1970s - National Events

This decade ushers in the conclusion of the emotionally-charged school desegregation plan in Charlotte. Watch Judge McMillan discuss the impact desegregation has had on the Charlotte community and how the Chambers family was affected by the Swann case.

• May 4, 1970 - At Kent State University, National Guardsmen fire on students protesting the bombing of Cambodia and the Vietnam War.Fall 1970 - Hendrix and Joplin die from drug overdoses. 
• On September 18, 1970, musician Jimi Hendrix dies at the age of 27. Two weeks later, singer Janis Joplin dies from a heroin overdose. Rock music fans mourn the loss of these two innovative performers
• June 17, 1972 - The break-in at the Democratic headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. takes place.
• August 8, 1974 - President Richard Nixon resigns.
• January 23-30, 1977 - Roots is broadcast on television. Photo sidebar: An estimated 130 million viewers watch Roots, the film version of Alex Haley’s book. The mini-series is broadcast on the ABC network.
• September 6, 1978 - President Jimmy Carter hosts the peace conference between Israel and Egypt.