Celebrating Black History Month: Greenville, SC

City delivers map of self-guided tour
The Phillis Wheatley Community Center in 1919. It was originally located on Haynie Street. Photo credit City of Greenville

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions, achievements, and central role of African Americans in U.S. history.

What began as a weeklong celebration in 1926 expanded into a month of commemoration under President Gerald Ford in 1976. Since then, the entire month of February has been dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments and lasting impact of Black individuals on American culture.

Claussen's Bakery opened in 1930 along Augusta Street in Greenville Photo credit City of Greenville

Here at home, the City of Greenville has established a self-guided tour that allows community members to visit significant locations and learn about the stories that helped shape Greenville. The tour includes landmarks such as Claussen’s Bakery, the Phillis Wheatley Community Center, and the believed site of the last racially motivated lynching in the state—the murder of Willie Earl in 1947.

Black History Month self-guided tour map provided by the City of Greenville. Photo credit City of Greenville

To learn more about Greenville’s self-guided Black History Tour, click HERE.

Featured Image Photo Credit: City of Greenville