Harvey B. Gantt, architect and politician, was born January 14, 1943 in Charleston, South Carolina to Christopher and Wilhelmenia 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. 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. He supported the rights of NFL players to kneel during the national anthem and backed James after President Donald Trump questioned Jamess intelligence. 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. 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. 20072023 Blackpast.org. Applebome, Carolina Race is Winning the Wallets of America, New York Helms' career was marked by repeated charges that he was . 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. He started to participate in civil rights activism in high school. In January 1963, after a legal battle that escalated to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, Gantt became the first African-American student accepted at Clemson University. One of the. But they had to give it to a minority because of a racial quota. "I wasnt fearing the academics. Nonetheless, Gantt received 47 percent of the vote in the race against the nationally-known incumbent senator who had held the seat 17 years. From 1974 until 1983, Gantt served on the Charlotte City Council. When you support the work of QCity Metro, you support our push to achieve that goal for Black Charlotte. Harvey B. Gantt Center on opening day Gantt was born in Charleston, South Carolina to Wilhelminia and Christopher C. Gantt, a shipyard worker. As the oldest child of Wilhelmina and Christopher Gantt, he often attended NAACP meetings with his father. 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. [4], Gantt manages a successful architectural practice, Gantt Huberman Architects, and remains active in politics. 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. Gantt's husband threw the car into reverse and took off. Clemons, The Mayoral Campaigns of Harvey Gantt: Prospect and Jordans stance disappointed some of his admirers. It was there, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, that Harvey Gantt began a career of breaking ground. HARVEY GANTT'S FIGHT TO THE FINISH - The Washington Post May this edifice always stand as a symbol that this community and nation are places where we all "belong". 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. 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. His lone focus was his craft. Johnson C. Smith University - Harvey B. Gantt He was trying to build a brand, says Gantt. We didnt spend a lot of time brooding about it, Gantt said in an interview on Friday. Your support helps the Gantt present exceptional exhibitions, leading scholars and engaging programs that celebrate the African-American story. In an interview for the film, former President Barack Obama weighed in, too. I dont think anyone who witnessed that campaign would have suggested otherwise.. [8] Gantt lost the election by 47% to 53%. A much bigger contributor to his loss, Gantt points out, was the infamous Hands ad that Helms campaign ran before the election. Remaining in office for two terms, Gantt stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other Charlotte leaders committed to establishing a New South City. Maybe were going to be linked together in history. Gantt ran twice, against Republican Jesse Helms in 1990 and in 1996, for the United States Senate. Harvey Bernard Gantt (born January 14, 1943) . Here's How Harvey Gantt Feels, 30 Years Later, About Michael Jordan Gantt was born in Charleston, South Carolina to Wilhelminia and Christopher C. Gantt, a shipyard worker. Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display, Assistance for Visitors with Disabilities, K-12 In School Programs & Enhanced Tour Offerings. 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. Clemson University Libraries. Gantt: Well, if you go back and try to dig deep about why this incident occurred on Capitol Hill, it really was built out of a standard feature of campaigns going all the way back to mine. 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. And I had been listening to some interesting speeches by members . 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 has a signed . 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.. 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. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Police release ID of Greensboro resident killed in fatal crash Tuesday, Jonathan Brown won't race in Modified Division this year at Bowman Gray Stadium, Troopers: Man now faces felony after failing to stop for school bus, striking 6-year-old boy. Former Charlotte Mayor On Making History, American Politics "We are asking our Board of Trustees, students, faculty, staff, and alumni to rally together and confront this unfair and poorly thought-out B. 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. 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. 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. Again: fear. He supported the rights of NFL players to kneel during the national anthem and backed James after President Donald Trump questioned Jamess intelligence. In 1963, he was the first African American to be admitted to Clemson University in South Carolina. Republicans buy sneakers, too, Jordan famously said by way of explanation. He said activism is just not in his nature. 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. He was Charlotte's last Democratic mayor until Anthony Foxx was elected in 2009. 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. 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. 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. Look, I didnt even know any of this stuff until the drama I guess was over. That has been a fear that extends all the way back to the beginning of this country and beyond. [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. The two institutions compete against each other in many sports, but the annual football game receives the most attention. And I would feel terrible if he felt obligated to have done something that he didnt want to do. In 1990 and 1996, Gantt was the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, losing to incumbent Republican Jesse Helms both times. RALEIGH, N.C. . My supporters were very strong, very fervent people, he says. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. We are forever grateful to them. A lot of people have called me over the years and asked, did you go to Michael? Republicans buy sneakers, too, Jordan famously said by way of explanation. Maybe were going to be linked together in history. The Gantts were married in the fall of 1964. (The Last Dances ratings would say otherwise). Architect and Politician Harvey Gantt Honored With AIA Award He moved to Charlotte after graduating from MIT, and, in 1971, co-founded Gantt Huberman Architects. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). ; Peter Glenn: Today is the federal holiday for the Rev. Is that really fair?, That election, Gantt says, certainly had racial overtones. In 2012, Jordan hosted a fundraiser for Obama; Jordan also offered some fundraising support for Gantt in his 1996 rematch with Helms. 2-year-old girl suffered extensive injuries. Gantt, a Charlotte native and daughter of former mayor Harvey Gantt, joined Channel 36 in 1997 from Chicago station WGN. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Clemson University
Harvey Gantt, a member of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity, lives with his wife Cindy in Charlotte. To support the work we do, consider joining our Press Club. His lone focus was his craft. Because in talking to them you could see that they had great aspirations for children yet unborn their own children," Gantt said. As told to Michael Graff You needed that job, and you were the best qualified, the narrator says. 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 says the people he met on campus inspired him and made life a lot easier. Please subscribe to keep reading. 90.7 Charlotte 93.7 Southern Pines
He said activism is just not in his nature. Helms career was marked by repeated charges that he was racist. 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. 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. Do you find this information helpful? ', Even Gantt himself sympathizes with Jordan. In 1983, Gantt was nominated as the Democratic candidate for mayor and elected as Charlottes first and, to date, only black mayor. [3] In this week's Wisdom Watch, Gantt, who is also a renowned architect,. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. In the 1980s, he opposed making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a national holiday. Residents and visiting friends alike will have numerous opportunities to enjoy all aspects of Levine Center for the Arts. A retired architect, he still remains plugged-in to the Charlotte political scene. So, my hope is and my belief is that Charlotte is going to be all right. 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. He graduated with a bachelors degree in architecture from Clemson with honors in 1965. The school is now home to the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center. 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. After one year of study, he returned to South Carolina and soon afterwards sued to enter racially segregated Read MoreHarvey Bernard Gantt (1943- )