09/15/2008

Thanks Queen City tours!

Also, thanks to everyone who attended our 1st Annual Robert Leslie Nourse Memorial Trip! We had a great time touring the rich history of African Americans in Charlotte.

Just some of the venues we toured were:

• ·       The John McDonald Business Complex (home of the former McDonald’s Cafeteria, hotel and game park)
• ·       Johnson C. Smith University
• ·       Clinton Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church
• ·       Old Good Samaritan Hospital
• ·       Dr. Martin Luther King Statue
• ·       1st, 2nd, and 4th Wards
• ·       former old Brooklyn and Biddleville neighborhoods

Mr. Whipple was engaging, funny and very knowledgeable --- we learned many ‘little known’ Black history facts. Also, some of our members who have grown up in this community had some tips to share – thanks Frank, Robbie, & Queen.

But, I believe – the icing on the cake was our visit to Matthews to visit the homesite and the man who created the Charlotte seal – Harvey Boyd.  What a treat it was to meet this man – artist, and community activist – who still while caring for his 93 yr old mother, finds the time to organize, raise-up, and re-vitalize his old neighborhood – Crestdale.

He was a friend of [Dr.]Selma Burke, another Crestdale artist who created the bust of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 – which many believe was used as the inspiration for the design on the dime – however, Burke was never given credit. Boyd was instrumental in getting a street named for Selma in the Crestdale community. At the age of 80, in 1980, Burke produced her last monumental work, a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. that graces Marshall Park in Charlotte.

We all learned things about Charlotte we never knew whether we are a newcomer or a resident – it was a great experience for all who attended.

We will be sharing pictures as – everyone who took pictures sends me what you have to share with the group.

Now, last but not least – thanks to Spencine our trip chairperson for her efforts in organizing this trip. Thanks also to Jean Nourse for her assistance in the coordination and collection of the fees and payments to the tour company.

This was truly a success and I look forward to us pulling off bigger and better venues in the futures!

 Margo

AAGIG, president

Jesus was a Community Organizer.

Make your next event memorable by providing t-shirts, canvas bags, caps, etc...with your organization's crest, logo, photos, etc... printed on them.

Click here for Additional Information on Specialty Items