Black History Month guide: Exhibits, tours and events around the Triangle
Here's a look at some of the best exhibits, tours, historic sites, events and opportunities to support Black businesses coming up in the Triangle this February.
Posted — UpdatedHere's a look at some of the best exhibits, tours, historic sites, events and opportunities to support Black businesses coming up in the Triangle this February.
Black History Month tours and events in Raleigh
1. Tour the Pope House Museum
Inside the house is a time capsule to the life of a Black doctor in the early 1900s. The shelves are full of Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope's antique books. An old-time phone hangs on the wall. Have fun guessing what some of the old, historic items were once used for!
2. Driving tour of African American landmarks around the city
How many Black History landmarks do you drive past every day and not even realize it? From the carousel at Chavis Park, to the lost remnants of an African American university at Latta Park, to the incredible history at Oberlin Cemetery and Mt. Hope Cemetery – there's a lot of Black History around the city.
3. Living in Color: Explore Black art at Dix Park
From Feb. 3 through Feb. 26, guests can visit the Living in Color art exhibit in The Chapel at Dix Park.
Open hours for the Living in Color exhibit are:
- Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Thursdays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Sundays 12 - 5 p.m.
4. Historical Black communities in NC series
Dozens of African-Americans were murdered, and the city government was overthrown – the only time that's ever happened in American history.
5. Storytelling and Drumming with Shenette Swann
On Feb. 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the Southgate Community Library, kids and families can join singer and drum circle facilitator Shenette Swann in an event that includes music and storytelling, along with a message of inclusion.
Black History Month events and tours in Cary
This year’s theme is Acknowledging the Past While STREAMing Into The Future. STREAM is the acronym for "Science, Technology, Research, Education, Arts, and Music."
1. A Taste of Black History
On Feb. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., visitors can partake in a taste of Black history at the Cary Senior Center.
"People of African descent have played a significant role in shaping a uniquely American style of eating. Join us as we partake in a cultural cuisine experience in honor of Black History Month. Lunch will be provided by a locally Black-owned restaurant," reads the event description.
2. Black is the Color: A history of African American art
On Feb. 25 at The Cary Theater, guests can learn about Black History through a viewing of the film 'Black is the Color: A history of African American art."
The film explores the year 1969, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York mounted a major exhibit called “Harlem On My Mind" -- with no work created by Black artists.
"Art historians and gallery owners place the works in context—juxtaposing them with racist images of African-Americans as minstrels, for instance, and setting them against the larger social contexts of Jim Crow, WWI, the civil rights movement and the racism of the Reagan era. Meanwhile, contemporary artists discuss individual works by their forerunners and their ongoing influence," reads the synopsis.
The viewing begins at 5 p.m.
3. Black history driving tour of Cary
Take a day to delve into the rich history of Cary's Black community.
Black History Month events and tours in Durham
1. Visit Historic Stagville Plantation
One of the largest plantations in North Carolina before the Civil War, the buildings at Stagville date back to the 1780s and the tour spans 163 acres.
2. Tour Geer Cemetery
There are an estimated 2,000 men, women and children buried in Geer Cemetery in Durham, but only around 200 existing grave markers or headstones. It's a lovely place to walk and take in Black history firsthand.
3. Watch the 21st Annual MLK Black History Month Parade
On Saturday, Feb. 3 at noon, come watch the marching bands, drum lines, step teams, Black cowboys, mascots, churches and more for Durham's 21st Annual MLK Black History Month Parade.
The parade will begin at W.G. Pearson Elementary School and march to NCCU campus.
4. Explore Black culture, music and history at Hayti Heritage Center
"Join us for an uplifting in-person event that celebrates the rich heritage of gospel music and the powerful spirituality it embodies. Through carefully curated clips from Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s new PBS series, GOSPEL, we delve into the history of gospel music and explore its profound impact on Black church culture. Get ready to be uplifted, inspired and moved by the powerful voices and heartfelt messages that have shaped this incredible genre. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity," says the event description.
After the screening, guests will enjoy a musical performance and discussion with Mark Anthony Neal, Ph.D., a Duke University professor interviewed in the film and others, who will discuss the history and evolution of the genre and answer audience questions.
Black History Month coverage on WRAL News
If you have an event you'd like to see added to the list, please email hleah@wral.com.
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