Usher in Black History Month one day early during one of the yearís largest events at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. The Eighth Annual African American Cultural Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will have something for all ages: musical performances, dance, storytelling, craft demonstrations, and more. Blues guitarist Boo Hanks, sweetgrass basketmaker Kisha Rawlinson, and childrenís authors Miles and William Rabun will join more than 70 presenters and exhibitors for this family event.
Admission and parking are free.
Stay for lunch and purchase food from vendors on Bicentennial Plaza, directly outside the museum.
ěThe celebration features a variety of presentations, so visitors have many firsthand opportunities to explore African American history and present-day culture,î says Emily Grant, youth programs coordinator. ěNew presentations this year include scenes from Burning Coal Theatre Companyís new play, ě1960,î and vignettes from Winston-Salem modern dance group Cyrus Art Productionsí commissioned work, ěGreensboro Then and Now.î Special guest Sana Butler, a Newsweek correspondent and author, will discuss her book, Sugar of the Crop: My Journey to Find the Children of Slaves, about an unprecedented quest to find the last surviving children of slaves.
A sampling of activities follows. For a schedule of performance times, go to ncmuseumofhistory.org.
? Music and dance take the stage with performers such as jazz saxophonist Ron Baxter, the trombone shout band Mangum and Company, and the Gospel Jubilators. At noon, watch a Jonkonnu procession with masked dancers in colorful costumes who will drum and sing. The procession resembles part of Jonkonnu celebrations observed by enslaved African Americans living in eastern North Carolina in the 1800s.
? Individuals will highlight historical topics and literary milestones. For example, author Jaki Shelton Green, recently named Piedmont poet laureate, will read excerpts of her poems, and legendary harness horseman Charles ěRed Eyeî Williams will discuss his experiences.
? Watch craft demonstrations by white oak basketmaker Neal Thomas, wood- carver Frank Barrow, doll maker Marilyn Griffin, furniture maker Jerome Bias and others.
? Games and crafts combine learning with fun. Play traditional African games, make a cowrie shell necklace, join a quilting bee. Make a puppet before catching a presentation by storyteller and puppeteer Akbar Imhotep.
? Staff members from historic sites across North Carolina will share fascinating facts. Talk with representatives from the Latta House Foundation, Somerset Place State Historic Site, W.E.B. DuBois Community Development Corp., and other sites.
Mark your calendar for the African American Cultural Celebration. This event is supported by the Museum of History Associates and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, who in turn receives support from the N.C. Arts Council with funding from the state of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
For more information, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org.