[9] Gantt ran against Helms again in 1996, but he lost again with 46% of the vote. It was there, and at the family dinner table with his four sisters, that he began to appreciate the importance of advocacy and the injustice of racial discrimination. He says that neither he or anyone from his campaign reached out to Jordan directly about an endorsement in 1990. Harvey Gantt ran unsuccessfully for the Senate seat held by Jesse Helms in 1990 and 1996. 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. Its a question former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt has thought about over the years, including when he was the first African American to attend Clemson University and when he lost in a tight race for the U.S. Senate in 1990 that was racially charged. My supporters were very strong, very fervent people, he says. I only heard about this Michael Jordan saga secondhand. Inspired by his father, a longtime National Association for the . ; Peter He joined Charlotte City Council in 1974 and again broke barriers when he was elected Charlottes first African-American mayor in 1983. We are forever grateful to them. 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. 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. [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. [4], Gantt manages a successful architectural practice, Gantt Huberman Architects, and remains active in politics. Gantt ran twice, against Republican Jesse Helms in 1990 and in 1996, for the United States Senate. In addition to being Charlotte' first African American mayor, he was the first African American student to attend Clemson University. From 1974 until 1983, Gantt served on the Charlotte City Council. ', Even Gantt himself sympathizes with Jordan. His lone focus was his craft. My supporters were very strong, very fervent people, he says. The internal documents detail university officials filing away or attempting to block admissions applications by Harvey and other Black students. Jaxson Franklin, a Stokesdale Elementary School student, was critically injured March 30 when he was hit on NC 65. Ryan Newman in serious condition after violent crash on last lap of Daytona 500, Spring-like weather means early allergy season has sprung, Restrained in Class: Parents, experts alarmed by educators restraining children, Entire flight waits to exit plane so NC man can make his twins' father-daughter dance. Sometimes standing up for whats right means having the courage to blaze your own trail. [2] The first African-American student admitted to Clemson University after attending Iowa State University, Gantt graduated with honors in architecture, earned a master's at MIT, and established an architectural practice in Charlotte with a partner. Remaining in office for two terms, Gantt stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other Charlotte leaders committed to establishing a New South City. CLEMSON, S.C. Clemson University in South Carolina is rich in history. A lot of people have called me over the years and asked, did you go to Michael? Harvey B. Gantt, architect and politician, was born January 14, 1943 in Charleston, South Carolina to Christopher and Wilhelmenia Gantt. Gantt entered local politics, where he was elected to the city council, serving from 1974 to 1983. A native of Hopkins, South Carolina, Ms. Brawley began dating civil rights leader Harvey Gantt when they were both undergraduate students. Gantt lost again, by a similar margin. She will. Between 1970 and 1971, he collaborated with civil rights activist Floyd B. McKissick to design Soul City, North Carolina, an experimental interracial community in eastern North Carolina. And my grandson, who had access to his cellphone, shows me this picture of people climbing the Capitol wall. And since that time, Ive thought it was much ado about nothing., Jordan, Gantt notes, was a 27-year-old superstar still on the rise: his Bulls hadnt beaten the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals yet. In 1963 Harvey B. Gantt became the first African American student admitted to Clemson University. Harvey Gantt was the first African American student to enroll at Clemson, entering the University in January 1963. For NC Rep. Tricia Cotham, being a Democrat was a part of her identity from a young age. [3] He received a degree in architecture with Honors from Clemson[4] and a Master's degree in City Planning from MIT.[5]. Ultimately, Michael Jordan may be forgotten, McCall said. Gantt lost the election. 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. 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. I guess if youre building a brand thats what you do., Gantt was seeking to become the first African-American senator from North Carolina. You have permission to edit this article. Lucinda entered in the fall semester of that same year, making her Clemson's second African American student to enroll. 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. Jordans reluctance to get political stands in contrast to todays superstar athletes, like LeBron James, who are much more socially engaged. He graduated with a bachelors degree in architecture from Clemson with honors in 1965. Ill be sharing the story of whats happening in the classrooms with businesses that want to invest. Gantt said she has always had a passion for education and considered pursuing a career in teaching while in college. He supported the rights of NFL players to kneel during the national anthem and backed James after President Donald Trump questioned Jamess intelligence. The family moved to the city, where his father worked as a rigger mechanic at the navy yard during the war years. By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from us. Gantt avoided the issue of race, instead attacking Helms's record on jobs, education and health care. 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. Please reload the page and try again. Gantt Tries Again to Beat the Senates Last Reactionary, The Nation 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. So, my hope is and my belief is that Charlotte is going to be all right. Please subscribe to keep reading. Here is Harvey Gantt, the civil rights hero and former mayor and, perhaps just as important as any of the rest, grandfather. ', Even Gantt himself sympathizes with Jordan. When you support the work of QCity Metro, you support our push to achieve that goal for Black Charlotte. Harvey Gantt is an architect, city planner, civil rights leader, and former mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. 90.7 Charlotte 93.7 Southern Pines
I guess if youre building a brand thats what you do., Gantt was seeking to become the first African-American senator from North Carolina. Maybe were going to be linked together in history. In 2012, Jordan hosted a fundraiser for Obama; Jordan also offered some fundraising support for Gantt in his 1996 rematch with Helms. I envisioned walking into the building with my grandchildren and had thoughts of others doing the same with future generations. He is a partner in the architectural and city planning firm Gantt/Huberman Architects and served two terms as mayor of Charlotte, N.C. That causes a reaction. Gantt lost again, by a similar margin. My wife and my grandson were in the car with me. [4] Their daughter, Sonja Gantt, is a former news anchor at WCNC-TV in Charlotte.[12]. GUNMEN SOUGHT IN ATTACK ON HARVEY GANTT'S DAUGHTER. In 1990 and 1996, Gantt was the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, losing to incumbent Republican Jesse Helms both times. Gantt was the first African American student to enroll in Clemson University, graduating with honors with a degree in architecture. Do you find this information helpful? His lone focus was his craft. 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. Nonetheless, Gantt received 47 percent of the vote in the race against the nationally-known incumbent senator who had held the seat 17 years. The Southern Gentleman Strategy Indeed, Harvey Gantt, 47, suggests a Southern Gentleman, courtly as he disarms white resistance by professing "no chip" on his shoulder as a black man who rose. Look, I didnt even know any of this stuff until the drama I guess was over. He has been a visiting lecturer at a number of prestigious institutions, including his alma mater, Clemson University, where he also received an honorary doctorate.Lucinda is a native of Hopkins, S.C. We believe every community should see itself fairly reflected in local media. Harvey Gantt made history in 1983 as the first African-American to be elected as mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. There is something about the spirit of this place that even if youre a newcomer you can come and try to do things," he said. After one year of study, he returned to South Carolina and soon afterwards sued to enter racially segregated Read MoreHarvey Bernard Gantt (1943- ) After graduating second in his class from Burke High School in 1960, Gantt left home to study architecture at Iowa State University. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Who is Clemson's biggest rival? First of all, we couldn't understand how security would have allowed this group of people to get in. Republicans buy sneakers, too, Jordan famously said by way of explanation. Item Details Title Harvey Gantt holding his daughter Sonya, circa 1969 Collections Documenting the African American Experience at Clemson Harvey Gantt and the Integration of Clemson University Dates Date Created Circa 1969 Descriptive Information Left to right: Harry Jones, Gladys Gant, Anna Lou Reid, Harvey Gantt holding daughter Sonya. Daughter of former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt, she attended East Mecklenburg High School and got a journalism degree from UNC Chapel Hill. People many times don't vote their hopes and their aspirations for a better America as much as they vote to secure the America they understand best and keep out those who they perceive might change things. 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. Whoops! Jordans stance disappointed some of his admirers. As told to Michael Graff Gantt, who had stepped out of the car, jumped back in after she spotted the second man pointing a gun at her, police said. And I would feel terrible if he felt obligated to have done something that he didnt want to do. In 1983, Gantt was nominated as the Democratic candidate for mayor and elected as Charlottes first and, to date, only black mayor. 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. Did he turn you down? AP Photo/Chuck Burton. By Kenneth J. Cooper. 2-year-old girl suffered extensive injuries. 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. 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. "One day being on the other side of the serving line.. Courtesy AIA. with Dignity (Clemson: Clemson University Digital Press, 2003); 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. May this edifice always stand as a symbol that this community and nation are places where we all "belong". To support the work we do, consider joining our Press Club. As a young lawyer preparing for public life in Chicago, he said he would have liked to see Jordan back Gantt. He'll focus on the Smart Tour instead, but he could race in Tommy Neal's Sportsman car next month. Being a man of tradition, I always felt it was more appropriate to name a building or street for someone after their passing, as a way to honor their work. Clemson, South Carolina 29634
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. Even Jordan has stepped out of his former comfort zone a bit: in 2016, he released a statement against police brutality and announced two $1 million donations to organizations seek to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
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