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Turbulent Times 1960-1979

Discover Charlotte

On December 3, 1968, the City of Charlotte began a year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of its chartering by the colonial assembly of North Carolina. As part of that celebration, the Chamber of Commerce sponsored a promotional film entitled "Discover Charlotte." The film featured the narration of CBS News correspondent and Charlotte native, Charles Kuralt, and music by local composer, Loonis McGlohon.

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1977 - Government Changes

Since the 1950s, south Charlotte businessmen have dominated local politics. Now, neighborhood groups and others work for district representation. This new method of structuring the voting districts gives black citizens an opportunity to elect members of their own communities to public office.

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1968 - King Assassinated

April 4, 1968 - The Baptist minister who believes in non-violent protest has himself become a victim of violence. Inspirational leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is fatally shot in Memphis, Tennessee. More than 100,000 people attend King's funeral in Atlanta. A statue honoring him will be erected in Charlotte's Marshall Park, and dedicated on April 5, 1980. The nation will honor King's birthday as a national holiday observed the third Monday in January each year.

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1977 - Elvis in Charlotte

February 7, 1977 - Elvis Presley shakes, rattles and rolls his hips as he performs at Charlotte's coliseum. Presley's 1950s recordings that combined blues, gospel and country music made him one of the pioneers of rock and roll. But his indulgent lifestyle and poor health take their toll. He will be dead just six months later at age 42.

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1969 - Fence Down

January 7, 1969  - A fence separates white Elmwood Cemetery from black Pinewood Cemetery. Black city councilman Fred Alexander wants the fence removed, but other council members have voted him down. Now, Mayor Stan Brookshire has cast the deciding vote in favor of the idea. The fence comes down. Fence removed at Elmwood cemetery

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1978 - Changing Customs

September 9, 1978  -A law allowing the sale of liquor by the drink passes in North Carolina. Before, only private clubs could sell liquor by the drink. Patrons who wanted an alcoholic beverage in restaurants would bring their own bottles, often in a paper bag. This was called brown-bagging. The new law helps the city's restaurants and convention business. Liquor Election

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1969 - Judge's Decision

April 23, 1969 - There is a new judge presiding over the Swann case, the legal action that tests whether integration can actually work in schools. Judge James B. McMillan orders schools to be racially balanced, even if it means children ride buses to schools far away from their own neighborhoods. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 20,000 parents sign petitions against Judge McMillan.

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1974 - Airport Tragedy

September 11, 1974 - On approach to landing, Eastern Airlines flight 212 from Charleston, South Carolina, crashes into farmland three miles short of the runway at Charlotte-Douglas Airport. Most on board, 72 people, are killed. Only 10 people survive. Pilot error is blamed for the crash of the DC-9. It is not the last time such a tragedy will strike Charlotte. Rescuers at site of crash

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1978 - The Sixth Mecklenburg County Courthouse

During the 1970's and 1980's, the area bordered by Third Street and East Trade Street became a center for government and court buildings . . . The Sixth Mecklenburg County Courthouse opened at 800 East Fourth Street, the first county courthouse to be located off of either Trade or Tryon Streets. - from Courthouses of Mecklenburg County, 1766-2007 (Mecklenburg County, 2007)

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1969 - Mayor Belk

May 19, 1969  - Mayor John M. Belk takes office today, succeeding four-term mayor Stan Brookshire. Belk will continue many of Brookshire's programs, especially those that re-develop run-down sections of town. Both Belk and Brookshire will have highways named for them.

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