Charlotte Optimist Storytellers: Manolo Betancur

The Charlotte Optimist is bringing its stories to life, and you're invited.

At this inaugural gathering, Michael Graff, journalist and founder of The Charlotte Optimist, will host a live interview with Manolo Betancur, owner of Manolo’s Bakery, who was recently featured in the Optimist.

Manolo’s story reflects something we’ve discovered in the Optimist’s first ten months: Charlotte is full of people who care deeply about this city and want a deeper connection to it. They want to understand it better. They want a media outlet that shares their hope and enthusiasm for Charlotte, while still being honest about its challenges.

As an immigrant from Colombia, a small business owner, and a tireless champion for Charlotte, Manolo embodies that spirit.

This won’t be a traditional stage interview. Instead, it will be a salon-style conversation, designed to follow a full storytelling arc, bringing the audience along for the journey. The interview will also be recorded, and there will be time for audience questions.

Come hear a great Charlotte story, connect with others who care about the future of our city, and experience the Optimist beyond the newsletter.

SCHEDULE

6:30 - Grab a beverage from Free Range Brewing and join us for conversation
7:00 - Live interview with Manolo Betancur
8:00 - Audience Q&A
8:30 - Continued conversations
9:00 - Event over

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