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‘Captured Memories’: Join us to celebrate The Charlotte Observer’s year in photos

Chancellor Lee Adams, center, rides Roanie, a 22-year-old American quarter horse as Dory Pell, right, the program director at Victory Farm watches on Friday, November 8, 2024. Victory Farm is a therapeutic riding center in Gastonia.
Chancellor Lee Adams, center, rides Roanie, a 22-year-old American quarter horse as Dory Pell, right, the program director at Victory Farm watches on Friday, November 8, 2024. Victory Farm is a therapeutic riding center in Gastonia. jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

The year 2024 saw amazing journalism and The Charlotte Observer met the challenge to bring our readers the news everyone was hungry for.

Some of these stories were: the historic presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump; Hurricane Helene and the shooting of four law enforcement officers on Galway Drive.

Johnson C. Smith running back Jaquarius Crouch runs through a drill during in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
Johnson C. Smith running back Jaquarius Crouch runs through a drill during in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. MELISSA MELVIN-RODRIGUEZ mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com

Plus we produced tons of investigative pieces, local arts, business, education, Charlotte government news, and held community events showcasing important journalism.

And The Charlotte Observer’s visual journalists were right there capturing all the memories.

Whether it’s the aftermath of a devastating storm, a great Panthers catch or a candlelight vigil, our photographers have just the right lens.

The North Carolina National Guard stops to congratulate the newlyweds, Sereyna and her husband Gavin Walker in Lake Lure, N.C., on Saturday, Sept. 28.
The North Carolina National Guard stops to congratulate the newlyweds, Sereyna and her husband Gavin Walker in Lake Lure, N.C., on Saturday, Sept. 28. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com

We’re partnering with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to celebrate the Observer’s best photos of 2024 and hear our photographers talk about the art and science of visual journalism and how they capture these photos.

A special feature this year showcases the work of high school students representing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where we will award finalists and first, second and third place winners.

How to attend

What: Captured Memories: The Charlotte Observer’s best photos of 2024

Where: ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 East 7th St.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; doors open at 5:45 p.m. for a reception with light refreshments.

Click here to RSVP and learn more details.

Lighting strikes near the Charlotte skyline on July 25, 2024.
Lighting strikes near the Charlotte skyline on July 25, 2024. PRESTON JENKINS pjenkins@charlotteobserver.com
Lisa Vernon Sparks
The Charlotte Observer
Lisa Vernon Sparks was the Race, Culture and Community Engagement Editor for The Charlotte Observer. Previously she was an Opinion Editor with the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia. She is an alumna of Columbia University in New York and Northeastern University in Boston. Support my work with a digital subscription
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