May 20th Society

Annual Captain James Jack Dinner
2026-05-19 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC, 28217, United States
Join us for our Annual Captain Jack Dinner on the evening of May 19th at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
This year we are joined by James C. Howell. Dr. Howell is the senior pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC, and the author of more than 20 books, including Weak Enough to Lead, Conversations with St. Francis, The Life We Claim, and The Beautiful Work of Learning to Pray. His podcast, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” blogs, and retreats are popular, as are his work on leadership and community activism. Dr. Howell lives in Charlotte with his wife Lisa, a photographer and community activist. Together they have three grown children.
Doors open at 6pm.

251st Anniversary of Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence: Commemoration Ceremony
2026-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Intersection of Trade and Tryon Street, Uptown Charlotte, 101 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
Each year on May 20th, Charlotte commemorates the anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence with a ceremony at the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets, known as Independence Square. This event, sponsored by Charlotte Center City Partners, celebrates the historic 1775 declaration, in which local leaders proclaimed their freedom from British rule.
This year celebrates the 251st anniversary of the MecDec. These annual celebrations have been a tradition in Charlotte since the first public commemoration in 1825. The annual ceremony at Trade and Tryon Streets serves as a vibrant reminder of Charlotte’s role in the pursuit of American independence and offers residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate America’s true cradle of independence.
