The Town of Cary is presenting several Black History Month programs in February of 2024. Some of the events are free and some are ticketed. Follow the above link to see all the events. We’re listing a few of the events below.
The theme this year is STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Education, Arts and Music.)
Learn about more Black History Month events throughout the Triangle.
Willa Brigham: A Thread Runs Through It — Meet the Artist Reception
Friday, January 26, 2024
6 to 8 p.m.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Free
A vibrant array of multi-colored threads, yarns, and cords fashioned into complex, chaotic swirls and beautifully disarranged lines and curves. The essence of this art is giving new life to recycled, repurposed, and upcycled threads. These multi-colored creations are shown under netting, tulle, and organza.
A Brilliant and Uncertain Performance with poet Dasan Ahanu and The Holloway Group Band
Friday, February 2, 2024
8 p.m.
The Cary Theater
122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC
$6-$10
This show is a unique live band and spoken word experience based on Dasan Ahanu’s poetry chapbook, a brilliant uncertain rebellion. Dasan is an award-winning poet, spoken word artist, and emcee continuing in a long tradition of music and performance. A student of craft. A speaker of truth. A griot looking to bring his words to life on stage to the dynamic backdrop of jazz and soul instrumentation. Each poem will be blended with clever interpretations of Andre Benjamin, aka Andre 3000’s, musical catalog including Outkast songs and guest appearances to create a performance experience unlike anything else.
A Taste of Black History: Lunch
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Cary Senior Center
120 Maury Odell Place, Cary, NC
Free, but registration is required
This event is for people ages 55 and up. People of African descent have played a significant role in shaping a uniquely American style of eating. Partake in a cultural cuisine experience in honor of Black History Month. Lunch will be provided by a locally Black-owned restaurant.
NC Jazz Ensemble Presents The Future of Jazz
February 17, 2024
7 p.m.
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC
$20
This is Jazz with a twist, the 2.0 remix beaming you into the future for one night only. Come celebrate The Future of Jazz with the NC Jazz Ensemble as they play an array of R&B, Soul, Funk, Pop, and Jazz songs from past and present chart-topping artists.
Art Exhibit by Willa Brigham: A Thread Runs Through It
January 5 to March 2, 2024
Monday to Thursday: 12 to 9 p.m.
Friday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Free
A vibrant array of multi-colored threads, yarns, and cords fashioned into complex, chaotic swirls and beautifully disarranged lines and curves. The essence of my art is giving new life to recycled, repurposed, and upcycled threads. These multi-colored creations are shown under netting, tulle, and organza. Artist Reception on January 26, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.
STREAM Symposium
Saturday, February 24, 2024
9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park
327 S Academy Street, Cary, NC
The STREAM Symposium will highlight the contributions of Black citizens in technology. Join us for lively discussions and learn how to win in the Digital Age from individuals at the top of their game that are willing to share vital information to help you succeed. Sessions hosted by Aisymmetry & Coach Rene Daughtry, Rodgers Global Leadership Consortium, National Black MBA Association (Raleigh- Durham), Blacks in Technology RDU, BrainSTEMology, and Cary in collaboration with Radio One!
Black is the Color — A Film About the History of African American Art
Saturday, February 24, 2024
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Cary
122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC
$4 to $6
Film Synopsis: In 1969, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York mounted a major exhibit called “Harlem On My Mind.” There was just one thing wrong: the show had no work by African American artists.
The “Harlem on My Mind” fiasco is emblematic of the barriers Black artists have faced when it comes to having their work exhibited and collected. BLACK IS THE COLOR highlights key moments in the history of African-American visual art, from Edmonia Lewis’s 1867 sculpture Forever Free, to the work of contemporary artists such as Whitfield Lovell, Kerry James Marshall, Ellen Gallagher, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
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.
Both comprehensive and lively, BLACK IS THE COLOR is a much-needed survey of great work by artists whose contributions were neglected by the mainstream art world for far too long.
More information and tickets for all the ticketed events here.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Black History Month Events
Check out a list of Black History Month events and sites in the Triangle, or look at a quick list here:
