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Building a legacy

Revitalizing Northeast Winston-Salem

WStoday: 12th street near Brown School Lofts

The Housing Authority of Winston-Salem provides vouchers to assist low-income families in purchasing or renting a home. | Photo by WStoday

The Northeast Ward of Winston-Salem is set to be transformed. At least, that’s the goal of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. The latest project will build new homes along 14th Street, near Hattie Avenue and Bramblebrook Lane.

City Editor Kellina spoke with Council Member Barbara Burke to learn about the redevelopment happening in her ward.

A strong foundation

“I call it East of Cleveland [...] because the Cleveland Avenue Homes is west of Cleveland Avenue,” Burke said. ""That area has such rich history...a legacy exists in that location.”

The 14th Street area was home to many prominent Black Twin City residents, including Winston-Salem’s first Black pharmacist, Dr. Rufus Hairston. George Black, a brickmaker whose work can be found throughout the city — like sidewalks in Old Salem — also called the area home.

Other prominent figures who lived in the same community include one of the owners of the Safe Bus Company, the largest Black-owned and operated transportation business in the world. Fun fact: the city purchased assets from the company and used it to help build our current transit system.

Burke says she’s working on revitalizing the neighborhood to revive a sense of pride in the community, while preserving its historical roots.

“You want the kids that grew up there to be like, ‘hey, yes. I can do this’,” Burke said.

In addition to new housing eventually coming, the city is also working to help current homeowners. It’s awarding up to $20,000 in grants to qualifying homeowners in the area to improve the exterior appearance of their homes.

Here's what's coming next

Events

Friday, May 17

Next Stop Comedy | Friday, May 17 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Foothills Brewing Tasting Room, 3800 Kimwell Dr., Winston-Salem | $20-$25 | Hear jokes from a brand new lineup of comedians and release those endorphins.

Saturday, May 18

Freedom Day Celebration Event | Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Old Salem and MESDA, 900 Old Salem Rd. + 924 S. Main St., Winston-Salem | $0-$30 | Tour the Old Salem historic district, see performances, and hear a keynote lecture on Afro-Moravian identity in Salem pre- and post-emancipation.
Joymongers 6th Anniversary | Saturday, May 18 | 12-10 p.m. | Joymongers Barrel Hall, 480 W. End Blvd., Winston-Salem | Free entry | Join the brewery as it celebrates six years in the West End with food, drinks, and live music.
MESStival | Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kaleideum, 120 W. 3rd St., Winston-Salem | $0-$15 | Immerse yourself in goo, gunk, and grit to create art and explore science — dress for the mess.
Winston Junction Market May Fest | Saturday, May 18 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Winston Junction Market, 901 N. Trade St., Winston-Salem | Cost of purchase | Find artists and makers selling handmade items, food trucks, sweet treats, and live music.

Sunday, May 19

MHA Public Day | Sunday, May 19 | 3-5 p.m. | Miracle Heights Adventures, Crossnore Communities for Children, 1001 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem | $29 | It’s adult playground time — complete the ropes course with 33 elements including the 600-ft zipline, climbing walls, and giant swing.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Job

Got what it takes to make the City of Arts and Innovation thrive? Two assistant city manager positions are open. The people hired will oversee development projects and bring solutions to address the city’s challenges. Applications close Saturday, May 25.

Sports

Cheer on the Winston-Salem Wolves, our minor league basketball team, for their final home game before the playoffs. They take on Kingdom Life Sunday, May 19. The game starts at 3 p.m. at Forsyth Tech’s west campus on Bolton Street. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.

Talk

Want to learn about hidden local gems in the Twin City? The author of “100 Things To Do in Winston-Salem Before You Die” will share 10 things to check out this summer at Book Ferret tomorrow, May 18. The free event with Tina Firesheets starts at 2 p.m. — no RSVP needed.

Plan Ahead

Ditch the dress shoes and slide into your stylish sneakers for the United Way of Forsyth County’s second annual Sneaker Ball on Saturday, June 15. Experience live entertainment and a silent auction supporting community programs and initiatives from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Winston-Salem State University — tickets cost $100.

Sports

Salem City FC is celebrating another win. The Beast won their second game against Tobacco Road FC with a score of 1-0. The team’s next home match is against North Carolina FC on Wednesday, May 29 at Truist Sports Park in Bermuda Run — tickets cost $10.

Active

Get fit with Forsyth County sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr. at Fuel Fitness (2825 Reynolda Rd.) Monday and Wednesday at 6 a.m. + Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. Free classes offered are Spin, HIIT training — you don’t need a gym membership to participate.

Film

Free popcorn, ticket + concession discounts, and sweet merch deals are just a few of the perks of an a/perture cinema membership. And, we’re not kidding, it’s only $35 for a whole year.*

Arts

Hey, art lovers: Get your dose of culture and creative expression by checking out Fayetteville’s art scene. Need tips on where to go? From pottery to photography to paintings + more, here are six art galleries you should put on your radar.*

Finance

Ah, the art of the balance transfer. This card offers not one, not six, but 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers, giving you nearly two years to save big. (Plus, you can earn 2% cash back on purchases with no annual fee.) Learn more and apply.*

Festival

Get a taste of Greek culture

Don’t miss the 2024 Greek Festival in Winston-Salem

WStoday: behind the scenes of the 2024 Greek festival

City Editor Kellina recommends trying the baklava cheesecake and the chicken souvlaki meal. | Photo by @wsgreekfestival

The Winston-Salem Greek Festival returns Friday, May 17 and continues through the weekend — rain or shine.

You can watch dance performances, indulge in traditional Greek cuisine, and take a guided tour of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

There’s also handmade jewelry, art pieces, and recipe cookbooks for sale from 10 local vendors at the Agora Greek Marketplace. Here’s what to know before you go:

Friday, May 17 + Saturday, May 18: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday, May 19: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Location: 435 Keating Dr.
Admission: $3, children ages 12 and under get in free
Free parking on site

Don’t have time to check out the whole scene? Follow the signs at the entrance to place your order and pick up your goods without getting out of your car. A portion of proceeds will go towards local nonprofits like Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, Brenner Children’s Hospital, and Greek Youth Ministries.

The Buy

Small biz. Celebrate National Small Business Month by exploring our retail shop, Six & Main, featuring local brands from across the country. Find unique gifts for your friends or treat yourself to something new.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kellina

From the editor

It’s National Pizza Day. Treat yourself to a slice or two (we won’t judge) at two of our favorite pizza shops in town — Burke Street Pizza and Elizabeth’s Pizza Italian Restaurant on University Parkway.

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