A major accomplishment for me this year was on August 26 at midnight when I clicked the button to publish The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Remembrance Project website, ItHappenedHereCLT.com.
The website is a resource for people to learn about the two racial terror lynchings in Mecklenburg County, documented by the Equal Justice Initiative, of Mr. Joe McNeely (Aug. 26, 1913) and Mr. Willie McDaniel (June 30, 1929).
The site also features a powerful film shot by the talented and creative team of Loyd Visuals featuring the amazing artist Hannah Hasan, MFA who reimagines the lives of Mr. McNeely and Mr. McDaniel.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them.
I encourage you to visit the site to learn about Mr. McNeely and Mr. McDaniel (reported by journalists Helen and gary schwab), engage with the content (including my personal story), sign the Declaration of Support and use the resources available to have conversations with people in your network.
I am grateful to the Steering Committee for their involvement and support. Thank you, Victor Thomas for your partnership and patience.
You will hear more about the project and our efforts in 2025.
Image: A still from the film of Hannah and the Warriors from The Males Place.