Written By Meg DellaMea

Photos By Amy Hart

This music education alum’s list of accomplishments will definitely make you feel lazy. Charlotte philanthropist, singer/songwriter, playwright, director, producer and arts educator Jermaine Nakia Lee has brought his passions to life for decades. Music, his first love, was an early interest. Growing up in Miami, Florida, Lee was surrounded by blues, opera, folk, soul and Broadway show tunes. These influences were foundational to his vocal and song styling. 

Enrolled in the New World School of the Arts in Miami through his junior year, Lee moved to Charlotte with his mother and graduated from Harding High School in 1994. Here, he began honing his musical talents; he started composing a score that would find its place more than 20 years later. 

In the interlude, Lee returned to Miami. He set sail on the high seas, performing on cruise ships. He spent several years traveling the Caribbean bringing music and laughter to countless guests.

CHARLOTTE GOLD RUSH

UNC Charlotte’s music education program and the opportunity to be closer to his mother eventually drew Lee back to Charlotte in 2000. He fell in love with the sprawling campus and the vibrancy of University City. He quickly found his niche, further developing his musical passion through studies, friendships and a gospel choir. During this time, Lee gained significant confidence and ability — and others took note. 

Following his time at UNC Charlotte, Lee received a golden opportunity: working as an artists and repertoire representative for a record company under R&B production royalty Kenneth “BabyFace” Edmonds and L.A. Reid in Atlanta, Georgia. Lee was in the studio with vocal giants Whitney Houston, OutKast and Usher among others. 

Eventually, the Queen City’s budding cultural scene and rich opportunities enticed Lee back.

“Charlotte has a lot to be desired,” said Lee. “You can come here and create the life you want for yourself. There’s still a gold rush going on.” 

Lee became the first African American on staff at the Children’s Theatre as a road manager, cast member and teaching artist-in-residence. Over time, as his talents and reputation grew, Lee was recruited to consult for The Mint Museum, Levine Museum of the New South, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and The Harvey B. Gantt Center. 

During this time, Lee learned to invest in and capitalize on his intrinsic value. A pivotal moment being his participation in the Artist Roundtable Development Series offered through the Gantt Center (then the Afro-American Cultural Center). In the program, Lee learned the business of artistry, including how to successfully apply for grants, establish an LLC and effectively market his personal brand. Lee credits much of his professional success to the foundations passed along through the program. 

PRESENTATION AND CELEBRATION

Through his work in the Charlotte community, Lee noticed a gap in Black representation within the Charlotte LGBTQ+ community. Working with thought-leaders Damon Blackmon, Korey Handy and Monica Simpson, Lee explored creating Charlotte Black Pride, gauging support through luncheons and dinners. The response was overwhelmingly affirmative, and the team was spurred into action.

Support and funding from the Center for Black Equity and the National Black Justice Coalition, enabled Charlotte Black Pride’s inaugural event in 2005, with more than 10,000 attendees. Concerts, art exhibitions and lots of good food brought revelers and supporters from across the region. Charlotte Black Pride places a huge emphasis on community and culture; most events are during the day, free to the public and accommodating for families. For Lee, the most critical piece is ensuring everyone feels welcome.

If you find yourself in the Harvey B. Gantt Center, you’ll see Lee amongst other Black creatives and thought leaders in the Charlotte community captured in a mural by Abel Johnson. Source: @jermainenakialee on Instagram.

PHILANTHROPY WITH SOUL

But Lee’s generous heart still had more work to do. In 2020 he launched POOR NO MORE — a grassroots community service organization dedicated to empowering Charlotte’s poor and working poor through a free store, food bank and emergency assistance fund; he currently serves as executive director.

He also serves as co-founder and program director of State of Emergency, which provides emergency assistance funding and social capital work for Black transgender women in the area. Lee founded KUUMBA Academy to pay it forward. Through it, he is on the other side of the desk, mentoring young artists. Funded by The Knight Foundation, Kuumba Academy accepts 20 fellows from a range of backgrounds each year. 

Jermaine Nakia Lee with KUUMBA Academy fellows. Source: KUUMBA Academy on Facebook.

MAKING NINER NATION PROUD

We all come to UNC Charlotte from different backgrounds and leave on different paths. What we have in common is that we all take a piece of Niner Nation on our journey and use it in a unique way. And when you think of it like that, we’re all striking gold.

RELATED STORIES:

Meg DellaMea is the director of engagement marketing for University Communications.

Amy Hart is creative photographic director for University Communications.

PRIDE AND JOY

Charlotte Black Pride co-founder Jermaine Nakia Lee helps compose the score to Charlotte’s culture scene.

Written By Meg DellaMea

Photos By Amy Hart

This music education alum’s list of accomplishments will definitely make you feel lazy. Charlotte philanthropist, singer/songwriter, playwright, director, producer and arts educator Jermaine Nakia Lee has brought his passions to life for decades. Music, his first love, was an early interest. Growing up in Miami, Florida, Lee was surrounded by blues, opera, folk, soul and Broadway show tunes. These influences were foundational to his vocal and song styling. 

Enrolled in the New World School of the Arts in Miami through his junior year, Lee moved to Charlotte with his mother and graduated from Harding High School in 1994. Here, he began honing his musical talents; he started composing a score that would find its place more than 20 years later. 

In the interlude, Lee returned to Miami. He set sail on the high seas, performing on cruise ships. He spent several years traveling the Caribbean bringing music and laughter to countless guests.

CHARLOTTE GOLD RUSH

UNC Charlotte’s music education program and the opportunity to be closer to his mother eventually drew Lee back to Charlotte in 2000. He fell in love with the sprawling campus and the vibrancy of University City. He quickly found his niche, further developing his musical passion through studies, friendships and a gospel choir. During this time, Lee gained significant confidence and ability — and others took note. 

Following his time at UNC Charlotte, Lee received a golden opportunity: working as an artists and repertoire representative for a record company under R&B production royalty Kenneth “BabyFace” Edmonds and L.A. Reid in Atlanta, Georgia. Lee was in the studio with vocal giants Whitney Houston, OutKast and Usher among others. 

Eventually, the Queen City’s budding cultural scene and rich opportunities enticed Lee back.

“Charlotte has a lot to be desired,” said Lee. “You can come here and create the life you want for yourself. There’s still a gold rush going on.” 

Lee became the first African American on staff at the Children’s Theatre as a road manager, cast member and teaching artist-in-residence. Over time, as his talents and reputation grew, Lee was recruited to consult for The Mint Museum, Levine Museum of the New South, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and The Harvey B. Gantt Center. 

During this time, Lee learned to invest in and capitalize on his intrinsic value. A pivotal moment being his participation in the Artist Roundtable Development Series offered through the Gantt Center (then the Afro-American Cultural Center). In the program, Lee learned the business of artistry, including how to successfully apply for grants, establish an LLC and effectively market his personal brand. Lee credits much of his professional success to the foundations passed along through the program. 

PRESENTATION AND CELEBRATION

Through his work in the Charlotte community, Lee noticed a gap in Black representation within the Charlotte LGBTQ+ community. Working with thought-leaders Damon Blackmon, Korey Handy and Monica Simpson, Lee explored creating Charlotte Black Pride, gauging support through luncheons and dinners. The response was overwhelmingly affirmative, and the team was spurred into action.

Support and funding from the Center for Black Equity and the National Black Justice Coalition, enabled Charlotte Black Pride’s inaugural event in 2005, with more than 10,000 attendees. Concerts, art exhibitions and lots of good food brought revelers and supporters from across the region. Charlotte Black Pride places a huge emphasis on community and culture; most events are during the day, free to the public and accommodating for families. For Lee, the most critical piece is ensuring everyone feels welcome.

“A world-class city is one where anyone from any community can make a home for themselves,” said Lee.

Charlotte Black Pride’s resounding success led to Lee being consulted on the launch of South Carolina Black Pride and Triangle Black Pride. Through the Carolinas Pride Movement, he lent his expertise to Greensboro, Fayetteville and Charleston Black Pride organizations.  

This year, mark your calendars to celebrate Charlotte Black Pride July 16-23. 

If you find yourself in the Harvey B. Gantt Center, you’ll see Lee amongst other Black creatives and thought leaders in the Charlotte community captured in a mural by Abel Johnson. Source: @jermainenakialee on Instagram.

PHILANTHROPY WITH SOUL

But Lee’s generous heart still had more work to do. In 2020 he launched POOR NO MORE — a grassroots community service organization dedicated to empowering Charlotte’s poor and working poor through a free store, food bank and emergency assistance fund; he currently serves as executive director.

He also serves as co-founder and program director of State of Emergency, which provides emergency assistance funding and social capital work for Black transgender women in the area. Lee founded KUUMBA Academy to pay it forward. Through it, he is on the other side of the desk, mentoring young artists. Funded by The Knight Foundation, Kuumba Academy accepts 20 fellows from a range of backgrounds each year. 

Jermaine Nakia Lee with KUUMBA Academy fellows. Source: KUUMBA Academy on Facebook.

Lee is passionate and tireless in his support of the community and empowering individuals — and his efforts aren’t going unnoticed. He was the 2014 recipient of the Johnson C. Smith University S.A.F.E. PRIDE Hero Award for supporting the university’s first straight/gay alliance organization and LGBT Pride celebration. In 2015, he received the city of Charlotte’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medallion Award for Community Service and Achievement in the Arts and is the first and only openly gay individual to receive this honor. As Q Notes Carolinas’ 2022 Person of the Year, Lee was recognized for his philanthropic and creative work in the area. Creating a legacy for himself and an opportunity for others, these awards and exposure give Lee the opportunity to speak about his passions and open doors for others. 

MAKING NINER NATION PROUD

We all come to UNC Charlotte from different backgrounds and leave on different paths. What we have in common is that we all take a piece of Niner Nation on our journey and use it in a unique way. And when you think of it like that, we’re all striking gold.

RELATED STORIES:

Meg DellaMea is the director of engagement marketing for University Communications.

Amy Hart is creative photographic director for University Communications.