Charlotte, N.C. – (January 4, 2023) – The YMCA of Greater Charlotte invites the community to gather in-person for the first time since 2020 for its well-known MLK Holiday Celebration at the Charlotte Convention Center’s Crown Ballroom on Monday, January 16. The event benefits critical programming at the Y’s McCrorey Family YMCA branch on Beatties Ford Road.

The theme for this year’s event is “Equitable Leadership in Challenging Times,” and will focus on issues of equity and access in our community, through the lens of pandemic challenges and resulting economic impacts. The all-female panel features distinguished local leaders, and will be moderated by WBTV’s Alex Giles.

Panelists will include:

• Kinneil Coltman, DHA, executive vice president, chief community & social impact officer, Advocate Health
• Rocio Gonzalez, executive director, Women’s Business Center of Charlotte
• Krista Terrell, president, Arts and Science Council
• Elizabeth Trotman, senior vice president of civic leadership programs and initiatives, Foundation for the Carolinas

 The event, presented by Fifth Third Bank, will also include breakfast, prayer, music and dancing with performances by the West Charlotte High School drumline and McCrorey Family YMCA youth dancers.

“While I’m excited that we are back to hosting our MLK Holiday Celebration in-person, I’m even more excited about the transformative work we’re doing in the Beatties Ford Road and West Boulevard corridors,” said Stan Law, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. “It’s with the support of generous donors and corporate partners that we are able to expand the work we’re currently doing, plus consider new projects and programs for the community.”

Founded in 1936 as the Second Street YMCA, the McCrorey Family YMCA is the second-oldest YMCA in Charlotte and the first African-American YMCA in the area. The McCrorey Family YMCA strives to strengthen the dynamic, culturally vibrant and historic West End community. Funds raised at the event will provide kids, adults and families in Charlotte’s northwest corridor access to life-changing YMCA programming that empowers young people to reach their full potential, improves academic outcomes and promotes health and well-being for all.

Doors open at 7:15 a.m. The program begins at 8:00 a.m. and is expected to conclude by 9:30 a.m. Tickets are on sale now and available for purchase online here through Friday, January 6. Corporate sponsorships are available by contacting Debbie Smith at 704-716-6420 or debbie.smith@ymcacharlotte.org. For general event information, visit www.ymcacharlotte.org/mlk.

About the YMCA of Greater Charlotte

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through its 17 branches and two camp locations, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte nurtures the potential of children and teens, improves our community’s health and well-being, and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for nearly 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is a proud recipient of a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.  www.ymcacharlotte.org