Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture — Attraction in Charlotte

To whom it may concern - preferably someone with some authority ...

My name is Michael Albert and I am the owner and creative director of Charlotte Video Ventures, a local video production company. On Saturday, September 14th, I was a vendor for the Yemane/Byrd wedding at your center. My job, obviously, to film the event for the couple.

I just wanted to let it be known that my experience with your venue was horrific. Beginning from the initial contact with Chanel and continuing on with your security staff. First, having to use the loading dock was completely ridiculous. All of my equipment, comparable to the photographer's (which they were able to carry in through the front door) could have been brought in through the front door eliminating the need to deal with your security officer in the dock. He was rude, condescending and frankly disrespectful to me from the minute I pulled in. From waiting for two elevator rides, having orders barked at me and then a contradiction between him and Chanel about me setting up my equipment, only to get yelled at again to move my vehicle. This was completely unnecessary and avoidable. The guard in the dock couldn't even tell me how to get to a parking lot.

Next, the inability to move via elevator from the 2nd floor to the 4th without having to wait on a guard was ridiculous as well. Then I had the pleasure to interact with your female security captain. A pompous, condescending woman who evidently doesn't value her job or has yet to be trained to deal with the public. One of the photographers came in the front door, a male guard met him and blaring over the radio, the captain was yelling "tell him to go to the other door." So, bordering on being late for the event, as I was, he had to walk another block only to be let in the other door. No sign in, no bag inspection, nothing.

As the evening continued, the security staff remained impolite, Chanel was absolutely worthless in answering any questions from any vendor or guest, and this captain was nothing but a militant racist to me and rude to everyone. One guest even asked me for batteries for his camera because when he asked to go out to his car he was told "once you leave you can't come back."

Without continuing to write a book - I'll sum this up ... Two other vendors and I had a discussion during this nightmare and agreed that not only will we never accept a job that involves your venue, but we will recommend to our clients that they choose another venue as well.

As a US Army Military Police combat veteran, a retired police officer and SWAT Team Commander and now a small business owner I have quite a reach to recommend any place else but the Harvey Gantt Center for any...

This does not deserve any stars, but you have to select 1. I took my daughter yesterday for MLK Day hoping to educate her on why she had this day out of school in respect for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We were both incredibly DISAPPOINTED! The museum promoted MLK Day at the museum heavily on the internet with hourly events, discussions, forums, and art. It was a joke. It is SUCH a beautiful facility with lots of space which are being misused and wasted! My daughter was handed a white dove cutout to color w markers as the art project. I tried to explain the symbolism of peace and how it was symbolic as no one else was doing ANY education or instruction. There are 2 or 3 rooms with sparse photographs....half depicting gay rights (white people in photos) and having nothing to do with African American culture and history. There is an exhibit with recent photographs of a Dad and daughter and poor depiction of how their neighborhood is being taken over by new expensive apartment construction. Another room had multiple tv screens all playing a video of an incarcerated man talking about being locked up for selling crack. He used the words: Gd dmn, fck, sht...the list goes on, repeatedly. Fantastic for my 6 year old daughter's viewing. We learned nothing about authentic African American culture and history. It's common knowledge that neighborhoods are being "bleached." We learned NOTHING about what an incredible figure MLK was and how his efforts still impact our civilization today. The owner/operator of the museum should be ashamed and hand over duties to those who are capable. It was not a celebration of MLK yesterday. This space is not properly occupied with anything of necessity. There was no authentic depiction African American history. This is a seriously flawed operation. It should not be called a museum based on existing exhibits and platforms. This place is a disgrace to African Americans...their beautiful culture/history and the endless struggles they have and continue to have to face...

I was a bridesmaid in the Clemons/Cuberson wedding and the reception was held at this venue. Parking was a little frustrating as I am not familiar with downtown. Once I was parked and entered the venue I was greeted by Chanel Donald. She was cordial in assisting me, as I was running late to meet the rest of the bridal party for pictures upstairs. I was hoping for quicker attention as she could not leave her post to take me upstairs to the rest of the party. So I had to wait, but it worked out because another bridesmaid was late too so we were eventually escorted up together. The upstairs Terrace was absolutely beautiful for pictures! The sunset was just right with the structural look of the building. The night progressed and I really appreciate the staff and Chanel for their attentiveness because the bride's wedding coordinator was overwhelmed to say the least. She was confused and frustrated which put the timing off for the reception. We were 45 mins behind schedule and Chanel had stepped in to offer assistance but its only so much you can do when given the incorrect information. The food from Born to Cook catering, was not good. Potatoes were dry, and meat was lukewarm...I suggest to not recommend them to anyone for the next event. The space layout was not conducive for the amount of people that were in attendance. The table set up by the stairs didn't allow much room for socializing nor room for dancing. Overall, I give the experience 4 stars and I will go back for another event to at least have...