x
Breaking News
More () »

Black History Month in Charlotte: Dorothy Counts-Scoggins

The 15-year-old faced a crowd of hecklers as she walked into what was then known as Harding High.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — All this month WCNC Charlotte is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting historical people and places in Charlotte and the Carolinas.

Today we are honoring Dorothy Counts-Scoggins. In 1957, she helped to integrate Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

The 15-year-old faced a crowd of hecklers as she walked into what was then known as Harding High. That historic encounter resulted in this famous photograph.

After four days of harassment, her parents withdrew her from the school.

RELATED: 'I grew up here' | Lincoln County woman fights to save a historic black church

RELATED: 'Hold high the gold and blue': Johnson C. Smith, Charlotte's gem HBCU

To learn more, go to our Black History Month page on the WCNC Charlotte website and or mobile app.

Before You Leave, Check This Out