Learn more about this business on Yelp.
“History is alive and vibrant”
During the 1960s college campuses across the United States were vibrant with student protest movements. The campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) was no different. Students held sit-ins, demanding a forum to acknowledge the rich history and contributions of African-Americans in this country. After much discussion, campus leaders heeded the rallying cry of the students and developed a process to structure what became the Black Studies Center. Bertha Maxwell, an associate professor at the University served as the Center's first director. She also emphasized the importance of students giving back to the community. Also at the time Mary Harper, a young assistant professor of English at UNCC pursuing her doctoral degree, became aware of a growing desire among African Americans to preserve Charlotte's historical legacy, increasingly jeopardized by "urban renewal" activities. Harper sought out Maxwell with her concept for an Afro-American Cultural and Service Center (AACSC), an idea that Maxwell quickly embraced. UNCC President Bonnie E. Cone, a strong supporter of Maxwell's commitment to preserving and promoting African-American history, joined the effort to establish the goals and principles that would make the cultural center unique. They collaborated with influential elected official Fred Alexander, along with other progressive leaders including UNCC Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Dr. William M. Britt, Dr. William S. Mathis, Dean of Humanities at UNCC, Harry Golden, a Jewish writer, and Mamie L. Brewington, a long-standing community leader who served as the first board chair of what ultimately became the Afro-American Cultural Center (AACC). The AACC came to fruition under their guidance to provide the public with access to African-American culture through a broad range of exhibitions, presentations in the performing arts, innovative educational programs and a link between the greater Charlotte community and the university. To this day the spirit of collaboration with UNCC remains.
I recently attended a Zeta Phi Beta evening event at the HBG Center in Uptown Charlotte. This location was a great backdrop for a chill but dressy sneaker ball fundraiser. The different floors... Read more
Attended a Black History on Canvas workshop this afternoon. Artist, Michelle "Bunny" Gregory led the class. We were asked to bring a pre-drawn canvas featuring powerful symbols that represent... Read more
I found out about this museum through Groupon, so I decided it to visit because I like museums mainly art and history one of my favorites. I highly recommended to stop by, you won't regret it Read more
The Harvey B. Gantt Center For African American Arts & Culture
Hours
- Sun: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Tue - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
-
Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
The top things to do on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip
- 85 Places
- 36:11
- 1,293 mi
The top things to do on an I-40 road trip
- 35 Places
- 49:44
- 2,851 mi
The top things to do on an I-95 road trip
- 50 Places
- 41:46
- 1,983 mi
The top things to do on an East Coast road trip
- 32 Places
- 48:54
- 2,584 mi