Independence High School alumni give back to neighbors

KEN KOONTZ | THE CHARLOTTE POST

The Independence High School Class of 1980 served meals to more than 100 people who live in west Charlotte neighborhoods on Aug. 23.

Black alumni of Independence High School Class of 1980 returned to their old west Charlotte neighborhood to feed disenfranchised residents.

Most of the estimated 200 Independence graduates grew up in the Lincoln Heights community. But court-ordered busing to desegregate local schools took them away from their home communities near West Charlotte High and along the former Cummings Avenue (now Catherine Simmons Way), LaSalle Street, Beatties Ford and Newland roads to Independence High in Mint Hill.

Black student alumni club president Dorenda Metz said they felt compelled to do something in the neighborhood where they grew up, which has fallen into a substantial segment of poor, underprivileged, low-income and economically disenfranchised residents. 

“We felt a sense of responsibility to reach back and help improve the plight of those in our old neighborhood,” Metz said. “We wanted to celebrate those early friendships because many people now having things so tough in this area were friends who grew up with us. Our classmates feel comfortable being here.” 

In addition to feeding more than 100 people, the event featured voter registrations, gift bags and music. 

“From this event, we identified several persons we will be helping to find housing and various other social services they might need,” Metz said. “And when we think about all of this and how most of us have succeeded and survived, the son that we play and reminds us of our own achievements is Marvin Sapp’s popular hit ‘Never Would Have Made it.’ So, we give back.”

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