Harvey B. Gantt Center for African- American Arts And Culture, Charlotte

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, located in Charlotte, on South Tryon Street, serves as a significant hub for cultural exploration and education in the city. Originally known as the Afro-American Cultural Center, it has evolved to reflect the rich contributions of African Americans to American culture.

Named after Harvey Bernard Gantt, a notable figure in North Carolina's architectural and political spheres, the center pays tribute to his legacy. Gantt, born in 1943, made history as the first African-American student admitted to Clemson University before earning a master's degree at MIT. He later established a successful architectural practice in Charlotte, leaving a lasting impact on the city.

The Gantt Center itself is an architectural marvel, occupying a modernist building at the corner of South Tryon and Stonewall Streets. Its design, inspired by the Myers Street School in Charlotte's Brooklyn neighborhood, symbolizes African-American heritage and resilience against urban renewal efforts in the 1960s.

Dedicated to showcasing the influence of Africans and African Americans on American culture, the Gantt Center offers a range of exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages. These initiatives serve as platforms for dialogue about the African-American experience and its significance in shaping the nation's cultural landscape.

In essence, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture stands as a testament to African-American heritage and its enduring impact on American society. Through its design and educational endeavors, the center continues to promote appreciation and celebration of African-American culture locally and beyond.