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Photo essay: A vibrant East Charlotte, Pt. II

By Sara Kay Mooney

Last year, I took a series of photographs of abandoned spaces in East Charlotte. As those photos show, it’s no secret that several of the east side’s major economic anchors of the past have been long dead, perhaps never to be revived. But numerous local businesses dotting this corridor continue to flourish, making East Charlotte arguably one of the most interesting and distinct areas of our city. This photo essay series captures segments from this vibrant and richly diverse community. See part one here.

Orlando, 58, enjoys his coffee early Saturday morning at Las Delicias Bakery on Central Avenue.
Orlando, 58, enjoys his coffee early Saturday morning at Las Delicias Bakery on Central Avenue.
Freshly stocked pastry shelves at Las Delicias.
Freshly stocked pastry shelves at Las Delicias.
Miguel, 34, manages the register at Las Delicias.
Miguel, 34, manages the register at Las Delicias.
Khalil, 29, browses the shelves at Halal Market on N. Sharon Amity Road.
Khalil, 29, browses the shelves at Halal Market on N. Sharon Amity Road.
Kutty, 46, cuts the hair of Javaris, 30, at Premier Grooming Lounge.
Kutty, 46, cuts the hair of Javaris, 30, at Premier Grooming Lounge.
Colorful banners decorate the aisles of Rohan Grocery, located on Driftwood Drive.
Colorful banners decorate the aisles of Rohan Grocery, located on Driftwood Drive.
The clothing section at Rohan Grocery.
The clothing section at Rohan Grocery.
Ganga Chamlagai (left), 32, poses with her mother, Khina Chamlagai, 68, outside Rohan Grocery. They moved to Charlotte from Nepal two years ago.
Ganga Chamlagai (left), 32, poses with her mother, Khina Chamlagai, 68, outside Rohan Grocery. They moved to Charlotte from Nepal two years ago.
The sun sets over the land where the old Eastland Mall once stood.
The sun sets over the land where the old Eastland Mall once stood. Sara Kay Mooney

This story was originally published February 15, 2017 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Photo essay: A vibrant East Charlotte, Pt. II."

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