New president at JCSU + no public comment on Parents’ Bill of Rights

Zach Dennis
·3 min read

Hey, everyone! Zach here. It’s the calm before a busy Thursday here at the Observer. Tomorrow will include the annual NBA Draft where the Charlotte Hornets hold the second pick and seem to be in the position to really get the draft started after the Spurs make the most obvious pick in recent NBA Draft history.

Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak spoke with media today, saying there was “probably” no decision on who they’ll pick until everything kicks off at 8 p.m. EST.

Here at the Observer, we’ll be at the Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library for our panel on “Gentrification vs. Growth: Do we embrace or stop it?” beginning at 6 p.m. RSVPs are capped but there will be a recording of the entire conversation going live on our site next week for those who miss it.

Also, tomorrow: North Carolina’s new abortion restrictions take effect July 1. In a special report, reporters from The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer spent time on the ground and looked into what abortion clinics and crisis pregnancy centers are doing to prepare, what our neighbor states are up to, and what you need to know about these changes.

1. Johnson C. Smith University names new president. She’s a familiar name to Charlotte HBCU

Valerie Kinloc, 15th president of Johnson C. Smith University’s, appointed June 21, 2023
Valerie Kinloc, 15th president of Johnson C. Smith University’s, appointed June 21, 2023

The Johnson C. Smith University Board of Trustees has named Valerie Kinloch as its 15th president. Kinloch, the current University of Pittsburgh education school dean, graduated from JCSU in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in English and literature. She’s also a member of its board of trustees.

Evan Moore with more (ha) on the decision.

2. Dining + entertainment center coming to South End — with food, duckpin bowling, live music

SupperClub SouthEnd owners Andrea Nivens and Brad Byrd, and executive chef Blake Nolen stand inside the space at 3521 Dewitt Lane.
SupperClub SouthEnd owners Andrea Nivens and Brad Byrd, and executive chef Blake Nolen stand inside the space at 3521 Dewitt Lane.

SupperClub SouthEnd is slated to open in Lower South End in August, offering wood-fired food paired with craft cocktails, plus duckpin bowling, pool and other games. Charlotte restaurant industry veterans Brad Byrd and Andrea Nivens are the owners behind the the new dining and entertainment concept, which will sit nearby Gilde, Weathered Souls, Red Clay Ciderworks and State of Confusion.

Heidi Finley previews everything you’ll see at the new center.

3. No time for public comment as ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ advances, Rep. Cotham says

Alison Croop of Raleigh stands outside the N.C. Senate Rules Committee room after the committee voted on HB755, the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” at the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Alison Croop of Raleigh stands outside the N.C. Senate Rules Committee room after the committee voted on HB755, the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” at the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

North Carolina House and Senate Republicans are closing in on a final version of legislation that would limit instruction of LGBTQ+ issues in elementary schools and could potentially “out” LGBTQ+ students to their parents. The N.C. House K-12 Education Committee backed Wednesday the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” that would bar curriculum on gender identity, sexual activity or sexuality in kindergarten through fourth grades in public schools.

Citing lack of time, Rep. Tricia Cotham, the committee’s co-chair, held the vote without allowing public comment. That prompted multiple people who were waiting to address the committee to stand up and yell “let us speak” and “what you are doing is wrong.”

T. Keung Hui and Avi Bajpal with the full report from the statehouse.

4. ‘Heartbroken’ family sees murder suspects who beat 12-year-old boy in Charlotte court

Paramedics found Ahmad Wrighten, 12, severely injured at a home in the 5600 block of Sunwalk Court at about 11:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023. Two murder suspects made their first appearances in court Monday, June 19, 2023.
Paramedics found Ahmad Wrighten, 12, severely injured at a home in the 5600 block of Sunwalk Court at about 11:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023. Two murder suspects made their first appearances in court Monday, June 19, 2023.

Ahmad Wrighten, 12, of Charleston, was beaten to death in a Charlotte home. Charlotte Mecklenburg Poilce arrested two murder suspects. The boy was visiting from Charleston. Loved ones say a 4-year-girl witnessed the violence.

Julia Coin with the full story.

5. Some more stories to read

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