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Explore two of Charlotte's historic African American neighborhoods:
CHARLOTTE CORRIDOR SYMBOLIZES TRADITION
By Frye Gaillard
Adapted from the Charlotte Observer, June 8, 1990
It is Sunday morning on Beatties Ford Road.
Below is an index to four image galleries of African American life in Charlotte, North Carolina in the decades following World War II.
Part 1: Social Gatherings
Myers Street School
In the late 1940s, Myers Street School was the largest elementary school in North Carolina for black children. The school was torn down as part of urban renewal. The site is now part of Metro School and the Aquatic Center.
The 6th Grade Class of 1918
Rev. Clifford A. Jones was installed as the 13th pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in 1983, following the death of Rev. Colemon Kerry. Rev. Jones led the church's 100-year anniversary in 1990.
In the early 1960s, the Johnson family waits on Beatties Ford Rd. for the JCSU homecoming parade to pass through their neighborhood.
The Rev. I. Milledge offers an array of fruits and vegetables at his produce and flower stand.
Andrew Grier and Harriet Rawlinson are the 1996 King and Queen, shown here on the Second Ward Alumni Charlotte Chapter float in the JCSU homecoming parade.
Many of Charlotte's African-American families have lived in the Beatties Ford Road area for decades. Some of the neighborhoods off Beatties Ford Road include: Biddleville, Five Points, Dalebrook, Lincoln Heights, McCrorey Heights, Oaklawn Park, Oaklawn Terrace, Seversville, Smallwood, Taylor Avenue, University Park, Washington Heights, Wesley Heights.
Marty Johnson in front of her home on Douglas St. off Beatties Ford Rd. The westside water works can be seen in the background.
Many of Charlotte's African-American families have lived in the Beatties Ford Road area for decades. Some of the neighborhoods off Beatties Ford Road include: Biddleville, Five Points, Dalebrook, Lincoln Heights, McCrorey Heights, Oaklawn Park, Oaklawn Terrace, Seversville, Smallwood, Taylor Avenue, University Park, Washington Heights, Wesley Heights.
Marty Johnson in front of her home on Douglas St. off Beatties Ford Rd. The westside water works can be seen in the background.
May 22, 1990
Rev. George Battle visited a Charlotte-Mecklenburg student who had been hurt in a school bus wreck. A long-time school board member, Battle served as head of that board for many years while he continued to lead Gethsemane AME Zion Church.
October 19, 1993
Students and teachers work together at Gethsemane's education center. (Alita Sharp, Kim Little, Shakina Johnson and Adelaid Hunt)
December 26, 1975
Mayo Cunningham prepares a plate lunch at Gethsemane's Christmas dinner.