About National Night Out
National Night Out events began in Davidson on August 1, 2006, spearheaded by the Davidson African American Coalition under the leadership of Dora DuBose, Chair,and in partnership with the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department. She proposed plans for a local National Night Out with the support of the Davidson Police Department. The first events were held at the Ada Jenkins Center, and since then, most events have been held at the Roosevelt Wilson Park located in the West Davidson neighborhood, a historically African-American neighborhood. The annual celebration has grown each year and includes food, activities, and fun for all ages. The event is sponsored by the Davidson Police Department and North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers.
National Night Out was first established in 1984 by Matt Peskin of the National Association of Town Watch to improve police-community relationships, increase crime prevention awareness, and strengthen neighborhood camaraderie. The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department originally partnered with police departments and neighborhood organizations in the inner city and town neighborhoods to sponsor the program.
