By Ms Jheri Worldwide
Staff Writer
In a significant move to honor and amplify the rich heritage of its African American community, the City of Raleigh has officially renamed the John P. "Top" Greene Community Center to the John P. "Top" Greene African American Cultural Center. This renaming, approved by the Raleigh City Council on April 15, 2025, signals a renewed commitment to celebrating and preserving Black history and culture in the city and marks the beginning of an exciting expansion for the facility.
Located at 401 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in the historic South Park neighborhood of southeast Raleigh, the center has long been a community focal point. The renaming effort was passionately championed by the South Park East Raleigh Neighborhood Association (SPERNA) and the John P. “Top“ Greene Community Advisory Group (CAG). Their advocacy reflects a desire to see the center’s mission more explicitly focused on cultural events, educational programs, and interpretive exhibits that highlight the contributions and experiences of African American communities in Raleigh.
The center is named in honor of Mr. John P. "Top" Greene (1920-2004), a revered community activist and lifelong resident of the South Park neighborhood. Known for his tireless dedication to community service and advocacy, "Top" Greene was a prominent voice for his constituents, working diligently with city officials for decades to improve the quality of life in Raleigh. His legacy of perseverance and commitment to community is now further cemented by the center's enhanced cultural mission. This name change is more than symbolic; it heralds a period of significant transformation for the 1.32-acre property. The John P. "Top" Greene African American Cultural Center is slated for a comprehensive redesign and expansion, funded as part of the 2022 Parks Bond, which allocated $9.25 million for the project.
Planned improvements are extensive and aim to create a dynamic hub for learning, creativity, and community engagement. These include a full renovation of the existing center and the construction of a new standalone building on the campus. Future visitors can anticipate enhanced program spaces, engaging interpretive displays delving into local and broader African American history, a dedicated genealogy lab for ancestral research, and even a sound studio. The site and stormwater enhancements will also improve the overall campus environment.
Furthermore, the revitalized center will serve as the trailhead for another exciting Parks Bond initiative: the South Park Heritage Trail. This 2.6-mile interpretive loop will wind through parts of downtown Raleigh, connecting the city's greenway system, local parks, cultural landmarks, and the historic South Park and East Raleigh neighborhoods, offering residents and visitors a unique way to engage with the area's rich history.
Even before these major renovations, the center has been active in offering culturally relevant programming, such as the "Centuries in the Making: A Cultural Legacy of South Park and East Raleigh Neighborhoods" exhibit, and various events during Black History Month, including genealogy workshops and cultural discussions.
The renaming and planned expansion of the John P. "Top" Greene African American Cultural Center represent a pivotal step in Raleigh's ongoing efforts to identify, preserve, and elevate its historical and cultural assets, particularly within Southeast Raleigh. This initiative is expected to not only enhance the facility itself but also to fortify downtown revitalization efforts, engage the community with a unique resource, and promote a deeper appreciation for the area's profound history and its ongoing importance to the city of Raleigh.
While specific timelines for the completion of the full renovation and expansion are still developing, the renaming marks a clear and exciting direction. Residents can look forward to a revitalized cultural landmark that will serve as a beacon for African American history and culture for generations to come.
