Willis Graves Jr. Civil Rights Marker Dedication & Open House

Willis Graves, Jr. was a pioneering civil rights leader who grew up in Oberlin. Join PNC at its headquarters at the Hall & Graves-Fields houses as we dedicate a new NC Civil rights trail marker!

Preservation North Carolina is pleased to announce the unveiling of a North Carolina Civil Rights Trail Marker in honor of Willis “Bill” Graves, Jr. A dedication ceremony will take place on February 1, 2025, at Graves’ childhood home at 814 Oberlin Road in Raleigh, which now serves as PNC’s statewide headquarters.

Willis “Bill” Graves, Jr. was a prominent civil rights attorney who worked to end racial housing discrimination in a number of landmark court cases. After graduating attending Saint Augustine’s and Shaw University in Raleigh, Graves went on to Howard University School of Law and became a major Civil Rights attorney in Detroit. He worked with Thurgood Marshall on the landmark 1948 US Supreme Court case that invalidated racially restrictive covenants. This ruling enabled people of color to be able to legally “live anywhere.” Shelley vs. Kraemer has since been used as precedent in many landmark civil rights cases, including Brown v. Board of Education. The marker helps commemorate his contributions and serves as a source for understanding the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

Join Preservation North Carolina staff and board, community leaders, and members of the Graves family as we celebrate the rich history of Oberlin Village. Following the marker dedication, attendees are invited to tour PNC’s headquarters located in the Graves-Fields House and adjacent Hall House.

The North Carolina Civil Rights Trail, developed by the NC African American Heritage Commission, highlights key locations and individuals pivotal to the Civil Rights Movement through signage such as this one. The trail educates and inspires residents and visitors across the state. Funding for the sign was provided by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. 

Free parking is available behind Oberlin Baptist Church at 806 Oberlin Road. Street parking in the neighborhood may also be available but please pay attention to any restrictive signage.