Brooklyn (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Brooklyn was a historically African American neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, often referred to as the "Second Ward" due to its location within the city's ward system. Established after the Civil War, it thrived for decades as a self-sufficient community with its own schools, churches, businesses, and social organizations.

Brooklyn was a vibrant center of Black life in Charlotte. It housed a diverse population spanning a range of socio-economic backgrounds, from laborers to professionals. Schools like Second Ward High School (later renamed Alexander Street School), served as crucial educational institutions for African American children, denied equal access to resources in the segregated South. Churches, such as the historic Grace AME Zion Church, played a vital role in the spiritual and social well-being of the community. The area was also known for its thriving business district, which served the needs of its residents.

Starting in the late 1950s and continuing through the 1960s, Brooklyn was targeted for urban renewal projects under the Housing Act of 1949. City leaders argued that the neighborhood was blighted and that redevelopment was necessary to revitalize the city. However, this "urban renewal" resulted in the displacement of thousands of African American residents and the demolition of homes, businesses, and community institutions. This destruction effectively erased Brooklyn as it had existed, leading to significant social and economic disruption for its former residents.

Today, the area once known as Brooklyn is largely occupied by government buildings, office towers, and public spaces. There has been ongoing debate and efforts to commemorate the history of Brooklyn and acknowledge the devastating impact of urban renewal on the African American community. Efforts to memorialize the neighborhood and acknowledge the injustice of its destruction continue to be a part of the Charlotte community's dialogue.