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Afro-American Cultural Center Will Name New Facility For Harvey Gantt CHARLOTTE – The Afro-American Cultural Center (AACC) will name its new facility on South Tryon Street for former Charlotte mayor Harvey B. Gantt. The naming of the building for Gantt, principal at Gantt Huberman Architects based in Charlotte, will include a drive to raise $5 million as a part of the $83 million Cultural Facilities Endowment Fund. That fund will provide operating revenue for the facilities that will be part of the new arts complex planned as part of a Wachovia Corporation mixed-use project. The first $1 million will be contributed by Foundation for the Carolinas, said Deon Bradley, president and chief executive officer of the AACC. Bradley confirmed the naming of the new center for Gantt today and said the center’s board approved the decision in a recent vote. The AACC consulted with its founders and a number of community leaders about the naming commitment, Bradley said. “Harvey Gantt has been a champion for equality and fairness in Charlotte, the Carolinas and the United States,” said Bradley. “He has supported the AACC for many years.” The Arts & Science Council is leading the Cultural Facilities Endowment Fund drive, Bradley said, but added that the AACC will help raise funds. Already, $53 million has been committed toward the goal of $83 million, he added. Earl Leake, AACC board chairman, said the symbolism in the Gantt name is strong. “Naming our new facility after Harvey Gantt provides hope for youth who, at times, desperately need positive role models,” Leake said. “It also fuels their aspirations and helps foster the notion that we are all one community.” The 44,000-square-foot structure for the Afro-American Cultural Center will feature three state-of-the-art galleries, classrooms for youth programs, presentation space and a multi-purpose theater/lecture hall. When completed in 2009, the four-level building will feature a roof-top terrace. The Cultural Facilities Endowment Fund also will provide money for other arts facilities planned in the Wachovia arts complex. These include the Bechtler Museum of Art, the Mint Museum and Knight Theatre. Gantt served as Charlotte’s first African American mayor from 1983 until 1987. He also completed three terms as a Charlotte city councilman. He ran twice as the Democratic nominee for US senator from North Carolina and lost both tries to incumbent Republican Sen. Jesse Helms. In 1963, Gantt was the first African American student to attend a previously all-white university in South Carolina when he enrolled at Clemson University. Gantt remains active in Charlotte civic affairs. Recently, he co-chaired a task force studying the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. X X X For More Information: Deon Bradley, (704) 374-1565. |
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