05/26/2026
Today’s speaker spotlight features the incredible Tasha White, founder and Executive Director for Help Carolina , and founder of the Gastonia EbonyFest Juneteenth festival ⭐️
Tasha is a life long resident of Gastonia, and is a passionate advocate for justice, equity, and community-driven solutions. With over 20 years of experience in mental health services, nonprofit leadership, and grassroots organizing, she founded HELP Carolina (Helping Everyone Leave Poverty,) to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness in her hometown and beyond.
Alongside her committed effort to address poverty and serve those in need, Tasha is also the founder of Gastonia’s Juneteenth celebrations. Beginning in 2019 at the Erwin Center, Tasha organized a community festival that included local art performances, food, music, and education on the historical significance of both Juneteenth and the impact African Americans have had in Gaston County. Fast forward to today, Tasha has secured a partnership with the city of Gastonia and now hosts the festival downtown at the Rotary Pavilion, symbolizing the success of her personal efforts and ability to create a long lasting impact through service and civic engagement.
As a mother, leader, and visionary, Tasha believes in walking alongside those she serves - not ahead of them. Her mission is simple but powerful: to ensure no one has to walk the journey of poverty alone. Under her leadership, HELP Carolina has become a trusted source of hope, support, and transformation for families across Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties, and Juneteenth has become a staple in Gastonia’s annual calendar of events.
Join us tonight at Durty Bull Brewing to hear her story, and to learn more about the awesome work we are doing to support Juneteenth and other local events right here in Gaston county!
