
The Town of Cary is presenting several Black History Month programs in February of 2023. (And one event in late January.)
The theme this year is “Unsung Titans of the 70s and 80s.
Learn about more Black History Month events throughout the Triangle.
Eric McRay: Mood & Music
Meet the Artist Reception: January 27th, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Free
Exhibiting January 5 – March 4 at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center Gallery
Eric McRay blends the verve, images and rhythms of the Bebop jazz age with the non-objective abstraction tradition of the New York School of the 1940s and 1950s. His paintings focus on subjective emotional expression with emphasis on spontaneous creative actions.
McRay received a BFA degree at the Maryland Institute, College of Art, where he earned a four-year scholarship for his artistic talent. His work is included in the collections of North Carolina Central University Art Museum, SAS Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Health Raleigh Hospital, NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, and many private collections.
Art by African American Masters — Visual Art Class for Ages 11-15
February 3rd, 2023
5:45 to 7 p.m.
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC
$13 for Cary residents, $17 for non-residents
As a contribution to Black History and African American Appreciation Month, join us for this fun and educational class. Come learn about some of the rock-stars of African American Art. Make your own creation based on the art of Amy Sherald or Kehinde Wiley. Register through My Cary.
Can I Kick It? The Last Dragon by Shaolin Jazz
February 25th, 2023
6 to 9:30 p.m.
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC
$10
Can I Kick It? is a unique multimedia experience catered to fans of martial arts, action films & Hip Hop Music. DJ 2 Tone Jones from Shaolin Jazz will perform a live music score (scene-by-scene) of the 1985 martial arts comedy, The Last Dragon with a blend of Hip Hop, Soul, and Funk! Video Q&A with the lead actor, Taimak, from the film. Come early to eat!
Food Trucks will be onsite at 5pm:Go Yaki, Kitoko Bites & Royal Cheesecake & Varieties LLC.
Unsung Titans of the 70s and 80s
Multiple Dates in February
The Cary Theater
122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC
$5.59
Throughout the month of February, The Cary Theater is highlighting a few African American performing artists that have made contributions to the diversity of Hollywood productions. You’ve seen these titans but might not know their stories. Come see the movies they were featured in and learn a little bit more about these Unsung Titans of the ’70s & ’80s at The Cary. For general inquiries contact: The Cary Theater (919) 462-2051
- Tamara Dobson starring in CLEOPATRA JONES: February 2nd at 7 p.m., and February 5th at 4:30 p.m.
- Nichelle Nichols featured in STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN: February 9th at 7 p.m. and February 12th at 4:30 p.m.
- Gregory Hines starring in WHITE NIGHTS: February 16th at 7 p.m. and February 19th at 4:30 p.m.
- Robert Townsend featured actor and director of HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE: February 23rd at 7 p.m. and February 26th at 4:30 p.m.
An Evening with Grandmaster Victor Moore
February 24th, 2023
7 to 9:30 p.m.
The Cary Theater
122 East Chatham Street, Cary, NC
FREE, but tickets are required
This program will explore the contributions of African Americans to the progression of martial arts in the USA.
This fun and educational evening features:
- A Kung Fu demonstration by the Chinese Shao-Lin Center of Raleigh
- The exclusive theatrical premiere of the documentary Grandmaster: The Vic Moore Story
- Participate in a live conversation with 4x Karate Champion, Vic Moore
- A special Q & A session with the film director, Christopher Everett
The Face of Emmett Till Symposium
February 19th, 2023
1 to 5:30 p.m.
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC
Free, but donations are appreciated
In May of 2023, Pure Life Theatre Company will perform the theatrical production of “The Face of Emmett Till” by Mamie Till Mobley. The production team for the project is working to educate people with regard to the story’s historical relevance and continued impact. As a part of the Town of Cary’s Black History & African American Appreciation Month celebrations, the company will offer the following symposium style workshops for individuals to feel, learn and experience the history, courage, and emotion pervasive in the piece and its incredible historical relevance. The symposium is offered for free however the production team would greatly appreciate a $10.00 donation towards the spring production.
Celebrating Our Heroes. Applause! Theatrical Performance
February 18th, 2023
6 to 7 p .m.
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC
Free
Join Applause! Cary Youth Theatre in celebrating the contributions of African Americans to our community, nation, and world in a theatrical performance. Enjoy the African folktales of Anansi and discover both historical and contemporary heroes in this celebratory experience. This is a free family event. Open to the public, no tickets or registrations required.
Darrell Stover: Documentary Photography
Meet the Artist Reception: February 24th, 2023, 6 to 8 p.m.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Free
Exhibiting February 8 – March 4 at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center Gallery, 2nd floor
Stover’s documentary photographs capture 48 hours of the jazz scene created by music intellectuals in the NC Triangle (Durham/Cary) one August in 2018.
More information and tickets for all the ticketed events here.
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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: