Charlotte's Brooklyn: Examining the history and future of one of the Queen City's premier African-American neighborhoods

LOCATION
Canopy Realtor® Association, 1120 Pearl Park Way, Charlotte, NC 28204

DATE
Wed., Feb. 26

TIME
Registration/Networking/Light Snacks | 12:30-1 p.m.
Program | 1-2:30 p.m.

PROGRAM
The area of Charlotte now known as Second Ward was once the home of Brooklyn, a vibrant African-American neighborhood that was eventually demolished for an urban renewal project in the 1960s. Community historian Tom Hanchett will look back to Brooklyn's beginnings as one of Charlotte’s vibrant African-American residential and business districts, its eventual demise, and exciting plans for redevelopment of the area that will weave together history and innovation. Charlotte architect Darrel Williams will also be part of the program and discuss a proposal to commemorate Brooklyn and its history at the new medical school campus.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Tom Hanchett Dr. Hanchett is a community historian in Charlotte who earned degrees from Cornell, the University of Chicago, and UNC-Chapel Hill. He is a retired staff historian for the Levine Museum of the New South and author of Sorting Out the New South City and Affordable Housing in Charlotte: What One City's History Tells Us About America's Pressing Problem, which is due to be published in the spring of 2025. Dr. Hanchett researched and wrote much of the informational signage included in the Pearl Street Park design. In 2015, Charlotte Magazine named him a "Charlottean of the Year".

Darrel Williams Local architect Darrel Williams is retired from Neighboring Concepts, a design firm he co-founded in 1996 that aims to bring opportunity to underserved areas and create a better world. The firm has been involved in numerous local projects including the Harvey B. Gantt Center, CATS Blue and Gold Line, Romare Bearden Park, and others. In addition to his work designing notable buildings such as the new Eastway Recreation Center, he is a past Mecklenburg County Commissioner and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

For questions about registering contact Karyn Lindsey at klindsey@canopyrealtors.com or call 704-940-3116. 

No-Show and Cancellations: This is a free member event.  However, a $25 no-show fee will be assessed for no-shows who do not cancel before the event.  This is a member-only event.

This event is a benefit of belonging to Canopy Realtor^® Association.