Black Men With A Purpose, Inc. seeks to recognize outstanding educational and community leadership in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.  Mr. Charlie Dannelly exemplified such dedication, leadership and service for over 40 years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.

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Mr. Charlie Dannelly was born in Bishopville, SC on August 3, 1924.

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He was a teacher, assistant principal and principal before entering politics in 1977.  He served during the Korean War as a first Lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division.  Dannelly made 50 parachute jumps and earned the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Star.

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Of his dual careers, Dannelly remarked, "I have to say I like education better.  It's an honor to be in a position to help direct the lives of young people.  If we don't train and educate our young people, our future will be in jeopardy."

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He takes pride in "seeing young people come back to thank me for the role I played in their lives.  They often are attorneys, doctors, and teachers."

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Dannelly got his Bachelor's Degree from Johnson C. Smith University and his Master's Degree in Education from the University of North Carolina.  He began his education career in 1962.  He taught at University Park Elementary and was assistant principal at J.H. Gunn High and Albemarle Road Junior High.  He was principal at Starmount Elementary, University Park Elementary, Quail Hollow Junior High, and J.H. Gunn High School.

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Former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt said this about Dannelly, "I'm sure he changed the lives of a lot of young men and women he came in contact with.  He was an educator at heart.  I know him more as a Legislator.  He's had a positive impact.  He understands what's going on with average people.  He's been a quiet force in this community for years."