Saluting Charlotte’s Black Excellence - Page 5

Source: Digital / Radio One

February is Black History Month and all month long; we are Saluting Charlotte’s Black Excellence! 

We will honor and recognize some of the many people who are mentoring, inspiring, and paving the way for others, right here in Charlotte and the surrounding area.

We recognize their contributions and accomplishments from music to business, activism to the arts. 

Visit us throughout the month as we honor and celebrate these individuals.

1. Dennis Reed

Dennis Reed is an award-winning songwriter, recording artist, and CEO of Inspire the Fire Inc., a nonprofit empowering youth in the Carolinas. As a sought-after collaborator, Reed has worked with legends like Adam Blackstone and Justin Timberlake, performing at the Presidential Inauguration, Super Bowl LVIII, and the TIME 100 Gala. His group, Sainted Trap Choir, made it to the finals of America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League and earned global recognition for their viral “Purple Rain” performance.

Reed has also received numerous accolades, including the BMI John Lennon Songwriting Scholarship and recognition for his work with Dennis Reed & GAP, which has performed with acts like New Kids on the Block and contributed to the GRAMMY® Award-winning project Oh Happy Day.

Beyond music, his nonprofit has earned national recognition, including being honored with “Inspire the Fire Day” by the city of Charlotte. With a passion for innovation and community service, Dennis Reed continues to shape the future of music, education, and youth empowerment. 

2. Crystal Nazeer

Executive Director | Community Advocate | Urban Agriculture Leader

Crystal Nazeer is a passionate community leader, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Victory Gardens International, dedicated to transforming communities through urban agriculture, food justice, and economic empowerment. A Master Gardener and Certified Food Preserver, she has been instrumental in expanding community gardening, food nutrition education, and youth workforce development programs that promote self-sufficiency and sustainability. Under her leadership, Victory Gardens International is spearheading initiatives across South Carolina, ensuring that historically underserved communities gain access to fresh, nutritious food and economic opportunities. Her vision includes developing incubator farms that provide aspiring farmers with the resources, training, and support needed to launch successful agribusinesses while revitalizing local food systems. Through her expertise in gardening, food preservation, and community engagement, Crystal is paving the way for a healthier, more resilient future. Her commitment to education, economic equity, and sustainable agriculture continues to create lasting change, empowering individuals and communities across the state. 

3. Shelly Cayette-Weston

Shelly Cayette-Weston joined Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) as President of Business Operations on July 1, 2024. She oversees business operations for the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm, and Spectrum Center. With nearly 20 years in sports and entertainment, she previously spent 12 years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, rising to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer. There, she led ticketing, partnerships, and client experience while driving revenue growth and spearheading key initiatives. Cayette-Weston also served on various boards and was committed to community and economic development. She began her career with the New Orleans Hornets and Caesar’s Entertainment. A Tulane University graduate and former basketball player, she was inducted into the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 and recognized in Crain’s Cleveland Business Forty Under 40 and Sports Business Journal’s Forty Under 40. Shelly and her husband, Aron, have two daughters, Ivy Grace and Averie Marie. 

4. Shaun “Lucky” Corbett

Shaun “Lucky” Corbett is a barber, Licensed Instructor and passionate owner of Lucky Spot Barbershop, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Shaun has worked diligently to build a brand that creates a culture for second chances, respect and community engagement. For over 14 years and counting, Corbett hosts annual community give back events such as free back to school haircuts, turkey give-away and Thanksgiving family dinner events. To date, Shaun and the barbershop has successfully supported over 10,000 families in need. In August 2019, Lucky Spot barbershop took the world by storm by becoming the first African American owned and operated barbershop in any Walmart store, worldwide. The brand is also the largest barbershop inside the retail giant with 10 locations between North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Mr. Corbett opened Lucky Spot Leadership & Barber Academy in December, 2023 to offer a home and starting place for first, second and third chances at life and careers while creating businessmen and women using the business of barbering. The mission of the academy is to make a lasting impact on both our community and the barber industry by relentlessly investing in the next generation of barbers. Shaun’s philosophy is one that has given him the opportunity to leave an imprint in the community and translates well into any language – “my aim is to never forget my humble beginnings, work twice as hard to improve the quality of life and make a difference where I live and work.” 

5. Donna Julian

Executive Vice President & Chief Venues Operator for Hornets Sports & Entertainment

Donna Julian is Executive Vice President & Chief Venues Operator for Hornets Sports & Entertainment, overseeing arena operations, booking, guest experience, public safety, and marketing for Spectrum Center, home of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. She joined the organization in 2005 and has led the arena through hosting 22 million fans at over 2,000 events, including major events like the 2012 Democratic National Convention and 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend. Previously, Julian was General Manager of 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore. Recognized as a Game Changer by Sports Business Journal and a VenuesNow All-Star, she serves on several committees, including the NC Emergency Response Commission and the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force. Julian is active in the community, serving on multiple boards and as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She holds a degree in athletics administration from Ohio University, where she also captained the tennis team. She and her husband, David, have two sons, Griffin and Donovan.