How to Learn About Black History in North Carolina: Landmarks, Events & Black-Owned Businesses

Black history is deeply woven into the fabric of North Carolina, from the Civil Rights Movement to today’s thriving Black-owned businesses. Whether you’re a Raleigh local or visiting, there are countless ways to explore, honor, and learn about Black history across the state.

This guide highlights historical landmarks, museums, local Black History Month events, and Black-owned businesses in Raleigh to support and celebrate this month and beyond.

1. Explore Historic Black Landmarks in North Carolina

One of the most immersive ways to connect with Black history is by visiting historical sites that tell stories of resilience, leadership, and culture.

International Civil Rights Center & Museum – Greensboro

📍 Location: 134 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC
This historic site is home to the famous Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in of 1960, where four Black college students from North Carolina A&T State University sparked a national movement for desegregation.

Historic Stagville – Durham

📍 Location: 5828 Old Oxford Rd, Durham, NC
One of North Carolina’s largest pre-Civil War plantations, Historic Stagville preserves the history of the enslaved community that lived and worked there. Guided tours share powerful narratives of their experiences.

Oberlin Village – Raleigh

📍 Location: Near Wade Ave and Oberlin Rd
One of the few remaining Reconstruction-era African American communities in the South, Oberlin Village is a historic gem in Raleigh, highlighting the strength of freed Black citizens who built a thriving neighborhood after the Civil War.

2. Visit Black History Museums & Cultural Centers in North Carolina

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into Black history, these museums and cultural centers offer engaging exhibits and powerful stories:

North Carolina Museum of History – Raleigh

🖼️ Featured Exhibit: The Story of North Carolina
This exhibit explores the impact of Black North Carolinians throughout history, from early settlements to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture – Charlotte

🎨 Focus: Black art, history, and activism
Named after Charlotte’s first Black mayor, the Harvey B. Gantt Center celebrates Black creativity and activism through rotating exhibitions, film screenings, and events.

City of Raleigh Museum – Lunchbox Lectures Series

📅 Date: February 20, 2025
📍 Location: 220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC
This special event explores how the Civil Rights Movement shaped literature and libraries, featuring scholar Wanda Cox-Bailey. Bring your lunch and enjoy an insightful discussion!

3. Attend Black History Month Events in Raleigh & Beyond

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Black History Month in Raleigh, Durham, and beyond. Here are some must-attend events this February:

🎭 Empowered, Brilliant, and Brave: Great Women of Black History

📅 Date: February 8, 2025
📍 Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 416 N Taylor St, Wake Forest
A live performance honoring influential Black women who shaped history. Perfect for all ages!

🚎 Black History Trolley Tour – Mordecai Historic Park

📅 Date: February 8, 2025
📍 1 Mimosa St, Raleigh
Hop on a trolley and tour Oberlin Village, Historic Turner House, and Oberlin Cemetery while learning about Raleigh’s Black history.

🎨 Living in Color Art Exhibit

📅 Dates: February 1–28, 2025
📍 The Chapel at Dix Park, Raleigh
A curated collection of artwork celebrating Black culture and history in North Carolina.

🛍️ Black History Month Pop-up Shop & Vendor Market

📅 Date: February 23, 2025
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh
Support Black-owned businesses while shopping for unique, locally made products.

4. Support Black-Owned Businesses in Raleigh

Learning about Black history isn’t just about the past—it’s also about supporting Black entrepreneurs and creators shaping Raleigh’s future.

Here are some amazing Black-owned businesses in Raleigh that you can support this month and beyond (courtesy of This is Raleigh):

Black-Owned Restaurants in Raleigh 🍽️

• The Fiction Kitchen – Vegetarian/vegan comfort food
• Bida Manda – Laotian cuisine with a unique touch
• The Pit Authentic BBQ – A must-visit for Carolina-style BBQ
• Brew Coffee Bar – Cozy coffee shop with a welcoming vibe
• Irregardless Café – A local institution for healthy, delicious meals

Black-Owned Shops & Boutiques in Raleigh 🛍️

• The Art of Style – A stylish, modern boutique
• Social Status – Streetwear and luxury fashion
• Zen Succulent – A dreamy plant and gift shop
• Village Market – A marketplace for unique Black-owned brands

Black-Owned Bakeries & Treats in Raleigh 🍪

• Favor Desserts – Mouthwatering cakes and sweet treats
• Lucettegrace – French-inspired pastries and desserts
• Bittersweet Raleigh – Late-night desserts and craft cocktails

Black-Owned Wellness & Fitness Studios in Raleigh 💪

• The Nurtured Seed – Doula services and wellness support
• Evexia Fit Club – Group fitness and personal training

By dining, shopping, and supporting these businesses, you’re contributing to Raleigh’s Black entrepreneurial community and keeping Black history alive in everyday life.

(Know a great Black-owned business? Tag them in the comments!)

5. Read Books by Black North Carolina Authors

Books are a powerful way to understand and appreciate Black history. Here are a few must-reads:

📚 “The Water Dancer” – Ta-Nehisi Coates (inspired by North Carolina’s history of slavery)
📚 “The Fire Next Time” – James Baldwin (civil rights and racial justice)
📚 “Homegoing” – Yaa Gyasi (multi-generational story about African American history)

Check out local bookstores like Liberation Station, a black owned book store, featuring children’s books by underrepresented black authors.

Final Thoughts: Celebrating Black History in Raleigh Year-Round

While February is dedicated to Black History Month, we encourage you to celebrate and support Black culture, businesses, and history all year long in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina.

Here’s how you can stay engaged:
✅ Visit historical landmarks and museums
✅ Attend cultural events and performances
✅ Support Black-owned businesses
✅ Read books and watch films about Black history
✅ Share what you learn with your community