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. In this series, Gantt recalls his life experiences, ranging from his attendance at Clemson University to his inauguration as Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. But they had to give it to a minority because of a racial quota. THE BALLOT OF HARVEY GANTT - The Washington Post He moved to Charlotte after graduating from MIT, and, in 1971, co-founded Gantt Huberman Architects. GUNMEN SOUGHT IN ATTACK ON HARVEY GANTT'S DAUGHTER. Political Review 26:1 (1998): B. Yeoman, Helms Last Stand? Gantt, a Charlotte native and daughter of former mayor Harvey Gantt, joined Channel 36 in 1997 from Chicago station WGN. Clemson, South Carolina 29634 [8] Gantt lost the election by 47% to 53%. 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. He also ran twice against Jesse Helms for the U.S. Senate. That has been a fear that extends all the way back to the beginning of this country and beyond. Harvey Gantt Leaves A Legacy In NC | WUNC 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. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital I only heard about this Michael Jordan saga secondhand. In 2012, Jordan hosted a fundraiser for Obama; Jordan also offered some fundraising support for Gantt in his 1996 rematch with Helms. Clemson University Libraries. In 1963, he was the first African American to be admitted to Clemson University in South Carolina. Gantt graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in architecture. As a result, the firm has developed some of the citys most iconic landmarks, including the Charlotte Transportation Center, TransAmerica Square, ImaginOn, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and the Johnson C. Smith University Science Center. As the oldest child of Wilhelmina and Christopher Gantt, he often attended NAACP meetings with his father. In North Carolina's Senate Race, A Divisive TV Fight Over 'Values' All rights reserved. Clemson University, 1960-1963, in Skip Eisiminger, ed., Integration Glenn: And with what's going on with President Trump's supporters calling for armed protests at state capitals around the nation on this Dr. King holiday, what are you thinking about? Gantt was the first African American student to enroll in Clemson University, graduating with honors with a degree in architecture. All rights reserved. So no harm, no foul., Gantt lost that 1990 race by some 105,000 votes; Helms got 53% of the vote to Gantts 47%. Harvey Gantt Facts for Kids 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. The school is now home to the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center. Glenn: Now, you yourself, when you ran for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. Jesse Helms, you had a really tough campaign, and there were lots of charges of racism. Research interests: urban design, planning, and policy; civil rights and politics. Sonja Gantt, a key personality in WCNCs (Channel 36) news department for nearly 20 years, will leave the anchor desk in January for a new philanthropic role. 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. During the 1970s, Gantt worked at various architectural firms in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he settled after receiving his degree from MIT. Was that selfish? Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. As a child, she worked to get Harvey Gantt elected Charlotte . After one year of study, he returned to South Carolina and soon afterwards sued to enter racially segregated Read MoreHarvey Bernard Gantt (1943- ) Gantt was the first of only 2 African Americans to hold office as mayor of Charlotte. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, in Charlotte, is named in his honor. 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. The Gantt Center is located at Levine Center for the Arts and supported by the North Carolina Arts Council and the Knight Foundation. Michael Jordan's Obama fundraiser 22 years after Harvey Gantt - ESPN Johnson C. Smith University - Harvey B. Gantt Because he always called for peaceful protest, and these are far from that. In terms of coming together? He served on the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Council, the Democratic National Committee, and was appointed as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission in Washington, DC. Helms' career was marked by repeated charges that he was . Harvey B. Gantt, architect and politician, was born January 14, 1943 in Charleston, South Carolina to Christopher and Wilhelmenia Gantt. Or saying darn, if Michael had endorsed us we would have gotten another 10, 20, 30, 40 thousands votes. Gantts wife Lucinda became the second African-American student to enroll at Clemson. But what really made the impact for me were the African-Americans who always serviced that white student population," Gantt said. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. Helms' career was marked by repeated charges that he was . Did he turn you down? Courtesy of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture. 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. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Gunmen Sought in Attack on Harvey Gantt'S Daughter (The Last Dances ratings would say otherwise). (The Last Dances ratings would say otherwise). My wife and my grandson were in the car with me. Gantt says the people he met on campus inspired him and made life a lot easier. Because in talking to them you could see that they had great aspirations for children yet unborn their own children," Gantt said. It voted substantially for the Democratic ticket, and I expect that won't reverse itself in the next four years. 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. Gantt was elected Charlottes first African-American mayor in 1983. His Nike Air Jordan shoes, in fact, made him millions. 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. 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.. Lucinda was business manager of East Towne Manor, an assisted-living facility in Charlotte, until her retirement. Look, I didnt even know any of this stuff until the drama I guess was over. ', Even Gantt himself sympathizes with Jordan. Clemson's main rivals within the Atlantic Coast . He was trying to build a brand, says Gantt. And I had been listening to some interesting speeches by members . In 2012, Jordan hosted a fundraiser for Obama; Jordan also offered some fundraising support for Gantt in his 1996 rematch with Helms. And I would feel terrible if he felt obligated to have done something that he didnt want to do. Gantt lost again, by a similar margin. SouthBound Extra: A Preview Of Harvey Gantt Interview. The fifth episode of The Last Dance, the popular ESPN docu-series examining the impact of Michael Jordan and the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls, touches on one of the more controversial aspects of Jordans legendary career: his lack of political engagement during his playing days. Harvey B. Gantt Center on opening day Gantt was born in Charleston, South Carolina to Wilhelminia and Christopher C. Gantt, a shipyard worker. At QCity Metro, our mission is to provide news, information and commentary from a Black perspective. 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. 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. He was elected to two terms as the first African-American mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina,[4] serving in that position from 1983 to 1987. Other documents collected are correspondence to and from university lawyers, legislators, and members of the public. Throughout his career, Harveys ties with academia have remained strong. In late 1961, he applied to Clemson University, and was admitted in January 1963 under court order and became . These are his words, lightly edited for clarity. "I wasnt fearing the academics. Harvey Bernard Gantt grew up in the 1940s and 50s in then-segregated Charleston, South Carolina. Get the latest from the Gantt & subscribe to our mailing list. In 1971, Gantt left the Soul City project, returning to Charlotte to launch an architectural firm with Jeffrey Huberman. I saw them talking about the sacrifices of many who made Charlotte great, and the enormous history and accomplishments of the African American community. In an interview with Lynn Haessly in 1986, Harvey Gantt recalled meeting Lucinda; [] 263:11 (1996); H. Lewis Suggs, Harvey Gantt and the Desegregation of So, my hope is and my belief is that Charlotte is going to be all right. The Gantts were married in the fall of 1964. He'll focus on the Smart Tour instead, but he could race in Tommy Neal's Sportsman car next month. It accused Gantt of supporting "Ted Kennedy's racial quota law". Sometimes standing up for whats right means having the courage to blaze your own trail. 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. Gibson, a junior center and a captain on N.C. State's football team, is the second oldest of Gantt's nine grandchildren. And I said, yeah they do. You needed that job, and you were the best qualified, the narrator says. Clemson University Digital Collections First of all, we couldn't understand how security would have allowed this group of people to get in. ', Even Gantt himself sympathizes with Jordan. 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. 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. Republicans buy sneakers, too, Jordan famously said by way of explanation. Jordans stance disappointed some of his admirers. Lucinda entered in the fall semester of that same year, making her Clemson's second African American student to enroll. 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. He said being a pioneer wasn't difficult because he had friends on campus, both black and. It's just beyond belief. They first reside in public housing, then in a home that Gantt's father built by hand, learning carpentry as he went. And we were all outraged. He was elected to two terms as the first black Mayor of Charlotte from 1983 to 1987. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Gantt unsuccessfully ran two U.S. Senatorial campaigns against Republican Senator Jesse Helms in 1990 and 1996. I guess if youre building a brand thats what you do., Gantt was seeking to become the first African-American senator from North Carolina. Its skyward stairway was a visible reminder of the importance of aspiring to greater things and a good education. 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. But Obama told the filmmakers he also sympathized Jordans reluctance to take a political stance. Gantt currently manages a successful architectural firm and remains active in politics. Please contact us with questions or requests. The internal documents detail university officials filing away or attempting to block admissions applications by Harvey and other Black students. Gantt has also received awards from the Charlotte branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Leadership Charlotte in 2006. [10], In 2016, PBS Charlotte and UNC-TV featured Gantt in their online series, Biographical Conversations. Grandmother is charged with murder. Glenn: Today is the federal holiday for the Rev. 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. 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. Gantt lost again, by a similar margin. Back in 1990, Harvey Gantt, a black Democrat and former mayor of Charlotte, was . 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. Who is Harvey Gantt daughter? Gantt ran twice, against Republican Jesse Helms in 1990 and in 1996, for the United States Senate. Harvey Gantt made history in 1983 as the first African-American to be elected as mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. "One day being on the other side of the serving line.. That, he says with a laugh, ought to tell you something., A Towering, Terrifying Demon Horse Isnt Even the Weirdest Part, Man who lost wife, son in Texas mass shooting tells story, Gwyneth Paltrow won't recoup attorney fees in ski crash suit, 'Zombie' misinformation: 'Rape Day' hoax resurfaces on TikTok, 'Very homophobic': Teachers' union leader Randi Weingarten says House hearing crossed the line, LE SSERAFIM releases first studio album Unforgiven', Pour Salt Down Your Drain At Night, Here's Why, Cooler weather has arrived and looks to stay for the week ahead, Pine-Richland High School Band 2023 Pegasus Parade, Video: Widespread rain tapers to showers Monday (5-1-23). She has been anchoring the 6 and 11 p.m. news shows since. Gibson's mother, Sonja, is Gantt's oldest child. That causes a reaction. 90.3 Hickory 106.1 Laurinburg, PublishedJanuary 18, 2021 at 7:53 AM EST. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and you were the first African American to attend Clemson (University). Here's How Harvey Gantt Feels, 30 Years Later, About Michael Jordan 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. 'What did not change, was racism': A conversation with - Axios Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display, Assistance for Visitors with Disabilities, K-12 In School Programs & Enhanced Tour Offerings. And like most people, I mean, you try to find out where the blame is. Gantt was born in Charleston on January 14, 1943, the first of five children born to Christopher C. Gantt and Wilhelmenia Gordon. ; Peter [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. Gantts a season ticket holder for the Charlotte Hornets, the NBA team owned by Jordan. 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. As told to Michael Graff Glenn: And, of course, North Carolina went for President Trump. Maybe were going to be linked together in history. Jordans stance disappointed some of his admirers. UPDATE: Brother told investigators child got in trouble for messing with fish tank. He says that neither he or anyone from his campaign reached out to Jordan directly about an endorsement in 1990. I hope that those who have already "crossed over" can smile and feel proud knowing that we have not forgotten their sacrifices; how they nurtured, pushed and prodded young minds to strive for excellence. Gantt is the daughter of two-time Senate candidate and former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt. Cite this article: 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. Who is Clemson's biggest rival? And then, How do I live up to it? He said activism is just not in his nature. Gantt was elected Charlottes first African-American mayor in 1983. I actually find it hard to believe that we find ourselves in this place, in this country, in the days before we inaugurate the 46th president of this country, Joe Biden, to suggest that there may be violence in 50 state capitals and the capital of the United States. In 2009, the former Afro-American Cultural Center opened its doors to a new, award-winning facility and was renamed the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in honor of Harvey B. Gantt, an American trailblazer. African American architect and political pioneer: Harvey Gantt design 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. Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. 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. She will continue to anchor early evening newscasts through December and will remain with WCNC afterward in a part-time role, helping with special projects and outreach, the station said Monday. You had to want to be in this campaign. Harvey Gantt | MIT MLK Visiting Scholars & Professors Program He has served on the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Council, the Democratic National Committee, and the National Capital Planning Commission. Harvey Gantt was mayor of Charlotte from 1983-1987. Harvey is a native of Charleston, S.C. Harvey Bernard Gantt (born January 14, 1943)[1] is an American architect and Democratic politician active in North Carolina. One of the gunmen fired a shot at the car before both suspects fled. 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. Harvey Gantt believes that abortin should remain legal. We didnt spend a lot of time brooding about it, Gantt said in an interview on Friday. Eisiminger, Skip, editor, "Integration with Dignity", Clemson University Digital Press, Clemson, South Carolina, 2003, Last edited on 12 February 2023, at 08:57, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, "The 1990 Elections: North Carolina; Helms Kindled Anger in Campaign, And May Have Set Tone for Others", "Nonprofits & Philanthropy | The Y9 Group", "Watch Full Episodes Online of Biographical Conversations With on PBS | Harvey Gantt: Episode 1: The Young Pioneer", Harvey Gantt and the Desegregation of Clemson University, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Harvey_Gantt&oldid=1138908708, This page was last edited on 12 February 2023, at 08:57. And I was shocked. ``We don't know if it was random or if someone was targeting her,' said police Capt. Helms career was marked by repeated charges that he was racist. BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Glenn has won awards for her reports from the Maryland-DC-Delaware Press Association, SNA and the first-place radio award from the National Association of Black Journalists. Charlotte is a great community and the Carolinas are a great region. Clemson's inclusion story begins with Harvey and Lucinda Gantt He moved to Charlotte after graduating from MIT, and, in 1971, co-founded Gantt Huberman Architects. Look, I didnt even know any of this stuff until the drama I guess was over. In 1963 Harvey B. Gantt became the first African American student admitted to Clemson University. Did you foresee anything like this happening how they reacted at the Capitol? A lot of people have called me over the years and asked, did you go to Michael? "We are asking our Board of Trustees, students, faculty, staff, and alumni to rally together and confront this unfair and poorly thought-out B. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Gantt's husband threw the car into reverse and took off. "They surrounded me with love and affection.. 2-year-old girl suffered extensive injuries. Harvey Gantt ran unsuccessfully for the Senate seat held by Jesse Helms in 1990 and 1996. We want our teachers to feel supported and not feel like what happens in their classrooms is limited by resources, Gantt said Monday. Is that really fair?, That election, Gantt says, certainly had racial overtones. And then, How do I live up to it? Applebome, Carolina Race is Winning the Wallets of America, New York I wasnt as much fearful about going to Clemson," Gantt said. About Harvey B. Gantt 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.. 864-656-3311, Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center, Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy. Harvey Gantt holding his daughter Sonya, circa 1969 Havey Gantt at Dr. Harold and Mrs. Eugenia Hills 50th Anniversary Havey Gantt with Dr. Harold and Mrs. Eugenia Hills at their 50th Anniversary Items in this Collection 1991 CUBFSA New Black Faculty and Staff Reception 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. Jaxson Franklin, a Stokesdale Elementary School student, was critically injured March 30 when he was hit on NC 65. RALEIGH, N.C. . Helms career was marked by repeated charges that he was racist. He says that neither he or anyone from his campaign reached out to Jordan directly about an endorsement in 1990. 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. Somebody told me he said something about Republicans buying Nike shoes, Gantt, now 77, says. Many people fear the so-called left taking over and overrunning the country with people who are of different races, creeds, colors, whatever you want to call it, women and others coming forward, and that their way of life or their ability to "make America great again" would be, in fact, hampered.