Yawa Eklou

Image credit: WCCB Charlotte 

We’ve all heard, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” But have you ever experienced it? The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture enchants all visitors with its exhibitions. The Gantt Center honors the contributions of African Americans to our society while also functioning as an impressive resource for dance, film, education, community outreach, and harmony. However, the creativity that now lies within those walls was not always there.   

Locals know it was once the Little Rock AME Zion Church, one of the few establishments in Charlotte’s historic Second Ward community that long resisted urbanization. Mary T. Harper, an English professor, and Dr. Bertha Maxwell-Roddey, director of the Black Studies Center at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, started the Afro-American Cultural and Service Center in 1974, eventually moving to its permanent location at the Little Rock church. Their work led to a new home for the cultural center in 1986, which remained until 2007 when plans for another new building—the one that stands today—were unveiled. Harper and Maxwell-Roddey’s dedication to preserving history and records significant to African Americans in Charlotte is the inspiration behind the building we admire today.   

The former Afro-American Cultural Center reopened its doors in 2009, revamped and renamed for Harvey B. Gantt, the first African-American admitted to Clemson University and elected as the Queen City’s mayor. Trailblazing artistic history greets you as you enter, and as you walk through the halls, you feel connected to something greater than yourself.   

Today, this costly, four-story modern building wrapped in glass and metal stands as a magnificent landmark in the heart of uptown Charlotte. In addition to the permanent collection, the center currently features an exhibition by Patrick Alston entitled Post-Traumatism: In Search of Freedom, with two more openings soon—A Superlative Palette: Contemporary Black Women Artists and Christopher Myers Solo Exhibition. I had the privilege to visit the debut of three previous exhibitions, and if the power and emotion of those are any indication, the new exhibitions are well worth seeing.   

My favorite part is the MODA Digital Arts Studio, where anyone can register for classes and workshops at this crossroads of art and technology. My friends and I learned video animation and visual effects this past summer. The Gantt also holds various programs and events such as jewelry making, sip and paint, sculpting classes, poetry competitions, and more throughout the year. You may find influential people, such as Charlotte’s own Ohavia Phillips or renowned rapper J. Cole, speaking at an event or simply admiring the same piece as you.  

Regardless of your reason for visiting the Harvey B. Gantt Center, art remains an incredible way to honor our history and celebrate African-American culture. The subjectivity in viewing and making art allows us to explore our perspectives while bringing individuals together. It can make us think, inspire us, and challenge our preconceptions. Every time I visit, I continue to be captivated by the beauty and emotion packed into powerful pieces in such a powerful place. I have experienced the magic firsthand, so I encourage you to experience the charm for yourself.