Charlotte Magazine - September 2014

In this issue

In our September issue, we ask a question that seems like it has an obvious answer: Are We Southern? Geographically, of course Charlotte is Southern. But when you look at the changing nature of our city, the answer is more elusive than you might think. We brought in one of Charlotte’s best writers, Tommy Tomlinson, to kick off a very special issue with a personal essay that strikes at the core of Charlotte’s identity. Tommy’s essay is witty and sharp and heartfelt, and it includes the most Southern sentence we believe you’ll ever read. His story is followed by essays from two other esteemed writers: author and professor Jeffrey Leak, who on the heels of the release of a new book writes a heartfelt essay about race; and longtime contributor Jeremy Markovich, who writes about the rust belt’s connections to Charlotte. Later in the magazine, we have a deep look at the 15th anniversary of the end of busing in Charlotte — and how going back to neighborhood schools has re-segregated our city. On the lighter side, we also have a fall fashion preview and a fall culture preview. With 17 different bylines, this issue is packed with a variety of stories, and we’re sure you’ll find more than a few to enjoy.