William Ritter, a musician and seed saver, performs an original song about seeds and their historical connections at his family’s farm in Bakersville, NC., on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
Lila Turner
lturner@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.
This feature can be seen in Sunday’s newspaper and on our online Edition at eedition.charlotteobserver.com
The Ardrey Kell marching band perform during band camp at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
A tuba player rehearses during Northwestern's band camp in July. A winning Rock Hill area tradition marches on: What’s ahead for high school bands TRACY KIMBALL tkimball@heraldonline.com
The Ardrey Kell marching band practices during band camp at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Flute players rehearse Friday at Northwestern High School. A ‘major league’ marching band? Yes, Fort Mill is home to a world-class ensemble TRACY KIMBALL tkimball@heraldonline.com
Appalachian State Mountaineers defensive back Dylan Hasz, bottom, takes down Charlotte 49ers running back CJ Stokes during the Duke's Mayo Classic at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Friday, August 29, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Appalachian State Mountaineers wide receiver Jaden Barnes, right, scores a touchdown over Charlotte 49ers defensive back Treyveon McGee during the Duke's Mayo Classic at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Friday, August 29, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Davidson wide receiver AJ Adams (10) is tackled by Georgetown defensive back Brian Lloyd (38) during the second half of a NCAA FCS football game Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Davidson, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Charlotte 49ers quarterback Conner Harrell, right, is tackled by Appalachian State Mountaineers defensive lineman Aiden Benton during the Duke's Mayo Classic at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Friday, August 29, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
London Fletcher, a former star of the Washington Commanders, has a son named Steele, who is now a rising junior football star at Providence Day. Tragically, the Fletcher family was devastated last year when Charne Fletcher, London’s wife and Steele’s mother, passed away just seven days before her 50th birthday. Steele, who aspires to play wide receiver and contribute to the team through punts and kickoffs, has honored his mother’s memory by getting a tattoo of her and writing a heartfelt poem that he has inscribed on his leg. John D. Simmons For the Observer
London Fletcher, a former star of the Washington Commanders, has a son named Steele, who is now a rising football star at Providence Day The Fletcher family was devastated last year when Charne Fletcher, London’s wife and Steele’s mother, passed away just seven days before her 50th birthday. Steele, who has aspirations of playing wide receiver and contributing to the team through punts and kickoffs, has honored his mother’s memory with a tattoo and a heartfelt poem that he has inscribed on his leg. John D. Simmons For the Observer
Protesters and supporters listen during a hearing by the Statesville Planning Board on a rezoning request for the proposed Stamey Farms data center in Statesville, N.C., on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Santiago Lagunas, the father of a 6-year-old Liam Lagunas who tragically lost his life in a 2021 street racing crash, sheds tears as he speaks about his son’s loss. In response to this devastating incident, NC Governor Josh Stein signed Liam’s Law, which aims to enhance penalties for reckless driving and street racing that result in serious injuries or fatalities. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Santiago Lagunas holds his son Liam Lagunas’ shoes at his home in Gastonia, NC.,, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Six-year-old Liam lost his life in a crash caused by street racing in 2021. In response to this senseless loss, NC Governor Josh Stein signed Liam’s Law, which aims to enhance penalties for reckless driving and street racing that result in serious injuries or fatalities. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
William Ritter, musician and seed saver, holds an ear of Arthur Hollifidd heirloom corn that he grew at his family’s farm in Bakersville, NC, Sunday August 10, 2025. Lila Turner lturner@charlotteobserver.com
