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 stands as a place that honors heritage while looking toward the future. Whether you’re drawn to the flavors of Black-owned restaurants, immersive heritage tours, or the creativity of local artists and storytellers, you’ll find meaningful ways to connect.

Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Black History Month in Winston-Salem.

History & Cultural Experiences

Triad Cultural Arts Tours

Discover the rich African American heritage of Winston-Salem through immersive Heritage Tours led by Triad Cultural Arts (TCA).. Since 2007, the organization has preserved and shared Black history across the Triad through education and storytelling, offering guided explorations of sites such as Freedman’s Graveyard, North Carolina’s first urban Rosenwald School, historic neighborhoods, African American churches, and public art. Tour options include trolley and bus tours, guided walking tours, step-on tours for private groups, and virtual 360-degree experiences, with offerings available for groups ranging from schools to family reunions. Learn more at TCA's tour offerings here.

TCA also manages the Shotgun House Legacy Site, opened in 2025 in the historic Happy Hill neighborhood. The site centers on a restored early 20th-century shotgun house that brings to life experiences during the Jim Crow era, the Civil Rights Movement, and beyond. Group tours are available by appointment on weekdays and weekends, costing $15 with a 20-person minimum. An optional Happy Hill neighborhood walking tour add-on is available for $25.

Old Salem + MESDA

Old Salem Museums & Gardens offers a layered look at African American life from the town’s founding in 1766 through the Jim Crow era and beyond. Through the Hidden Town Project, the stories of Salem’s enslaved and free Black residents are woven into daily interpretation across historic buildings and landscapes, illuminating themes of labor, resilience, family life, and cultural traditions. Be sure to visit the St. Philips Heritage Site, which includes a historic Log Church, preserved gravestones, and a poignant "Memory Wall." Expanded programming is available during Salem Saturdays, including 90-minute Black History Guided Tours at 1:30 p.m. Learn more about the tours here.

Old Salem is also home to MESDA (the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts), which highlights Black craftsmanship within its nationally significant collection. MESDA features work by Thomas Day, a renowned free Black cabinetmaker, and Joshua Johnson, recognized as America’s first African-American portraitist, along with objects connected to Harriet Jacobs, author of "Life of a Slave Girl." MESDA also offers special Black History tours each Saturday in February from 2–2:30 p.m., with additional tours available by appointment.

GOOD TO KNOW: Old Salem is open Wednesday through Saturday. All-in-one tickets include access to interpreted buildings, gardens, and MESDA, with MESDA-only admission also available. 

African American History Walking Tour

Offered by Triangle Walking Tours, Winston-Salem's African-American History Tour is a guided walking tour that explores the stories, landmarks, and contributions of African Americans who shaped the city. The route focuses on the historic Depot Street area and surrounding downtown area, highlighting the people and places that played a central role in the city’s cultural and civic life. Tours last around an hour and are held year-round on Saturdays at 2 p.m. The cost is $15. Custom and private tours are also available by request. 

Delta Arts Center

Located in East Winston, Delta Arts Center (DAC) has been a cornerstone of the city’s African American arts community since 1972, presenting rotating exhibitions, artist talks, poetry events, and cultural programming that center Black voices and creativity. On view now through March 27, the DAC Juried Invitational features work by 22 BIPOC artists from across North Carolina, bringing together established and emerging talent across a wide range of styles and mediums. The exhibit will have a free opening reception on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. See details here.

• GOOD TO KNOW:  Gallery admission is free during regular weekday hours, with tours and visits for other days available by appointment.

Downtown Public Art Walk

One of the easiest and most inspiring ways to experience Black history in Winston-Salem is by taking a walk downtown. Free and self-guided, the city’s public art scene highlights Black artists, icons, and stories with deep local ties. The Downtown Arts District is a natural starting point, where murals and sculptures celebrate figures like the “5” Royales, Grammy-winning producer 9th Wonder, and the legacy of the Black press, alongside works honoring everyday Black excellence. A short walk beyond the district reveals additional pieces, including the Depot Street Renaissance mural in the Innovation Quarter. 

Explore downtown locations, maps, and more in our Public Art Guide.

Black History Months Events Guide

February brings a full calendar of Black History Month events to Winston-Salem, including live theatre, film screenings, book talks, and community celebrations. It’s an easy way to experience the city’s creative energy while learning, reflecting, and connecting. Here's a roundup of what you can experience:

Feb. 6, 13, 20 — Triad Cultural Arts Lunch & Learn Series
12–1:15 p.m. Triad Cultural Arts hosts a three-part Lunch & Learn series exploring Black history, culture, and lived experience through engaging talks. Sessions are held on Fridays (Feb. 6, 13, 20) at the Enterprise Center. Each session includes a meal and features expert speakers addressing topics such as Black women artists of the Civil Rights Movement, sites of memory connecting Africa to America, and African American women and men trailblazers who shaped history and community life. Cost is $30 per session; $25 for seniors. Advance registration is recommended.

Feb. 6–8, 12–15 — LIttle Theatre presents Clyde’s
Little Theatre of Winston-Salem presents Lynn Nottage’s acclaimed play about redemption, connection, and second chances, performed at Hanesbrands Theatre. Tickets range from $14–$27. See the listing for specific show times.

Feb. 7 — Film: Black Panther Screening at Wake Forest
2–4 p.m. A free screening of the 2018 Marvel Studios blockbuster starring Chadwick Boseman, presented by Wake the Arts at Brendle Recital Hall on the WFU campus.

Feb. 7 — Festival of African-American Arts and Culture
11 a.m.–5 p.m. Held at the city's  Intergenerational Center, the inaugural celebration features live music, dance, poetry, spoken word, drumming, visual art exhibits, and short films, along with presentations exploring the legacies of influential Black artists. Admission is free. Food will be available for purchase. 

Feb. 12 — Film: Space Is the Place Screening at A/perture Cinema
6–8 p.m. Downtown's indie cinema, in collaboration with Wake Forest, will screen this 1974 cult classic starring jazz visionary Sun Ra.

Feb. 12 — Book Talk with Johnny Compton at Bookmarks
6:30–8:30 p.m. A conversation with the Bram Stoker Award–nominated author of Dead First, moderated by former WSSU Chancellor Elwood Robinson. Tickets include a hardcover copy.

Feb. 18 — Book Talk with Sadeqa Johnson at Bookmarks
6:30–8:30 p.m. A free author talk with the bestselling novelist, moderated by Valencia Taylor of the Well-Read Black Girl book club.

Feb. 21–Mar. 8 — NC Black Rep presents The Legend of Buster Neal
Pictured above, this original drama follows four generations of African American men navigating legacy and fatherhood. It's presented by the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, with all shows held at Hanesbrands Theatre. Tickets range from $30–$35. See the listing for specific times.

Feb. 24 — Wicked Silence Screening, Dinner & Discussion  (Triad Cultural Arts)
6–8 p.m. Triad Cultural Arts will screen this poignant 30-minute documentary examining North Carolina’s eugenics program, followed by a moderated discussion. The event is free with registration and includes dinner. It's being held at The Enterprise Center. See the listing for more details and to register.

From restaurants and coffee shops to boutiques, salons, and specialty stores, Winston-Salem is home to a growing number of Black-owned businesses worth seeking out year-round.

Restaurants & Coffee Shops

BYGood Coffee is a welcoming coffee shop in downtown's Brookstown area known for thoughtfully crafted drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. 

Crave Southern Palate in the Pfafftown area offers classic soul food with a modern twist. Favorites include crispy wings, lamb chops, pork chops and classic sides like mac & cheese and collard greens.

District 924, near Old Salem, pairs an upscale setting with an inventive menu, making it a popular choice for special occasions or a polished night out. Expect bold flavors and careful attention to detail.

Dream Kreams dishes up handcrafted ice cream in the heart of downtown, just steps from Kaleideum. Choose from 30 dairy and dairy-free flavors, plus pastries and treats, with coffee and drinks

Forsyth Seafood Market & Café, a longtime East Winston staple, is casual market-and-café combo is beloved for its fresh seafood, including fried flounder, shrimp platters, and more.

Natabelles Desserts in the Ardmore area specializes in handmade cakes, cookies, and pastries. The bakery earned a loyal following for its classic flavors and cozy neighborhood feel.

Old Salem Tavern reopened following renovations with a soul food–inspired menu in the heart of Old Salem. Operated by Bread of Heaven, it blends historic atmosphere with hearty, familiar dishes.

Taste of the Triad serves soulful Southern comfort dishes in a family-friendly setting, with a rotating menu that keeps regulars coming back.

Shops & Local Businesses

Body & Soul is a cultural gift shop in the Downtown Arts District, offers a curated mix of books by African American and local authors, skincare and wellness products, art-inspired décor, and globally sourced jewelry and accessories. 

Elasya B’s Candy Tree, a family-friendly candy shop in the heart of downtown, offers a colorful array of sweets and treats that bring out the kid in everyone.

Oh My Goodness Wellness Bar is a holistic wellness shop specializing in herbal remedies, natural products, and plant-based solutions.

Oumy Beauty Salon offers services ranging from African braids and weaves to lashes, color, and barbering. Located downtown, it also carries haircare products, jewelry, clothing, and artwork.

Theresa Duncan’s, near the corner of Fourth and Trade, is an eclectic downtown boutique and variety store featuring stylish clothing and accessories.

Umoja African Crafts in the Arts District offers handmade jewelry, baskets, clothing, and decorative items crafted by artisans in Kenya, providing a direct connection to African craftsmanship and tradition.

Note: This list is a curated sampling of Black-owned businesses in town and not intended to be a comprehensive or “best of” guide. If there’s a favorite spot we missed, we’d love to hear about it at [email protected]

KEEP EXPLORING

Black History Month brings new events to Winston-Salem throughout February, from pop-up programs to one-night-only performances. Visit our online Events Calendar to discover even more ways to connect during your visit.