Cleveland County Business Development Center

05/27/2026

Black History of Cleveland County ✨

The CELA session was both educational and inspiring as participants explored the rich history and untold stories connected to Cleveland County and the Sunset Cemetery Project.

Keynote speakers Ronald Harrill and Chavis Gash led an impactful discussion highlighting the importance of preserving local history, honoring forgotten voices, and understanding how our past shapes our future as leaders and a community.

Participants engaged in meaningful conversations about historical research, community awareness, leadership, and cultural preservation while reflecting on the importance of truth, unity, and education.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to tonight’s powerful class experience. The conversations, questions, and engagement show why CELA is developing leaders who are informed, connected, and committed to making an impact.

💡 Leadership begins with understanding the community.
💡 History deserves to be remembered and preserved.

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

🔥 What an incredible start to our first Cleveland Emerging Leaders Academy
class! 🔥

The session was filled with insight, growth, engagement, and meaningful conversation as we began building the next generation of leaders in our community.

A special thank you to our speaker, Juan Cherry, for sharing powerful perspectives, wisdom, and encouragement that challenged us to think bigger, lead intentionally, and embrace purpose-driven leadership.

This is only the beginning, and the energy in the room already confirms that something impactful is taking shape through CELA.

💡 Leaders are not just born…
They are developed, challenged, and inspired.

We’re excited about what’s ahead for this cohort and grateful to everyone who continues to support the vision of leadership, growth, and community impact.

05/08/2026

✊🏾🔥 KNOW YOUR POWER 🔥✊🏾

Your voice matters. Your presence matters. Your power matters.
Join us for an impactful community conversation focused on voter engagement, leadership, and creating meaningful change right here in our community.

💡 Be informed.
💡 Get engaged.
💡 Make an impact.

📅 June 14th
🕒 3:00 PM
📍 Shoal Creek Church | Shelby, NC

🍽 Food will be served

🎟 FREE Event | RSVP Required

👉 Scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP today!

04/30/2026

Lynae Vanee brought truth, perspective, and purpose to the room—reminding us of the power of voice, influence, and authenticity.

Moments like this don’t just inspire… they shift mindsets.

04/28/2026

✨ NC Black Summit 2026 ✨

Unleashing Our Power. United in Purpose.

Grateful to be present at the NC Black Summit 2026, a powerful gathering of leaders, advocates, and change-makers committed to moving our communities forward.

From the Opening Session to the Legislative Town Hall and the Senator Jeanne H. Lucas Luncheon, the day was filled with meaningful conversations, impactful leadership, and a shared vision for progress.

Hearing from elected officials, community leaders, and voices across North Carolina continues to remind us of the importance of unity, advocacy, and purpose-driven action.

🔥 When we come together, we create real change.

🔥 When we move with purpose, we unlock our power.

Proud to be in the room. Even more excited about what’s ahead.

04/27/2026

✨ NC Black Summit: Unleashing Our Power, United in Purpose ✨
Honored to be part of such a powerful space where voices are heard, leaders are empowered, and purpose is activated.

This summit brought together passionate individuals committed to growth, advocacy, and strengthening our communities.

💡 From impactful sessions to meaningful conversations, this experience reminds us of what’s possible when we come together with intention.

🔥 We are stronger when we are united.

🔥 We are powerful when we move with purpose.