Celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history, culture, and achievements in Downtown Raleigh with our guide to commemorating Black History Month 2024. This guide invites you to explore a curated selection of events, landmarks, and exhibits that showcase the vibrancy and significance of Black heritage in the heart of Raleigh.
We encourage you all to continue supporting Black entrepreneurs, perspectives, history, and culture in Downtown Raleigh not just this month, but year round. Learn more about local Black history through “Historic Black Neighborhoods of Raleigh” by Carmen Wimberly Cauthen.
Black Owned Businesses in Downtown Raleigh
Landmarks
Black Main Street | E Hargett St.
Raleigh’s Black Main Street emerged as a commercial district in the 1920s-1930s on East Hargett Street from Fayetteville Street to Blount Street. East Hargett Street, like other Black Main Streets across the country, evolved as segregation laws hardened in the early part of the century. At its height, Black Main Street had nearly 50 black owned businesses.
Mechanics and Farmers Bank | 13 E Hargett St.
Founded in 1907 in Durham by 9 community leaders, Raleigh’s branch opened in 1923 on Black Main Street. Today, M&F Bank still has a branch on E. Hargett St and is the second oldest minority-owned bank in the United States.
NC Freedom Park | 218 N Wilmington St.
NC Freedom Park is North Carolina's first urban greenspace honoring the African American struggle for liberation. Located at the heart stands a distinctive sculpture known as the "Beacon of Freedom." This sculpture is made to illuminate the surroundings each night, symbolizing hope and self-determination.
Shaw University, Estey Hall | 721 S Wilmington St.
Estey Hall was the first structure built for the higher education of African American women in the United States and is the oldest surviving building on Shaw University’s campus.
John Chavis Memorial Park and Community Center | 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Chavis Park was developed as a “separate but equal” recreation facility but is now a modern community gathering place for all residents. The John Chavis Memorial Park Aquatic Center is the latest addition to the park coming within the next few years.
Pope House Museum | 511 S Wilmington St.
The Pope House Museum was the home of North Carolina’s 1st licensed African American doctor and influential community leader, Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope.
Art
LeVelle Moton | Sean Kernick + Adam Williams
As a tribute to NCCU's men’s basketball coach and community leader LeVelle Moton, this mural features Mr. Moton surrounded by his family, championship trophies, and organizations he helped shape.
Like Father, Like Son | Dare Coulter
This mural depicts an iconic image of Black fatherhood in a viral moment captured between rapper Busta Rhymes and his son.
Ann and Allen Iverson | Steve Powers
As a "shoutout to moms everywhere" artist Steve "ESPO" Powers re-created a scene where Allen Iverson is getting his hair braided court side by his mother Ann during an actual game.
Black Main Street Murals | TJ Mundy
A sidewalk mural project paying homage to E Hargett Street's legacy as Raleigh’s Black Main Street.
John Lewis | Jalel Ronin
In memory of Civil Rights leader and Congressman John Lewis.
Exhibits
Living in Color | Dorothea Dix Park
Saturday, February 3rd - Sunday, February 26th
This is More Than a Test | Artspace
Now - Saturday, February 25th
Trailblazers in Black History | Marbles Kids Museum
Now - Thursday, February 29th
First Friday: Dad Duty Project - Celebrating Black Fatherhood by Chris Facey | Transfer Co. Food Hall
Friday, February 2nd - Friday, March 1st
Tours/Events
Fusion Family Day | Artspace
Saturday, February 17th
"We've Always Been Out There:" A Civil Rights Walking Tour of Raleigh | North Carolina State Capitol
Saturday, February 24th
Find recurring events year-round focused on childhood literacy, Black perspectives, history, and more at Liberation Station Bookstore.