On June 13, 1800, an enslaved man named Peter Oliver signed the documents for his freedom. He returned to his home in the town of Salem to live out the rest of his days. On Thursday, community leaders and Oliver descendants gathered at the site of his farm to mark the 225th anniversary of his emancipation.
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines began with a few words on Oliver’s life and his contributions to the Moravian community as a tradesman and entrepreneur. He reaffirmed that this site will one day be home to the Peter Oliver Pavilion Gallery, a public gathering place spearheaded by the Creative Corridors Coalition and Oliver descendants.
One year ago, the City Council voted unanimously in favor of the Coalition’s proposal to designate land for the project, which remains in the early fundraising stage. The property sits east of Liberty Street and south of Salem Parkway on the same land that once formed the Oliver homestead.
Joines says this gathering shows the character of the city.
"This weeklong celebration has a goal to shine a spotlight on Peter Oliver's story and bring the community together to remember the significant day, learn about his remarkable life, and celebrate his legacy," he says.
The celebration continues with daily events through Juneteenth, including a guided Family Remembrance Walk, Songs of Freedom and African American Spirituals at Home Moravian Church, a symposium on Peter Oliver, and concluding with the premiere of a new documentary film, “The Life and Legacy of Peter Oliver.”