African- Americans in Raleigh has a long standing rich culture and history of success. The history of African- American trail blazers are filled with successful businessmen purchasing land and owning businesses that still today is successful not just for providing a service to Raleigh’s African American residents but all residents of Raleigh and beyond.
One of the first drug stores established was and remains today Hamlin Drug Store, which in 1964 relocated to 126 East Hargett Street was part of the black commerce district. John Mitchell Johnson and Clarence Coolidge purchased the store from the Hamlin heirs in 1957.
One of the oldest funeral homes in Raleigh is Lightner Funeral Home established in 1911 by Calvin Lightner. Clarence Lightner ran the funeral home with his father Calvin. Clarence Lightner was the first African American Mayor of Raleigh and the first popularly elected Mayor of Raleigh.
Haywood funeral home started under the name of Raleigh Undertaking Company in 1914 and in 1964 changed its name to Haywood Funeral Home Incorporated. It has been in operation for more than one hundred years. In 1998 it relocated to 2415 South Wilmington Street. The company has been located throughout its history at several locations to consist of a business office at 322 East Cabarrus Street and 310 East Davie Street.
The Lightner family also built and owned the Lightner (Hotel) Arcade in 1921. This hotel and amusement park was part of the African-American business district. 
125 East Hargett Street consisted of the Lightner Business Building. In 1921 Calvin Lightner built the Lightner Arcade Hotel at 122 East Hargett Street. The Lightner Arcade was the premier social hub of Raleigh’s African-American community with such notables such as Count Basie, Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington performing.
Harris Barber College established in 1930 by Samuel Harris at 124 East Hargett Street moved to its current location of 803 South Blount Street in 1943. Harris Barber College is one of the oldest Barber Schools in the State. Today just as in 1943, it continues to provide both education, room and board for its students.
by E. Tarver
