Enlarge A skater grabs some air during Battle Slam Jam on Aug. 22. Photo by James Willamor.

Posted: August 25th, 2009 James Willamor

Art, music, and skating were showcased Saturday (Aug. 22) during the
fourth annual Battle Slam Jam. The event, held at Charlotte’s Grayson
Skate Park, drew participants from as far away as Atlanta.

Several hundred skateboarders, artists, musicians, and spectators
turned out despite the heat for athletic and talent competitions.

DJs provided a beat while skateboarders competed in groups from
beginner to advanced. Musical acts ranged from rap to hip-hop and punk
as several local and regional bands performed during open skate
sessions. Local acts included Pradigy GT, Capital Ill and Kid
Monsterz, Rekless Youth, and IllValleyHi from Atlanta.

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Posted: August 25th, 2009 Crystal Dempsey

Text by Meaghan Clark

Video by Tonya Jameson

The Montagnard or “mountain people” of Vietnam are a quiet and peaceful group. Focused on family, community and maintaining their culture, Montagnard residents from Matthews' Crestdale community gathered Saturday, Aug. 22, to share their stories and celebrate their lives at a Cultural Learning Lunch.

The celebration at the Matthews Community Center was loud, proud and for some, a totally new experience.

Funded through a grant from Crossroads Charlotte and presented by the Arts & Science Council along with partners The Light Factory and Boat People SOS, the free event aimed to enlighten Matthews residents about this particular community, celebrate the Montagnard culture through food and stories, as well as provide a forum for open discussion.

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Posted: August 20th, 2009 Crystal Dempsey

Text and photo By Ayofemi Kirby

Fourteen million Americans are unemployed. Nearly 10 out of every 100 people do not have a steady income to pay their bills (24 out of every 100 if you’re a teen and 15 per every 100 if you’re black).

Aaron Heidman, 29, is one of those people.

Eight months ago, Aaron became unemployed — twice. Once as a former manager of a frame shop that went out of business, the other as a former paint shop associate that paid him less money than he’d made his entire adult life. Depressed and disappointed, Aaron found himself caught in the cycle of working only to be let go.

One day, Aaron decided to get away. He sold his truck and purchased a $350 van. What he couldn’t fit inside, he’d leave in Applegate Valley, Oregon. He’d take all his money, a banner (50 yards long), and a couple markers and drive across the country.

Committed to making his journey more than a simple road trip, he decided to stop 37 times along the way and ask strangers one question: “How has the recession affected you?”

On Monday (Aug 17), he parked on Tryon Street outisde the Foundation For The Carolinas.

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Posted: August 18th, 2009 Crystal Dempsey

Text and Photo by Katrina Dietz

The fifth and final performance of the Crossroads Teen Theater Project took the stage Aug. 15 at Theatre Charlotte. With the unpainted set for "Suessical: The Musical" as a backdrop, the young performers challenged us with their views of the state of Charlotte.

* When is the last time you had lunch with a coworker of another race or religion?

* Considering buying a home with 14 bathrooms? What would happen if you bought one with 3 or 4 instead and spent the money you saved supporting the community?

* When a witness to discrimination, do you walk on or make a stand?

Following participation in Crossroads Charlotte and Gang of One programs, students prepared monologues reflecting their views of the city. Ranging from personal reflection to dramatis personae, they focused on opportunities for personal and communal growth.

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