Carolyn Barber of Reggae Central

Carolyn Barber
Reggae Central

In 1998, I was in my third year of college at UNC-Charlotte. All of the places that I worked at the time were in town (Bayou Kitchen, Café Dada, Cigars Etc.), so, naturally, I wanted an apartment closer to my jobs. I found a one bedroom apartment behind the McDonald’s on Central Avenue. When I tell you that no one wanted to live on or visit some of the streets in Plaza-Midwood back then, I’m not exaggerating. It wasn’t the “cool” place to live, but I was very happy to be there. Little did I know that I would meet some of my best friends in that zipcode.

As a DJ, I began doing booking at a little club called Café Bisous and bartending at Café Dada (now Dish) and was shopping at Central Records. Lin Benfield ended up hiring me as one of his buyers. Two doors down from the record store, incense filled the air and reggae music was blasting out into the streets. I wandered in one day only to meet Miss Carolyn Barber. As my boss Lin tells it, his store used to be in a storefront above the one he was in at the time of me discovering it, called Upstairs Records, opened in 1995. When he was moving underneath to a new spot, changing the name to Central Records, Carolyn signed a lease for her first location of Reggae Central. “I remember that I told her friend (DJ Ceez / Chad Blalock of Power 98) that Upstairs Records was moving to street level and our old space would be perfect for Carolyn to start her business. Building owner (George Aroba) was happy to welcome Carolyn. Later, she (also) moved street level when Aroba Tailoring closed. Carolyn believed in the neighborhood and knew how to start a business. Back then, most of the buildings and businesses were independently owned. Everyone knew each other and supported each other, for which Carolyn played a large part in making Plaza-Midwood the unique area people liked.” He tells me more than once, “Carolyn is an amazing person.”

The year was 1997 and soon after, other unique businesses started to open in the neighborhood, including House of Africa (still there today). For decades, Carolyn ran a successful store in the heart of Plaza-Midwood. Fellow business owner, Jason Herring of the old Milestone Records (across the street from her – where Sadu is), remembers that time as a great one for Charlotte’s Plaza-Midwood. But as things go, new building owners increased the rent and many businesses had to find new spots that they could afford (Pura Vida and Soul Gastrolounge moved to NoDa, Boris & Natasha’s moved to The Plaza, and Armada Skate Shop is in Camp NorthEnd). Embracing the change, Carolyn picked up and moved, too.

Perhaps you’ve never even heard of Reggae Central. Maybe you knew of them when they were on Central Avenue, but simply thought that it disappeared. It did not. Carolyn is celebrating 28 years of business and on her third location. When I met her many years ago, we were fast friends. Lots of people feel that way about her. She is a pint size ball of friendliness. No one would guess that she just celebrated her 70^th birthday, but as the saying goes, “Black don’t crack.”

Making the drive to Charlotte daily, this South Carolina gal is part of a close knit, large family. She has ten brothers and sisters AND will stand ten toes down for her chosen family, too. Carolyn can make friends with anyone. And she does that with ease. I am lucky to call her one of my best friends. I know a lot of other people feel that way and I am willing to share her.

You can often find her around town at shows with her daughter and granddaughter. If there is a reggae show in the area, she knows about it. Heck, she brought most of the artists here herself while promoting shows all over town. She basically knows all of the international artists personally. Don’t wait to see her out and about, go check her out at the store. She moved almost a handful of years ago and My City Magazine wants you to know of her new location. She sells leather bags, bracelets, necklaces, djembe drums, skirts, incense, records, tee shirts, baskets, and so much more. Whenever I am in there, regulars pour in there for their shea butter and essential body oil fix (that they refuse to buy elsewhere). DJ Donny Blackaway, aka the Black Ferris Bueller, Shawn Allison can’t say enough nice things about her. “What Carolyn represents is the warmth that humanity could and should have. While she is petite in stature, her heart radiates as a giant sunbeam of peace, love, and joy to all.” She really is one the most genuine and kind people to know, but don’t take my word for it. Meet her yourself and thank us later.

Reggae Central
4456 The Plaza, Suite B., 28215
704-37RASTA / 704-377-2782
Instagram: reggae_central
Facebook: Reggae Central
www.ReggaeCentralStore.com

photos & words by: Ellen Gurley
illustration: Sarah Pollock

Reggae events in the area for Sept. & Oct.
• Sundays @ the Boatyard (Lake Norman): Mystic Vibrations
• Sundays @ Reggae Lounge: 3rd Sundays 5-10pm Mad Max Presents: “Retro Sundays” w.Deejay Kross (+ Ludi & dominos)
• Fridays @ the Reggae Lounge: “Fyah Fridays” w. DJ Dr C & guests
• Fri., Sept. 12th @ the Common Market (Monroe): 7pm Selah Dubb
• Sun., Sept. 21st @ the Amp Ballantyne: Ziggy Marley, Burning Spear
• Wed., Oct. 1st @ the Neighborhood Theatre: the Wailers

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