News From the Department
Museum Presents Fourth Annual African American Cultural Celebration
Contact:
For more information
contact Susan Friday Lamb at 919-807-7943 or Emily Grant at 919-807-7979
There’s a reason why attendance at the annual African American Cultural Celebration at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh soars higher every year. Since its debut in 2002, the event’s attendance has increased by at least 1,000 visitors per year. This free celebration brings together an outstanding lineup of musicians, dancers, artists, authors and others who share the history and culture of African Americans in North Carolina.
This year’s Fourth Annual African American Cultural Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. features a record number of presenters. In fact, there are so many music and dance performances that the event will overflow to a second stage on Bicentennial Plaza (directly outside the museum). This fun and educational celebration offers something for all ages, from captivating storytellers and hands-on craft activities to dance workshops and cooking demonstrations. Parking is free.
Celebrate Dance
African American dance traditions take center stage during performances by noted North Carolina groups. The Elikem African Dance Company leads the way with traditional dance and music from Ghana. Watch the OPEYO! Modern Dance Company perform hip-hop and other contemporary moves, and see the lively step routines of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brothers from N.C. Central University. And there’s more . . . find out what a South African gum boot dance is when you watch the N.C. Youth Tap Ensemble. Then follow the moves of break dancers Nasty Fruit when rap singer Showdown takes the stage. After seeing the performances, dive into a dance workshop to learn a few break dance, tap, step or modern moves.
Celebrate Music
Hear singer and songwriter Kimbuté, a native of Tanzania who successfully blends reggae, Afro-pop and world beat for her own style of music. Enjoy the deep baritone of blues singer Luther Mayer (aka Captain Luke), whose music is “rooted in the African American working class of the Carolina Piedmont.” Then k ick back with r ap singer Showdown, a popular Greensboro radio personality who independently released his single “If You Can’t” in 1999. The St. Augustine’s College Choirs and Dancers will combine gospel sounds with praise dance. Bring your instrument and join local jazz musicians during an afternoon jam session.
Celebrate History
The groundbreaking documentary “Slavery and the Making of America,” which airs on PBS in February, will premiere at the Jan. 22 event. Dante James, producer of a segment from the documentary, will discuss this in-depth series that presents a new look at slavery. In addition, award-winning reporter and filmmaker Steve Crump, from Charlotte’s WBTV, will highlight his documentary “Lessons From the Lunch Counter” about the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins.
Military history will come to life with the Civil War artillery reenactors of Battery B 2nd Regiment U.S. Colored Light Artillery 18th Corps.
Celebrate Literature and the Spoken Word
Storyteller Thomasi McDonald will captivate you with African and African American folktales. The day continues with T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, who will discuss her book But I Will Teach You, and Carl Kenney, who will highlight his book Preacha’ Man, which is set in Durham. Trudier Harris, a UNC-CH professor, author and lecturer, will share insights about African American literature and folklore. The afternoon wraps up with an open-mike poetry session.
Celebrate Craft and Art Traditions
Gov. Mike Easley proclaimed 2004-2005 as a “Celebration of North Carolina Craft.” This two-year statewide celebration showcases Tar Heel craft traditions, artisans and their projects. So come meet talented quilters from the African American Quilting Circle and craftsmen such as dancing-doll maker George SerVance and basketmaker Neal Thomas.
See mixed media works by artist and sculptor Andre Leon Gray, who intertwines political and spiritual themes into his works. Jonathan Daniel, a wire artist who was born in Zimbabwe, will display his fascinating wire toys, animals and models. Hear his life story, which is as captivating as his art. Then try your hand at craft activities that include making wire sculptures and knot dolls. All crafts, except quilts, are available for purchase.
Celebrate Food
Rhonda Muhammed of Rhonda’s Pie Creations will present a cooking demonstration about African foods and discuss how these foods have influenced today’s cuisine. She will make dishes such as jollof rice and black-eyed-pea balls. For lunch or a snack, purchase a variety of selections from vendors on Bicentennial Plaza.
Celebrate Heritage
Representatives from a variety of historic sites and museums, such as the Hayti Heritage Center, the African American Cultural Complex and the Ujima Group, will be available to answer questions about their organizations and ongoing projects.
Mark your calendar for this family event on Jan. 22. There’s all this and more at this annual celebration, made possible in part by Speaker of the House James B. Black, the N.C. House of Representatives, the Legislative Black Caucus, the Junior League of Raleigh, the N.C. Museum of History Associates and Wal-Mart.
For more information, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org.
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The N.C. Museum of History’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is available in the lot across Wilmington Street. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.
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