African American Leaders of North Carolina

Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton encourages all North Carolina residents to visit our state’s historical sites to learn more about African Americans’ contributions to our state and nation.

North Carolina African Americans took action to lead our nation to greater opportunity and equality, and Black History Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate their courage and historic contributions. Their accomplishments laid the foundation for essential programs that provided the opportunity for many to improve themselves, and in doing so, improved our society.

Hiram Revels, a Fayetteville native  was the first black member of the U.S. Senate.

Dr. George Simkins, a Greensboro dentist, launched a U.S. Supreme Court case to desegregate public facilities.

N.C. Mutual Insurance Company is one of the nation’s oldest black-owned businesses.

The International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro,
offers tours and is well worth the visit, as it also details the story
of other African American leaders from North Carolina. Other sites
across the state include:

Asheville’s YMI Cultural Center presents exhibits by black artists in and hosts cultural programs.

Charlotte’s new Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture showcases music, dance, theater, and art.

Sedalia’s C.H. Brown Museum highlights a leader in African American education from North Carolina.

Jacksonville’s Montford Point Marine Museum honors the first
20,000 African-American Marine recruits trained at Montford Point
between 1942 and 1949.

Tryon’s Nina Simone Memorial honors the great Civil Rights Activist and jazz singer who was born there.

Hamlet’s business leaders have preserved the birthplace of John Coltrane, another jazz great.

For more information on these and other historic sites, please visit www.ltgov.state.nc.us.