About
Dapper Street is a Charlotte-based ecosystem founded by Shawna Canada, dedicated to building culture, developing leaders, and shaping legacy within the Black community.
What began as a creative platform has evolved into a comprehensive system that connects education, empowerment, and community development. Dapper Street functions as the parent organization to several initiatives — including the Dapper Elite Academy, Charlotte Dapper Society, and the Dapper Hearts Foundation — each serving a distinct purpose while working toward one shared goal: the advancement and empowerment of Black individuals and families through knowledge, opportunity, and cultural pride.
At its core, Dapper Street exists to cultivate environments where Black excellence is not only taught but lived — bridging generations, fostering leadership, and inspiring sustainable legacy.
What began as a creative platform has evolved into a comprehensive system that connects education, empowerment, and community development. Dapper Street functions as the parent organization to several initiatives — including the Dapper Elite Academy, Charlotte Dapper Society, and the Dapper Hearts Foundation — each serving a distinct purpose while working toward one shared goal: the advancement and empowerment of Black individuals and families through knowledge, opportunity, and cultural pride.
At its core, Dapper Street exists to cultivate environments where Black excellence is not only taught but lived — bridging generations, fostering leadership, and inspiring sustainable legacy.
Mission
Our mission is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that empowers the Black community through education, leadership, and cultural development.
We are committed to creating programs and platforms that:
We are committed to creating programs and platforms that:
- Educate youth and adults to thrive intellectually, emotionally, and financially.
- Strengthen community bonds through cultural awareness and collective progress.
- Inspire excellence, ownership, and generational legacy through purpose-driven work.
Staff
- Letron Brantley - Music Director
- Tylesha Lovett - Administration
- Zametria Goard - Administration
Board of Advisors
- Jamica Carradine
- Sam Patterson
- Bernard Mitchell
Services & Divisons |
The Society |
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1. Dapper Elite AcademyA youth education initiative cultivating emotional intelligence, leadership, financial literacy, etiquette, and cultural identity in scholars ages 7–13. The academy provides a modern, holistic learning experience that connects knowledge to purpose, confidence, and legacy. 2. Charlotte Dapper SocietyA professional and social network for entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders. The Society curates workshops, networking events, and cultural gatherings that foster connection, wealth-building, and community impact. 3. Dapper Hearts FoundationThe philanthropic and community engagement branch of Dapper Street. The Foundation supports scholarships, cultural programming, and educational initiatives that uplift underserved communities and invest in the next generation of leaders. 4. Dapper Street ProductionsThe creative and live entertainment division of Dapper Street. Through curated events, concerts, and creative collaborations — including The Color of Jazz music series and Dapper Street Kids — Dapper Street Productions continues the company’s legacy of artistic excellence, storytelling, and community inspiration through the performing arts. |
The Charlotte Dapper Society is committed to cultivating a distinguished community where professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders converge to build meaningful relationships, foster economic empowerment, and drive cultural excellence.
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