Category: Support

Spotlight on The Historic Magnolia House

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Greensboro Native, Natalie Miller, has recently moved back to Greensboro to take on the family business The Historic Magnolia House located at 442 Gorrell Street. The Magnolia House is a Green Book site in Greensboro, NC that housed African American writers, actors, athletes and musicians as they traveled south to perform during the Jim Crow era.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this former motel was recognized in 6 editions of The Green Book as a highly recommended place to stay for Negro travelers in North Carolina. Identified as a Distinctive Destination with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Click here to read more. Of the 300+ documented Green Book sites, we are 1 of maybe 6 open and operating currently within its historic context in the entire state of NC. Within these walls embeds the history of our space are memories of James Brown playing in the street with neighborhood children, Joe Tex signing autographs on the front porch and moments captured with Ike & Tina Turner, Ray Charles, James Brown, James Baldwin, Sam Cooke, Jackie Robinson to name a few. As we strive to preserve and restore the Magnolia House both structurally and operationally it is a community effort. The Magnolia House and the Downtown Greenway partnership is a perfect example of bringing together the Greensboro community. Both projects share a common theme of creating a space that will unite and bring communities together to create memories, experiences, and history. Natalie truly believes the Downtown Greenway is a key part of the very important Greensboro Transformation Movement that is taking place.  The Magnolia House will be accessible to the Downtown Greenway from stairs at the Gorrell Street bridge and Murrow Boulevard. The Freedom Cornerstone on the Downtown Greenway will be fabricated and installed in October 2020 which will be located one block south at the corner of Gate City and Murrow Blvds. Click here for map of what is open now on the Downtown Greenway.

Artists Visits for Selection of Downtown Greenway Freedom Cornerstone

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  The Downtown Greenway is commissioning the last of the 4 cornerstones called the Freedom Cornerstone to be located at the corner of Murrow Blvd and Gate City Blvd. The theme of “Freedom” was inspired by the City’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, especially the non-violent protests of the pivotal 1960 Greensboro lunch-counter sit-ins that served as a catalyst to the larger movement. Racial justice and equity have played an important role in shaping our city and defining its identity. The selected artist will be asked to explore this history in depth as they conceive of a vision for the artwork. Over 65 artists from around the country submitted artist proposals for the cornerstone.  Four artists have been selected to come to Greensboro to share their vision for the cornerstone artwork with the public. Public meeting will be held for each of the 4 artist(s) to give presentations on their work and their vision for designing the Freedom Cornerstone if selected. The public meetings below are free and open to the public. All public meetings will be held at the Historic Magnolia House, 442 Gorrell Street in Greensboro. October 22 from 5:30-6:30 pm for artist Radcliffe Bailey from Atlanta, Georgia. November 6 from 5:30-6:30 pm for artists David Wilson and Stephen Hayes from Durham, North Carolina. November 12 from 5:30-6:30 pm for artists Norman Lee and Shane Albritton from Houston, Texas. November 21 from 5:30-6:30 pm for artists Ayokunle Odeley from Stone Mountain, Georgia and Walt Havener from Durham, North Carolina. Click here to read the press release on the artists visits and here to read recent article in News & Record by Dawn Kane.

Bragg Street Ribbon Cutting & MLK Jr. Bust Dedication

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Join us to celebrate the official opening of the section of the Downtown Greenway along Bragg Street from Eugene to MLK Jr. Blvd and the dedication of the MLK Jr. bust in its new location at the corner of Bragg and MLK Jr. Blvd. on Monday, January 21 at 2:00 pm after the MLK Jr. Day Parade.  Click here to read article in News & Record about the MLK Jr. bust and Downtown Greenway art pieces on the newest section of the Downtown Greenway. Parking for event at New Zion Church (408 MLK Jr. Drive) and Union Square (124 E. Gate City Blvd).    

Mark your calendar for the 9th Annual Run 4 the Greenway -October 27, 2018

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The 9th Annual Run 4 the Greenway will be on Saturday, October 27 from 4-8pm at Morehead Park on the Downtown Greenway. Registration is OPEN! To register, go to the Jones Racing Company website.   DEADLINE for the REDUCED RATE is Monday, October 15th at 11:59 pm.   The start and finish of both races and the party will be at Morehead Park on the Downtown Greenway (475 Spring Garden St). And we have improved the 4 mile race route--click here for 4 mile route and here for 1 mile route. We are bringing back the COSTUME CONTEST for the best adult, kid, and dog costumes!  Prizes from Hen in a Hurry, Spare Time, A to Zen Massage and Ruff Housing. 4 Mile Run: $25.00 until October 15 (by 11:59 pm) $20.00 for Students until October 15 (by 9:00 pm) $30.00 October 16-25 (by 9:00 pm) $35.00 Registration on Race Day $80.00 4 mile Family 4 Pack 1 Mile Costume Walk/Run & Doggie Jog: $15.00 Non-timed Option $10.00 Non-timed Option for Students $20.00 Dog Registration (includes dog goody bag) $50.0025 Mile Family 4 pack Children 6 & under: Free (There is no fee for children 6 & under; however, we ask that you register and sign a waiver. No free t-shirt or beverage.) T-shirts are limited.  Register early to be guaranteed a Repreve t-shirt made from recycled water bottles.  All participants will receive 2 free beverages at the post-race event (except for children 6 & under).  All dogs will receive a goody bag. SCHEDULE: 3:00-4:15 pm – On-site Registration & Packet Pick Up at Downtown Greenway/Morehead Park (475 Spring Garden Street) 4:30 pm – 1 Mile Walk begins 5:00 pm – 4 Mile Run begins 6:00-6:30 pm – Projected awards ceremony (will be adjusted based on last finisher’s time) 3:00-8:00 pm- Music, Entertainment, Kids Activities, & Food available from Will & Pops and Kona Ice and Beer from Preyer Brewing at Downtown Greenway/Morehead Park Not a runner?  We need volunteers!  Email llorenz@actiongreensboro.org or go to sign-up genius to view the jobs available for the Run 4 the Greenway. (Volunteers receive a t-shirt and beverage coupon) Questions?  Contact Race Director, Laura Lorenz at llorenz@actiongreensboro.org or 336.387.8355. Special thanks to all of our 2018 Sponsors!