Black History Month Celebration

The Cornelius Parks & Recreation Department celebrates Black History Month every year with a special event in February. This free, public event is offered in collaboration with the Smithville CommUNITY Coalition, and features performances, speakers, children's activities and more.

View the photo album from our 2023 event!

Torrence Chapel Choir
SCC Logo

Founded in 1910, Smithville is one of the oldest African American communities in Mecklenburg County, with roots dating back to the 1880s in Cornelius. Smithville Community Inc. was originally formed as a nonprofit in 1968 by long-time leaders in the Smithville community before its annexation to Cornelius. The coalition was re-formed as the Smithville CommUnity Coalition in 2012 and became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2015. The SCC vision is to revitalize and transform their community into a vibrant, safe and attractive place to live and work that builds pride in its residents and attracts new developments of affordable homes and businesses, focusing on empowering all individuals and strengthening families.