The Cherry Community is one of Charlotte’s oldest and most historically significant African American neighborhoods. Established in 1891 by John Springs Myers and Mary Rawlinson Myers, Cherry was the first community in Charlotte designed to provide homeownership opportunities for Black laborers and working-class families. The neighborhood was developed from the Myers family’s thousand-acre cotton farm, located just outside Charlotte’s city limits. Contrary to local belief, Cherry was not created as a servants’ community for Myers Park; in fact, it predates the development of Myers Park by at least 20 years.

Cherry’s development was distinct from other African American neighborhoods due to its inclusion of essential community amenities. Morgan School (1925) and Morgan Park (1927) were constructed on Baxter Street, providing educational and recreational spaces for residents. In addition to these, the neighborhood featured several churches and small local stores, many of which still exist today. The community’s tree-lined streets and abundant cherry trees, which once covered the hillsides, are said to have inspired its name.