John McCarroll shares his memories of living in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina, also known as Second Ward, and his long career working for Grier Funeral Service. Mr. McCarroll describes moving to Charlotte from South Carolina as a teenager, starting work in the funeral industry, and serving African American clients throughout Charlotte's neighborhoods. Mr. McCarroll also discusses other businesses, schools, and churches in Brooklyn and other black neighborhoods in Charlotte. Mr. McCarroll describes and shares his views on urban renewal in Charlotte during the 1960s, including its impact on Grier Funeral Home and the poor quality of housing and commercial buildings prior to urban renewal.
