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67 Years Ago Dorothy Counts Walked Through the Doors of Harding High School in Charlotte

Author Randi Moultrie
Youths with signs that read "25 years after Brown, America's schools are still 'separate and unequal' NAACP", "NAACP says: Segregated schools unequal and unconstitutional in 1954 -Segregated schools unequal and unconstitutional in 1979", United States, circa 1979. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Do you know Dorothy Counts? Well, on this day (September 4) 67 years ago, she became one of the first African American students to attend Charlotte’s all white school, Harry Harding High School. At the young age of 15, Counts became a staple in Charlotte’s history.

Who is Dorothy Counts?

Dorothy Counts was born on March 25, 1942, in Charlotte, North Carolina. She grew up near Johnson C. Smith University as both of her parents worked. As her parents worked in the school system, education was a large part of her family.

On September 4, 1957, she was one of four black students enrolled in all white schools throughout the district. She was the only one to attend Harry Harding High School. This decision broke the color barrier in the area to allow them to attend schools that previously denied them due to their skin color. This decision also led to multiple issues with locals who did not want this and Charlotte was still segregated at the time.

When Counts arrived at Harding High School, there was an angry crowd to greet her. Multiple people screamed, threw rocks, and were angry that the decision to integrate was happening.

The situation was intense but helped push us to where we are today. Now, Dorothy Counts continues to reside in Charlotte and is a counselor with Child Care Resources. She also attends Johnson C. Smith University occasionally as it is still part of her history.

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Randi Moultrie is a Charleston, South Carolina native and has been in the radio industry for the last few years in Charlotte. Randi started with Beasley Media Group as an intern in 2019 and is now thriving in the digital world. Randi enjoys writing about her favorite foods (especially pizza) and all things fashion and travel. As one who loves taking trips to find new foods, it’s not surprising that she enjoys writing about both!

North Carolina Ranks #3 In the U.S. for Most HBCUs

Fall is around the corner, and that means time for back to school. High school graduates around the country are packing up for college. And many planning to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) won’t have to go too far out of North Carolina to do so.  North Carolina has plenty of HBCUs to choose from.

According to the National Center For Education Statistics,  in 2021, 9% of Black students in the country went to an HBCU straight out of high school. As of 2020,  76% of Black students attended public HBCUs while 24% attended private nonprofit institutions. If you aren’t familiar with an HBCU, it is a staple in the black community.

HBCUs have a significant positive impact on the communities around their campuses and beyond. They generate skilled workers, jobs, and economic hubs. Between homecoming, Greek culture, and sports rivalry, an HBCU is one of the most positive outlets for education in the Black community. North Carolina ranks #3 for the most HBCUs in the country! The Tar Heel State is home to some of the most well-known schools, football teams, marching bands, and STEM programs.

Here is the list of the top 5 states with the most HBCUs:

  • 1. Alabama

    Alabama has 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities that range in private and public across the state. Those schools include Alabama State University, Talladega College, Miles college, Bishop State Community College, Trenholm State Community College, Alabama A&M University, Stillman College., Gadsen State Community College, Selma University, J.F. Drake State Community College, Tuskegee University, Oakwood University, Shelton State Community College and Concordia College Alabama.

    Black education in Alabama saw a surge when the federal government backed public black universities under the second Morrill Act in 1890. The 1890 act mandated that states that practiced segregation in their public colleges and universities would lose  federal funding unless they established agricultural and mechanical institutions for the black population. Meanwhile, the Morrill Act of 1862 provided federal land to fund and locate schools.

  • 2. Georgia

    The peachy state of Georgia is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Interdenominational theological center, Morehouse College, Morehouse school of medicine, Morris Brown college, Pain College, Savannah State University and Spelman College.

    The largest HBCU in Georgia is Albany State University. The oldest is Savannah State University which hosts the National Association of Student Professionals – Student Leadership Institution.  

  • 3. North Carolina

    North Carolina is home to 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools include Shaw University (1865), Fayetteville State University (1867), Johnson C. Smith University (1867), St. Augustine’s University (1867), Bennet College (1873), Livingstone College (1879), Elizabeth City State University (1891), North Carolina Agricultural and state University (1891), Winston- Salem State University (1892) and North Carolina Central University (1910). 

    North Carolina is monumental when it comes to homecoming AND football. The first ever HBCU football game was played against Johnson C. Smith University and Livingstone College. There are 130 years of proud heritage that makes this game the most anticipated game of the year.  

  • 4. Mississippi

    Mississippi is home to 7 Historically Black colleges and Universities. Those of which include Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds County Community College, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College and Tugaloo Collage.

    Mississippi’s 7 historically black colleges and universities produce over $1 billion dollars in economic impact for the state! This state is bringing in out-of-state students like no other. This state also produces some of the best bands EVER!

  • 5. Louisiana

    The boot state has six HBCU’s that call it home. The culture is undeniable, and the bands are incredible. If you a wondering where to visit to experience an HBCU homecoming,  visit Louisiana.

    This is also where the HBCU Kings and Queens hold their annual conference. The HBCUs located in Louisiana include: Dillard university, Grambling State University, Southern University and A&M College, Southern University New Orleans, Southern University and Xavier University.  

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