Distinguished CivIl Rights Leaders Speak at Piedmont

Mr. Gantt and Rev. Dr. Douglas discuss history with 8th grade fans as others tour the student-created Civil Rights projects that ringed the gym.

Today Piedmont hosted two distinguished guests: African-American heros of the civil rights movement Mr. Harvey Gantt and Rev. Dr. Jesse Douglas.     

The men were invited to speak by Mr. Reddig, Ms. Benfield and Ms. Hon of the social studies department as part of the 8th grade Civil Rights lesson. 

The history displays (you see them in the background and for more detail please click here ) Piedmont students made came to life as the men recounted the difficulties and triumphs of their nonviolent fight for equal rights. Mr. Gantt recounted how became the first African American to integrate Clemson University and Rev. Dr. Douglass spoke of integrating the Georgia state capitol.  Students learned of bravery, nonviolence and finding faith in themselves and their futures.


"I look at you and I see the doctors, lawyers, scientists,and athletes you will become" Harvey Gantt, architect of Piedmont, Clemson's first African-American student and Charlotte's first African American Mayor said to the 8th grade.

"I just wasn't afraid of anything" Dr. Douglas answered when students asked him how he found the bravery to lead. "We didn't have any weapons to fight anybody, but love conquers more than hate" Rev. Douglas told the audience as he described his work with SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) where he was often sent to pose as white to expose the hypocrisy of racial segregation.  He urged students to create the America guaranteed to them in our founding documents: one truly free for all. 

  Here are just a few highlights of the event: 

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"I look at you and I see the doctors, lawyers, scientists,and athletes you will become" Harvey Gantt, archtect fo Piedmont, Clemson's first African-American student and Charlotte's first African American Mayor said to the 8th grade.

Students applauded as Mr. Reddig announced that Mr. Gantt's architecture firm is responsible for designing the current Piedmont campus!

Students were honored to shake the hand of a living legend in civil rights.

Mr. Gantt smiles for the camera as the students take turns shaking his hand and asking him questions about his many achievements.

Below, Principal Barone shakes hands with the Rev. Dr. Douglas and shares stories of the Gantt family's Piedmont history with Mr. Gantt.

A crowd of students gathered to meet the heros.

Rev. Dr. Douglas impressed upon the students that they were the next generation of leaders who would make a better world.

A momentous occasion such as this calls for some photos. Tonight students across Piedmont will be updating their social media accounts with the news.

Rev. Dr. Jesse Douglas shakes a young man's hand.

The crowd of students was excited at the honor.

Students who've had the opportunity to view Selma raise their hands as Dr. Douglas comments on his first-hand experiences there.

Mr. Reddig smiles with pride at being able to bring history to life for his students.

A young man looks up to Mr. Gantt.

"Since they did so much for our freedom to eat and learn where we want, the least we could do is buy them lunch." The prinicpal and assistant principal attended the social studies department meal in honor of our guests.

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