The Chavis Carousel is the centerpiece of the 37-acre park in the Raleigh, North Carolina neighborhood, Chavis. When the park opened in 1938, it was the only African American park in the Southeast United States. Because of this, it was visited by many African Americans throughout North Carolina as well as other states. Following the end of segregation the park and surrounding neighborhoods began to decline under various influences. The City pledged re-investment in the park ten years ago and is just now beginning to fulfill that promise.
Read More“That was going to be the family home and be there forever”
Image by Michael Zirkle Photography, copyright Raleigh Historic Development Commission.
A carousel with painted horses rests idle under a park pavilion, empty of riders but lit up invitingly.