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Lisa Vernon Sparks

@lvernonsparks.bsky.social
183 followers 229 following 41 posts

Editor/journalist/storyteller

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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Hi all, I just set up a new Linktree portfolio. Please take a look at some stories I wrote or edited. Thanks! linktr.ee/lvernonsparks
linktr.ee
Lisa Vernon Sparks | Instagram | Linktree
Journalist, Editor, Team Leader, Dynamic Storyteller. Mentally strong, fearless and imaginative.
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Black women's unemployment has skyrocketed. Here’s what happened. 19thnews.org/2026/01/blac... via @19thnews.org
19thnews.org
Black women's unemployment has skyrocketed. Here’s what happened.
The rate is now equivalent to White women’s during the bleakest moments of the Great Recession.
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
For me, 2025 brought great joy and triumphs (for my son) and a few bad developments (layoffs for journos). Still it's good to reflect, share and release what was accomplished. I am proud of the work I did at @charlotteobserver.com A sampling of stories I wrote or edited & projects I led. #onward
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
H/T to the @charlotteobserver.com team and our coverage of Juneteenth event and what does freedom mean to the Black community in Charlotte. by Briah Lumpkins, Chase Jordan, Chyna Blackmon. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
charlotteobserver.com
This Juneteenth, what does true freedom look like for Black Charlotteans?
A local nonprofit is helping Black Charlotteans realize their own power.
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
The Charlotte Observe and The News & Observer staff named Pulitzer finalists for breaking news.
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
The Met Gala 2025 is just hours away, but in Charlotte, Gantt Center hosted its own version on Friday. Check out this great photos and ICYM read my preview below: www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainmen...
charlotteobserver.com
Photos: Gantt, Black designers explore dandyism in NC version of Met Gala
The May 2 event at the Gantt Center in uptown featured a red carpet, rotating runway and interactive panel.
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
At an event called the "Future is Here" hosted by ReddJobb.com advisors headed by Glenn Proctor, my mentor. It's a table talk with speakers and entrepreneurs. We're at the Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, in Charlotte. Speaking now is Glenn Burkins with qcitymetro.com
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
I haven't posted in a quite a bit, but here is one I think is worth a read. Medicaid is a lifeline for 3 million North Carolinians. Here's a story by Briah Lumpkins explaining why: www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/n...
charlotteobserver.com
As DC looks at Medicaid cuts, NC residents worry for their quality of life
Potential federal cuts to Medicaid could leave thousands without health care overnight and slash some benefits and services.
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Here's a quick Q&A with author Kelly Starling Lyons and her children's book "Tiara's Hat Parade" adapted for stage. It's a one-act play celebrating moms, daughters, and millinery. www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainmen... @charlotteobserver.com
charlotteobserver.com
Hats off to Kelly Lyons. Her book about mother-daughter bonds hits the Charlotte stage
Q & A with Kelly Starling Lyons, author of “Tiara’s Hat Parade.” Her work about Black families and millinery traditions was adapted for stage.
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Reposted by Lisa Vernon Sparks
The Charlotte Observer @charlotteobserver.com · 17/01/2025
Charlotte native Julia Ann McKnight Teamer turned 108 years old on Jan. 16. Is there a secret to a long life? She wouldn’t call it secret at all, but shared some rules for living that evidently helped her chances. 🎂 More from @lvernonsparks.bsky.social: www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
charlotteobserver.com
What’s the secret to a long life? This 108-year-old Charlotte woman shares 3 of hers
Julia Ann McKnight Teamer, who celebrated 108 years on Jan. 16, says one secret is to “say thank you.“
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
We had a busy year @charlotteobserver.bsky.social. Led by @ranalcash.bsky.social we want to thank our readers for letting us serve you ... and stay tune for a highlight reel of over events. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/a...
charlotteobserver.com
Thank you, Observer readers, for letting us serve you with essential local journalism in 2024
The Charlotte Observer is boastful of its immense value to readers, with award-winning journalism, more reporters and new products in a banner year.
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
Longtime Rock Hill-area Congressman John Spratt has died. Learn more here @charlotteobserver.bsky.social : www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politic...
charlotteobserver.com
John Spratt’s legacy: landmark accomplishments and reminders of a more civil time
Spratt, who helped engineer the nation’s last balanced budget, died Saturday at 82.
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
I had such a lovely time with the ladies from BLACK GIRLS DO HIKE!! (Charlotte, NC) on Saturday at Franke Liske Park. Great conversation and we walked a few miles! And ICYMI something I wrote in October about the group's founder Malika White: 😄 www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefiv...
charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte hiking group empowers Black women to embrace the outdoors, reclaim their space
Malika White started “Black Girls Do Hike,” and is learning how to run a nonprofit within a billion dollar industry.
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
Once again the @charlotteobserver.bsky.social own Joe Marusak is on top of things: www.charlotteobserver.com/news/busines...
charlotteobserver.com
Duke Health to buy Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, expanding beyond the Triangle
“We recognize the health care landscape is changing,” Duke University Health System CEO says.
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
We did a staff best books series, artfully done by @melissaoyler.bsky.social and @cltfive.bsky.social @charlotteobserver.bsky.social Check it out there are some good read on here: www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefiv...
charlotteobserver.com
The 16 best books our team read in 2024, and why they were so lit
We asked our room full of professional readers and writers for the best books they read this year. Settle in for your next read (or grab a last minute stocking stuffer!).
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Pat Cotham, a long time Mecklenburg County Commissioner, signs off. @charlotteobserver.bsky.social reporter Mary Ramsey caught up with her for the deets on a 12-year run. www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politic...
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
We featured this new book club in our Kaleidscope newsletter this week to kick-off our BIPOC businesses series. Check it out this Q&A about the founder of Sista Story Society by our @charlotteobserver.bsky.social Audience producer Tamia Boyd. www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefiv...
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Sign up for Kaleidoscope, an essential newsletter on race, cultural, and equity in the Queen City and beyond. When you click on the link, scroll down for Kaleidoscope. TY! www.charlotteobserver.com/newsletters#...
charlotteobserver.com
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
What a great week working with the amazing Kitty Muccigrosso! Here are some editing highlights: www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainmen...
charlotteobserver.com
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Lisa Vernon Sparks @lvernonsparks.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Howdy everyone! Thank you for the follows.
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