Black History Month guide: Exhibits, tours and events around the Triangle
February is Black History Month, which means historic sites and other venues are taking the time to reflect on and celebrate Black leaders, artists and others who have made a difference in our community and often haven't received the spotlight they deserve.
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.
Black History Month tours and events in Raleigh
1. Tour the Pope House Museum
The first licensed Black doctor in North Carolina lived right here in Raleigh. People drive past his 120-year-old home in downtown Raleigh everyday and never even notice.
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!
Tours are available every Friday in February at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tours are by appointment only, and must be scheduled at least 30 minutes prior to the tour. Please call the City of Raleigh Museum to reserve your tour at 919-996-2220 or visit their website for more details.
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.
WRAL has a guide to some of the most interesting sites to begin your own driving or walking tour.
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.
More details can be found on the website. Tickets are free.
4. Historical Black communities in NC series
Wilmington Massacre: Over a century ago, a mob of white supremacists unleashed terror on the Black community in Wilmington.
Dozens of African-Americans were murdered, and the city government was overthrown – the only time that's ever happened in American history.
On Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m., author David Zucchino hosts a virtual talk called 'Wimington's Lie,' exploring the often-forgotten story of political and racial tensions leading up to the Wilmington Massacre. More details are available on the website.
De-segregation in Wake County: Joe Holt Jr. was the first Black student to challenge segregation in Raleigh's schools following Brown vs. the Board of Education.
He shares his memories and experiences from his firsthand look at history on Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. on a virtual event. Learn more on the Wake County Public Libraries website.
Apex Black History: Before the Civil War, half of the inhabitants of southwestern Wake County were enslaved or free Black men, women and children. Get a window into their world when local actors present snippets from historian Warren Holleman's new play "Forged in Fire: The Story of Apex."
The event is Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Eva Perry Regional Library. Learn more on the library website.
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.
Swann performs freedom songs as the audience interactively joins with drumming and movement. Learn more on the library website.
Black History Month events and tours in Cary
The Town of Cary is offering a variety of programs addressing the "diverse experiences of the African Diaspora in the United States."
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.
Registration is required and will open late January.
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
Cary has many historic sites deeply connected with the town's Black history. Local historians have compiled these locations so you can explore them for yourself, along with a document explaining the significance of each site.
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.
Around 900 people were once enslaved here, and the site is now dedicated to ensuring their stories are told. Tour the original slave quarters (1851), a massive barn from 1860 and the Bennehan family house dating back to the 1780s. Learn more.
2. Tour Geer Cemetery
Sadly, several historically African-American cemeteries in the Triangle have, at some point, become so overgrown and broken that even neighbors don't even realize there's a cemetery there anymore. Geer Cemetery was in such a state, but has been cleaned up within the past few years by volunteers. Now, historic signage and archival photos adorn walking trails, ensuring the stories of those buried here are not forgotten.
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.
More information about the event can be found on their Facebook page. It's free to attend.
4. Explore Black culture, music and history at Hayti Heritage Center
On Feb. 1 at 7 p.m., guests can enjoy a night of Gospel music and history.
"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.
Don't miss our coverage of Black History Month on WRAL News.
We have two series this month: Following the Underground Railroad will explore different 'stops' on the route to freedom across North Carolina.
Forward Together will highlight Black change makers making an impact in the community today.
