Simply Cheris. . .

The EpiCentre isn't a city project, but according to the Charlotte Observer : Occupying a city block at College and Trade streets, the EpiCentre is viewed by city officials as an important part of uptown's redevelopment. Don't be fooled by all of the black faces that were playing, partying and eating at the EpiCentre last weekend during the CIAA Basketball Tournament. You can bet your bottom dollar that won't be the scene this weekend. And let's not forget, this is the same place where an African American man was arrested for wearing his hat askew or that the Charlotte Community Relations Committee had to launch an investigation into the EpiCentre. Many blacks in Charlotte quietly talk about being discriminated against while trying to eat, party or play there -- when the CIAA is not in town. So, for the city to consider this place to be a major part of Uptown Charlotte's redevelopment, it makes you wonder: What kind of Uptown does the powers that be want...

The main party spots in Charlotte during the CIAA are the same venues that have been accused of discriminatory practices in the past. Take the EpiCentre for example; many of the most tweeted about parties of the CIAA will be held at Suite, Howl at The Moon and The North Carolina Music Factory. In local African American circles, it seems that everyone has a story about being mistreated at these venues. The most publicized acted of alleged racism involves Phillip Agnew , a Charlotte man who was arrested last summer at the EpiCentre for a dress code violation. Agnew claims that the incident was racially motivated. When 25-year-old Phillip Agnew was arrested at the Charlotte entertainment complex, The EpiCentre, last summer, he started a movement that brought praise and scorn his way. According to published reports, he was arrested because he wouldn't turn his hat around -- at an outside event. Agnew said his arrest was racially motivated, a complaint about the EpiCentre t...

My city is really a great place to live. Charlotte, North Carolina is a beautiful city. Clean streets. Nice neighborhoods. Friendly people. But where have all the copy editors gone? The city's daily paper, The Charlotte Observer , made national news yesterday because of a herniated dick. Yes, a herniated dick. Here's the back story : Going all the way back to his last few seasons with the New Orleans Hornets , Knicks point guard Baron Davis has dealt with a frustrating series of back issues. Those issues, more specifically a herniated disc in his lower back, have prevented him from playing his first game with New York in the 2011-12 season. He's expected back sometime in late February. The Charlotte Observer? It's not expected to recover from this typo surrounding Davis' herniated disc anytime soon. Take a modified look at what showed up in its sports section on Wednesday morning: Way to go Charlotte. Other things about my city that could use a copy ed...