Revitalizing and transforming our Smithville CommUNITY since 1968

Smithville was.

Smithville is.

Smithville will be.

Smithville was.

Smithville is.

Smithville will be.

Smithville Community Coalition

Cornelius, North Carolina

Our mission is to create and execute aneighborhood-led, comprehensive Historic Smithville revitalization plan that serves residents’ needs, restores the community’s vibrance, supports an abundant and equitable life for all, and expands affordable and workforce housing in the town of Cornelius. 

DEMOCRACY*

By Langston Hughes

Democracy will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.

I have as much right
As the other fellow has
To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.

I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I’m dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread.

Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.
I live here, too.
I want freedom
Just as you.

*Retitled ‘Freedom” by 1967, this poem was originally known as ‘Democracy”