Black History Archive

The City is proud to Honor the Past and celebrate the people, places and events that are part of Black history. We are committed to telling the stories of Greenville's rick Black history, keeping its memories alive all-year-round. Here you can access our archive of Black stories, which are also compiled in a playlist in the City of Greenville Youtube channel.

Sarah ReeseAn Opera Pioneer

Greenville resident Sarah Reese’s angelic voice has been heard around the world. The City of Greenville interviewed the pioneer in opera, an industry where Black performers have been historically under-represented.
HEAR SARAH REESE'S STORY

Glenis RedmondNationally Acclaimed Poet

In 2022, award-winning poet and artist Glenis Redmond became the City of Greenville’s First Poet Laureate. She’ll serve a two-year term to promote literacy and education. 
MEET GLENIS REDMOND

Willie Earle mugshotRemembering Willie Earle

Willie Earle was South Carolina’s last lynching victim. The old Greenville County Courthouse, two doors down from City Hall, carries the history of the events of 1947. 
WATCH THE WILLIE EARLE STORY

Josh WhiteA Greenville Jazz Legend

He performed for jazz greats like Billie Holiday and for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Josh White, the blues legend from Greenville, is honored here in our video. 
WATCH JOSH WHITE'S STORY

Dr. E.E. McClarenThe Man Who Built His Own Medical Clinic

The McClaren Medical Shelter, founded by Dr. E.E. McClaren, provided health care for African Americans in Greenville and beyond, at a time when equitable medical care was not available to them. 
WATCH DR MCCLAREN'S STORY

Historical photo of Rosa ParksLillian Flemming's REmembrance of Rosa Parks

City Councilwoman Lillian Brock Flemming was a child when Rosa Parks kept her seat on the bus in the name of Civil Rights. Flemming remembers Parks’ legacy, and recalls her own experiences with racism while riding the bus growing up. 
HEAR FLEMMING'S STORY

Pearlie HarrisThe Powerful Impact of One Educator

The revered educator Pearlie Harris is celebrated in many ways, from the Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health at Bon Secours, to a mural of Harris on Canvas Tower. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT PEARLIE HARRIS

thumb-template-BHM (002)A HISTORIC SPEECH IN GREENVILLE

In April of 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Greenville. During his visit, he held a speech in front of more than 3,500 people in support of the strike of 22 black employees at The Claussen Bakery.
MLK’S VISIT REMEMBERED

lila mae brock w templateFIGHTING FOR A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL

Lila Mae Brock dedicated her life to the upward mobility of other people, championing a community center and affordable housing in the Southernside neighborhood. A new statue of her was unveiled and dedicated in April 2022. 
SEE LILA MAE BROCK HONORED

holloway w templateSEEKING A PLACE FOR RECREATION

Beloved teacher and principal, as well as the first black mail carrier in Greenville, Elias Brown Holloway famously called for a park for African Americans in Greenville. A mural at Unity Park of Holloway honors this legacy. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOLLOWAY

southernside w templateMORE THAN A NEIGHBORHOOD

“We all remember Kash n’ Karry” — As part of our Voices of UNITY series, residents of the historically Black neighborhoods West Greenville and Southernside recall a neighborhood that felt like a small town. 
HEAR THEIR STORIES

Mayberry w templateA NIGHT OF COMMUNITY

“We just danced until we couldn’t dance anymore” — As part of our Voices of UNITY series, Greenville residents recall Mayberry Park, and how the entire community would come together each week for a night of music, dancing and fellowship.
DIVE INTO MEMORIES OF MAYBERRY