Ashes formed in the cross mark the forehead of a parishioner during an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Bishop Michael Martin is laying out his vision for the church and some of his initial actions have faced scrutiny.
JEFF SINER
jsiner@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
Ashes formed in the cross mark the forehead of a parishioner during an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Bishop Michael Martin is laying out his vision for the church and some of his initial actions have faced scrutiny. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Nyla Martin poses for a portrait at Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, N.C., on Friday, February 20, 2026. Nyla made it to Hollywood after her audition on American Idol KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
The Queen's Mahjery founders, Lauren Ulrey, second from left, Jennifer Ross and Patti Roth, instruct Charlotte Observer newsroom stafff how to play Mahjong on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 in Charlotte. Tracy Kimball tkimball@charlotteobserver.com
Kenneth McClamrock is the new football coach at Community School of Davdison in Huntersville, NC. McClamrock posed for a portrait on the school’s football field on Monday, February 23, 2026. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
North Meck’s Naijaalia Blake, left, steals the ball from Mallard Creek’s Sydney McGuire, right, during action in the Power Six Conference Tournament action on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Independence High School. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Bishop Michael Martin, right, applies ashes to the forehead of a parishioner during an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Bishop Michael Martin is laying out his vision for the church and some of his initial actions have faced scrutiny. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Residents concerned about the I-77 project hold up signs during the City Council meeting at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, February 23, 2026. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner, left, blocks a shot by Houston Rockets guard/forward Amen Thompson, right, on a drive to the basket during action at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, February 19, 2026. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Chris Rey is the President of Barber-Scotia College in Concord, NC. Rey is entering his third year of heading the college that lost its accredidation 22 years ago. He is working on raising funds to keep the school functioning and get back the accredidation it lost in 2006. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
The North Meck girls basketball team celebrate their win over Mallard Creek in the Power Six Conference Tournament action on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Independence High School. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) brings the ball up court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Bishop Michael Martin, center, greets parishioners following an Ash Wednesday Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
The Providence Day School Chargers forward Dylan Bradley (5) looks for the block in their 80-75 win over Carmel Christian in the NCISAA state semifinals on February 24, 2026. Matthew Laczko For to the Observer
The Carmel Christian guard Logan Johnson(5) goes for the fast break layup in their 80-75 loss against Providence Day in the NCISAA state semifinals on February 24, 2026. Matthew Laczko For to the Observer
Providence's Liam Drayton (1) blocks the shot of East Meck's Ian Ramirez Toro (10). East Meck would play Providence in the Southwestern conference tournment championship at Ballantyne Ridge Friday February 20, 2026. Jonathan Aguallo
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