Holly Springs
- In celebration of Black History Month, the Town of Holly Springs has launched a new mobile interactive Black History Tour, giving residents a chance to peek through time. Users can enjoy stories, audio clips, and photographs of the town’s rich history on their computers or while strolling down Grigsby Avenue on a walking tour — just be sure to enable the location features on the Google app or any browser other than Safari. Ready to travel back in time? Visit the tour at www.hollyspringsnc.gov/BlackHistoryTour.
- The historical marker for the former Holly Springs Elementary School was unveiled in November 2020 after a monthslong collaboration between the Town, former students, and community representatives. The school for Black children stood on the site of what is now the Town-owned Hunt Recreation Center. The original plank structure was built around 1924 with donations from Black citizens, county school funds, and a grant from the Rosenwald Foundation. See a video about the former school.
- The Town of Holly Springs is highlighting a few of the people and places instrumental in the history of the town — head over to their website to read more!
Fuquay-Varina
- During February, the Town of Fuquay-Varina will release a video series called Fuquay-Varina Firsts, Celebrating Black History. The video series aims to inform, educate, and raise awareness of African American achievements in the Town. Through storytelling, it celebrates the impact of Fuquay-Varina’s pioneering African American community leaders. Find the series here.
- The Fuquay-Varina Museums are featuring a special scavenger hunt for visitors during Black History Month. Prepare to be directed to trace the town’s African American artifacts through several buildings and displays as your docent leads. Come during public hours to participate in this adventure on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m.
Apex
- The Town of Apex is celebrating the contributions and legacy of Black Americans across US history and society with a monthlong art exhibition with Dena Reese-Booze — a self-taught artist residing and working in NC. Learn more! The show will run until March 1 at The Halle Cultural Arts Center (simply drop in during business hours).
- Celebrate Black History Month by hearing oral histories of Apex citizens’ resilience and resistance, presented by author/historian Warren Holleman, students from Middle Creek High School, and their teacher, Matt Scialdone. Saturday, Feb. 25 at The Halle Cultural Arts Center at 6 p.m. Event is free, but registration is required!
Cary
The Town of Cary’s Black History and African American Appreciation Month has a special theme this year: Unsung Titans of the ’70s & ’80s. Take a fun trip back in time to see how some of these artists influenced the culture with performances and panel discussions at The Cary Arts Center and special films at The Cary Theater. Other highlights include a youth visual art class and art/photo exhibitions at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Click here to view a full lineup of events.
