North Raleigh Today

Black History Month is just around the corner, and there are numerous events and exhibits in Raleigh, North Carolina, that honor the achievements, history, and heritage of African American trailblazers. One of the highlights is the series of events hosted by John Chavis Memorial Park (JCMP), located at 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. All the events at JCMP are free of cost and are dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the African American experience.

For those interested in learning about the prominent Black families in Raleigh, the Pope House Museum is offering scheduled weekday tours throughout the month of February. Located at 511 South Wilmington Street, the Pope House Museum is the home of one of North Carolina's first licensed Black doctors and provides insights into the history of the city's Black community.

Another significant landmark to visit during Black History Month is the Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens, situated at 1215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. This public park, established in 1975, is solely dedicated to Dr. King and the civil rights movement. It features a 12-ton granite water monument that pays tribute to the notable pioneers of the civil rights movement in the area.

If you're looking for a unique experience, consider joining the Historic Raleigh Trolley for a special edition Black history tour on February 24th and 25th. The tour will focus on Oberlin Village, a historically significant neighborhood. Passengers will disembark at Mordecai Historic Park and explore the Historic Turner House and Oberlin Cemetery, learning about the community's history of freedom and unity.

In addition to these events and exhibits, Raleigh boasts several historic African American landmarks. One such landmark is the John Chavis Memorial Park and Carousel. This park, created in 1937 under the federal Works Progress Administration, provided recreational opportunities for black families during a time of segregation. The carousel, a vintage attraction, remains in operation, making it a unique piece of history.

Latta University Historic Park, located at 1001 Parker Street, is another noteworthy site. Founded by Rev. Morgan London Latta, a freed enslaved person and teacher, Latta University was home to 26 buildings and 1,400 students at its peak. Although the Latta residence was destroyed in a fire in 2007, the City is working on the implementation of a master plan for the park, ensuring the preservation of its historical significance.

For those interested in exploring a historic cemetery, Mt. Hope Cemetery is a must-visit. Established in 1872, it is one of the first municipal cemeteries for African Americans in North Carolina. Many prominent individuals, such as Rev. G.A. Mial and Dr. Manassa T. Pope, are buried there, making it a site of great historical importance.

Lastly, the Pioneers Building at Method Community Park serves as a reminder of the Berry O'Kelly High School, the first fully accredited and largest rural high school in North Carolina for African Americans. Located at 514 Method Road, this building holds great significance in the education and empowerment of the Black community.

As Black History Month approaches, it is essential to remember and honor the African American pioneers who have contributed to the history and culture of Raleigh. These events and landmarks provide opportunities for education, reflection, and celebration. So mark your calendars and make sure to visit these remarkable sites throughout the month of February.

- John Chavis Memorial Park: "JCMP will host a series of events that celebrate the legacy of the African American Experience. All events are at no cost."

- Pope House Museum: "For Black History Month only, the Pope House Museum will do scheduled weekday tours for groups of 3-25."

- Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens: "A 12-ton granite water monument honors the area's notable pioneers in the civil rights movement."

- Historic Raleigh Trolley: "Join the Historic Raleigh Trolley for this special edition of our popular Black history tour highlighting Oberlin Village."

- John Chavis Memorial Park and Carousel: "Under the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA), Chavis Park was created in 1937 to give black families access to similar recreational opportunities as white families."

- Latta University Historic Park: "Rev. Morgan London Latta, a freed enslaved person and teacher, founded Latta University in 1892."

- Mt. Hope Cemetery: "Mt. Hope, which was established in 1872, is one of the first municipal cemeteries for African Americans in North Carolina."

- Pioneers Building at Method Community Park: "The Pioneers Building was the old Agricultural Building of the Berry O’Kelly High School, the first fully accredited and largest rural high school in the state of North Carolina for African Americans."

- Pope House Museum: "As the only African American house museum in the state of North Carolina, the Pope House offers a glimpse into the life of one of Raleigh’s most intriguing citizens, Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope."