Discovering Black History in High Point
A historic sign marker stands on Washington Street in High Point, NC.
Happy Black History Month from all of us at High Point Discovered! As one of our favorite High Point historians, Glenn Chavis says, “Black History is American history,” and we could not agree more. Our nation, state, city, and community continue to learn together how we can support each other’s voices and work together for equality. And we believe a deeply important piece in that process is honoring the history of the men and women who went before us, paving the way with their courage, hard work, and perseverance. There are historians all over High Point and the Triad working together to decipher pieces of this history and ensure that they are not lost. After all, understanding our history is one of the best ways to move forward in building a stronger present.
Have you taken the time to discover Black History in High Point? Here are several ways you can get involved in learning more about High Point’s Black History from local historians.
Explore our connection to the Underground Railroad
Our friends at High Point Museum and the High Point Historical Society sponsored a presentation about North Carolina’s involvement in the Underground Railroad. Just think about how ancestors of High Point residents might have been involved in helping to free countless lives during the active years of the Underground Railroad. Learn more about local findings on the Underground Railroad by watching this webinar!
Enter a piece of art in the Black History Month art contest at High Point Public Library
High Point Public Library is encouraging students grades K-8 to create a piece of art that focuses on a theme in Black History. Creating a piece that celebrates a moment or theme in High Point’s rich Black History is a great way to honor the stories of our city’s history makers.
Image by Maria West Photography
Read about the High Point sit-in’s in 1960.
Did you know that on February 11, 1960, High Point high school students led a sit-in at the High Point South Main Street Woolworth’s Department store lunch counter, following in the footsteps of the Greensboro sit-in? This sit-in, which would be one of many to come in the Civil Rights Movement is thought to be the first national sit-in led by high school students. These High Point high schoolers took a step to fight for equality more than 60 years ago, and we can still honor their courage by reflecting on their actions today.
Image Courtesy of High Point Museum
Study artifacts from Black History at High Point Museum
Every Wednesday, High Point Museum shares a fascinating artifact that points back to a moment in our city’s history. This month, their artifacts are all focused on Black History. Discover items that are tied to specific moments in High Point’s history, and learn about what these objects tell us about the story of High Point’s past.
Participate in Black History Trivia
Every Monday, High Point Museum shares questions from High Point’s Black History as trivia on their Facebook page. Check out the questions to see if you know the answers (or skip to the answers to educate yourself on important facts about Black History in our city!).
We are thankful for the ways local historians work together to ensure that High Point’s Black History is honored, celebrated, and commemorated more and more every year. We encourage you to discover these important pieces of High Point, and share these resources with a friend!
Discover our High Points,
The HPD Team