Smith Institute for Applied Research endeavors to conduct research that supports community efforts in improving the neighborhoods surrounding Johnson C. Smith University. Various research projects tied to the community include:

• The publication of Ten Men: Examining the Passion and Progress of Black Men on Charlotte’s Historic West Side, a look at the change-makers shaping success in Northwest Corridor.
• The publication of the anthology, Let There Be Light: Exploring How Charlotte’s Historic West End is Shaping a New South, which was the first volume documenting the history in an effort to lay the groundwork for imagining the future of the Northwest Corridor.
• Research on how Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools could improve parental engagement, culminating in Mayfest, conducted with lead researcher, Dr. Ruth Green.
• Dr. Tom Priest’s research project, Will They Come When I Call, which identifies police response times in Charlotte’s Northwest Corridor.
• A Blue Ribbon Conversation seeking solutions to gentrification in Charlotte, and various symposia to share the results of research with the community.

Indaba, or important gathering, is a community forum,

JCSU President Clarence D. Armbrister welcomes the Council of Elders to campus

common among African tribes. Johnson C. Smith University takes pride in hosting the Indaba where representatives from the neighborhoods and businesses in the Northwest Corridor, elected officials representing the area, and civic leaders throughout Charlotte all come together.  From this larger, community group a Northwest Corridor Council of Elders serves as the community resident leadership for the Indaba.