Celebrate 25 Years of North Carolina’s African American Cultural Celebration

The North Carolina Museum of Historyproudly announces the 25th annual African American Cultural Celebration, taking place Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Both museums are part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).

For 25 years, this beloved event has been North Carolina's premier kickoff to Black History Month. Performers, artists, educators, and community members come together for a vibrant day filled with music, dance, storytelling, art, and educational activities. Guests of all ages can experience the rich heritage and living culture of African Americans in North Carolina through engaging presentations, craft demonstrations, and cultural conversations.

"The African American Cultural Celebration is the result of ongoing community collaborations across the state," said C.J. Roberts, director of the Division of State History Museums. "Reaching this 25th year is a testament to museum staff, artists, educators, and community partners who have shaped the celebration and to the audiences who return year after year."

"This year, the nation marks 100 years of Black History Month commemorations," said Adrienne Nirdé, director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission. "North Carolinians have long engaged with this celebration, and we are excited to continue it."

This year's event will be hosted at the North Carolina Museum of Art while the Museum of History remains closed for renovations.

"For 25 years, the African American Cultural Celebration has been one of DNCR's most popular and meaningful events," said DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. "It kicks off our observation of Black History Month and gives us another opportunity to amplify the voices of African American authors and community activists, showcase the talents of African American artists and performers, and highlight Black history and scholarship from across the state. This year, we are proud to recognize the 25th anniversary of this amazing event, along with 100 years of Black History Month in America."

Event highlights include:

• Virtual Education Day: Students, teachers, and lifelong learners are invited to a free virtual event on Friday, Jan. 30. The day features storytelling by the North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers and live-streamed music performances during the annual AACC Education Day.
• Opening Procession and Welcome: The celebration kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 31 with a stirring procession featuring the United States Colored Troops, Carver High School's Sound of the Swarm Marching Band, and The Magic of African Rhythm. India Williams will close the procession with a soulful rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
• Hands-on Activities: Families can craft cowrie-shell necklaces and tissue-paper hats, join quilt-making with the African American Quilt Circle of Durham, and take home creative craft kits.
• Artisan Demonstrations: Watch master artisans create pottery, quilts, baskets, and jewelry. Explore unique displays of crocheted dolls, puppets, miniatures, and handmade hats.
• Performances: Experience live storytelling by the North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers and dynamic drumming from The Magic of African Rhythm.

Join the North Carolina Museum of History Saturday, Jan. 31 at the North Carolina Museum of Art for an unforgettable celebration honoring the culture, community, and enduring legacy of African Americans in North Carolina. For more information and to view the full schedule of events, visit NC-AACC.com.

Graphics:
Magic of African Rhythm Dancers
Dancers with The Magic of African Rhythm perform during the 2025 African American Cultural Celebration.

About the N.C. Museum of History
The North Carolina Museum of History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, fosters a passion for North Carolina history. This museum collects and preserves artifacts of state history and educates the public on the history of the state and the nation through exhibits and educational programs. In 2024, more than 275,000 people visited the museum to see some of the 150,000 artifacts in the museum collection. Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of History serves as the flagship historical institution of the Division of State History Museums. This division, part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, includes seven regional history museums dedicated to preserving and interpreting the stories of North Carolina's past.

About the Smithsonian Affiliations Network
Since 2006, the North Carolina Museum of History has been a Smithsonian Affiliate, part of a select group of museums and cultural, educational and arts organizations that share Smithsonian resources with the nation. The Smithsonian Affiliations network is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums and other educational and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at affiliations.si.edu.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

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