Johnson C. Smith University’s New Book Examines the History of Its Surrounding Neighborhood

Historically Black Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina has published a new anthology containing essays from some of the city most prominent scholars. The anthology, entitled Let There Be Light, explores how the city’s historic West End neighborhood, where the university is located, has helped shape racial relations of the New South. The volume, edited by journalist Ron Stodghill, looks at the community’s historical triumphs while pointing the way to a better future.

Among the scholars contributing to the anthology at Ronald Carter, president of Johnson C. Smith University, Tom Hanchett, historian of the Levine Museum of the South, and Robin Emmons, associate director of urban and regional affairs for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.