ABOUT

SMITHVILLE COMMUNITY COALITION

The Smithville Community Coalition (SCC) was founded in 1968 by dedicated leaders within the historic Smithville community, before its annexation into the Town of Cornelius, North Carolina. Today, SCC is a leading nonprofit organization committed to preserving the history, land, and legacy of Smithville through equitable, community-driven revitalization.

Smithville is the freedmen’s community of Cornelius and remains the largest intact historic African American community in Mecklenburg County. With deep cultural roots and generational ties, it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and heritage.

As growth and development continue to impact the region, SCC is leading efforts to ensure that long-time residents and their descendants are not displaced. Through a comprehensive revitalization plan, we focus on land preservation, affordable homeownership, resident return, and pathways to generational wealth—ensuring that the future of Smithville includes the people who built it.

OUR WORK

We work alongside residents, partners, and the Town of Cornelius to strengthen and sustain the community through:

• Community Revitalization – Advancing equitable development strategies that prevent displacement and promote long-term stability
• Affordable Housing & Homeownership – Supporting opportunities for current and returning residents to own and remain in Smithville
• Youth & Family Programs – Investing in the next generation through education, engagement, and enrichment
• Senior Support Services – Connecting residents to critical home repair and preservation resources
• Community Engagement & Cultural Programming – Hosting and supporting initiatives such as the Cornelius Community Garden, Jazz Festival, and Black History programs

OUR COMMITMENT

SCC is dedicated to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable future for Smithville—one that honors its past while creating opportunities for generations to come.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.