#john-chavis-memorial-park — Public Fediverse posts

City of Raleigh Celebrate Black History Month: Things to See and Do

Events, Exhibits & Historic Landmarks Across the City

This February, Raleigh Parks invites residents and visitors to explore Black History Month programs, exhibits, and historic landmarks that honor the profound contributions of African Americans in Raleigh. From family-friendly celebrations and living history events to trolley tours and museum exhibits, many of these experiences are free and several are available year-round.

Here’s your DoRaleigh guide to what’s happening—and what’s worth visiting—during Black History Month 2026.

Black History Month Events & Exhibits

Celebrate Black History Month at John Chavis Memorial Park

Saturday, February 7 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Ages: All | Cost: Free

505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh

A community-centered celebration featuring food trucks, Black-owned business vendors, activities for kids, bounce houses, arts & crafts, and more. This event is designed to educate, inspire, and bring people together in one of Raleigh’s most historic parks.

Living Legends: C.A.R.V.E. into Black Raleigh

Sunday, February 8 | 3:00 – 5:00 PM

Ages: All | Cost: Free

John P. Top Greene Community Center

401 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh

An unforgettable evening honoring Raleigh’s living legends—visionaries, trailblazers, and community champions whose work has shaped the cultural, social, and economic life of Black Raleigh.

Dr. M.T. Pope House Museum: Past, Present, and Future

Thursday, February 12 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Ages: All | Cost: Free

City of Raleigh Museum

220 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh

Learn about new tours and updated exhibits featuring original artifacts from the Pope family, highlighting the legacy of one of Raleigh’s most influential African American families.

Black Superhero Gallery

Friday, February 20 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Ages: All | Cost: Free

City of Raleigh Museum | 220 Fayetteville Street

Discover the history of African American superheroes in comics and film. This event includes a discussion, historic comic book displays, and conversations about representation and storytelling.

Black History Trolley Tour (Oberlin Village)

Saturday, February 21 & Sunday, February 22 | 1:00 PM & 2:30 PM

Ages: All | Cost: $15

Mordecai Historic Park

1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh

Ride the Historic Raleigh Trolley on a special Black History edition highlighting Oberlin Village, with stops including the Historic Turner House and Oberlin Cemetery, exploring themes of freedom, education, and community.

🔔 Tip: Check back throughout the month—additional events may be added.

Historic African American Landmarks in Raleigh

Raleigh is home to numerous parks, cemeteries, and historic sites significant to African American history. Several are listed on local, state, and national historic registers.

John Chavis Memorial Park & Carousel

505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh

Created in 1937 under the Works Progress Administration, this park provided Black families with recreational opportunities during segregation. The historic carousel—still operating today—is one of the few vintage carousels remaining in the region. The park honors John Chavis, a Revolutionary War soldier, educator, and minister.

John P. “Top” Greene Community Center

401 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh

Named for community activist John P. “Top” Greene, this center features exhibits interpreting the history and culture of South Park and East Raleigh neighborhoods.

Latta University Historic Park

1001 Parker Street, Raleigh

Founded in 1892 by Rev. Morgan London Latta, a formerly enslaved educator, Latta University once served over 1,400 students, including orphaned children of formerly enslaved people. Though the original residence was lost in a 2007 fire, the site remains an important landmark.

Mt. Hope Cemetery

120 Prospect Avenue, Raleigh

Established in 1872, Mt. Hope is one of North Carolina’s earliest municipal cemeteries for African Americans. It is the final resting place of prominent figures including Dr. Manassa T. Pope, educator Lucille M. Hunter, and businessman James E. Hamlin.

Pioneers Building at Method Community Park

514 Method Road, Raleigh

Once the agricultural building of Berry O’Kelly High School, the first fully accredited and largest rural high school for African Americans in North Carolina.

Pope House Museum

511 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh

The only African American house museum in North Carolina, offering insight into the life of Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope, the only Black man to run for mayor of a Southern capital during the Jim Crow era.

Experience Black History Month in Raleigh

From interactive events to historic spaces you can visit year-round, Raleigh Parks offers meaningful ways to connect with Black history, culture, and community throughout February and beyond.

For daily event guides, cultural highlights, and civic happenings, stay connected with DoRaleigh.com.

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City of Raleigh Government Event Guide Weekend January 16–19th Edition

Looking for ways to stay engaged, informed, and connected this weekend? The City of Raleigh Government Event Guide – Weekend Edition highlights upcoming public meetings, community workshops, and holiday observances taking place across Raleigh from Friday, January 16 through Monday, January 19, 2026.

From collaborative community discussions and hands-on programs to meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, these events offer residents opportunities to participate in civic life, learn new skills, and gather as a community.

Friday, January 16, 2026

Community Cares Collaborative Meeting

🕦 11:30 a.m. | Friday

Category: Community & Workshops • Community Engagement

This collaborative meeting brings together community partners, service providers, and residents to discuss shared priorities and strategies for strengthening community care efforts in Raleigh. Ideal for those interested in civic collaboration, nonprofit work, and neighborhood engagement.

Saturday, January 17, 2026

🌱 Plant Swap!

🕚 11:00 a.m. | Saturday

Category: Parks, Recreation & Athletics

Bring a plant, take a plant! This casual and eco-friendly plant swap is a great way to meet fellow gardening enthusiasts, exchange greenery, and support sustainable living practices in Raleigh.

Advice About Your Device – Drop-In Hours

🕐 1:00 p.m. | Saturday

Category: Community & Workshops

Need help with your phone, tablet, or laptop? Stop by during these drop-in hours to get one-on-one guidance, tech tips, and troubleshooting support in a welcoming, community-focused setting.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

When Community Gathers

🕒 3:00 p.m. | Sunday

Category: Holidays • Parks, Recreation & Athletics

This special gathering centers on reflection, unity, and shared experiences, creating space for community members to come together in observance of the holiday weekend.

Monday, January 19, 2026

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday (City Holiday)

🗓 Monday

Category: Holidays

City of Raleigh offices observe the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., honoring his enduring legacy of justice, service, and community leadership.

King Day Celebration at John Chavis Memorial Park

🕛 12:00 p.m. | Monday

Category: Parks, Recreation & Athletics

Join the community for a special King Day celebration featuring reflection, programming, and activities honoring Dr. King’s life and impact. This event is open to the public and encourages families, neighbors, and community leaders to celebrate together.

Stay Engaged with Raleigh Civic Life

Whether you’re attending a community meeting, celebrating a holiday, or participating in a local workshop, these events highlight the many ways Raleigh residents can stay involved and connected. Be sure to check official City of Raleigh event listings for locations, updates, and registration details where applicable.

👉 Explore more local government meetings, community events, and civic updates at DoRaleigh.com.

Post your community News, Events, and you can request placing a Paid ad on our Submissions Page.

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Artival 2025 Recap – A Juneteenth Event at John Chavis Memorial Park

It wasn’t a typo—it was Artival, and it was everything we hoped for and more! Think carnival meets creativity, and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what went down at John Chavis Memorial Park this past weekend.

Families, date night duos, and solo art lovers gathered under a warm summer sky to celebrate Raleigh’s vibrant arts scene in the most playful way possible. From hands-on painting stations to larger-than-life murals in the making, Artival brought color, community, and imagination to life.

What Made Artival So Special?

Live Art Demonstrations: Local artists wowed the crowd with real-time creations—spray paint, brush strokes, and even some interactive pieces that invited attendees to add their own touches. DIY Art Zones: Paint-splattered smiles were everywhere as kids (and more than a few adults) dove into hands-on art projects, from tie-dye to collaborative canvas painting. Pop-Up Performances: Dancers, musicians, and poets brought rhythm and soul to the park, turning every corner into a spontaneous stage. Food Trucks + Local Vendors: Because no festival is complete without tasty bites and handmade goods.

Whether you came for the artsy photo ops, the chill vibes, or just a little creative escape, Artival delivered a joyful reminder of what makes Raleigh’s community so special.

Caught on Camera

Want to see what else is happening in the City of Oaks?

Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything events, eats, and experiences in Raleigh.

Until next year, keep it colorful, Raleigh!

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