The Winston-Salem City Council has passed a resolution that sets aside land for a unique park area dedicated to a formerly enslaved man.
In 1786, Peter Oliver called the Piedmont home after his enslaver rented him as a laborer to a Moravian man in Bethania. Oliver’s journey from enslavement to skilled potter, entrepreneur, and eventual freedom will be chronicled in The Peter Oliver Pavilion Gallery. It was proposed last year by members of the Creative Corridors Coalition — a nonprofit that creates artful green spaces in Winston-Salem — to commemorate his legacy and the many contributions he made to the city and generations of descendants.
Among them is Robin Paul, mother of Wake Forest University standout and NBA basketball superstar Chris Paul. She spoke at the project unveiling in Old Salem last year.
"Because you think back 250 years, don’t nobody go back there that far," says Paul. "You know a lot of families can go maybe 100 years, but 250 years? So, we are really blessed and honored to be part of this Oliver family."
On Monday, the City Council voted unanimously in favor of the Coalition’s proposal to designate land to the project. It sits east of Liberty Street and South of Salem Parkway on the same property that once formed the homestead and farm of Peter Oliver.
That tract is currently owned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. According to a press release, it will be deeded back to the city later this year.