Fact Friday 87 - The CIAA's Gift to Early Charlotte

            

Happy Friday everyone!

Sometimes the stars just line up. The CIAA Tournament and all associated festivities are currently underway here in Charlotte. And if you've been following the Fact Fridays for the past couple of weeks, then you know I've been featuring material from Mary Kratt's  "Boomtown Beginnings" chapter of Charlotte North Carolina, A Brief History. The next section of the chapter actually features famed African-American educator and alderman, J. T. Williams. Williams was educated at Howard Normal College, now known as Fayetteville State University, and the Raleigh Institute, now known as Shaw University, the oldest historically black college/university in the Southern United States. Together, they are two of the eight North Carolina-based HBCUs that make up the 12 institutions of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), which dates back to 1912, founded in the District of Columbia, but is now headquartered here in the Queen City. 

Williams' resounding impact in the Charlotte community and beyond is undeniable. His legacy would prove to literally last generations, giving those that come behind him an example to aspire to. To learn more about his accomplishments and contributions, give our Fact Friday #35 a read. You won't be disappointed!

Until next week!

Chris.

 

Email me at chris@704Shop.com if you have interesting Charlotte facts you’d like to share or just to provide feedback!

 

“We have to do with the past only as we can make it useful to the present and the future.” – Frederick Douglass