"The Brilliance of Resilience"

     Throughout February, the Town of Cary celebrated Black History and African American Appreciation Month under the theme “The Brilliance of Resilience" with a vibrant series of programs across Downtown Cary. Highlights included A Taste of Black History, a culinary exploration of African diasporic food traditions; A Night of Jazz, R&B, and Funk with Chip Shearin, a Valentine's concert celebrating the legendary bassist; the Youth Advocacy Summit, in partnership for NCSU, 4-H, and Triangle YMCA that focused on wellness, leadership and civic engagement; and The Willie Hinton Dance Collective: Rise – The Story of Love and Resilience, a powerful multimedia performance blending dance, theater, and music.

     The month also featured Romare Bearden Collage youth art classes, film screenings such as Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts at The Cary Theater, a discussion with former BAD BOY rapper Mark Curry, and community-centered programs at Downtown Cary Park including Yoga in the Park, Cooking Demo: SoulFULL Celebrations, The Future of Black History with Dr. Yohuru Williams, Intro to Machine Sewing Workshop, Art Cart: Black History Month, and Social Roll with Black & Nerdy Gamers. Art exhibitions such as Christopher Evans: Within the Light: Finding the Balance and Portraits of Resistance and Resilience: Honoring African American Women with Wake County Roots further honored Black creativity, leadership, and enduring contributions to the community.

Thank you for visiting our page, we hope you join us in 2027

Dial 311 inside Cary or (919) 469-4000 if outside of Cary Town Limits for information, questions, comments, and concerns

2026 Event Coordinator: Kim Roberts

To learn more about African American History in Cary, please see the Friends of the Page Walker Winter 25 Issue of the Innkeeper. 

PLEASE ENJOY THE 2026 RECAP PHOTO ALBUM

Photograph's taken by CR Photos, Mathias Bishop and Sage Battle