Donald G. Bryant, 2004 March 26

File

Identifier: OH-BR0373

Staff Only

Donald G. Bryant oral history interview, 2004 March 24

Scope and Contents

Donald G. Bryant discusses his role as the only dissenting voice on the Charlotte City Council (1961-1965) in opposition to Charlotte's urban redevelopment plan. He agreed with the other city council members that poverty and poor living conditions in Brooklyn neighborhood, also known as Second Ward, were a problem and that urban renewal needed to take place. He disagreed with the council's methods in carrying out the urban renewal project, such as eminent domain, forcing residents to move against their wishes. Mr. Bryant also discusses broader race relations in Charlotte during the time, including the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce's involvement in integrating Charlotte's restaurants and how Fred Alexander was a respected leader among white and black citizens.

Dates

2004 March 26

Conditions Governing Access

3 of the 57 interviews have been digitized and are available in the digital repository.

Biographical Note

Donald G. Bryant was an 81-year-old man at the time of interview. He was born in 1923 in Greenville, South Carolina. He graduated from Davidson College with a B.A. in business administration and owned and operated the funeral home JM Harry and Bryant Co. He also served on Charlotte City Council from 1961-1965.