Governor Proclaims Charlotte McClee Day 2024

CHARLOTTE MCCLEE DAY

2024

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, in 1870, Charlotte McClee relocated to what is now Gastonia, North Carolina; for her longevity in the community, and because she was one of the first residents there before the town was officially incorporated in 1877, McClee was given the name "Aunt Charlotte" by local residents at the time; and

WHEREAS, before she came to Gastonia, Charlotte McClee had been enslaved on the Smith's Plantation, in Charleston, South Carolina; once emancipated, she loved, cared for, and delivered many Gastonians, both Black and White; and

WHEREAS, during her long life, McClee was known to be kind and compassionate towards everyone, and as a result, many residents of Gastonia have honored her during Thanksgiving and Christmas; and

WHEREAS, the City of Gastonia has renamed the Highland Community Garden as Aunt Charlotte McClee’s Community Garden; she has also been inducted into both the African American Museum of History and Culture in Gastonia and the Gaston County Museum; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina joins the city of City of Gastonia in honoring the memory and legacy of Charlotte McClee;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2024, as “CHARLOTTE MCCLEE DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

________________________________________

Roy Cooper

Governor

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twelfth day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.