Smithville
Live storytelling production showcases historic Black communities
Oct. 31. Don’t Lose Heart, a project to empower the cultural preservation efforts of historic Black communities in North Mecklenburg, debuts as a live, storytelling production Saturday at the Cain Center for the Arts. Helmed by writer and poet Maurice J. Norman, Don’t Lose Heart blends documentary poetry, family histories, and live performance to create […]
‘Don’t Lose Heart,’ an original storytelling production, will debut at the Cain Nov. 2
Sept. 17. “Don’t Lose Heart,” a multi-faceted storytelling production that features a personal story interwoven with Smithville stories will take place at the Cain Center for the Arts at 7 pm on Nov. 2. Storyteller Maurice J. Norman, who will be accompanied by a live quintet from the Charlotte Strings Collective, focuses on the individuals […]
Town Board approves two Smithville revitalization measures
Sept. 5. By Dave Vieser. At their Sept. 3 meeting, the Cornelius Town Board unanimously approved two measures in support of the Smithville revitilization plan, including a $226,000 contract with an appraiser for 63 parcels which the town will acquire for the multifaceted infrastructure program. However, before the town board action, it was necessary to […]
2 deaths in Smithville awaiting toxicology results
July 10. Cornelius Police are waiting for toxicology reports for two people found dead in a home on North Ferry in Smithville. Quanila Katera Sharpe Jordan, 26, and JaCinto “Clinton” Henderson, 55, were found dead June 28. Police said no foul play is suspected, but the case is pending toxicology results. The bodies were transported […]
Willie Jones stepping down at SCC
April 23. Lisa Mayhew Jones has been appointed Interim executive director of the Smithville Community Coalition, replacing Willie Jones who stepped down due to health issues. Willie Jones will join a newly created Emeritus Board of Advisors, a non-voting advisory board supporting the Smithville Community Coalition Board of Directors. He will also assume the role […]
Celebration Saturday was a spectacular conclusion for Black History Month
Feb. 26. Hundreds of people came out for the Black History Month Celebration at the Cain Center for the Arts on Saturday. It was the best celebration yet and the second one to be held at the Cain Center where the audience seriously got down to music from the Sons of Mystro. who used their […]
EnergyUnited Foundation gives $10,000 to Smithville Community Coalition
Feb. 14. EnergyUnited officials visited the Smithville neighborhood yesterday after donating $10,000 to the Smithville CommUNITY Coalition for critical safety repairs in the historic African American community. In 2023 the EnergyUnited Foundation donated a total of $900,000 in grants to individuals, families and nonprofits. This grant funding will be used for critical home repairs outside […]
Food donations needed
Feb. 2. The Neighborhood Care Center will have its Manna for Life event on Saturday, Feb. 10. The center’s goal is to provide groceries for approximately 70-80 families in the surrounding neighborhoods. Donations of canned goods, other non-perishables, fresh/ frozen meats can be dropped off at the center, 19711 Smith Cir., Cornelius.
Christmas ‘miracle’ in Smithville
Dec. 22. By Caroline Stevens. If you’re feeling a little Grinchy this holiday season, the cure may be some good news from Whoville—or, rather, Smithville—where a Christmas miracle happened for Cheryl Knox on Thursday. She had been heating her home, where she’s lived for years, with space heaters. Thanks to a committee of local elves […]
Arts & Sciences Council announces grants; 2 have local impact
Dec. 12. The Charlotte Dragon Boat Association, which holds the Dragon Boat and Asian Festival held at Ramsey Creek Park each year, has received a $15,000 from the Arts & Sciences Council. Meanwhile, Smithville Community Coalition received a $12,850 grant from ASC to support “Don’t Lose Heart,” a live storytelling production that uses poetry, digital […]
