CML Living Archives Mural Reveal Event

Over the last three years, the Living Archives project successfully collected stories of marginalized communities in Mecklenburg County through the COVID-19 pandemic. Those stories – in the form of video, audio, art, text and more – will be preserved by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s digital archive, Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, in perpetuity. Focused on equity, the project gathered stories from Black, Hispanic, Asian and Indigenous residents with a focus on those who are essential workers, housing insecure, immigrants, formerly incarcerated residents, small business owners, families with children, teens, college students, the elderly, LGBTQIA, veterans and people with disabilities. The initial project goal was to collect 200 stories and currently, we have been able to collect over 340+ stories, going well above and beyond what we first imagined. Transitioning from a story collection phase, the project shifted gears towards a more community-focused phase where community focused exhibits were available to the public, events and programming provided, as well as the completion of a permanent mural.

The Living Archives project is thankful to gather stories and preserve them through this important initiative, ensuring access to oral histories and experiences that supports an understanding of a truly inclusive and representative history.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites you to come and join for a special event revealing the Living Archives Mural which is being painted by local artist, Abel Jackson. This special celebration event will be hosted at Lions Services and is free to the public. It will include the unveiling of the Living Archives mural, Charlotte Mecklenburg Mobile Library (MoLi), guest speakers, and various food trucks.

To learn more about the Living Archives project, please visit our website: livingarchivesclt.org