This historical marker designates the former home of Dred Wimberly (1848-1937). Wimberly was born into slavery, and after the Civil War, he became a political leader. He served as a Republican in the State House of Representatives and as a State Senator. He spent his final years at this home.
This historical marker recognizes the African American community built in this area of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. “Around the Y” is the name of the area that developed around the nearby railroad. The shape created by the two tracks imitates the alphabetic letter “Y.”
A historical marker is located here commemorating Baseball Hall-of-Famer Walter “Buck” Leonard (1907-1997). This location is dedicated to the birthplace of Buck Leonard. The famed athlete played for the Homestead Grays in the “Negro Leagues” as a first baseman for the entirety of his fifteen-year career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972. Leonard passed away in 1997.
This historical marker is dedicated to jazz legend Thelonious Sphere Monk (1917-1982) who was born in Rocky Mount. Monk only lived here for around five years before moving to New York in 1922 with his family. The marker shares information about the pianist's music career as well as his family tree with roots in the experiences of the enslaved.
This historical marker is dedicated to Miss Anna Easter Brown (1879-1957), an accomplished educator, historian, and founding member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. An active member of the community, Brown lived in a home that was once located here.
The Booker T. Washington Community Center is arguably one of the most significant historical locations in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Before it became a community center it was once Booker T. Washington High School. At the time the school was built and opened (1927) schools were segregated. Booker T. was the designated school for African American high school students. In 1962, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Rocky Mount. Before addressing the nation with his famous "I have a dream" speech, he first delivered it to members of the Rocky Mount community who gathered to hear him speak. This took place in the gymnasium of Booker T. Washington High School.
This historical marker commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 1962. King was invited by a local church leader to support the Voters and Improvement League. At Booker T. Washington High School which is near this marker, Dr. King gave a speech that included the now-famous line "I have a dream." King would use the same refrain in several other speeches prior to his famous 1963 address at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in Washington, DC.
This National Historic District was constructed in the mid-1900s and was home to many middle-class African Americans who sought homeownership. Almost fifty buildings contribute to the historic district today, including single-family homes and the Lincoln Park Restaurant and Motel. This Black-owned business was a safe haven for African Americans who traveled in the era of Jim Crow. In 2012, the Lincoln Park District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A historical marker is located outside of the former location of Lincoln Park Restaurant and Motel.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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This tour is comprised of eight important historical locations in the history of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Each location is dedicated to African American residents or visitors and their contributions to their community and to their nation.
