Second Ward High School was the first high school for Black students in Charlotte and opened in 1923. It closed in 1969 and was torn down as part of “urban renewal” efforts that effaced Brooklyn, a predominantly Black neighborhood in Charlotte. For the school's centennial, Mecklenburg County hosted Tiger Day at the school's old gym, which is now a recreation center. “Tiger Day is more than a historic centennial celebration, it’s a remembrance that Second Ward High School teachers made us believe we could do anything,” said County Commissioner Arthur Griffin, a 1966 graduate of the high school.
Named for the school’s mascot, Tiger Day was a free and family-friendly event honoring the legacy and impact of the high school. Community members were invited to Second Ward Gymnasium, the school’s only remaining facility, at 710 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. in Charlotte, on July 15, 2023. Attendees enjoyed historical exhibits and displays, music, a kids zone with crafts, remarks from local leaders, and a buffet lunch.
The video created for this event was part of the historical exhibits. Dear Second Ward is the first line of the school’s alma mater. A dozen former students shared photos, yearbooks and stories with us.
The intended goals were to honor the legacy and impact of the high school, and to educate the public.
The 360 version includes more images from the school archive and an animated rebuild of Second Ward High School and Brooklyn.
Images from the Tiger Day Event
