Winston-Salem’s rich African American history is woven into the fabric of its culture, offering a testament to resilience, creativity, and community. From its role in shaping the Civil Rights Movement to its celebration of Black artistry and entrepreneurship, the city shines as a hub for honoring heritage while looking toward the future. Whether you’re drawn to the flavors of Black-owned restaurants, historical heritage tours,  or the creativity of local artisans, you’ll find an experience to enjoy.

Here are the best ways to celebrate Black History Month and African American culture in Winston-Salem.

Triad Cultural Arts Heritage Tours

Discover the rich African American heritage of Winston-Salem through the immersive Heritage Tours offered by Triad Cultural Arts (TCA). Since 2007, TCA has championed the preservation and celebration of African American culture in the Triad region, fostering community engagement through education and programming.

The Heritage Tours provide a dynamic exploration of local history and culture, showcasing landmarks like Freedman’s Graveyard, NC’s first urban Rosenwald School, historic neighborhoods, African American churches, and public art. Options include trolley and bus tours, walking tours, or even a step-on tour where their expert guides join your group. Virtual 360-degree tours are also available for those who prefer to explore remotely. These engaging experiences cater to groups of all sizes, from schools to family reunions. Join TCA to delve into the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Winston-Salem’s African American community while gaining a deeper appreciation for its enduring legacy. For details, visit triadculturalarts.org.

Coming Soon: Shotgun House Legacy Site
Slated to open in the summer of 2025, the Shotgun House Legacy Site will be a transformative addition to Winston-Salem's cultural landscape. Spearheaded by Triad Cultural Arts, this project will preserve and celebrate African American history in the city’s historic Happy Hill neighborhood—Winston-Salem's first planned Black community, established in 1872. At the heart of the legacy site is a restored shotgun house, reimagined as a museum and exhibit space honoring the resilience and contributions of the Happy Hill community. Visitors will step inside to explore immersive exhibits, community stories, and artifacts that highlight the area’s rich heritage. The site will also include a multi-use community center and pavilion, creating a vibrant space for education and celebration.

Magnolia Shoebox Lunch N Learn

The Historic Magnolia at Union Station in Winston-Salem offers an engaging way to explore Black history through the Magnolia Shoebox Lunch N Learn Traveling While Black VR Experience. This immersive virtual-reality exhibit delves into the challenges and resilience of Black travelers during the Jim Crow era, highlighting the vital role of safe spaces like Ben’s Chili Bowl in D.C.

Now through the end of February, visitors can experience “Traveling While Black,” a cinematic virtual reality journey that reflects on the history of restricted movement and celebrates the creativity and strength of Black communities. Union Station itself, restored in 2018-2019, retains features from its segregated past, offering a powerful historical backdrop. Open to individuals and groups through February 28, this temporary exhibit provides an opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate. Tour-goers also have the option of adding a meal to their experience through the Magnolia Shoebox Meal Program, which recreates how the Black traveler would eat if they didn't have safe place to stop during the Jim Crow Era. (Take it from us, these Shoebox Meals are absolutely worth the few extra bucks. They are a perfect combination of delicious and educational.)

• GOOD TO KNOW: Individual tickets start at $23 for the exhibit and tour (VR experience) or $33 for the exhibit, tour, and Shoebox Meal. Tours are available daily yet require a 24-hour notice. Group rates are also available for parties of 25 or more.

Old Salem + MESDA

The Hidden Town Project at Old Salem Museums & Gardens sheds light on the lives of Salem’s enslaved and free African American communities, uncovering their contributions to the town’s development from its founding in 1766 through the Jim Crow Era and beyond. Visitors can explore Hidden Town displays throughout Old Salem’s historic buildings, revealing stories of resilience and cultural legacy. Discover the Homowo Harvest Seed Collection in Old Salem’s heirloom gardens, which preserves seeds tied to African American traditions, recipes, and heritage, offering a tangible connection to history and memory.

Elsewhere in Old Salem, the Moravian graveyard known as "God’s Acre" reflects the community's belief in equality through uniform gravestones, symbolizing that no one deserved greater remembrance than another. However, as segregationist ideologies took hold in the antebellum South, a separate burial ground, later called “Negro God’s Acre,” was designated for African Americans and featured traditional African burial customs, including grave goods. Today, ten gravestones from this site are preserved at St. Philips in the Log Church on the south end of Old Salem, sharing the stories of African American life in early 19th-century Salem.

Old Salem is also home of the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), seen above, which features several exceptional works by African American artisans amid its vast collection. This includes Thomas Day, a free Black cabinetmaker whose creations were sought after in the antebellum South, and Joshua Johnson, recognized as America’s first African American portraitist. MESDA also features a poignant connection to Harriet Jacobs, author of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. The museum displays woodwork from Jacobs’ former home in Edenton, NC, including the stairway described in her harrowing autobiography. These exhibits illuminate the artistry and resilience of African Americans in the South.

• GOOD TO KNOW: Old Salem is open from Wednesday to Saturday. All-in-one tickets to Old Salem include entry into Old Salem’s interpreted buildings, gardens, and MESDA. You can also purchase MESDA-only tickets for $12 ($10 student/child).

Triad Eco Adventures + Trolley tours

Learn about Winston-Salem’s African American history on a guided Segway, e-bike or trolley tour with Triad Eco Adventures. Offered throughout the year by request, Triad Eco Adventure's African American Heritage Tours are a fun way to experience the city's history up close. Glide through Old Salem Museums & Gardens (above) to explore the impact of African Moravians, discover the historically black neighborhood of Happy Hill, see notable craftsmanship around town and so much more when you book your next excursion. Themed and customized tours are available by appointment and can be reserved online. Segway and e-Bike tours are offered daily by appointment. Tours typically last 2 hours and require advanced registration. Prices vary. 

• GOOD TO KNOW: Segway riders must be at least 14 years old and weigh less than 260 pounds (Smaller gliders are available for ages 10 – 14). E-bike riders must be at least 10 years old.

Delta Arts Center

Delta Arts Center (DAC), located 10 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem, is host to many regularly scheduled events ranging from artist discussions to poetry events. W-S Delta Fine Arts, Inc. was established in 1972 as a project of the Winston-Salem Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with a strong focus on engaging the community in cultural, educational and public service programs. Nowadays, in addition to being a rental venue, DAC features rotating exhibitions in various mediums, ranging from beautiful tapestries to vivid oil paintings.

• GOOD TO KNOW: Tours and visits for other days available by appointment. Admission is free.

Winston-Salem’s Black-owned businesses are at the heart of the city’s dynamic cultural and economic landscape. From dining to shopping to wellness services and more, these enterprises showcase creativity, resilience, and community spirit. Here’s a quick (and non-comprehensive) guide to discovering and supporting these local gems

Sample the Downtown Arts District

Several of the city's most popular Black-owned establishments are conveniently located only steps from one another in the city’s Downtown Arts District, a haven for street art, local galleries and chic boutiques filled with handcrafted items representing various cultures. While here, stop into Body & Soul and Umoja African Crafts, two shops, just steps from one another, featuring African-made clothing, jewelry and crafts. A block away, near the intersection of Fourth and Trade streets, Theresa Duncan’s Fashion & Variety Store is an eclectic shop featuring stylish clothing and accessories, offering something for every fashion enthusiast.

Grab a bite at the popular Sweet Potatoes, an African American-owned restaurant specializing in “unique, southern inspired uptown, down-home cooking.” Pictured above, the James Beard-nominated eatery has been a staple of the city's culinary scene for more than two decades, and it's popularity led to a sister restaurant, Miss Ora's Kitchen, located immediately next door. Open for lunch Wednesday to Friday, Miss Ora's offers a unique spin on fried chicken that honors Southern cooking traditions. 

If you're searching for a new look, you can stop by one of the area's top-rated salons, Oumy Beauty Studio, which offers a variety of styling services — including African braids, weaves, lashes, and coloring — and features an in-house barber shop (Dirtycuttz). The salon also carries a large selection of name-brand haircare products as well as jewelry, clothing, and artworks.  And speaking of artwork, the Arts District is also home to numerous murals and public artworks that celebrate local African-American heritage. (We'll reveal highlights later in the article. Keep reading!)

10 More Local Gems 

There's plenty of popular Black-owned businesses outside of the Arts District.  From bakeries to spas to yoga studios and more, here’s a quick guide to a few more favorites.

BYGood Coffee: Nestled in the Brookstown area of downtown, BYGood Coffee is the ultimate spot for coffee enthusiasts. With its inviting atmosphere and thoughtfully crafted beverages, it’s an ideal place to start your day or take a midday break.

District 924 restaurant: Elevate your dining experience at District 924, where upscale ambiance meets an innovative menu. Perfect for special occasions or an indulgent night out, this spot near Old Salem is known for its attention to detail and exquisite flavors.

Elasya B’s Candy Tree: Located on Fourth Street in the heart of downtown, this family-friendly spot is a candy lover’s paradise, offering a colorful array of sweets and treats that bring out the kid in everyone.

Forsyth Seafood Market & Café: An East Winston staple for decades, this beloved eatery combines the freshness of a seafood market with the comfort of a casual dining experience. Locals rave about their fried flounder and shrimp platters, making it a go-to spot for seafood lovers.

Natabelles Desserts: Satisfy your sweet tooth at Natabelles Desserts, a cozy bakery in the Ardmore area known for its handmade cakes, cookies, and pastries. Every treat is a testament to the art of baking.

Oh My Goodness Wellness Bar: Specializing in herbal remedies and wellness products, this spot is perfect for those seeking holistic health solutions.

Taste of the Triad : Passionate about preserving the traditions of Southern cooking, Taste of the Triad delivers high-quality comfort food in a family-friendly setting. Their rotating menu of soulful dishes keeps guests coming back for more.

Top Leaf Cigar Lounge: Located on the western edge of downtown, Top Leaf is a sophisticated retreat for cigar enthusiasts, combining a relaxed atmosphere with a curated selection of premium cigars.

Yoga for the Culture: This downtown yoga studio is dedicated to creating an inclusive space for wellness and mindfulness, offering classes that cater to all skill levels.

NOTE: The above is just a sampling of some of the Black-owned businesses in town and in no way a comprehensive or best-of guide. We'll have much more on local restaurants, shops, and businesses in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Any black space can become a canvas in Winston-Salem. Throughout the city, you'll find dozens of murals and public artworks celebrating African-American heritage and showcasing the talents of Black artists. Nowhere is this more evident that downtown, where a number of must-see murals and sculptures reside within a few blocks of one another. Here are five must-see works, all in and around the city's Downtown Arts District.

The “5" Royales Mural (740 N. Trade St.)
One of Winston-Salem's newest murals pays tribute to one of its legendary bands. Located at the corner of Trade and 8th streets, the 20-foot work honors the "5" Royales, a Winston-Salem-based quintet who had five Top 10 R&B hits during their heyday, including two songs that reached No. 1 in 1953. The mural (above) is by Florida-based artist Elio Mercado, who completed the work in mid-2025.

WS Chronicle Mural (617 N Liberty St.)
Created by local muralist Marianne DiNapoli-Mylet, this impactful piece titled "Looking Back" in the 600 block of Liberty Street chronicles the history of the black press in the U.S., with Frederick Douglass serving as the central figure. Fittingly, it's found on the side of the former Winston-Salem Chronicle building, a weekly newspaper that celebrates the local African-American community. SEE

9th Wonder Mural (corner of 6th and Liberty St.)
Grammy-winning hip-hop Producer Patrick Douthit, better known as 9th Wonder, recently got the mural treatment in his hometown. Located at the corner of 6th and Liberty Streets, the large-scale artwork by Scott Nurkin, a North Carolina-based artist, captures 9th Wonder's essence. Nurkin, known for his "Musician Murals" project, portrays 9th Wonder in a grayscale portrait, surrounded by imagery that reflects his musical influences and Winston-Salem roots. SEE

Depot Street Renaissance (7th Street, near Research Parkway)
Leo Rucker, a celebrated local artist, has a unique ability to blend historical accuracy with artistic expression. Nowhere is that more evident than this large-scale work on the northern end of downtown’s Innovation Quarter. The mural depicts people, businesses, and institutions that contributed to Depot Street (now Patterson Avenue) becoming one of the first prestigious Black neighborhoods in Winston-Salem. The result is a piece of living history that invites viewers to reflect on the city’s evolution. SEE

Honoring Black Excellence: Vol. 4 (610 N Liberty St.)
Sitting adjacent to Artivity on the Green in downtown, this collaborative mural by Alexis Douglas and Nathaly Delacruz isn't just aesthetically striking – it's a powerful statement. Adorned with portraits of local Black residents, the mural celebrates everyday excellence within the community. This project is part of a larger initiative by Adidas that was created in collaboration with Winston-Salem's Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI). SEE

George Black sculpture (corner of Second and Chestnut Streets)
The sculpture of George Black honors the legendary African American brickmaker known for his hand-made bricks that built many of the city's historic structures. Stationed outside the Forsyth County Government Center, the bronze statue was created by artist Thomas Jay Warren and depicts Black holding a brick and trowel. SEE