Mahjong is a Chinese-originated game that is “a little bit like playing cards,” says Heron House Mahjong founder Charolette Obringer. “The goal of the game is to take this combination of chaotic tiles and turn them into logical (and) organized winning hands,” Obringer said.
Ali Costellow
ali.costellow@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
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan jokes around with quarterback Bryce Young during a mandatory minicamp practice on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Sharon James is a former childcare worker who now works as a North Carolina organizer for the National Domestic Workers Allliance. TRACY KIMBALL
Matt Bryne smiles as he holds a slice of pizza at Pizza Baby in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, April 13, 2026. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
A young fan holds onto his helmet as he runs to home plate with members of the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters looking on during pregame festivities at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Emma Biggs, left, director of Pathway Preschool Center in Charlotte, plays with children at the center on Friday, May 22, 2026. TRACY KIMBALL
Texas Tailgaters Nick Lopez, center, is joined by a few of his teammates to dance with fans during pregame activities outside Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The Texas Tailgaters played the Firefighters in Banana Ball action at Truist Field. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard breaks into the open field on a run during a mandatory minicamp practice on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Spectators watch the Texas Tailgaters and Firefighters from a balcony of the FNB building on Thursday, June 4, 2026 Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters at Truist Field. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Mr. November celebrates the fans along the first base line and right field area winning a sing off against other fans during the Texas Tailgaters vs Firefighters at Truist Field in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Banana Ball action returned to the Queen City with the Texas Tailgaters battling the Firefighters. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
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