Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to become a Supreme Court Justice, once said, “In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute”. Throughout the history of America, the black community has continuously been deprived of equality after the atrocities of slavery, Jim Crow laws and segregation. Black History Month provides us with an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their central role in U.S. history. One way to celebrate Black History Month is by learning about the history of the black community in your local area, so we'll take a closer look into our towns of Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville.
 

Black History Month Celebration

Smithville CommUnity black history at Cain Center

Smithville CommUNITY Coalition Black History Month Celebration

Cornelius

The town of Cornelius is putting together their annual celebration in partnership with the Smithville CommUnity Coalition. Smithville is a historically black neighborhood and has been an integral part of the Town of Cornelius since 1869. Smithville was established just after the Civil War when former slaves were freed. You can learn more about the history and enjoy performances, speakers, art exhibits by Bae Hart and Alvin C. Jacobs Jr., and more at the Black History Month event on Saturday, February 24 at the Cain Center for the Arts from 5:30pm-7pm.

Pott's Barber shop

Potts Barbershop

Wilson Potts, left, and his employees (1992) / Town of Cornelius

In the spirit of learning, did you know Pott’s Barbershop is the first black-owned barbershop in Cornelius and has been in the same spot on Catawba Avenue since the 1960s? Wilson Potts began his career shortly after graduating from barber school in 1956. Potts was an early leader for civil rights in the Smithville Community.

His son Mickey bought the shop from him in 1988 but Wilson continued to cut hair there for the next 10 years. Along with being open for over 70 years, the barbershop broke racial barriers through integrating their shop as black barbers cutting white hair for 12 years before integration. 

The building was designated as a historic landmark in October 2021, and the shop is the oldest business owned by African Americans in Cornelius. Gerald “Mickey” Potts, still cuts hair at the shop their father opened in 1960. Gerald’s late wife Nannie Potts is another important piece of Cornelius history as she was the first and only African-American mayor of Cornelius.

Davidson

The Africana Studies Department at Davidson College has focused on black history dating back to the 1960s while honing in on new directions that truly reflect the realities of the 21st century. In an interview with Prof. Daniel Aldridge, he goes on to say that celebrating Black History Month is important because "more knowledge is good, and knowledge of history is good for everybody." It's not only important to touch on the Civil Rights Movement and the history of slavery and struggle, but it's also critical to know about the rich social and cultural history of the black community. 

At Davidson, the first formal observance of Black history was April 1976, when the Black Student Coalition invited the faculty to participate in “Black Week.” In the late 80s, the Black Student Coalition was formalized by creating the Black History Month Cultural Art Series, and the BSC has continued to provide a strong voice for the black community at Davidson College. 

Davidson College Events

Ada Jenkins

Ada Jenkins Center


During the Great Depression, when residents in nearby counties were starving, the African-American community understood the importance of education. When the Davidson Colored School burned to the ground, Ada Jenkins, a dedicated teacher, mobilized the community to gather funds for the construction of a new brick schoolhouse. The school opened its doors for the 1937-1938 school year. After Mrs. Jenkins’ death, it was renamed the Ada Jenkins School and served as the educational center for black students in Davidson until integration in 1966.

From 1967 to the early 1990s, the building underwent diverse roles, serving as a daycare, a food co-op, a dance studio, and an after-school program. Recognizing the evolving needs of the community, volunteers renovated the building and established The Ada Jenkins Families and Careers Development Center in April 1994. Today, the center aims to address the needs of individuals and families facing economic and social challenges in Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville communities.

Huntersville

The town of Huntersville has several historical sites including Rural Hill which has been preserved for people to explore and learn. The Rural Hill property is home to two schoolhouses - the Davidson Schoolhouse and Bethesda Schoolhouse. The Davidson Schoolhouse is a one-room building that was built in 1890 which was originally open to white children living in the nearby community.

After the construction of a larger schoolhouse in 1911, the children were relocated to the new building. The smaller building remained open for African American children until they were relocated to Long Creek School. The Bethesda Schoolhouse was built around 1898 and is currently one of only two known existing rural one-room schoolhouses for black children still standing in Mecklenburg County. This schoolhouse was built by a popular local black farmer, named John Young, and his initiative in establishing this school for African American children is critical to the history of Lake Norman.

Rural Hill

Rural Hill

The Town of Huntersville is hosting a Black History Month Celebration on February 17 from 1pm-5pm at the David B Waymer Recreation Center. This event will showcase performances from Drums for Life, Dear Soul Music Company, Spoken Word readings, and children's crafts.. This event is FREE and is open to anyone of all ages!



While Black History Month runs in February, it's important to take the time to learn about different cultures throughout the year to help us gain a global perspective on various topics. When we take the time to learn and listen, we become better informed citizens which will help shape a better life for future generations.