George Henry Black was a master brickmaker whose handmade bricks shaped some of Winston-Salem's most recognizable homes, churches, factories and civic buildings. Born in 1879 to parents who had been enslaved, he came to the city as a child and eventually built his own brickyard, gaining a national reputation for the quality and durability of his traditional hand-pressed bricks. His work appeared everywhere, from local mansions to the original North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Salem College and even restoration projects in Colonial Williamsburg.
This statue in front of the Forsyth County Courthouse honors that legacy, recognizing a craftsman whose bricks literally built the community and whose century-long life reflected both skill and perseverance. The memorial includes examples of his original bricks and stands near buildings that used them, making it a fitting tribute to someone whose work helped define the city's architectural character.
There is metered street parking in the area but it will be quite busy during the week with the courthouses and city offices nearby.
[Review 616 of 2026 - 4704 in North Carolina - 25797 overall] read more