also inspired the merger of financial institutions with
talent development when he co-created the Bank of the Urban League of Central Carolinas. The
initiative provided over $6.7 million to minority-owned businesses and was an example to other
following nonprofits. These are a few examples of his contributions to economic and social justice
strategies.
Public Citizen of The Year
Senator Joyce Waddell
Waddell is a graduate of South Carolina State University and holds a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina A & T State University and Appalachian State University. She earned her doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has served on more than 15 boards and community organizations, many serving children, in appointed and elected capacities. Waddell has three decades of experience in education, including 21 years in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as a teacher and administrator.[1]
In recognition of her support of student health and wellness, UNC Charlotte has renamed its student health center in honor of Sen. Joyce Waddell ’73. More than 100 guests joined Waddell Sunday, Nov. 5, at a ceremony to officially name the center the Joyce Davis Waddell Center for Student Health and Wellbeing.
s.”
The Community Impact Award
Gerald Johnson Publisher & CEO Charlotte Post
Gerald and Robert Johnson are optimistic about The Charlotte Post’s future.
Robert said. “You hear people all the time saying they want to start a business and may start off doing well. But, at some point, they may lose their vision for whatever reason. As long as you have a vision of where you are going in five or six years from today, that is what keeps you going. That is what keeps me going.”
Said Gerald: “For me personally, when I look back on it, the only reason I did this was for (Bill Johnson). I think he would be very proud of what we did. That is pretty much how I look at it. I did it for him and fortunately, it turned out OK so far. I think he would look down and be proud that we did make it and continue to do so.”
The Post is still family-oriented with Johnsons on the staff.“We just have to see what it is going to lead to,” Gerald said.“Hopefully, everybody that is left sees the vision and it’s our job to make sure they truly understand what is needed to keep this thing going.” As the brothers reflect on the last 50 years, they remember a lot of good times, some hard times, and everything in between.
Publishing family legacy: 50 years later, still going strong
The Law Enforcement Award for Courage
Spencer B. Merriweather III
Spencer B. Merriweather III, who has dedicated his career to public service, has served as District Attorney since 2017.
During his tenure as Mecklenburg County’s chief prosecutor, DA Merriweather has prioritized the prosecution of dangerous offenses by establishing and later expanding the Violent Crimes Team. He also created the Special Victims Team, a trauma-informed unit that works to seek justice for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking. DA Merriweather removed financial barriers that prevented some defendants from participating in deferred prosecution programs, and he broadened referrals to treatment court programs. He also formed a Diversity and Inclusion Team to promote values essential to his office’s vision of seeking justice through integrity so that all people can place their trust in prosecutors’ work.
DA Merriweather was appointed by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper to serve as District Attorney after the previous District Attorney vacated the seat to become U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. DA Merriweather was sworn into office on November 27, 2017, and he was subsequently elected in 2018 by the people of Mecklenburg County to continue serving in this post.
Keith Smith District Court Judge District 26
Presenter for Spencer B. Merriweather III
Keith Smith has been appointed to serve as district court judge in Judicial District 26, serving Mecklenburg County. He will fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Donald Cureton to Superior Court. Smith is currently a senior associate county attorney for Mecklenburg County. He previously served as an assistant district attorney for Rowan County and court improvement project coordinator for the Administrative Office of the Courts. Smith received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Master of Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and his Juris Doctor at North Carolina Central University Turner School of Law.
There is a bar election. Mecklenburg County Bar has approximately 5,700 attorneys. The members of the bar have an opportunity to vote based on individuals who have requested to be considered for the vacancy.
Members of the bar vote on members who would like to fill the vacancy. There were four individuals vying for the position.
I was fortunate to be the top vote-getter, but that doesn’t provide any guarantee that you’ll be selected by the governor. I was fortunate to be selected, and I’m honored to have been selected by the governor for this opportunity to serve.
Award of Leadership and Medical Ethics and Professionalism
Dr. Jerome M. Butler Jr.
Dr. Jerome M. Butler, Jr. Dr. Butler is the Oncology Service Line Director for CaroMont Health in Gastonia, Lincolnton, and soon to be at the new hospital in Belmont. He is responsible for overseeing medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, pulmonary, GI, and pathology. He joined SERO in 2008 after completing his residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Dr. Butler is a “triple deac,” completing undergrad, medical school, and residency at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, NC.
He met his wife Kemery, at the beginning of medical school at Wake Forest. They were married one week after we both graduated from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.They have two children, Jerome III and Savannah. They have resided in Belmont, NC since 2008.
Charlotte Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Micheal Rhynes and Family
Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish was not always a restaurant. The space was originally a convenience store called “Big Apple” that sold potato wedges and chicken.The restaurant’s current name comes, not from Rhynes and his family, but from “Mr. Charles,” a family friend.Mr. Charles, the owner of the building on Statesville Avenue, initially leased out the space to Rhyne’s grandfather at no cost, hence the restaurant’s name.
Over the years, the menu expanded and the once convenience store became the soul food favorite it is today. Menu options, like the popular Four Wing Special — deep fried wings in the restaurant’s special marinade and breading served with two homemade sides — led the restaurant to become a go-to lunch option in Charlotte. Years later, the family established dine-in eating at the Cambridge location and set the stage for the future Dalton location.
Honored Guests
Tiawana Brown District 3 Representative
.Brown has also completed JLUSA- (NYC) National Leadership Training, Susan Burton’s A New Way of Life Safe Housing Network- to Provide a Safe Home for women returning home from incarceration-National Council Leadership Fellow. As a Nationally Acclaimed Community Activist, Council Member Brown shepherded the passage of critical reform legislation to improve fair sentencing, police accountability, and transparency. These included bills to end the sentencing disparity (which led to the mass incarceration of nonviolent women for low-level drug offenses), advocated for equal treatment for incarcerated women and LGBTQ returning citizens, and fought for passage of the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
Representative NASIF MAJEED
District # 99.
Majeed flew combat missions as a B-52 pilot over North Vietnam.[1] In 2018 Majeed won the general election for a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives. He secured eighty-two percent of the vote while his closest rival, Republican Joshua Niday, secured eighteen percent.[2] Majeed served on the Charlotte City Council for eight years, Housing Authority, Planning Commission and the Governor’s Commission on Education for Economic Growth. He is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, earning a BS in Business Administration and a Masters in Agricultural Education. Majeed is a decorated Air Force combat pilot. He is the recipient of the North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, African American Veterans Lineage Medal of Distinction. He was a Captain and Aircraft Commander of a B-52 Strategic Bomber, flying over 120 combat missions over North Vietnam
Pat Cotham
Pat Cotham, At Large, was first elected to the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (her first elected office) in 2012. She earned a BA in Spanish and a BJ in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
She is a trustee to the N.C. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, a Democratic National Committee member and a delegate member of the Executive Council of the N.C. Democratic Party. She is an active member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, a Democratic Party Precinct leader, past president of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Women, chair of Uptown Democratic Forum and a member of the Charlotte 2012 Host Committee.
2024 Knights of Peter Claver Gala Entertainment
Willie Walker and Conversation Piece
Bring Your Dancing Shoes !!!!
Conversation Piece has been performing as a sextet for more than a decade. The six talented individuals with impressive musical backgrounds combine for a unique sound. Walker,, Ratliff, Payton, Homesley, Moore and Whitley bring together not only their love of music, but also, years of experience in the musical industry.
Gala Chefs produce a impeccable eruption of the senses
Reuben
Taste of Heaven was founded in 2014 by the Mickles family in Charlotte, NC. We specialize in Southern Fusion Cuisine with a focus on hearty food, and southern hospitality. Taste of Heaven was developed with the thought of incorporating family recipes and different flavors and cuisines from around the world. While using the freshest ingredients and serving our guests hospitality from the heart, Taste of Heaven has earned a reputation as top rated catering company in the Greater Charlotte Area.
Growing up in Washington, DC. Reuben always had a love for cooking. With his mother and grandmother’s help he developed his craft while cooking meals for family and friends at various family functions. After graduating High School he began his study of Culinary Arts at The Art Institute of Atlanta, becoming a Chef and working in some of the finest restaurants throughout Southeast continuing. Reuben began a career in Restaurant Management in 2004 and has been a Certified Manager in many different restaurant concepts.
Sponsorship and Souvenir Booklet
- Platinum Sponsorship: This premier sponsorship level includes prominent branding opportunities, such as logo placement on all event marketing materials, acknowledgment in press releases and media outreach, and recognition in speeches and presentations. Also, Website Placement. The cost is 10,000.00 This covers 2 years and 50 events
- Gold Sponsorship: As a Gold Sponsor, your company will receive recognition on event signage, inclusion in select marketing materials, and acknowledgment during the event program. The cost is 5,000.00 This covers 1 year and 25 events.
- Silver Sponsorship: Silver Sponsors will benefit from logo placement on event materials, recognition during the event, and the opportunity to network with attendees. This sponsorship level offers valuable exposure to our audience. 6 months 12 events 2500.00
- Bronze Sponsorship: Bronze Sponsors will receive acknowledgment in event communications and on-site signage. This level of sponsorship provides an excellent opportunity to support the event while gaining visibility among attendees. 3 months 4 events 1000.00
- In-Kind Sponsorship: We also welcome in-kind contributions of goods or services that enhance the event experience. In-kind sponsors will receive recognition commensurate with the value of their contribution.
Why Sponsor 2nd Annual Knights Of Peter Claver Awards Gala
- Reach a highly desirable audience of people from the Charlotte Post and the Catholic Herald.
- Demonstrate your company’s commitment to Community service.
- Highlight your brand to influential leaders and decision-makers.
- Network with industry peers and potential clients in a prestigious setting.
