Westside Stories - WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC

  • Public History and Digitelling

  • Public History focuses on sharing a culture’s “living stories” in pictures, film, oral narratives, and multimedia displays. JCSU’s Westside stories will introduce website readers to the vast and rich stories that they find within Charlotte’s West side. More than 200 JCSU students and the university’s faculty are involved in this ongoing project. Students take to the streets and homes and businesses of the people who live and work in Charlotte. Armed with cameras and curiosity, they have committed to capturing the views and thoughts of people they encounter.

    Since the start of the year, students have already met significant leaders who have made a difference in Charlotte’s history and its present. They have been inspired by those who share their stories.

    WBTV supports this community project developed by Johnson C. Smith University. Throughout 2012, we will share students stories on our air and support their journey to enlighten and educate not only our own community, but that of the nation as it comes to Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention in September. Look for their stories on Saturday and Sunday mornings on WBTV throughout the year. We will also provide a link here to a number of their stories that we air.

  • Westside Stories

  • Thursday, April 5 2012 10:50 AM EDT2012-04-05 14:50:00 GMT
    Charlotte is stepping into the spotlight and taking center stage as the Democratic National Convention approaches.

  • Tuesday, May 1 2012 8:55 AM EDT2012-05-01 12:55:48 GMT
    CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) – It's not just the city of Charlotte planning for the Democratic National Convention. All businesses and buildings around Center City are making plans. Monday afternoon, Johnson
    Monday afternoon, Johnson C-Smith University honored some students who are telling – as they say – the "untold" stories about the Westside of Charlotte.

  • Tuesday, May 1 2012 4:03 PM EDT2012-05-01 20:03:45 GMT
    The students in this part of the RUNDNC2012 project were asked to think about leadership. They learned about leaders who made a difference on Charlotte's Westside. And then, they created stories about
    JCSU's Brenten is inspired by a woman who's single action became a catalyst to push an emerging movement forward.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:13 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:13:32 GMT
    The students in this part of the RUNDNC2012 project were asked to think about leadership. They learned about leaders who made a difference on Charlotte's Westside. And then, they created stories about
    When he thought of a leader, Courtney Hunter looked to his best friend.    But this may not be who you'd expect.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:14 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:14:09 GMT
    The students in this part of the RUNDNC2012 project were asked to think about leadership. They learned about leaders who made a difference on Charlotte's Westside. And then, they created stories about
    From the island of Jamaica, one teacher is inspiring students like JCSU's Regina Jones to stretch borders and learn about the world.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:14 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:14:57 GMT
    The students in this part of the RUNDNC2012 project were asked to think about leadership. They learned about leaders who made a difference on Charlotte's Westside. And then, they created stories about
    Learn more about JCSU coach Stephen J. Joyner, an outstanding performance throughout a lifetime.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:17 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:17:00 GMT
    The students in this part of the RUNDNC2012 project were asked to think about leadership. They learned about leaders who made a difference on Charlotte's Westside. And then, they created stories about
    JCSU's Dominique Cross talks about the inspiration of her life.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:17 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:17:42 GMT
    The students in this part of the RUNDNC2012 project were asked to think about leadership. They learned about leaders who made a difference on Charlotte's Westside. And then, they created stories about
    While black Americans fought for equal citizenship rights,  they did not stand  alone.   Emanuel Reid introduces us to 3 people who's leadership inspired him.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:18 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:18:25 GMT
    The students in this part of the RUNDNC2012 project were asked to think about leadership. They learned about leaders who made a difference on Charlotte's Westside. And then, they created stories about
    The Black Panther movement produced stark images,  usually of violence.  JCSU's Janelle S. Martin focuses on one man who was a non-violent leader

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:19 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:19:03 GMT
    The students in this part of the RUNDNC2012 project were asked to think about leadership. They learned about leaders who made a difference on Charlotte's Westside. And then, they created stories about
    Johnson C. Smith student Katempres Johns knows the difference between winners and losers… and leaders.   Please watch her entire story.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:19 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:19:38 GMT
    By Vuyo Lushaba, JCSU Vuyo Lushaba is a student at Johnson C. Smith University. His grandmother is Winnie Mandela. He talks about how she inspired him to overcome incredible obstacles… including losing
    Vuyo Lushaba is a student at Johnson C. Smith University.  His grandmother is Winnie Mandela.   He talks about how she inspired him to overcome incredible obsticales

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:20 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:20:18 GMT
    The students in this part of the RUNDNC2012 project were asked to think about leadership. They learned about leaders who made a difference on Charlotte's Westside. And then, they created stories about
    Lung cancer changed her father's life,  and the life of JCSU student Tamika Watts.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:21 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:21:25 GMT
    By Reatna Taylor, JCSU The students in this part of the RUNDNC2012 project were asked to think about leadership. They learned about leaders who made a difference on Charlotte's Westside. And then, they
    Reatna Taylor talks about overcoming odds through the intervention of a caring teacher.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:22 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:22:47 GMT
    By Phillip Henry, JCSU Freshman Phillip Henry always wanted to keep up with his two highly academically successful sisters, but found it difficult and defeating. He explains how wise words from his
    Phillip Henry is inspired to follow a unique path... his own.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:23 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:23:45 GMT
    By Nicholas Bratcher, JCSU Nicholas Bratcher grew up in the Bronx, NY. The city had its dangers and challenges. But, this young man found tremendous support in his hometown and inspires him today
    Nicholas Bratcher says his hometown of The Bronx, NY could be dangerous when he was growing up, but he shares why his hometown inspires.

  • Tuesday, June 12 2012 10:24 AM EDT2012-06-12 14:24:23 GMT
    By Darian, JCSU Darian is inspired by her mother, who was the first in their family to go to college. Darian is now in college to and hopes to pave the way for her brother to follow in her footsteps.
    Darian, a JCSU student is following in a parent's footsteps and hopes to lead too.

  • Thursday, March 8 2012 12:09 PM EST2012-03-08 17:09:49 GMT
    Jimmy Joyner is inspired by the discipline he sees in leadership.

  • Thursday, March 8 2012 12:10 PM EST2012-03-08 17:10:14 GMT
    Jockuela Ballard is a Johnson C. Smith University cheerleader who grew up in foster care.

  • Thursday, March 8 2012 12:10 PM EST2012-03-08 17:10:39 GMT
    Tamika Watts is a pre-med major who is a role model for her 6-year-old niece.  

  • The Westside Stories are only one part of Johnson C. Smith's effort.   It is a part of large community and website initiative called the REEL Urban Network  DNC 2012 designed to engage and inform the public during this year, thought the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.