By: Lelani Williamson 

Celebrated annually in February, Black History Month celebrates and recognizes all that African Americans have overcome and achieved throughout history. Beginning in 1926 when the Association for the Study of African American Life and History devoted a national week in February to celebrate African Americans, a revolution began across the nation bringing about lectures, performances, and celebrations in various communities. In 1976, President Gerald Ford proclaimed February as Black History Month to honor the accomplishments of African Americans in the history and culture of the United States, and this tradition continues on to this day.

Here are some ways you can celebrate in our community: 

Every Friday in February:

Cary High Black Student Association Meetings 

Every Friday during Black History Month our school’s Black Student Association will be holding meetings discussing various topics about black history.

• Meetings are located in the BOP next to Student Services

February 10-11th:

Chapel Hill Black Film Festival 

A variety of new films depict such topics as the struggles of the black community, mental health, and freedom. 

• Varsity Theatre, 123 E Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
• 7pm – 11pm Friday, February 10th
• 1pm – 10pm Saturday, February 11th 

February 11th:

Black History: The Fight for Education 

An interactive timeline that takes you on a trip through the education of African Americans, looking at both the obstacles and successes. They will have food and live entertainment while honoring the impact that black educators have had on our society.

• Nexus, 1214 E Lenoir Street, Raleigh, NC
• 3pm – 6pm 

February 25th:

Can I Kick It? The Last Dragon by Shalin Jazz

A fun multimedia experience where DJ 2 Tone Jones will perform a music score live from The Last Dragon with his own twist of Hip-Hop, Funk, and Soul music. Some food trucks will also be on-site at 5pm.

• Cary Arts Center 101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC 
• 6pm – 9:30pm 

February 26th:

Minority Food Truck Pop-Up

Come try various foods all sold from varying minority food trucks!

• John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, NC     
• 1pm – 5pm