02/12/2025
Celebrating Black History Makers at The River of Life Mural
Derik and I had the pleasure of experiencing a slice of history after our early wrap-up meeting. We had lunch at West-end Seafood and were deeply moved by a stunning mural The River of Life Mural - created by Abel Jackson () on Beatties Ford Rd—just a stone's throw from where we began our journey.
The mural, enriched with the narratives of prominent Black leaders, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and contributions of these individuals to our community. Among those featured is Bertha Maxwell-Roddey, a pioneering educator and advocate who significantly shaped the educational and cultural landscape of Charlotte.
As we admired the art, we had the honor of meeting Ronald (affectionately known as Ron), a local who shared captivating stories about the Historic West-end and the figures immortalized on the wall. These include Julius Chambers, a trailblazing lawyer and civil rights activist, and Harvey Gantt, Charlotte's first Black mayor and a noted architect. Bertha Maxwell-Roddey, a trailblazer in education and co-founder of now Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. James Ferguson, a distinguished lawyer who, along with Julius Chambers and others, founded North Carolina’s first integrated law firm. Ferguson is known for litigating some of the state’s most well-known civil and criminal trials, including defending the Wilmington 10. Hattie “Chatty Hattie” Leeper, who broke barriers as North Carolina’s first Black woman disk jockey and was inducted into both the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Black Radio Hall of Fame. Sarah Stevenson, a pioneer in education as the first Black woman on the Charlotte School Board of Education.
This meaningful artwork was commissioned after Bernetta Powell, owner of the West End Fresh Seafood Market, secured a City of Charlotte Placemaking Grant. This initiative supports artistic projects that bolster community vibrancy and identity.
The River of Life mural not only honors these influential figures but also serves as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the profound impact of Black leaders in shapi