The school is now home to the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center. I call this home because the city and community represent all that is symbolic to steadfastness and a "can do" attitude. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, in Charlotte, is named in his honor. [3] RALEIGH, N.C., NOV. 6 -- Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) was reelected to a fourth term tonight over Democratic challenger Harvey Gantt . Harvey Gantt was the first black mayor of Charlotte. Clemson, South Carolina 29634
Gantt served on the council until 1983. WCNC-TV anchorwoman Sonja Gantt and her husband noticed a white pickup at the top of their driveway as they were pulling into their garage Saturday night, police said.Two men wearing ski masks and holding handguns approached, and one man ordered Gantt's husband to go into the house. Write to Sean Gregory at sean.gregory@time.com. Back in 1990 Jordan, who grew up in North Carolina and starred for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, refused to publicly endorse Harvey Gantt, the African-American former Democratic mayor of Charlotte, in his racially contentious Senate race versus Republican Jesse Helms. My supporters were very strong, very fervent people, he says. Grandmother is charged with murder. The Gantt Center is located at Levine Center for the Arts and supported by the North Carolina Arts Council and the Knight Foundation. Glenn: Today is the federal holiday for the Rev. And of course, in my case, in 1990, Jesse Helms successfully blew the dog whistle of racism, and people feared African Americans holding public office. Thirty years later, Gantt tells TIME he doesnt begrudge Jordans decision not to publicly support himand isnt sure how much it would have mattered, anyway. Back in 1990, Harvey Gantt, a black Democrat and former mayor of Charlotte, was . As a young lawyer preparing for public life in Chicago, he said he would have liked to see Jordan back Gantt. A pioneer in blending urban planning with the practice of architecture, Gantt Huberman employed a diverse group of professionals who were charged with designing buildings that encourage community. Helms' career was marked by repeated charges that he was . Harvey B. Gantt. He is a partner in the architectural and city planning firm Gantt/Huberman Architects and served two terms as mayor of Charlotte, N.C. After much processing and discussion with my wife, Cindy, the prevailing factor that led me to say "yes" was that it was for the sake of posterity. Jordans reluctance to get political stands in contrast to todays superstar athletes, like LeBron James, who are much more socially engaged. And what you're seeing is a tug of war between an old South that may be clinging to an America that they felt comfortable with and a new progressive region that is growing by leaps and bounds because of education, jobs and the changing demographic. Your support helps the Gantt present exceptional exhibitions, leading scholars and engaging programs that celebrate the African-American story. I guess if youre building a brand thats what you do., Gantt was seeking to become the first African-American senator from North Carolina. His Nike Air Jordan shoes, in fact, made him millions. AP Photo/Chuck Burton. In 2012, Jordan hosted a fundraiser for Obama; Jordan also offered some fundraising support for Gantt in his 1996 rematch with Helms. And then this president built it to a peak by saying, "I won in a landslide, and they cheated me." For NC Rep. Tricia Cotham, being a Democrat was a part of her identity from a young age. Or saying darn, if Michael had endorsed us we would have gotten another 10, 20, 30, 40 thousands votes. Did he turn you down? Gantt chats sunnily about his wife of 31 years, Cindy; their daughter who anchors the morning television news in Chicago, two other daughters in medical school and his son, nicknamed Adam. Courtesy of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture. Back in 1990 Jordan, who grew up in North Carolina and starred for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, refused to publicly endorse Harvey Gantt, the African-American former Democratic mayor of Charlotte, in his racially contentious Senate race versus Republican Jesse Helms. In September 1963, Lucinda Brawley became the first African-American woman to be admitted to Clemson and in October 1964 married Harvey. Gantt was born in Charleston on January 14, 1943, the first of five children born to Christopher C. Gantt and Wilhelmenia Gordon. Years later, he would move to Charlotte -- a city where he had difficulty getting a hotel room when he first arrived due to the color of his skin. A retired architect, he still remains plugged-in to the Charlotte political scene. ', Even Gantt himself sympathizes with Jordan. Gantt entered local politics, where he was elected to the city council, serving from 1974 to 1983. Helms' career was marked by repeated charges that he was . Back in 1990 Jordan, who grew up in North Carolina and starred for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, refused to publicly endorse Harvey Gantt, the African-American former Democratic mayor of Charlotte, in his racially contentious Senate race versus Republican Jesse Helms. Times, October 13, 1990; . The Harvey B. Gantt Center is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors. Sonja has been a central member of our news team for nearly 20 years, said WCNCs general manager. To support the work we do, consider joining our Press Club. Harvey Gantt graduated with honors from Clemson in 1965, earning a Bachelors degree in Architecture and later a Master of City Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). You had to want to be in this campaign. Is that really fair?, That election, Gantt says, certainly had racial overtones. 864-656-3311, Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center, Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy. Harvey Gantt, a member of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity, lives with his wife Cindy in Charlotte. In this week's Wisdom Watch, Gantt, who is also a renowned architect,. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Americans are reflecting on Kings legacy and the divisiveness of the country, especially given the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol more than a week ago. A retired architect, he still remains plugged-in to the Charlotte political scene. I envisioned walking into the building with my grandchildren and had thoughts of others doing the same with future generations. "One day being on the other side of the serving line.. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. All images and text on this website are for viewing only and are not to be downloaded or appropriated for other purposes. All rights reserved. The fear we have today is very similar. And I would feel terrible if he felt obligated to have done something that he didnt want to do. Or saying darn, if Michael had endorsed us we would have gotten another 10, 20, 30, 40 thousands votes. In this series, Gantt recalls his life experiences, ranging from his attendance at Clemson University to his inauguration as Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. Lucinda was business manager of East Towne Manor, an assisted-living facility in Charlotte, until her retirement. Applebome, Carolina Race is Winning the Wallets of America, New York HELMS DEFEATS GANTT. So, my hope is and my belief is that Charlotte is going to be all right. M.L. Gantt's husband threw the car into reverse and took off. Gantts a season ticket holder for the Charlotte Hornets, the NBA team owned by Jordan. Harvey Gantt made history in 1983 as the first African-American to be elected as mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. I was struck by the descriptions that seem to suggest that the people doing this were well versed in military tactics to get in, and then to see them smashing the windows in the hallway it was all surprising. My wife and my grandson were in the car with me. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Sonja Gantt addressing Charlotte students on the value of reading in 2014. Not just teachers, but an entire community rallied behind the youth, molding bright minds. In 2012, Jordan hosted a fundraiser for Obama; Jordan also offered some fundraising support for Gantt in his 1996 rematch with Helms. "Our young people still appreciate and honor what Harvey and Lucinda started, which is very important and enriching." The Gantts married in 1964, and after Harvey completed his architecture. But he would overcome the vestiges of segregation to become the citys first black mayor, blazing a trail in the Queen City like he did decades earlier at Clemson. Cite this article: Clemson University
Their daughter, Sonja Gantt, is a former news anchor at WCNC-TV in Charlotte. That was not the first thing that came to my mind on the morning after that defeat., In the series, Jordan copped to making the Republicans buy sneakers too comment, but insists it was in jest. Harvey Gantt was the first African American student to enroll at Clemson, entering the University in January 1963. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Senate candidate Harvey Gantt lost his 1990 U.S. Senate bid to unseat longtime incumbent Jesse Helms. In The Last Dance, Jordan says his mother asked him to film a commercial for Gantt; he wrote a check to the campaign instead. _____ Video: Harvey Gantt Black History Moment The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, in Charlotte, is named in his honor. Courtesy AIA. We didnt spend a lot of time brooding about it, Gantt said in an interview on Friday. Glenn: And, of course, North Carolina went for President Trump. And I said, yeah they do. Harvey Gantt graduated with honors from Clemson in 1965, earning a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and later a Master of City Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The two institutions compete against each other in many sports, but the annual football game receives the most attention. (The Last Dances ratings would say otherwise). This collection contains photographs of Harvey and Lucinda, who is the first African American woman to attend Clemson, as well as official university documents related to Harvey's integration fight. In 1963 Harvey B. Gantt became the first African American student admitted to Clemson University. He was trying to build a brand, says Gantt. He was trying to build a brand, says Gantt. She worked for several years as an on-air contract reporter for CNN in Atlanta and worked in print as a reporter for the Baltimore Sun Media Group, The Washington Post and covered Congress and various federal agencies for the Daily Environment Report and Real Estate Finance Today. Daughter of former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt, she attended East Mecklenburg High School and got a journalism degree from UNC Chapel Hill. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and you were the first African American to attend Clemson (University). Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone. The Gantts are the proud parents of four children. In 1971, Gantt left the Soul City project, returning to Charlotte to launch an architectural firm with Jeffrey Huberman. Look, I didnt even know any of this stuff until the drama I guess was over. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Clemson University, with honors, in 1965, and in 1970, he received a Master of City Planning degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. CLEMSON, S.C. Clemson University in South Carolina is rich in history. I dont know if thats good or bad., As further evidence that Gantt bears no ill will towards Jordan: hes helping to line Jordans pockets. Admittedly, it took some convincing by Board Chair Earl Leake and others. In terms of coming together? In 1970, Gantt earned an M.A. But they had to give it to a minority because of a racial quota. As told to Michael Graff When it was first proposed that this building be named after me, I hesitated. Small business owner's truck, equipment stolen, Habitat for Humanity building affordable housing in west Charlotte, At least 6 people killed in crashes on I-55 south of Springfield, Illinois. In the days leading up to my going to Clemson, I went to Charlotte and listened to a speech I think he made at Johnson C. Smith's campus. Harvey Gantt was the first African American student to enroll at Clemson, entering the University in January 1963. [7], Another advertisement, known as the White Hands ad, showed a close-up of the hands of a white person reading, then crumpling a letter, while a voice-over said "You needed that job, and you were the best qualified. We had folks from all over the country. Get the latest from the Gantt & subscribe to our mailing list. If you appeal enough to the fears that people have about their future existence, you can actually dictate what might they need to do to overcome those fears. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. [6] With one and a half weeks to go, Gantt was ahead in the polls, but Helms aired a number of television commercials emphasizing Gantt's color. He supported the rights of NFL players to kneel during the national anthem and backed James after President Donald Trump questioned Jamess intelligence. In his famous 1963 "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," King wrote that the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. These are indeed challenging times that have many in the country wondering how we move forward as a nation. You have reached your limit of free articles. Gantt grew up in Charleston, S.C.; he was the first African-American student to enroll at Clemson University in January 1963; he and the second African-American student on campus, Lucinda Brawley, would go on to marry. I only heard about this Michael Jordan saga secondhand. RALEIGH, N.C. . (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). But what really made the impact for me were the African-Americans who always serviced that white student population," Gantt said. Its skyward stairway was a visible reminder of the importance of aspiring to greater things and a good education. Lucinda entered in the fall semester of that same year, making her Clemson's second African American student to enroll. Probably, he admits in The Last Dance. He'll focus on the Smart Tour instead, but he could race in Tommy Neal's Sportsman car next month. And I suppose he wasnt as reflective on the implications of what people were asking him to do. While Gantt would have welcomed Jordans support, he holds no grudges. The city did not at that time have majority black population and currently does not have a majority black population. I thought about the enormous history of the residents of the historic Second Ward community of "Brooklyn," where the Gantt Center now stands. In 1963, he was the first African American to be admitted to Clemson University in South Carolina. He said activism is just not in his nature. A Guide to Reducing Your Health Care Costs, Breaking Barriers: Challenges and opportunities for Latino students, EQUALibrium: An exploration of race and equity in Charlotte, Falling short: Why Democrats keep losing most statewide races, EQUALibrium Live: Conversations on Race & Equity, NPR's Founding Mothers In Conversation With WFAE's Lisa Worf, Two Charlotte charter schools now face closure over academic and financial struggles, The guy who ate a $120,000 banana in an art museum says he was just hungry, Arkansas woman pleads not guilty to selling over 20 boxes of stolen human body parts, The Senate holds its Supreme Court ethics hearing this week with no justices, SouthBound Replay: Harvey Gantt On Activism, Jesse Helms, And His Faith In Better Days. His lone focus was his craft. He said being a pioneer wasn't difficult because he had friends on campus, both black and. Harvey Gantt was mayor of Charlotte from 1983-1987. As the oldest child of Wilhelmina and Christopher Gantt, he often attended NAACP meetings with his father. It was there, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, that Harvey Gantt began a career of breaking ground. Helms career was marked by repeated charges that he was racist. After one year of study, he returned to South Carolina and soon afterwards sued to enter racially segregated Read MoreHarvey Bernard Gantt (1943- ) In 1961, Gantt attended Iowa State University. Gantt, a Charlotte native and daughter of former mayor Harvey Gantt, joined Channel 36 in 1997 from Chicago station WGN. That has been a fear that extends all the way back to the beginning of this country and beyond. Harvey Gantt is an architect, city planner, civil rights leader, and former mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. Gantt was born on Yonges Island near Charleston, the first of five children. She will. 90.3 Hickory 106.1 Laurinburg, PublishedJanuary 18, 2021 at 7:53 AM EST. Was that selfish? Jaxson Franklin, a Stokesdale Elementary School student, was critically injured March 30 when he was hit on NC 65. And I had been listening to some interesting speeches by members of Congress who were there, of course, for the purpose of certifying the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Charlotte Observer file photo, Authorities ID man who died in house fire, Morris Chestnut, Tamika Mallory, Benjamin Crump and more to give N.C. HBCU commencement speeches this month, New center provides resources to LGBT community and people living with HIV, Democratic lawmakers in N.C. push for paid family leave, more sick days and higher minimum wage, Charlotte City Council member Braxton Winston will seek statewide office in 2024, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. He thinks its impossible to know whether Jordan, who as a freshman at UNC hit the game-winning shot to give legendary coach Dean Smith his first national title, could have tipped the race in his favor. Harvey Gantt trusts the women of. A boost from Jordan, who at that time hadnt won an NBA title but was still one of the most famous, beloved people on the planet, could have only benefitted Gantt. Her experience includes producing on-air reports for National Public Radio and she worked full-time as a producer for NPRs All Things Considered news program for five years. Please contact us with questions or requests. Gantts wife Lucinda became the second African-American student to enroll at Clemson. In 1974, Gantts political career began with his appointment to the Charlotte City Council to fill the seat vacated by Fred Alexander, the councils only black member. He said activism is just not in his nature. Other documents collected are correspondence to and from university lawyers, legislators, and members of the public. He moved to Charlotte after graduating from MIT, and, in 1971, co-founded Gantt Huberman Architects. In 1990, Gantt ran for a Senate seat in North Carolina as a Democrat against the incumbent, Republican Jesse Helms. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. They have four children: Sonja, Erika, Angela, and Adam. [8] Gantt lost the election by 47% to 53%. Whoops! Because he always called for peaceful protest, and these are far from that. Throughout his career, Harveys ties with academia have remained strong. Gantt was elected Charlottes first African-American mayor in 1983. I was more interested in what the social environment would be like and whether I was prepared for the loneliness of being the only one.. Gantt continues to advocate for equity and equal rights and is often tapped to serve on civic, cultural, and business boards, and to lead philanthropic efforts and community initiatives. She later continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the same school. Residents and visiting friends alike will have numerous opportunities to enjoy all aspects of Levine Center for the Arts. And the blame is, for me, four years of a president who I feel rightly was impeached because he did incite that riot, baiting the crowd, projecting misinformation all over the place. From morning until night, I was traveling all over this state, making speeches and doing a whole lot of stuff and trying to become a credible candidate, Gantt says. GUNMEN SOUGHT IN ATTACK ON HARVEY GANTT'S DAUGHTER. You have permission to edit this article. That's why I agreed to the naming of the building, and that's why I want you to join me in celebrating our history and the dawning of a new day for all of us. Example video title will go here for this video. Back in 1990 Jordan, who grew up in North Carolina and starred for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, refused to publicly endorse Harvey Gantt, the African-American former Democratic mayor of Charlotte, in his racially contentious Senate race versus Republican Jesse Helms. We are forever grateful to them. Harvey B. Gantt, architect and politician, was born January 14, 1943 in Charleston, South Carolina to Christopher and Wilhelmenia Gantt. One of the gunmen fired a shot at the car before both suspects fled. The episode, which aired Sunday evening, cut to an older clip of author Nathan McCallwho worked at the Washington Post from 1989-1998comparing Jordan unfavorably to Muhammad Ali, who gave up prime earning years to oppose the Vietnam War and Americas treatment of African-Americans. From 1974 until 1983, Gantt served on the Charlotte City Council. All Rights Reserved. Clemson's main rivals within the Atlantic Coast . Gwendolyn Glenn: What was going through your mind as you watched the insurrection unfold at the U.S. Capitol? I only heard about this Michael Jordan saga secondhand. In the close and particularly bitter 1990 contest, Helms campaign used shrewdly-crafted TV ads targeting white fears about affirmative action, which Gantts supporters claimed were racially motivated. Gantt lost again, by a similar margin. Gantts a season ticket holder for the Charlotte Hornets, the NBA team owned by Jordan. On this holiday to honor the Rev. He started to participate in civil rights activism in high school. SouthBound Extra: A Preview Of Harvey Gantt Interview. If he was in his mid 50s and done all of the things he had done and been as socially conscious as he has been and I was running a campaign, maybe I would have expected more of him, says Gantt. WFAE "All Things Considered" host Gwendolyn Glenn talked with Gantt about past challenges he endured and the challenges the nation faces today, as armed protests are threatened during President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration. Jordans stance disappointed some of his admirers. One, which attacked Gantt's pro-abortion stance, repeatedly rewound and replayed a soundbite from Gantt, with the image changing from color to black and white, and Gantt's face appearing darker at the end. with Dignity (Clemson: Clemson University Digital Press, 2003); He was still trying to figure out, How am I managing this image that has been created around me,' said Obama. Gantt grew up in Charleston, S.C.; he was the first African-American student to enroll at Clemson University in January 1963; he and the second African-American student on campus, Lucinda. The ruling was regarding a 20 year-old Harvey Gantt, who despite excellent academics had been repeatedly barred from entering the university's . Gantt was elected Charlottes first African-American mayor in 1983. Magazines, Digital Gantt currently manages a successful architectural firm and remains active in politics. I guess if youre building a brand thats what you do., Gantt was seeking to become the first African-American senator from North Carolina. News, Opinion & Events for Charlotte's African American community. In 1970, he earned . Thirty years later, Gantt tells TIME he doesnt begrudge Jordans decision not to publicly support himand isnt sure how much it would have mattered, anyway. Harvey Gantt ran unsuccessfully for the Senate seat held by Jesse Helms in 1990 and 1996. In 1963, Gantt became the first African-American student to attend the previously all-white institution. In the spot, the hands of a white man crumples up a letter. He says that neither he or anyone from his campaign reached out to Jordan directly about an endorsement in 1990. A lot of people have called me over the years and asked, did you go to Michael? He went to the public schools of that city and graduated from Burke High School second in his class. Gantt, 50, will become executive director of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Public Schools Foundation, a 501-c-3 nonprofit that collects donations to supplement educational programs. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Do you find this information helpful? Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. First of all, we couldn't understand how security would have allowed this group of people to get in. Inspired by his father, a longtime National Association for the . Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles, Here's How Harvey Gantt Feels, 30 Years Later, About Michael Jordan Refusing to Back Him. The Gantt Center will serve as one of the entry points to experience the arts, sporting events and many other amenities that Charlotte has to offer. Biden lost North Carolina, but I sensed, as I sensed back during the race with Jesse Helms, that North Carolina is going to be a purple state, much in the way that Georgia this year went blue. While on the council, he encouraged black voting and reformed the process of electing city council members. This collection contains photographs of Harvey and Lucinda, who is the first African American woman to attend Clemson, as well as official university documents related to Harvey's integration fight. She is committed to continuing to have a role in helping our community and we are thrilled she will remain with NBC Charlotte to assist on special projects.. Harvey It voted substantially for the Democratic ticket, and I expect that won't reverse itself in the next four years. We had folks from all over the country. And I had been listening to some interesting speeches by members . Your donation is fully tax-deductible. The episode, which aired Sunday evening, cut to an older clip of author Nathan McCallwho worked at the Washington Post from 1989-1998comparing Jordan unfavorably to Muhammad Ali, who gave up prime earning years to oppose the Vietnam War and Americas treatment of African-Americans.
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