The plaque commemorating the victory stands near the intersection of 4th and Liberty Streets. | Photo by WStoday
This weekend marks 65 years since a major step forward in the Civil Rights movement. On Feb. 8, 1960, Carl Wesley Matthews sat down at a whites-only lunch counter at the FW Woolworth’s store at the corner of West Fourth and Trade streets. He was inspired by a similar protest four students in Greensboro had staged a week earlier. Matthews sat at the counter until the store closed.
The nonviolent protest grew the following days, with Black and white students joining Matthews from Winston-Salem Teachers College (now Winston-Salem State University), Wake Forest College (now Wake Forest University), and Atkins High School. More than 20 protesters were arrested for trespassing and jailed on Feb. 23, 1960.
Less than three months later on May 23, Winston-Salem became the first city in the South to voluntarily desegregate lunch counters and restaurants.
The marker to commemorate the events was dedicated in 2000, around the corner from the former Woolworth’s store. Plans to restore the building to what it looked like in 1960 were recently announced.
Events
Events
Thursday, Feb. 6
Paint Night | Thursday, Feb. 6 | 7-8 p.m. | Polo Park Community Center | $10 | Bring your own brushes and follow along step-by-step guidance to create your artwork piece.
Fireside: Show and Tell | 6:30-8 p.m. | NCMA, Hanes House | Free | Take the floor and share something meaningful you’ve made with other creatives whether it’s a painting, a prototype, or a personal project.
Martin Luther King Jr. Helping Hands Day | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Various locations | Free, RSVP | Choose a nonprofit organization to volunteer for + help out with various needs like organizing a food pantry and sorting out donations.
Galentine’s Ladies Night | 5 p.m. | Breathe Cocktail Lounge, Kernersville | Cost of purchase | Wear your pink or red and bring your girlfriends for a night of fun which includes complimentary drinks, a chair massage, and a fashion show.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Woofston-Salem’s 3rd Annual Fashion Show | 12-4 p.m. | Winston Junction | Free | Sign up your dog at Howlin’ at the Moon Bakery to participate in the show, take part of a silent auction to help shelter pets, and enjoy fun activities.
Seed and Plant Swap | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC | Free | Kickstart your garden with new house plants, trees, and shrubs gifted by other plant lovers — don’t forget to bring yours to exchange.
Understanding Black Craftsman in Wachovia - an Old Salem Spot Talk | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Old Salem Museums and Gardens Wachovia Room | $30 | Join historian Lyslee Duncan in exploring the incredible contributions of Black craftsmen in Wachovia. Talk included with Old Salem admission.*
Graylyn Estate is among the 2025 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Romantic Hotels. The program nominated the estate for its “unforgettable charm and romantic experiences.” Here’s everything you need to know about planning your special event.
Outdoors
Looking for a new outdoor destination to venture at? Check out the newly opened Belews Park (7455 Craig Rd., Belews Creek) located ~25 minuted outside of downtown Winston-Salem. The 216-acre park features nearly two miles of serene lake frontage, picnic tables, and a fishing dock.
Number
$2.5 million. That’s how much one local church will help in forgiving medical debt for families in Central NC. Trinity Moravian Church plans to buy and forgive debt with the $250,000+ funds raised during its winter campaign. The debt-burning ceremony will take place at the church at 11 a.m. (WFDD)
Active
The YWCA is offering pom poms classes for seniors Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. The dance fitness class helps improve coordination, memory, and team spirit — watch the full February schedule here. The membership cost $33 per month.
Try This
Uncover your creativity by registering to Sawtooth School for Visual Art classes this spring (April-June). Choose from an array of classes and workshops like black and white photography, watercolor techniques, and crocheting. Registration opens on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 9 a.m.
Cause
Help beautify the Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail this Saturday, Feb. 8. Volunteers will help remove rocks, invasive plants, and smooth out eroded parts of the trail. Bring your gloves and meet other volunteers outside the Crossnore Campus (1215 Reynolda Rd.) at 1 p.m.
Art
Calling all designers. The 2025 Runway Fashion Showcase is accepting designer entries. Those selected will gain exposure, access to industry professionals for mentorship opportunities, and possibly expanding their brand. Fill out your online application by Monday, March 31.
20%. That’s how much you can save on a bathroom renovation with Remodel Your Home. You deserve a bathroom that’s just as functional as it is beautiful. Request your free quote.*
Finance
Tackling debt is crucial for many Americans in 2025. This trending card — “worth its weight in gold,” according to experts — offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026. (Read: More than a year of interest-free payments.) Apply.*
The Buy
The Buy
Looking for a small something to gift your loved ones on Valentine’s Day? Shop great gifts for partners, friends, and family:
Team Winston-Salem is hitting the road in less than 10 days. The race schedule has been released and the season starts Saturday, Feb 25 through Dec. 15. The team will bring the heat to over 25 cities across the US and Canada. They will be in town during Gears and Guitars May 24-25.
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