RALEIGH, N.C. – The Pope House on South Wilmington Street in Raleigh still stands as one of the only African-American house museums in North Carolina.

Its roots date back to the 19th century. Dr. Manassas Thomas Pope was the first practicing Black doctor in North Carolina. He also was an officer and surgeon during the Spanish American War.

A graduate from Shaw University, Dr. Pope built his practice out of his home in downtown Raleigh.

Bettina Pope, a fourth-generation descendant, says although she never met Dr. Pope, it's like looking at a version of her father.

“Though I never met Dr. Pope, to know he truly was a member of my family, just because you can see it in those physical features, I’m always drawn to this picture,” Bettina Pope said.

In 1919, during the Jim Crow Era, Dr. Pope announced his run for mayor.

“To display that bravery, to go out of his comfort zone, knowing it might draw some negative attention to him and his practice, but he wanted to make that statement to every man, to every voter, that I am [worthy] of not only my vote, but holding political office as well,” Bettina Pope said.

Bettina Pope says Dr.Pope’s house is symbolic of Black families in Raleigh, regardless if their last name was Pope or not.

Dr. Pope’s two daughters, Evelyn and Ruth, both attended Columbia University and became teachers, paving their own way to success in a segregated society.

What You Need To Know

  • The Pope House Museum is one of the only African-American house museums that still stands in North Carolina.

  • Dr. Manassas T. Pope was the first practicing Black doctor in North Carolina.

  • The Pope House is still open for walking tours.

 

“The marks of taking a look at yourself and seeing your own beauty in spite of what other people had to say,” Bettina Pope said.

Bettina Pope, who works as a literature and African-American studies teacher at Wake Forest High School, says in her classroom they are discussing the social injustice that continues to go on in society today.

“In 2021, we are blown away that something still has such powerful ramifications, and my students want to know why, in 2021 why can’t we just be people,” Bettina Pope said.

Although gentrification is happening in the surrounding areas of the Pope House Museum, Bettina says the fact that the two-story brick home is still standing sends a message that the community and her family legacy still lives on.

“The first word that comes to mind of course is pride, not just pride for the Pope family, but for African-American families all over this country who were able to overcome and succeed despite any and every obstacle that was thrown their way,” Bettina Pope said.