Affordable Housing For the Carolinas is proud to present the 2025 AHAM Lifetime Achievement Award to David Williamson, a member of the historic Rock Hill Friendship 9. Mr. Williamson stood with quiet strength during the pivotal 1961 “Jail, No Bail” protest—an act that helped redefine the Civil Rights Movement.

In his later years, Mr. Williamson continued his commitment to justice by leading efforts in the historic Beatties Ford Trinity Park neighborhood, where he advocated for housing equity and community revitalization.

His work helped lay the foundation for sustainable, resident-led progress in one of Charlotte’s most culturally significant communities. Mr. Williamson is a powerful example of how the courage and conviction of youth can spark change that shapes the future of a nation. We are honored to recognize his lifelong dedication to civil rights and housing justice.

Affordable Housing For the Carolinas proudly presented the 2025 Sankofa Award to the Town of Davidson, North Carolina, in recognition of its affordable housing initiatives. As the first municipality in the state to adopt Inclusionary Zoning, Davidson has set a bold precedent for affordable housing policy. The town also partnered with residents to unveil Historical Markers in the Lakeside Park Neighborhood, honoring a legacy that helped shape national affordable housing development models for HUD. Most recently, in collaboration with Lake Norman CDC’s Michelle Holverson, Davidson launched the AHHA website to serve northern Mecklenburg residents with vital housing resources. The town has also made significant strides in neighborhood revitalization through thoughtful development projects and comprehensive home repair programs that preserve community character while improving residents’ quality of life.  By embracing its history and leading with vision, Davidson exemplifies the spirit of Sankofa—remembering the past to build a just and inclusive future.

Dr. Tom Hanchett, a leading public historian with deep roots in the Charlotte region, delivered the keynote address for Affordable Housing For the Carolinas’ Affordable Housing Awareness Month event. With a scholarly background that includes studies at Cornell, the University of Chicago, and UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Hanchett has built a career exploring the intersections of race, class, and urban development in the American South. He is widely recognized for his book Sorting Out the New South City, which offers a detailed look at how Charlotte’s neighborhoods were shaped by social and economic forces. In addition to his writing, Dr. Hanchett spent many years sharing local history through exhibitions and community engagement during his tenure as historian at a leading museum focused on Southern change and progress.

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At the event Dr. Hanchett delivered a powerful keynote that traced the historical roots of affordable housing in Charlotte, offering context on how past policies continue to influence present-day challenges. He also announced the upcoming release of his latest book, Affordable Housing in Charlotte, and generously provided 8 attendee's with early copies. In his remarks, he encouraged the audience to think "Beyond the Bricks"—urging a broader view of affordable housing that includes equity, community engagement, and long-term sustainability.

Affordable Housing For the Carolinas is proud to recognize the Historic West End Neighborhood Association as the 2025 Community Trailblazer Award recipient during Affordable Housing Awareness Month. For over 26 years, this organization has been a powerful and enduring force for resident-led change in Charlotte’s Historic West End. HWENA has championed affordable housing, neighborhood stability, and equitable development. Through education, organizing, and strategic partnerships—including a recent collaboration with TD Bank to launch a new community website—they have ensured that longtime residents remain at the heart of decision-making. Their tireless commitment serves as a model for resident-centered progress across the region.

Affordable Housing For the Carolinas proudly presented the 2025 Ignite Your Impact Award to Mylan Summers, an 8th-grade student at East Middle School in Statesville, North Carolina. This award honors a young leader, ages 12 to 19, who completes our four-week Ignite Your Impact program and brings lasting change to their community. Out of 176 participants across the Carolinas, Mylan’s project—Mylan’s Shoe Closet—stood out for its compassion, innovation, and real-world impact. After recognizing that many students were bullied or excluded because they lacked properly fitting shoes, and understanding that families living at or below 80% of the Area Median Income often cannot afford to purchase new footwear, Mylan created a permanent, dignified resource within his school to provide shoes to those in need. With the support of his friend Dallas and his family, Mylan transformed a simple idea into a powerful act of community care. His work exemplified the courage, creativity, and empathy this award is meant to celebrate.

Dr. Tom Hanchett's forthcoming book, Affordable Housing in Charlotte, offers an in-depth exploration of the city's journey with affordable housing, tracing its evolution from the early days of public housing in the 1940s to contemporary challenges and initiatives. Through a case-study approach, Hanchett examines how federal housing programs intersected with local and state efforts, highlighting the complexities and collaborations that shaped Charlotte's housing landscape. The book delves into the dynamics between policymakers, community leaders, and residents, illustrating the multifaceted nature of housing development and the ongoing quest for equitable solutions. For those interested in understanding the intricate history of affordable housing in Charlotte and its broader implications, Hanchett's work provides valuable insights and context. The book is available for purchase through the University of North Carolina Press at https://uncpress.org/book/9781469686202/affordable-housing-in-charlotte/