Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Preserving Educational Legacy Since 1973
Founded in 1973, our organization preserves the legacy of Charlotte's first high school for African American students while supporting educational advancement through scholarships and community engagement. We serve as stewards of historical artifacts, curate exhibits, and foster connections among alumni, families, and the broader community. With over 50 years of dedicated service, our team of alumni and community leaders has built a comprehensive archive of photographs, yearbooks, and oral histories documenting Second Ward High School's impact. We collaborate with local institutions to create educational programs, host annual reunions, and maintain a museum housing memorabilia from the school's 46-year history. Our scholarship program has awarded financial assistance to graduating seniors since the 1980s, continuing the school's tradition of educational excellence.Through documentary films, interactive media, and partnerships with cultural organizations, we ensure the stories of Second Ward's students, educators, and neighborhoods remain accessible to future generations. Our volunteer-driven operations maintain rigorous historical standards while adapting to modern preservation techniques. The foundation's board includes alumni from multiple decades, ensuring continuity between past and present community members. We actively participate in urban development planning to honor the school's historical footprint while supporting contemporary educational initiatives. Our tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization enables us to focus resources on preserving cultural heritage and expanding educational opportunities.
Services
Scholarship Programs
Historical Exhibits
Community Events
Archival Preservation
Educational Programs
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We preserve Charlotte's African American educational history since 1973
- Our scholarship program supports graduating seniors annually
- We maintain the largest archive of Second Ward High School memorabilia
- Our board includes alumni from multiple decades of school history
- We collaborate with local institutions on historical preservation projects
Services
Scholarship Programs
We provide annual scholarships to graduating high school seniors through a competitive application process. Applicants must submit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal essays detailing their educational goals. Our program prioritizes candidates demonstrating financial need and academic excellence while honoring the legacy of Second Ward High School.
Historical Exhibits
Our foundation curates exhibits showcasing the history of Charlotte's African American education through photographs, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. These exhibits feature materials from our extensive archive including yearbooks, trophies, and oral histories. We collaborate with local museums and cultural institutions to ensure broad community access to these historical resources.
Community Events
We organize annual reunions, historical celebrations, and cultural events connecting alumni and community members. These gatherings include speaker series, memorial ceremonies, and special commemorations of significant milestones in the school's history. Our events serve as both social connections and educational opportunities about Charlotte's civil rights history.
Archival Preservation
Our foundation maintains a comprehensive archive of Second Ward High School materials including photographs, newspapers, and personal memorabilia. We work with academic institutions to digitize and preserve these materials for future generations. The collection includes specialized archives like the James Peeler Photography Collection documenting African American life in Charlotte from the 1950s-2000s.
Educational Programs
We develop educational initiatives that teach about Charlotte's civil rights history through the lens of Second Ward High School. Our programs include documentary film screenings, school partnerships, and interactive media projects. These initiatives connect historical educational challenges with contemporary issues in educational equity and access.
People
Arthur Griffin, Jr
President
Alumnus and dedicated community leader with decades of experience preserving Charlotte's African American history. Serves as primary liaison between the foundation and educational institutions.
Ted Kennedy
First Vice President
Longtime board member and former House Trustee committed to maintaining the foundation's historical integrity. Coordinates archival collection efforts and community outreach programs.
Stacey Brown, PhD
Second Vice President
Academic leader and scholarship committee chair with expertise in educational equity. Oversees the foundation's academic partnerships and research initiatives.
Marjorie Kennedy
Treasurer
Financial steward ensuring responsible management of foundation resources. Works closely with donors and grant organizations to support scholarship programs and preservation efforts.
Gloria Diamond
Assistant Treasurer
Experienced financial professional supporting the foundation's long-term sustainability. Focuses on strategic planning and resource allocation for historical preservation projects.
Questions
What scholarship opportunities do you offer?
We provide annual scholarships to graduating seniors through a competitive application process requiring transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal essays.
How can I access historical records?
Our archive at 1905 Beatties Ford Road contains photographs, yearbooks, and memorabilia. Appointments are required for research visits to our collection.
What community events do you host?
We organize annual reunions, historical celebrations, and cultural events including the Tiger Historic Happenings series and special commemorative programs.
How is the foundation funded?
We operate through tax-deductible donations, special fundraising events, and grants supporting our historical preservation and educational initiatives.
Can I donate items to your collection?
Yes, we accept donations of historical materials related to Second Ward High School. Contact our archive team to discuss potential contributions.
How do you collaborate with local institutions?
We partner with museums, universities, and cultural organizations on exhibits, research projects, and educational programs preserving Charlotte's African American history.
