Did you know Fayetteville, NC, has the 2nd highest percentage of Black-Owned businesses in the United States? Or that African Americans have had a steep history of entrepreneurship in the community since the early 1800s?
There's no better time to learn about such achievements than Black History Month! Here are some cool things to know and explore about Fayetteville's African American history, and some of our favorite Black-Owned Businesses.
Learn
Built in 1915, by African-American contractor James Waddell. The Orange Street School is believed to be the oldest building associated with education in Fayetteville. Before its construction, black students attended classes in a small, one-room schoolhouse for nearly 50 years. The school continued to function as an educational facility for 38 years. The upstairs now serves as a museum where Bishop James Walker Hood's top hat and bible can be viewed. He was an early founder and pastor of Evans Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. Visiting hours vary and are by appointment only.
Saint Ann Catholic Church was created in 1934, because a group of African-Americans were tired of attending Mass near a sign that read, "Colored Catholics Sit Here." Historically, St. Ann's served the blacks while St. Patrick's was predominantly white. However, the St. Ann Catholic School was the first school in North Carolina to be integrated from its inception. Another unique aspect of St. Ann Church is the beautiful collection of stained glass windows depicting the church's history.
Fayetteville State University is the second oldest public university in North Carolina that is a part of the University of North Carolina System. The college was originally named the Howard School for African-Americans and was founded in 1867. It was named after General O.O. Howard, director of the Freedman's Bureau, when seven black men purchased land for $136. In 1877, the Howard School was designated as the first State Colored Normal School to educate African-American teachers. In 1939, it became a four year college and in 1972, it became part of the UNC System. At the Chesnutt Library, historical artifacts, such as E.E. Smith's sword, can be viewed in the archives room.
African American Heritage Trail
The African-American Heritage Trail consists of sites that provide a historical glimpse into the life of African-Americans who resided in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. The hard labor bourn by slaves, the entrepreneurship of free blacks, the devotion to religion and…
Black History Month Events
Explore some of our favorite black-owned businesses in Cumberland County.
Dining
Uptown's Chicken & Waffles
Uptown’s Chicken & Waffles offers diners the uniquely southern foodie experience known as Chicken & Waffles—in addition to other classics, such as Shrimp & Grits and Fried Green Tomatoes. Chef Judy McLean, who’s competed on Food Network’s…
Heart and Soul Soul Food and Lounge
Local family-owned restaurant cooking from the heart for your soul!! Proudly serves delicious food to the greater Fayetteville community. We cater to weddings, receptions, baby showers, comedy shows, live bands, and parties. If you can name…
Blue Moon Cafe
Serves lunch, dinner, craft beers, hard cider and mixed drinks. Menu includes appetizers, soup and chili, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, toasted paninis, tacos and desserts. Also offers a Sunday Brunch with Bloody Mary's and Mimosa's…
Taste of West Africa
Located in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina near the Market House Featuring delectable authentic African and American cuisine, vegetarian and kids meals. Walk-in, seat-in, outside seating, small gathering & meetings…
The Garden Cafe
We specialize in signature sandwiches, vibrant salads, savory flatbread, and gourmet Granny Smith apples. Our focus is on fresh, oven-toasted meals and high-quality wholesome ingredients.
Dab's Soul Food Cafe
Dab's is a Soul Food restaurant that serves traditional items such as fried fish, deviled eggs, greens, and cornbread. The menu changes depending on the weekday. Please check our Facebook page for more information.
Barbara Ann's Southern Fried Chicken
Fried Chicken Take-Out Restaurant serving amazing southern fried chicken, red velvet waffles, and made-from-scratch sides.
Iyana's Eats
Caribean and southern food.
Health and Wellness
Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center
Prima Elements LLC is a Holistic Wellness Center that offers modalities such as juicing, aromatherapy, massage, guided meditation, yoga and the trademark RestStation Therapy that allows our clients to rejuvenate and detoxify their mind…
Me Time Day Spa
Open since 2011 and re-established in 2014, Me Time Day Spa is dedicated to value and service. We guarantee individual attention and great value for all of our customers. If you’re here for a full day of pampering or for a massage to unwind…
Evolution Fitness & Results
Evolution Fitness & Results is all about helping you reach your goals. Operated by certified fitness trainers, our training sessions are designed to promote healthy living and personal transformation. Our trainers strive to embody…
Bath Snob
Create your own bath bombs and candles. Contact us for details. We are a bath, body and candles boutique in Hope Mills. Everything is made by hand in the shop. Tammie is the candle maker. She makes candles that look like desserts, popular…
Eat, Drink, and Play!
The Sip Room
The Sip Room is a Wine & Champagne Premium Retail Shop and Tasting Room located in Downtown Fayetteville. Our goal is to provide an experience to guests who are eager to enjoy a great ambiance and drink great wine and champagne.
Scented Wicks Candle Bar
Scented Wicks Candle Bar is a Veteran Owned and Operated business where you have a unique candle-making experience—recently awarded the Best New Business of the Year by the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce. During your experience, you will…
Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom
Startup brewing company made by friends with a common goal: Have fun while making great beer. Dirtbag Ales: For the refined taste of the common man.
The Livery Cigar Emporium
The Livery Cigar Emporium is located in the Cool Spring Entertainment District of Historic Downtown Fayetteville. The Livery Cigar Emporium is surrounded by over 100 businesses and award-winning restaurants; the lounge is in walking…
The Halo Spa
Halo-therapy or better known as "Salt Therapy " can be compared to relaxing on the beach soaking up the salty sea air which offers many more aids than just relaxation. Your body uses salt to balance fluids in the blood and maintain healthy…
Sweet Valley Ranch
Sweet Valley Ranch is a working farm located on 300 acres in Fayetteville, North Carolina, owned and operated by Fred & Anita Surgeon. The Surgeons have relied on their roots in agriculture, vast business experience and love for animals to…