By Judaea Ingram
Special To The Carolinian
JOHNSTON COUNTY — On a stretch of land that has remained in one North Carolina family for more than 80 years, history is being preserved in a way that extends far beyond property lines.
What began as farmland purchased by the Gooch family in 1944 has evolved into a community gathering place where thousands of people come together each year for rodeos, concerts, cultural celebrations and youth programs. While the property has become a destination for entertainment and education, its greatest significance lies in what it represents: the preservation of Black land ownership in a region where many African American families have lost generational property over time.
Located in Johnston County, the family-owned property has become home to the Gooch Sports Arena, where events celebrating both African American and Latino traditions regularly bring together residents from across North Carolina.
The arena has grown into more than an event venue. It has become a place where different cultures meet, neighbors connect and families gather, demonstrating how shared traditions can strengthen communities.
For owner Donal Gooch, preserving the family's land has always been about honoring the sacrifices made by previous generations while creating new opportunities for those who follow.
As development continues to reshape communities throughout the Triangle and surrounding counties, maintaining ownership of family land has become increasingly challenging for many Black families. Rising property values, development pressures and generational transfers have contributed to a steady decline in Black-owned farmland and family property across the South.
The Gooch family's story offers a different narrative.
Rather than selling the property, the family has transformed it into a destination that celebrates culture while remaining rooted in its history. Rodeos, live music performances and community events now attract visitors from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities for cultural exchange while supporting the local economy.
The property has also become a place where young people can connect with traditions that are often overlooked.
That mission continues through Saddle Up and Read, a nonprofit founded by Donal Gooch's daughter, Caitlin Gooch. The organization combines horseback riding with literacy programs to encourage children to develop a love of reading while learning about agriculture, responsibility and Black equestrian history.
The program has received national recognition for introducing children, many of whom have never interacted with horses before, to experiences that build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
Together, the arena and nonprofit reflect the family's broader vision of preserving history while investing in future generations.
Their work also highlights an often-overlooked chapter of North Carolina's history. African Americans have long played an important role in the state's agricultural industry and equestrian traditions, yet those contributions have frequently received limited public attention.
Today, the Gooch family's efforts serve as a reminder that preserving Black-owned land is about more than maintaining property. It is about protecting family history, creating opportunities for education and ensuring future generations have spaces where culture and community can thrive.
As North Carolina continues to experience rapid population growth and development, stories like the Gooch family's illustrate the importance of preserving places that connect people to their heritage while welcoming new generations to become part of that legacy.
For many visitors, a trip to the Gooch Sports Arena may begin with a concert, rodeo or community celebration. For the Gooch family, however, every event is also a celebration of perseverance, heritage and the enduring value of land that has remained in the family for more than eight decades.
In a state where conversations about growth often center on what is being built next, the Gooch family's legacy demonstrates the importance of preserving what has already been built: a foundation of history, community and opportunity that continues to bring people together.
