15 Facts About Harvey Gantt

Harvey Bernard Gantt was born on January 14,1943 and is an American architect and Democratic politician active in North Carolina.

The first African-American student admitted to Clemson University after attending Iowa State University, Gantt graduated with honors in architecture, earned a master's at MIT, and established an architectural practice in Charlotte with a partner.

Harvey Gantt entered local politics, where he was elected to the city council, serving from 1974 to 1983.

Harvey Gantt was elected to two terms as the first black Mayor of Charlotte from 1983 to 1987.

In 1990 and 1996, Harvey Gantt was the Democratic nominee for the US Senate, losing to incumbent Republican Jesse Helms both times.

Harvey Gantt started to participate in civil rights activism in high school.

Harvey Gantt received a degree in architecture with Honors from Clemson and a Master's degree in City Planning from MIT.

From 1974 until 1983, Harvey Gantt served on the Charlotte City Council.

Harvey Gantt was elected to two terms as the first African-American mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina, serving in that position from 1983 to 1987.

Harvey Gantt was defeated for a third term as mayor in 1987 by Sue Myrick.

Harvey Gantt was Charlotte's last Democratic mayor until Anthony Foxx was elected in 2009.

In 1990, Harvey Gantt ran for a Senate seat in North Carolina as a Democrat against the incumbent, Republican Jesse Helms.

Harvey Gantt avoided the issue of race, instead attacking Helms's record on jobs, education and health care.

Harvey Gantt manages a successful architectural practice, Harvey Gantt Huberman Architects, and remains active in politics.

Harvey Gantt served on the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Council, the Democratic National Committee, and was appointed as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission in Washington, DC.