Power Up USA

Power Up USA PowerUP USA is the leader in providing art, media, and technology education to youth and adults

PowerUP USA is the leader in providing art, media, science and technology education to in and out of school youth and low-income adults. Since 1997 we have trained more than 2200 youth and adults in the areas of art, technology, media, and entrepreneurship. The digital divide has caused many disadvantaged youths to be 5-10 years behind in technology advancements and because of cost, families in ur

ban communities are the least likely to be exposed to the technology needed to compete in the 21st century. We are committed to staying on the cutting edge of STEM education and workforce development training. We continue to research best models for delivering proven teaching methods and are working to develop partnerships with industry leaders and employers to empower our students with the skills for success.

08/29/2026

We are proud to celebrate another successful PowervUpvUSA Learn 2 Earn graduation! This group was recruited with support from Charlotte City Councilwoman Renee Perkins Johnson, Council District 4, and Triumph Services, as part of our commitment to ensuring people with disabilities in our city have greater access to technology, digital skills, and workforce opportunities.

Early in the program, however, we realized our traditional training model wasn't meeting every participant's needs. We listened—and we pivoted.

We incorporated Reasonable Accommodations and Assistive Technology (AT) tools into the curriculum and adjusted how we delivered the training.

The transformation was powerful.

A special thank you to disability advocate Judith Elise Brown and Maria Paula Cepeda, Mecklenburg County Program Coordinator for Age Friendly, for joining us and encouraging our students as they pursue their workforce development goals. Having advocates and community leaders remind participants that their talents, abilities, and goals matter is an important part of the journey.

Access. Accommodation. Empowerment. Workforce Opportunity.

08/16/2026

Now that the Stellar Awards are over, Charlotte is getting ready for the next major celebration of Black creativity, storytelling, film, music, fashion, and culture.

CHARLOTTE BLACK FILM WEEK
May 28 – June 5, 2027
Charlotte, North Carolina

For eight days, Charlotte will become a destination for filmmakers, creators, industry professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and film lovers—with experiences and activations throughout the city.
🎥 Powerful Films & Screenings
🎤 Panels & Conversations
💡 Pitch ME Competition
👗 Fashion of Film
🎶 Music in Film
🎓 NextGen Youth Film Festival
🏫 HBCU Film Competition
🤝 Networking & Industry Connections
🏆 Red Carpet Vision Awards
…and much more!

Real Stories. Real Voices. Real Impact.

This is bigger than a film festival. THIS IS BLACK FILM WEEK. STAY CONNECTED & GET ALL UPDATES: https://link.linkvine.net/widget/form/uGtytPZZBf0Zj7vSHB88

Day 2 at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) was another inspiring day filled with powerful st...
08/13/2026

Day 2 at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) was another inspiring day filled with powerful storytelling and meaningful conversations.

I had the opportunity to watch the outstanding film "Soul Patrol," followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring Director J.M. Harper, Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and moderator Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. Their conversation highlighted the importance of preserving history, amplifying untold stories, and using film as a catalyst for change.

The day continued at the Lincoln Lounge, where I enjoyed hearing from content creators, filmmakers, and industry leaders sharing their experiences, insights, and vision for the future of storytelling.

I'm leaving each session with fresh inspiration and new ideas that will help shape the future of the Charlotte Black Film Festival.

TONIGHT! Come out and celebrate community, connection, and safety at Historic Washington Heights National Night Out 2026...
08/04/2026

TONIGHT! Come out and celebrate community, connection, and safety at Historic Washington Heights National Night Out 2026!

📅 Tuesday, August 4, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The Ritz at Washington Heights
1201 Beatties Ford Road @ Tate Street
📞 Info: 704-375-1053

Bring the whole family for an evening of:

🎬 Film
🎶 Music
🛍️ Voter Registration and Local Vendors
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Activities
🍿 FREE Popcorn, Chips, Drinks, Snacks & Ice Pops

Meet your neighbors, connect with local organizations, and spend an evening building stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement while celebrating everything that makes Historic Washington Heights such a special community.

Together, we're building safer neighborhoods, stronger relationships, and a more connected Charlotte. Through the Charlotte Black Film Festival's Community Engagement Initiative, we believe that film, arts, culture, and meaningful conversations can bring people together, strengthen neighborhoods, and inspire positive change throughout our community.

Proudly supported by the City of Charlotte and the Charlotte Black Film Festival (CBFF).

Stronger Together. Safer Together.

🎉 Another Milestone Achieved! 🎉Power Up USA is proud to celebrate the successful completion of our seventh Learn 2 Earn ...
07/30/2026

🎉 Another Milestone Achieved! 🎉

Power Up USA is proud to celebrate the successful completion of our seventh Learn 2 Earn training Cohort in partnership with the City of Charlotte Government

Congratulations to the amazing graduates from the Bettie Rae Recreation Center in Charlotte, NC. These inspiring seniors, participants in the Mecklenburg County Nutrition Program, embraced the opportunity to strengthen their digital skills and prepare for today's technology-driven world.

As part of the Learn 2 Earn program, each graduate successfully completed the training and received a brand-new laptop or Tablet to continue learning, stay connected, and confidently navigate the digital economy.

A heartfelt thank you to the City of Charlotte Government, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, the Mecklenburg County Nutrition Program, and our dedicated team for making this achievement possible.

Today, I want to take a moment to honor and thank Mayor Vi Lyles for her years of service, leadership, and commitment to...
07/01/2026

Today, I want to take a moment to honor and thank Mayor Vi Lyles for her years of service, leadership, and commitment to the City of Charlotte.

Mayor Lyles has been more than a public official; she has been a leader who showed up for the community. I am grateful for the support she has shown to the Charlotte Black Film Festival, Power Up USA, and the many community conversations held at the Power Up USA Creative Studios.

Her presence at our events reminded us that arts, culture, youth development, and community empowerment are important parts of Charlotte’s future. She has led with grace, strength, and a genuine heart for people.

As she leaves office today, we say thank you for your service, your example, and your investment in our city. Your legacy will continue through the people and communities you have touched.

Thank you, Mayor Vi Lyles. Charlotte is better because of your leadership.

We're capturing unforgettable moments throughout the 16th Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival. Thank you to our filmmak...
06/09/2026

We're capturing unforgettable moments throughout the 16th Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival. Thank you to our filmmakers, sponsors, volunteers, speakers, and attendees for making CBFF a success!

Stay tuned for more highlights. Or go to our page to see this year's photo album. https://www.facebook.com/charlotteblackfilmfestival/

ATTENTION VOLUNTEER SQUAD!We can’t run this festival without our incredible team! We are hosting two mandatory online sy...
06/02/2026

ATTENTION VOLUNTEER SQUAD!
We can’t run this festival without our incredible team! We are hosting two mandatory online sync sessions to break down team roles, assignments, and scheduling details. Please plan to attend both nights!

Meeting Tonight (Tue, June 2) & Tomorrow (Wed, June 3)

⏰ Time: 7:00 PM EST daily
Fill out the form: https://charlotteblackfilmfestival.com/volunteers
We will send a direct link and the complete meeting agenda!

Let's power up, lock in, and get ready for an unforgettable festival experience! 🚀✨

CALLING ALL VENDORS & CREATIVE MERCHANTS!Ready to get your brand, products, or services in front of thousands of attende...
06/01/2026

CALLING ALL VENDORS & CREATIVE MERCHANTS!

Ready to get your brand, products, or services in front of thousands of attendees? Showcase your business at the 16th Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival Marketplace!

📆 Vendor Days: Friday, June 5 & Saturday, June 6
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
📍 Location: Ayrsley Grand Cinema (Charlotte, NC)

Whether you sell apparel, art, beauty products, books, or unique handcrafted goods, this is your premier summer opportunity to connect with a diverse, captive audience looking to support Black-owned and local businesses.

Secure your vendor table today: Apply at https://charlotteblackfilmfestival.com/vendors

://charlotteblackfilmfestival.com/vendors

RSVP for this free, powerful film and panel discussion, "Respect My Crown," Women in Leadership and Politics, Saturday, ...
06/01/2026

RSVP for this free, powerful film and panel discussion, "Respect My Crown," Women in Leadership and Politics, Saturday, June 5, 2026, 10 a.m. at the 16th Charlotte Black Film Festival. RSVP at www.charlotteblackfilmfestival.com/events

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Charlotte, NC
28233

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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