Honoring A Legacy of Labor & Progress

Published on February 10, 2025

Building Wilmington: A Legacy of Black Labor & Everyday Excellence

Since Wilmington’s establishment, Black residents have offered visionary leadership to the economic, cultural, and social fabric of the city. Through free labor, skilled professional labor, entrepreneurship, education, and civic leadership, Black labor has fostered innovation, progress, and resilience throughout Wilmington.

Wilmington’s Black Workforce: A Legacy of Excellence

From Emancipation until the present day, Black Wilmingtonians have played a pivotal role in everyday life. From shipbuilders along the Cape Fear River to educators shaping young minds, their labor has created the foundation for Wilmington’s growth. Despite barriers, Black residents have continued contributing across industries, launching businesses, developing land, advancing medicine, and strengthening community institutions.

In honor of 2025’s national Black History Month theme, "African Americans and Labor," the City of Wilmington is highlighting three individuals whose daily work strengthened Wilmington and embodied the city’s mission, vision, and core values.

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Click to read Robert, Minnie & Dr. Bertha's stories.