July 13, 2009
Charlotte, NC – Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department invites interested citizens to attend a “Fairview Homes Community Reunion” and a presentation to honor the memory of Anita Stroud on Friday, August 7, 2009, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Ivory Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court. Former residents of Fairview Homes are especially invited.
Fairview Homes was a large low income and public housing community near uptown Charlotte, off Oaklawn Avenue and Statesville Avenue. It is now a totally redeveloped community called Park at Oaklawn. Anita Stroud, who lived in Fairview Homes, was a beacon of light in the community, running programs and activities for underprivileged children. Beginning in the 1940’s, she invited hundreds of children into her home for Bible stories, tutoring, mentoring, and fun play activities. Ms. Stroud organized an annual summer camp program for low income children. She distributed donated money, clothes, food, and school supplies to children living on food stamps and welfare assistance in Fairview Homes and in the nearby Double Oaks community.
Her work was recognized in national articles. She won many awards, including an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from UNC-Charlotte 1982. Many stories were written about her activities in the Charlotte Observer and the Charlotte News (evening newspaper), and on radio and TV. The Anita Stroud Foundation Inc., a non profit foundation, was formed in 1974 to promote her good works. The foundation continues today with education, motivational and enrichment programs for children. The programs operate out of the Anita Stroud Youth Development Center at Ivory Baker Recreation Center.
Anita Stroud, “Ms. Neet,” as she was known in the community, passed away in 1984 at the age of 84.
The Fairview Homes Community Reunion at Ivory Baker Recreation Center on August 7 will feature many fun activities for children and families--games, contests, entertainment, food and more. At 6:30 pm there will be a special program to honor students from the Anita Stroud Youth Development Center who are on honor rolls and received other academic awards. This event is FREE to all who wish to come. The reunion will feature a special presentation honoring Anita Stroud.
This event is sponsored by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and The Anita Stroud Foundation. For more information contact Ms. Geraldine T. Powe (say as “Poe”) at 704 376-1154 or 704 537-1163 or visit the website www.anitastroudfoundation.org .
