Smithville
SCC responds to Thurman Ross opinion piece
March 29. By Willie Jones. [Opinion] As Executive Director of the Smithville Community Coalition (SCC), I was dismayed at the Opinion piece in Cornelius Today on March 6, 2023, by Thurman Ross. He has a right to his opinion. But we should distinguish his opinion from facts. A writer can say anything in an opinion […]
The ‘what’s next’ after Black History Month
March 15. By TL Bernthal. Even with Black History Month celebrations over, there are things anyone can do as a “what’s next” in race relations. In February, which is Black History Month, the diversity committee of the Lae Norman Chamber of Commerce brought together Ron Potts ,who was born and raised in the Smithville Community, […]
Letter to the Editor: Smithville residents have been heard
Response to “Opinion: Former Commissioner Thurman Ross calls for Smithville residents to have better representation in Smithville revitalization plan.” March 14. By Scott Higgins. [Opinion] The revitalization plan for Smithville has come a long way. I have witnessed meaningful dialogue and progress in revitalizing Smithville over the last two years. To be overly critical seems […]
Opinion: Former commissioner Thurman Ross calls for Smithville residents to have ‘better representation in Smithville revitalization plan’
March 6. By Thurman Ross. [Opinion] Residents of Smithville have organized the Smithville Residents Coalition (SRC) to have their voices heard during the proposed changes to their beloved community. Although the Smithville Community Coalition (SCC) has provided exceptional work in bringing attention to the plight of the neighborhood, the stakeholders, SRC, feel that their voices […]
Here’s how Smithville’s anniversary is counted as the 50th
Feb. 28. In calculating the 50th anniversary of Smithville during Black History Month this year, the Smithville Community Coalition includes the years of community struggle and hope that led up to the vote in 1980 that officially made the neighborhood part of the Town of Cornelius. Some people have asked the coalition how it came […]
Smithville was. Smithville is. Smithville will be.
Feb. 24. Editor’s note: The Smithville Community Coalition is gearing up both as a nonprofit and as an advocate for the historically African American community on the east side of Cornelius, primarily on the south side of Catawba Avenue. This article was written by a coalition staff member to help the public understand their work. […]
Black History Month event at Cain Center will highlight Smithville
Feb. 22. Cornelius’ Black History Month program at the Cain Center for the Arts this Saturday will feature art by Charlotte artist John Robert “Trey” Miles III, poetry and a presentation to honor the annexation of Smithville into the town of Cornelius 50 years ago. The program runs from noon to 2 pm. Smithville history […]
Public input sought on Smithville infrastructure improvements
Feb. 1. The Town of Cornelius is proposing several infrastructure improvements to be made in the Smithville community, and wants residents’ input. These improvements include the extension of South Hill Street to connect to Nannie Potts Lane, widening the existing South Hill Street to include the addition of sidewalks, streetlights, curb and gutter, and adding […]
Smithville leaders to meet with US Rep. Adams office in search of more funds
July 7. By Dave Yochum. A $500,000 allocation from the State of North Carolina, as well as $3 million from the Town of Cornelius expected to be officially approved July 19 by the Town Board, means the Smithville Revitalization Plan is closer to reality. The funding comes on top of $3 million already approved by […]
Town Board unanimously OKs Smithville plan
June 21. By Dave Vieser. In a unanimous vote, Cornelius commissioners endorsed the Smithville Revitalization Plan at their June 20 meeting. The 5-0 vote directs that the plan be utilized in conjunction with the town’s land use plan as well as other decisions related to Smithville, a historically Black community just east of I-77. Details […]
