Johnson C. Smith University men’s head basketball coach and athletic director Stephen Joyner Sr., delivered newspapers to his mentor Clarence “Big House” Gaines’ home when he was a young man. Working at JCSU for 45-years, Joyner has worked hard to follow in the legendary coach’s legacy.

By Jeff Siner / The Charlotte Observer

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When I looked at a Clarence big house Games up in Winston-Salem and what he Meant to the City of Winston the impact That he had On East Winston and Winston-Salem State That was my role model and I'm hoping That I've had somewhat of a legacy uh Here in Charlotte I'm running the Youngsters all the time and they talk About how they came to the National Youth Sports program that was one of the Greatest programs summer programs that We had here on campus with that extended Us to community and we got connected With a lot of young folks I went down to West Charlotte to see a ball game the Other day and a kid ran up to me and got In front of my face and just grabbed me And hugged me but he was a kid who used To do cartwheels out here before he'd go Home every day from the national news Sports program so to answer your Question uh it means a lot to me I think That's my purpose That was what I saw in my role model That we should do as coaches and and We've tried to do that

Charlotte North Carolina – A Fun Weekend Getaway

Events

Charlotte North Carolina is a fun city to visit for a weekend getaway. From a variety of outdoor activities to entertaining shows and concerts, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Life

You can choose from a variety of neighborhoods in Charlotte that offer different lifestyles and perks. Some of the most popular areas include South Park, West End, Uptown and Belmont.

Weather

The city experiences all four seasons with temperatures that are generally mild throughout the year. Summers can be hot but they do not compare to other southern states such as Florida or Texas. The winters can be snowy but they are typically light and mild.

News

In recent years, crime has decreased in Charlotte. The city has a well-respected police department that works to keep the city safe and clean.

Located between the mountains and ocean, Charlotte is perfectly situated to take advantage of all that North Carolina has to offer. The beach is only an hour away and the mountains are only a little over three hours from the city.

Sports

The Charlotte area is home to many professional and college sports teams. Several NASCAR races are held in the city and the Charlotte Hornets, Panthers and Charlotte FC (MLS) play here regularly.

Shopping

There is an abundance of shopping available in Charlotte. There are traditional malls and upscale shopping centers, but also unique locations where you can find local goods and services.