Some Winston-Salem residents who saw their name in lights now have a star on the city’s Walk of Fame. The Winston-Salem Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Memorial Walk of Fame recognizes citizens for their impact on the arts and entertainment industry.
Notable names
The Walk of Fame has had 27 inductees since 2016. It includes Winston-Salem natives like radio host Alvin “A.C” Stowe, and people who chose to make their home in the Twin City, like poet Dr. Maya Angelou. Some of the honorees shared their talents with the world, like Broadway light designer Howell Binkley. Others, like Piedmont Opera founder Norman Johnson, chose to make an impact at home.
Qualifications
City Council created the Walk of Fame in November 2015. Citizens can nominate anyone they think meets the following criteria:
- The nominee is deceased.
- The nominee was a resident of Winston-Salem for at least five years.
- The nominee made a significant contribution to the arts or entertainment industry in one or more of the following areas: music, dance, theater, writing, visual arts, motion pictures, television, or radio. (The city defines significant contribution as “iconic in terms of renown and the impact on the artistic disciplines or popular culture.”)
- The nominee showed consistent excellence in his or her field for at least five years.
- The nominee made distinguished contributions to the community.
Adding new stars
A panel reviews the nominations and selects inductees, which City Council must also approve. Bronze markers are installed on the Walk of Fame during an induction ceremony held in the summer. It is located along Benton Convention Center in the sidewalk on Cherry Street. Nominations for 2024 inductees will be accepted through Feb. 23.
