Griertown: From Farm Community to Urban Neighborhood
Preserving Charlotte’s History. Inspiring Future Generations.
Charlotte Area Fund is proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor for Griertown: From Farm Community to Urban Neighborhood, a community history project dedicated to preserving the remarkable story of Grier Heights—one of Charlotte’s most historic African American neighborhoods.
From its beginnings as a farming community in the early 1900s to its transformation into a vibrant urban neighborhood, Grier Heights has been shaped by generations of families, entrepreneurs, educators, faith leaders, and community advocates whose legacy continues to influence Charlotte today.
This project will document, preserve, and share those stories so future generations can better understand the history, resilience, and contributions of this extraordinary community.
Together, we can ensure that the story of Grier Heights is never forgotten.
Why This Project Matters
Every neighborhood has a story.
Some stories are written in books.
Others are written through generations of perseverance, sacrifice, leadership, and hope.
The story of Grier Heights is one of those stories.
Founded through the vision and determination of African American families who believed in education, entrepreneurship, homeownership, and community, Grier Heights has long represented resilience and opportunity in Charlotte.
By preserving this history, we honor those who came before us while inspiring future generations to continue building stronger communities.
About the Authors
Griertown: From Farm Community to Urban Neighborhood
Written by:
James B. Lee
Community advocate, lifelong Grier Heights resident, and Executive Director of the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center.
Tom Hanchett
Charlotte historian, author, and nationally recognized expert on Charlotte’s history and neighborhoods.
Together, the authors are documenting the people, places, and events that shaped Grier Heights and helped define an important chapter in Charlotte’s history.
Why Charlotte Area Fund?
For more than 60 years, Charlotte Area Fund has worked alongside individuals, families, and neighborhoods to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and create pathways to economic mobility.
We believe that preserving a community’s history is an investment in its future. The story of Grier Heights is one of resilience, entrepreneurship, education, homeownership, and determination—values that continue to inspire the work we do today.
By serving as the fiscal sponsor for the Griertown: From Farm Community to Urban Neighborhood book project, Charlotte Area Fund is helping ensure that this important chapter of Charlotte’s history is preserved, celebrated, and shared with future generations.
Supporting this project reflects our commitment to honoring the people and places that have shaped our community while helping build a stronger, more connected Charlotte for generations to come.
Your Support Makes This Possible
Your tax-deductible contribution will help support:
✔ Book production and publication
✔ Printing and distribution
✔ Community book launch events
✔ Educational presentations and public readings
✔ Historical preservation efforts
✔ Distribution to schools, libraries, and community organizations
✔ Community engagement and awareness
Every contribution helps preserve history while educating future generations. You can donate here.
Become Part of the Story
The history of Grier Heights was written by generations of neighbors, families, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who believed in creating opportunity for others.
Today, you have the opportunity to help preserve that legacy.
Your tax-deductible gift will support the publication of Griertown: From Farm Community to Urban Neighborhood, educational programming, community events, and the preservation of a story that deserves to be remembered.
Together, we can honor the past while inspiring the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Charlotte Area Fund is serving as the fiscal sponsor for this project. Donations made through Charlotte Area Fund are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
How will my donation be used?
Funds will support book production, printing, community events, educational programming, and outreach to ensure the story of Grier Heights reaches as many people as possible.
Can my organization become a sponsor?
Yes. Businesses, foundations, and organizations interested in supporting this project are encouraged to contact Charlotte Area Fund (see below) to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Contact
3816 Latrobe Drive, Suite 101
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: 704-372-3010
E-Mail: info@charlotteareafund.org