Goldsboro, NC — A powerful community-driven initiative is taking root at the corner of James and Pine Streets in Goldsboro, where local leaders and residents are coming together to preserve and honor the city’s rich history of Black entrepreneurship. At the forefront of this effort is April Johnson-Choice, who, alongside a dedicated committee, is working under the umbrella of the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation (DGDC) to establish a memorial park and historical storytelling space.
This project, still in its early stages, seeks to commemorate the vibrant Black business district that thrived in Goldsboro from the 1920s through the 1970s — a time when segregation laws made self-sustaining Black commerce not only necessary but culturally empowering.
“The James and Pine Street Historic Business District committee is specifically tasked with bringing awareness to the legacy of Black economic empowerment in Goldsboro,” said Johnson-Choice. “And we want to tell those stories—through a memorial park, through digital storytelling, and through community involvement.”
Preserving a Legacy, Building a Future
The first major milestone in this vision is the creation of a memorial park, conceptualized as an outdoor museum. It will serve as both an educational resource and a space of reflection, showcasing the history and contributions of Black-owned businesses that once lined the streets of Goldsboro. Design plans for the park are already in place, and the committee is actively laying the groundwork for construction.
Beyond the park, the broader goal is economic revitalization. Committee members envision a future where new investment and development breathe life into the historic district once again — with a focus on creating opportunities for modern Black-owned businesses to thrive.
“We want to eventually encourage development with investors and real estate developers to come back in and help revitalize existing buildings or even bring in new infill development,” Johnson-Choice explained. “It’s about reimagining what James and Pine can be in the 21st century.”
Community Involvement Begins May 24
To kick off public engagement, the committee is hosting a special awareness event on May 24 from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the future site of the memorial park on the corner of James and Pine Streets. Held during the Dillard-GHS Alumni Weekend — a time when many former residents return to town — the event will feature food, entertainment, and a resource table offering information about the initiative.
Most importantly, the committee will be collecting oral histories and photos from attendees who have personal or familial memories of the historic business district.
“We want to hear the stories — about the juke joints, the drugstores, the barbershops — all of it,” Johnson-Choice said. “We’re also looking for old photographs or memorabilia that can help us tell this story.”
An anthropologist from the committee will be on hand at both the event and nearby Well Traveled Beer to document stories and gather contact information from those who wish to contribute later.
Digital Storytelling and Long-Term Goals
Eventually, the committee hopes to digitize these stories into an interactive geomapping storytelling website, allowing users to explore the history of Goldsboro’s Black business community through maps, interviews, and photos. This resource would be invaluable for educators, researchers, and future generations.
However, achieving this dream will require sustained support, funding, and community involvement.
“We have the vision, we just need the resources — financial, technical, and human — to bring it to life,” said Johnson-Choice. “We’re actively seeking partnerships, sponsorships, and donations. Even sharing your story is a huge way to help.”
Support and Partnership Opportunities
As the project gains momentum, the committee welcomes collaboration with local organizations — including Black sororities, fraternities, and civic groups — who may want to contribute through fundraising, event sponsorship, or volunteerism.
Though the James and Pine committee currently functions under DGDC, there are long-term discussions about evolving into an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, giving the effort more autonomy and fundraising power.
“This is just the beginning,” Johnson-Choice emphasized. “We hope this evolves into something permanent, something that really anchors the legacy of Black economic strength in Goldsboro.”
How You Can Help
The committee encourages community members to:
- Attend the May 24 event to learn more and share stories
- Donate to support future events and digital storytelling efforts
- Volunteer skills, time, or connections to funding and technology resources
- Spread the word through social media or personal networks
- Partner through local organizations, schools, or churches
For more information or to get involved, residents are encouraged to reach out to the DGDC or follow local updates regarding the James and Pine Street Historic Business District initiative.
