Charlotte Looks Back: A Journey Through History and Healing
When we think of Charlotte, we often picture a bustling city filled with modern skyscrapers, thriving businesses, and a rich cultural scene. However, beneath the city’s vibrant exterior lies a somber past that many may not be aware of. Charlotte, often hailed as a beacon of the New South, has a history intertwined with racial violence, including the grim reality of lynchings that took place right here in Mecklenburg County.
A Dark Chapter in Our History
While there are only two confirmed instances of lynchings in Mecklenburg, both occurring in the early 20th century, many suspect that numerous undocumented incidents also occurred. Lynchings were acts of horrific violence intended to instill fear within the Black community, aiming to keep them firmly in a second-class citizenship role without any hope for legal or social redress. This ugly legacy has left deep mental and physical scars that continue to affect generations.
Understanding the Project
To confront this dark past, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Remembrance Project has emerged as a crucial initiative. It’s a partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative based in Montgomery, Alabama, which seeks to shine a light on these racial terror lynchings. The goal is not only to provide what can be described as a history lesson but also to aid in the reconciliation process within our community.
According to Krista Terrell, the local project’s content and communication chair, the initiative aims to reveal the truth about these incidents and how such violent histories still shape our lives today. “It’s really important that it’s not just lynchings, but racial terror lynchings,” Krista emphasizes, pointing out the intent behind these acts designed to maintain fear among Black folks.
The Victims: Remembering Their Names
The documented lynchings of Mr. Joseph McNeely and Mr. Willie McDaniel serve as touchpoints in this project. Mr. McNeely was tragically dragged from his hospital bed by a white mob and shot to death in front of what is now the Bank of America Stadium on August 26, 1913. Just over a decade later, in 1929, Mr. McDaniel was fatally injured after an argument with a white landowner. His body was found near his homes, a reminder of the largely ignored stories that haunt our community.
How Can We Engage?
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Remembrance Project encourages residents to get involved in meaningful ways. Part of the initiative includes collecting soil from the sites where these lynchings occurred and erecting historical markers to memorialize their lives. Community conversations will also play a major part in the project. Krista suggests that these discussions can happen anywhere—from a living room to a church—aiming to heal through storytelling and shared experiences.
Moreover, a racial justice essay contest aimed at high school students will also be part of the initiative, encouraging younger generations to think critically about the past and its implications for the future. One of the long-term goals is to replicate the Mecklenburg County marker displayed at the national memorial for peace and justice in Montgomery.
Sharing Stories to Heal
“We believe that there are various ways for people to engage in this work, whether they are native Charlotteans or newcomers,” Krista shares passionately. The project has a dedicated website filled with resources to help people learn about the rich stories of McNeely and McDaniel. She encourages everyone to share these stories with their friends, families, and colleagues, turning what was once buried into a well-known chapter in our community’s narrative.
Understanding the past is essential in creating a better future. The initiative reminds us that acknowledgment does not equate to shame but rather to the possibility of growth and healing. By facing these painful truths, Charlotte can move forward together, ensuring that the stories of those who suffered violence will never be forgotten.
