The 500 block of East Nash Street is justly remembered as the 20th century epicenter of Wilson’s African-American-owned businesses. However, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Black entrepreneurs and tradespeople also operated across the tracks. As Wilson’s downtown experiences a resurgence, let’s rediscover and celebrate these pioneering men and women.

Check in each Sunday for the latest in the Historic Black Business Series!

Levi H. Jones operated a barbershop near the site of Wilson County’s Human Relations Office at what was then 105 North Goldsboro Street.

Hill’s Wilson, N.C., city directory (1908).

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, December 2024.