East Hargett Street in downtown Raleigh was once known as “Black Main Street,” a thriving commercial corridor in the early 20th century where more than 50 Black-owned businesses operated at its peak. The area included medical and law offices, a hotel, restaurants, barbershops, and retail stores, serving as a central hub for Black economic life during segregation.
Today, remnants of that history remain visible through sidewalk murals along East Hargett Street that highlight the legacy of Black entrepreneurship and the businesses that once defined the area. While the landscape of downtown Raleigh has changed significantly, the influence of that era continues to shape conversations about ownership, opportunity, and economic access in the city.
As Raleigh has grown, Black-owned businesses have expanded across different neighborhoods, building new spaces for commerce, culture, and community engagement. From bookstores and boutiques to food, fashion, and creative services, these businesses continue to reflect both cultural heritage and modern entrepreneurship…