Just over 65 years after a walk that changed the fabric of Charlotte during the civil rights era, icon Dorothy Counts-Scoggins returned to her old stomping grounds.
In 1957, Counts-Scoggins helped to integrate Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The 15-year-old faced a crowd of hecklers as she walked into what was then known as Harding High.
Thursday, a painting was delivered to the location where she took those famous steps all those years ago, a mark of her legacy.
The school, now Irwin Academic Center in Uptown Charlotte, still has many markings reminding those that go to school there of the battle to integrate Charlotte schools. The painting, which will ultimately stay with Counts-Scoggins, is a symbol of the impact she had.
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The South Carolina artist took the Opportunity to memorialize a civil Rights icon growing up right here in Charlotte Dorothy counts Scoggins is Woven into the fabric of the civil Rights movement because of the change She and four others wanted to create Back in 1957. yeah WCNC Charlotte's Colin Mayfield takes us to Irwin Elementary we're a painting bearing her Resemblance and bravery was delivered to Allow her Legacy to live on within its Halls And I was watch ing James Baldwin his Documentary and he mentioned Dorothy and Um instantly I paused the documentary And I was like you know what I gotta do My research on this renowned artist Joey With an Arts relates to history with art But after hearing a name he had never Heard before his inspiration grabbed him I gotta be in the scene with them I got To understand her thought process and What she was going through that day he Reached out to Civil Rights Pioneer Dorothy count Scoggins with the hopes to Create a masterpiece all it took was a Phone call ironically We had this conversation in the evening And then it seems like less than 12 Hours later he sent me a rendition of The of the painting And I said that was quick with an Arts Wanted to capture the intensity the
Focus and The Bravery of count Scoggins In a way no one had before he went off Your camera how important it was In terms of history for young people Today to know the history being one of Four black students to integrate in Charlotte Schools on September 4th 1957 It was a defining moment for civil Rights through four days of harassment The world was able to see what 15 year Old count Scoggins had to deal with the Experience that I had at hearty Changed my life Because it it made me realize that this Is what I want to do for the rest of my Life and that is to be an advocate and a Voice for those that don't have a voice Couple more days she was being bullied You know stuff is being thrown at her You know I mean it's devastating you Know what I'm saying like even my Generation would never understand what She went through when with an Arts Revealed the painting it was that moment In history in 1957 where Dorothy wearing The dress her grandmother made walked Amongst a jeering crowd toward then Harding High the efforts that were made Back in 1957 by four of us That a lot of that now has turned back She says it was a fight then and it's Still a fight today if we want to see Changes take place We all have to unify and do it together
Colin Mayfield WCNC Charlotte
Retire in Charlotte, North Carolina
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Retire in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina is a great city for those looking to retire. It has a warm, relaxed atmosphere, great restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities.
Charlotte is a major city in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. This area extends from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the flat coastal plain along the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
Charlotte is known for its diversified manufacturing and financial industries, and it has become one of the largest banking centers in the United States. Many Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Charlotte, including BankAmerica, Lowe’s, and Duke Energy.
The city is also home to a number of notable museums. The Levine Museum of the New South, for example, explores the post-Civil War history of the South. Other museums include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which features interactive exhibits and films about auto racing.
Charlotte is the epicenter of thrilling auto racing in the NASCAR world. The Charlotte Hornets, Knights, and Panthers are among the city’s most popular sports teams.
Charlotte has a reputation for having the best-educated workforce in the United States. In fact, it has consistently been ranked as a top place for businesses to thrive.
The city has a number of neighborhoods that fit a variety of lifestyles and budgets. However, the city has a traffic-heavy downtown area, which can make driving around a bit challenging. There is also a train system and bus line that makes traveling in Charlotte easier.