February is Black History Month, a time to honor the triumphs and tribulations of African Americans throughout U.S. history. From creating woven pieces inspired by former slaves, to learning about the birth of hip-hop, music’s most popular genre, there are plenty of opportunities to commemorate the achievements of Black people in the Queen City. Here are 10 ways to celebrate Black History Month in Charlotte.
Matthews Heritage Museum Presents: Woven Treasures
When: February 9, 2023 2PM-3PM
Where: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – Matthews, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews, NC 28105
What to know: Matthews Heritage Museum Director Barbara Taylor will introduce the museum’s latest exhibition, Woven Treasures. The program will feature the work of Mecklenburg County basket maker Leon Berry, who learned the craft from his grandfather, a former slave. The event is open to all ages and registration is required.
Classic Black Cinema Series: New Orleans
When: February 12, 2023 12PM-2PM
Where: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture 551 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202
What to Know: Visit the Gantt for a monthly featured film screening in the Classic Black Cinema Series! Witness the rich history of Black filmmaking. New Orleans is a 1947 American musical romance film starring Arturo de Córdova and Dorothy Patrick featuring a conventional plot — however — the film is noteworthy for casting jazz legends like Billie Holiday, who is romantically involved with bandleader Louis Armstrong. The true star of New Orleans is the jazz music, including the performances of Dixieland jazz, and the legendary musicians featured in this film.
National African American Read In
When: February 18, 2023 10AM-2PM
Where: Sugar Creek Charter School, 4101 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28206
What to know: The third annual National African American Read-In will include meet-and-greets with authors Shaketa Richardson, Harrison Martin, Kristi Cruise, plus raffles, a parent workshop, food truck and youth performances. The event is free and open to the public.
Men of Change: As We Journey Through
When: February 19, 2023 2PM & 5PM
Where: Charlotte Ballet Center for Dance, 701 North Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202
What to Know: Celebrate Black History Month and join Charlotte Ballet II for a contemporary dance performance and audience talkback inspired by the Smithsonian exhibition, Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth currently on view at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture and Levine Museum of the New South.
This brand new work, created by Choreographer Ashley Lindsey, focuses on the revolutionary men of color who have come before us. The achievements of the “men of change” are woven within the legacy and traditions of the African American journey—achievements of excellence in spite of society’s barriers.
The As we Journey Through performance will be followed by an engaging panel discussion. Hear the behind-the-scenes details from the show’s choreographer, Ashley Lindsey. Take in performance artist Holly Bass’s perspective of the show, as she discusses her Alvin Ailey-inspired Men of Change work. Receive foundational context of the Men of Change exhibition with its curator, Marquette Folley, content director at the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). The esteemed panel will be hosted by Kimberly Pereira, Charlotte Ballet’s director of education & community engagement. Ticket prices range form $15-$20
Wednesday Night Live: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop With The Come Up
When: February 22, 2023 6:30PM-8:30PM
Where: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
What to know: New York Times journalist and best-selling author Jonathan Abrams will share stories from his latest project, “The Come Up,” a compilation of the oral history of hip-hop. The program will include a brief reading and book signing. Registration is required.
African American Heritage Festival
When: February 23-25, 2023 11AM-5PM
Where: Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215
What to know: The Charlotte Museum of History’s African American Heritage Festival will emphasize HBCUs through performance, panels and a college fair. The Alexander Homesite will also be open for tours, and North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green will deliver the keynote address. Admission is free and open to all ages.
Jazz @ The Gant Featuring Camille Thurman Quintet
When: February 24-25, Times Vary
Where: Harvey B Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
What to Know: Jazz music stirs and soothes the soul. The sounds of Camille Thurman Quintet wraps up a 6-month series of Jazz @ The Gantt produced by Ocie Davis.
This series presents modern jazz musicians from New York City, where the history of the music runs deep. Season 1, entitled To Be Young Gifted and Black, features current and rising Black American musicians who are the torch bearers of this great American art form. Entertaining and insightful, this series showcases invaluable contributions Black people continue to make to the cultural fabric of America and worldwide.
Shake off the stress of the week and come to the Gantt to unwind and enjoy live music in an exclusive, elegant setting. Ticket prices begin at $65.
When: February 25, 2023 12PM-2PM
Where: 3120 Wilkinson Boulevard Suite D-1 Charlotte, NC 28208
What to Know: The Wellness & Opportunity Center provides programs and education opportunities for our members and the community. This free event will focus on observing Black History Month with a celebration for the community. They will have Dancers, African American Drummers, African American Poetry, African American Storytime, Traveling Museum with art, books, and contemporary ideas. Join us in celebrating Black History and Heart Healthy Month.
***Soul Food and Heart Healthy Meals will be provided along with drinks and snacks.
****Door prizes, and giveaways for those that participate.
When: February 26, 2023 2PM-4PM
Where: SouthPark Regional Library, 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28211
What to know: Meet successful Black entrepreneurs in the Charlotte area from various fields for an afternoon of information and networking. Registration is required.
North Carolina Black Heritage Festival
When: February 26, 2023 1PM-5PM
Where: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 N.C. 49, Concord, NC 28025
What to know: The festival will feature performances, more than 100 Black-owned businesses, crafts and food. There will also be giveaways and activities for kids. Admission is free.
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