About Nicholtown
Nicholtown is a vibrant neighborhood that embodies the strength and resilience of its community while honoring a rich historical legacy. One of Greenville’s oldest neighborhoods, Nicholtown traces its roots back to the 19th century, initially settled by nine pioneering Black families who fostered a supportive and thriving community. Together, they cultivated farms, established businesses, and built homes, creating a sense of belonging that endures to this day.
The name Nicholtown first appeared in the 1901 city directory, marking the beginning of a legacy that continues to flourish. Located just a mile and a half from downtown Greenville, this dynamic neighborhood reflects the determination of both its past and present residents. Its development has been closely tied to local industry and the strength of community institutions, including churches, schools, and the dedicated Nicholtown Neighborhood Association (NNA).
Nicholtown has produced such notable figures as civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, Newbery Award–winning author Jacqueline Woodson, and former NBA star Kevin Garnett. The community has also been home to prominent leaders like NAACP National Chair Bill Gibson and several elected officials, including school board members, city council representatives, county council members, and state legislators.
The neighborhood is proud of its history of “firsts” in various professions, from car lot owners to watchmakers and plumbers, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of its residents. Nicholtown is also recognized as a self-sustaining community, with local businesses and resources that contribute to its overall vitality.
In its vision for the future, Nicholtown aims to become one of the most desirable areas in Greenville. Residents—youths and adults alike—share a deep sense of pride and a commitment to uplift their community. The NNA is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for residents, developing quality schools and facilities for youths, ensuring safety, removing hazards, and fostering homeownership and growth.
Explore the rich and intricate history of Nicholtown and join us in celebrating its vibrant legacy and promising future.
Why Nicholtown
Through a partnership between WestEd’s Justice and Prevention Research Center (JPRC), the Greenville Mayor’s Office, the Greenville Police Department, the Greenville NAACP Branch, and Nicholtown’s Sterling School, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)—a component of the Department of Justice (DOJ) that fosters safer communities—selected the Nicholtown area of Greenville, South Carolina, as one of its first sites for the Reimagining Justice Project Grant. The VOICES Project for Nicholtown—funded through the BJA Reimagining Justice grant—aims to meet the needs of Nicholtown residents, an area selected because of its rich history as a legacy community.
Our goal is to improve community safety for Nicholtown residents by addressing existing impediments to community empowerment and providing supportive connections to necessary services and treatments. We value collaborative leadership, community service, integrity, accountability, mutual respect and trust, and organizational-system collaboration. Read more about the project
Community Cornerstone:
Nicholtown Baptist Church
The historic Nicholtown Baptist Church was established in the early 1900s. This church has served as a cornerstone of the community, providing spiritual guidance and a gathering place for generations of residents. The church has played a significant role in local history, hosting various community events and initiatives that foster unity and support among residents. Its rich history and continued presence symbolize the enduring strength and resilience of the Nicholtown community, making it a cherished landmark for both current residents and those who have roots in the area.
An Important Figure:
Jesse Jackson
Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader and activist, was born in 1941 in Nicholtown, South Carolina. Jackson grew up in Nicholtown before rising to national prominence during the civil rights movement, working alongside leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. Jackson founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization dedicated to advocating for social justice, economic equality, and civil rights. His efforts helped bring attention to issues affecting marginalized communities. He has inspired generations through his commitment to activism and community empowerment. Jackson’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of Nicholtown, highlighting the neighborhood’s rich tradition of advocacy and leadership.
The voices of Nicholtown....
Nicholtown Community is honored to be chosen by [VOICES] to partner on an ongoing project that will produce a unique opportunity for a better future for all residents!!!!
Yvonne Reeder
Historian & former Nicholtown
Neighborhood Association president
The VOICES project offers a valuable platform for residents to communicate their safety needs for the community, using current and targeted data. This platform also connects our community with policymakers and individuals who actively work to ensure our safety.
Bishop Zimmerman
Springfield Baptist Church
