You are here

90s Charlotte 1990-1999

1990 - Changing Faces

The number of Asian residents in Charlotte has tripled in just the last 10 years. As the region's population becomes more diverse, the changes are reflected in the variety of ethnic stores, restaurants and shops that spring up.

Date of Event:

1992 - Death of a Pioneer

September 14, 1992 - Somebody had to be first, Gus Roberts said. Now, the man who was one of Charlotte's desegregation pioneers has died. In 1957, he was the first black student at all-white Central High. Of the four students who broke this color barrier, only Gus Roberts graduated from the school he risked his life to integrate.

Date of Event:

1995 - Library of the Year

The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County is named Library of the Year by Library Journal. It notes children's programs, genealogical resources and computer technology among the resources the library provides to a growing population with changing needs. Each year, the Novello festival draws thousands to see nationally known authors and book illustrators. The library has earned recognition for its innovative programs and community outreach.Charlotte Mecklenburg Library named Library of the Year

Date of Event:

1992- NC African Americans Elected

November 3, 1992  - Charlotte's Mel Watt and Warrenton's Eva Clayton are the first blacks from North Carolina elected to the U.S. Congress since the era that followed the Civil War more than 100 years ago.

Date of Event:

1990 - Lighting the Way

December, 1990 - Three hundred local school volunteers are honored as Points of Light, President George Bush's award that recognizes the contributions of ordinary citizens. Through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg program, 90% of students that have been tutored or mentored have been promoted. 

Date of Event:

1992 - 60 Stories

October 24, 1992  - NationsBank Corporate Center opens. At 60 stories the skyscraper is the South's tallest building, costing $150 million. Located on the Square in the heart of Charlotte, it has been designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli. The building commands its corner and displays in its lobby an impressive mural painted on plaster, called a fresco, by artist Ben Long. In 1998 the company merged again and became "Bank of America."

Date of Event:

1996 - Controversial Play

March 20, 1996  -Controversy erupts in Charlotte. Tony Kushner's award-winning play called Angels in America opens for a 10-day run. Charlotte Repertory Theater stages the performance. The play portrays sensitive subjects, such as the deadly disease called AIDS, and involves brief nudity on stage. Some people are offended and demand the play be stopped. It continues to the end, however, after a judge orders that it not be prevented from running.

Date of Event:

1991 - Arts Alive

The Cultural Action Plan will help theater, dance, music and arts groups in Mecklenburg obtain funding. Part of the plan designates the Arts and Science Council as the agency that decides how much money each group will receive.The North Carolina Dance Theater

Date of Event:

1996 - Olympic Flame

June 24, 1996 - The summer Olympic games will soon begin in Atlanta, Georgia. A blazing torch symbolizes the spirit of the games. The Olympic flame is traveling through the South and today arrives in Charlotte. Men and women, young and old, of many races and abilities take turns carrying the torch. One man is Kater Cornwell, a veteran of the Vietnam War now confined to a wheelchair. who is not to be prevented from running.

Date of Event:

1991 - NationsBank Soars

July 22, 1991 - NationsBank is announced as a new institution, created by the joining, or merging, of Charlotte-based North Carolina National Bank and Atlanta's C&S Sovran. The new bank will be based in Charlotte and will be headed by powerful civic leader Hugh McColl, Jr. Hugh McColl, Jr. & Bennett Brown

Date of Event: