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How do we keep the character of our Charlotte neighborhoods? Why that matters

The Charlotte Observer hosts a community event at First Baptist Church West in McCrorey Heights discussing ways, challenges with preserving neighborhood character.
The Charlotte Observer hosts a community event at First Baptist Church West in McCrorey Heights discussing ways, challenges with preserving neighborhood character. The Charlotte Observer

The Charlotte Observer will host a community conversation that asks “How do we keep the character of our communities?”

The discussion follows our coverage of McCrorey Heights and whether this storied Black neighborhood, rich with decades of history and notable residents, is getting its due since receiving a historic designation in 2022. There still are challenges with retaining the neighborhood’s character, amid new housing being built and businesses and a new generation of residents funneling in.

Join us on Thursday, Feb. 29, from 6 -7:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church West, 1810 Oaklawn Ave. for an in-person conversation with a panel of community leaders. We’ll discuss this critical question and others, such as: What challenges arise with a goal to keep neighborhood homes cohesive yet allowing for individuality? How do we avoid losing a community’s unique history? What larger city-wide preservation efforts are happening?

Our panelists: Sean Langley, president of the McCrorey Heights Neighborhood Association; Nichelle Bonaparte Hawkins, Historic West End resident and Historic District Commission chairwoman; and Marilyn Twitty Brown, a McCrorey Heights resident.

Questions for the panel may be submitted using this form or click on this link.

For more conversations on race, culture and equity, please sign up for Kaleidoscope newsletter here.

WANT TO GO?

What: “How do we keep the character of our communities?”

Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m.

When: Thursday, Feb. 29

Where: First Baptist Church West, 1801 Oaklawn Ave.

Cost: Free

Registration is recommended; follow this Eventbrite link.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

This story was originally published February 19, 2024 at 6:00 AM.

Lisa Vernon Sparks
The Charlotte Observer
Lisa Vernon Sparks was the Race, Culture and Community Engagement Editor for The Charlotte Observer. Previously she was an Opinion Editor with the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia. She is an alumna of Columbia University in New York and Northeastern University in Boston. Support my work with a digital subscription
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