Hidden Valley neighborhood celebrates life after gangs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A north Charlotte neighborhood once rife with gang activity is celebrating its promising future.

Hidden Valley will hold a parade and festival on Saturday. The neighborhood association has given it the theme "From Gangs to Greatness."

Hidden Valley became notorious for the gang Hidden Valley Kings. A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department investigation led to charges against 20 members in 2007. A court injunction stifled an attempted resurgence in the last few years.

Community Association President Ella Williams credits unique approaches with helping them rise above.
 
"We've used grants and scholarships and all kind of resources to help us combat the problems that we've had," Williams said.
 
The celebration comes as the city of Charlotte searches for answers following a violent Labor Day weekend. Five people were killed in a string of shootings, including a 7-year-old boy.
 
Investigators believe the shooting was between two groups, and "gang-like," CMPD Chief Kerr Putney said Tuesday.
 
"We've had those same ills, those same concerns," Williams said. "These people are a lot safer and they are a lot happier than we've been in a long time."
 
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at 700 Sugarcreek Road. The festival starts at 11:30 a.m. at Hidden Valley Elementary School.

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