Author: Andie Freeman
Header image: Volunteers help children with craft at 19th Annual African American Cultural Celebration. Photo by Eric Blevins, courtesy of the DNCR
On February 28, the North Carolina Museum of Art will host the 25th African American Cultural Celebration (AACC)—a vibrant finale to Black History Month that honors African Americans’ contributions to North Carolina. What began in 2001 with just 100 attendees has grown into a beloved tradition drawing thousands statewide. This year, the celebration moves from its usual home at the N.C. Museum of History, where renovations are underway, to the N.C. Museum of Art.
“The AACC began as a vision sketched on a napkin,” according to Earl Ijames, N.C. Museum of History curator of African American history and agriculture. “In 2001, a few hundred people gathered at the Museum of History to see some of North Carolina’s most recognized artisans and authors. Twenty-five years later, the Saturday event boasts a great mix of young talented artisans and seasoned elders, plus an online Friday education day. Each year, thousands attend both; Saturday’s celebration is the largest indoor event of its kind.”
The celebration will open with a procession between the East and West buildings on Gipson Plaza by United States Colored Troops Reenactment Groups, followed by music from Carver High School’s Sound of the Swarm Marching Band, from Winston-Salem, and the Magic of African Rhythm, from Durham. After recognizing dignitaries and sponsors, Loaves and Fishes Ministry Executive Director and performer, India Williams will lead everyone in the anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing.
The celebration will then move into the museum’s East Building, where for the rest of the day visitors will be able to immerse themselves in African American culture through performances, demonstrations, and exhibits by artists, musicians, authors, filmmakers, scholars, and community organizations. “As an AACC board member and host of the History, Film, and Enterprise forum, I’ve enjoyed working with an impressive list of presenters over the years,” Earl Ijames said. “This year, I especially look forward to recognizing and honoring some of our longer-term presenters from across North Carolina and beyond.”
North Carolina legends will share their crafts with visitors, demonstrating traditional art forms. Neal Thomas—a 2023 N.C. Heritage Award honoree and a 2025 recipient of a Maxwell/Hanrahan Award in Craft—will showcase his split-oak basketry. Esteemed potter Ben Watford will present his iconic face jugs and other works, while fourth-generation basket weaver Alfreda Johnson will demonstrate the centuries-old sweetgrass basketry of the Gullah Geechee culture.
“This year marks my first celebration as a staff member, but not my first as an attendee,” said Madison Phillips, who heads the public programs branch of the N.C. Museum of History. “I first experienced the celebration’s magic in January 2020 while working at a resource table for my employer at the time. By day’s end, I was energized by conversations about history that I had with attendees. Six years later, I’m helping coordinate the event. It’s gratifying to be in a position to help create that magic for others that I first felt not long ago.”
The celebration has grown, but its purpose remains the same: to spotlight African Americans’ contributions to North Carolina’s culture. “We’ve expanded from a small event to one that reaches audiences statewide, with virtual programs for classrooms and in-person celebrations that welcome new visitors,” said Natalie Rodriguez, associate director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission. “What has remained constant is the sense of pride and purpose. The festival continues to honor living traditions and the strength of North Carolina’s African American population.”
Passing traditions to younger generations remains a priority as elders share their knowledge. The family-friendly event entertains and enlightens all ages, drawing visitors year after year to create lasting memories. “I treasure my memory of local author Carmen W. Cauthen signing my copy of her book, Historic Black Neighborhoods of Raleigh,” said Natalie. “Families can enjoy hands-on activities, hear stories from the North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers, watch pottery and basket weaving demonstrations, and collect take-home craft kits. This year, visitors will be able to make their own cowrie shell necklaces. I hope visitors will take with them all they learn from the celebration and continue celebrating North Carolina’s heritage year-round.”
“I hope people will experience the joy that comes from being surrounded by community and culture,” Madison added. “From the opening procession to the educational panels, to the live demonstrations, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
The celebration’s organizers are already looking ahead eagerly to the next decade. Natalie said, “I am excited to imagine how this celebration will take place when the Museum of History reopens in 2028. The renovation will offer an expansive space to celebrate African American culture and cultivate new relationships with African American communities across the state.”