Spectators line up along the ropes as players practice on Tuesday, May 14, 2025 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. The weather is expected to be in the mid-80s with a chance of scattered rain on Saturday.
KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH
knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Through the lens of our visual journalists, a moment in time is captured and becomes part of our history.
Each week the Charlotte Observer will present a selection of images that document communities.
Young Charlotte Hornets fans Nixon Stack, left, Brady Patterson, Greyson Gerhart, Graham Gerhart, and Brewer Stack, right, show a range of emotions as the Charlotte Hornets are given the fourth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Legion Brewing in South Park. Hidden in the back is friend Colin Dyer. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
During the college’s 143rd commencement ceremony on May 3rd, Livingstone College President Dr. Anthony J. Davis made an urgent plea to the graduates, families, trustees, and community members to help him find a kidney transplant donor as he struggles with end-stage renal disease. President Davis revealed that he was diagnosed with stage three renal disease soon after being appointed president of Salisbury’s only HBCU in 2022. The disease progressed to stage five, and his prognosis might only improve if he can receive a new kidney. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
The view from the terminal bridge at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, May 7, 2025, the first day of the Real ID requirement for air travelers. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
One of the remaining headstones at Biddleville Cemetery in Charlotte is seen on Friday, May 2, 2025. Despite being a historic Black cemetery, located in one of Charlotte’s oldest Black Neighborhoods, it has been forgotten multiple times. Since 1982, good Samaritans have taken it upon themselves to clean and maintain the cemetery. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte Checkers forward Will Lockwood, top/center, celebrates his goal against the Providence Bruins on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The Providence Bruins defeated the Charlotte 3-2. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Shakira performs at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Tuesday night. It was the first stop on the North American leg of her tour. MELISSA MELVIN-RODRIGUEZ mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
7-year-old Madilyn Hardgrove looks at a book on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Fort Mill Library, SC. South Carolina leads the nation in public school book bans, with over half linked to one parent’s challenges in Beaufort County, sparking statewide debate on censorship and educational content. TRACY KIMBALL tkimball@heraldonline.com
Dark clouds cover uptown Charlotte as rain starts on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Expect inches of rain in the Charlotte region for the coming week, NC forecaster says KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Carolina Panthers rookie linebacker Princely Umanmielen, left, gets a ride to the team’s rookie minicamp practice on Friday, May 9, 2025. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
