November 4, 1987 - Democratic Mayor Harvey Gantt is defeated by Republican opponent Sue Myrick. He will run for the U.S. Senate in 1990 and 1996, but will be unable to beat the incumbent Senator, Jesse Helms. Mayor Gantt defeated by Sue Myrick
In 1992, there were 11 employers in Mecklenburg County that had each hired 2,500 to 10,000 employees. They were: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Duke Power, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, City of Charlotte, First Union, Mecklenburg County, NationsBank, Presbyterian Health Services, U.S. Government, and Southern Bell. By providing jobs, these companies and agencies help keep the local economy strong.
May 19, 1969 - Mayor John M. Belk takes office today, succeeding four-term mayor Stan Brookshire. Belk will continue many of Brookshire's programs, especially those that re-develop run-down sections of town. Both Belk and Brookshire will have highways named for them.
March 12, 1988 - Famed artist Romare Bearden dies in New York City. Recently, the public library commissioned Bearden for an original collage from which a mosaic will be based. Nanette Bearden, the artist’s widow, selects one of his murals, Before Dawn and the project proceeds as planned. Before Dawn
September 26, 1996 - Through the years, Rev. Billy Graham has returned to Charlotte many times to spread the Gospel. He draws 300,000 people to the new Ericsson stadium in the 4-day crusade that many worshipers fear may be Graham's last. Although his hands shake from Parkinson's disease, his voice and message are strong. Billy Graham
November 19, 1956 - The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County boasts a new, modern facility on the North Tryon Street site of the old Carnegie Library. The expansion also includes branch libraries for the Mecklenburg towns of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Matthews and Pineville. While many buildings restrict by segregation where black people can go, Charlotte's library quietly accommodates black patrons. In 1961, the Brevard Street library that has served the black community since 1905 will close. Soon, laws will prohibit segregation.
October 15, 1971 - President Richard Nixon visits the Queen City to help honor native Charlottean Reverend Billy Graham. The event becomes even more famous for the actions of officers, called the Secret Service, who protect the president. The Secret Service keeps out some men with long hair, because the officers suspect the men are activists, people who speak out against U.S. involvement in the war in Vietnam.
November 22, 1965Eight-year-old Kelly Alexander, Jr. lies asleep in his bed. Kelly's father has been working to obtain the same rights for black Americans that whites enjoy. But on this night, a bomb explodes in Kelly Jr.'s bedroom and in the homes of three other Charlotte civil rights workers. The victims are the families of Julius Chambers, Reginald Hawkins, Fred Alexander and his brother, Kelly Alexander, Sr. Miraculously, no one is killed. No one will be arrested for these crimes. House destroyed by fire
The first section of Interstate 85 opens in Mecklenburg County. The super-highway will link the Charlotte to Atlanta, Durham, and other important business centers. By the time construction begins on Interstate 77, the Queen City's future as a fast-growing economic hub will be assured.
May 8, 1961 - Charlotte businessman and journalist Stanford R. Brookshire begins his first of four terms as mayor. He will lead Charlotte through desegregation and preside over the re-development of downtown. Brookshire will be recognized nationally for his efforts and will serve as an advisor to President Lyndon Johnson.