Orange County, NC – Join the Orange County Office of Equity and Inclusion in celebrating the lives and legacy of African Americans across Orange County throughout February. This month-long series of events will honor the contributions of African Americans in labor, justice, and equity movements while fostering deep reflection, meaningful dialogue, and a commitment to building a more just and inclusive community.
A variety of engaging programs, including film screenings, book discussions, art exhibits, and community conversations, will take place at multiple venues throughout Orange County. Events are free and open to the public, with registration encouraged for select activities.
Key Events:
Telling the Full Story Conversation Series
Every Thursday, February 6 – 27 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Passmore Center, 103 Meadowlands Dr, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Join a discussion about the overlooked Black and Indigenous histories in Hillsborough through an oral history and map-based project. Co-sponsored by The Alliance for Historical Hillsborough. Register by calling 919-245-2015 by January 31.
How the Word is Passed – Community Read Discussion
Saturday, February 1 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Orange County Public Library, 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Engage in a discussion about Clint Smith’s book How the Word is Passed. Registration is preferred but not required.
Judging Juries – Film Screening & Discussion
Thursday, February 6 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
A short documentary on racial bias in jury selection, followed by a discussion led by Emily Coward of Duke Law's Inclusive Juries Project. More details at orangecountync.gov/JudgingJuries.
Annual Black History Month Breakfast
Friday, February 7 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hargraves Center, 216 N Roberson St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Celebrate with a cultural program, fellowship, and a soulful breakfast. Co-sponsored by Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation and the Orange County Department on Aging. Register by calling 919-968-2070 by January 31.
TRANSCENDENCE – Art Exhibit & Showcase
Friday, February 7 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Eno Arts Mill, 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd #17, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Featuring the 2024 Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation BIPOC Artist-in-Residence Tyamica Mabry, DJ Damu, and more. Free art-making activities, live music, and food vendors available.
Fireside Chat with Braxton Foushee, Brian Litchfield, Gerry Cohen, and Howard Lee
Monday, February 10 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514, Room A
A conversation with leaders about how civil rights shaped 50 years of Chapel Hill Transit
Everybody’s Work: Healing What Hurts Us All – Film Screening & Discussion
Saturday, February 15 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Orange County Public Library, 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278
A documentary about systemic racism in healthcare through the experiences of Nurses of Color. Registration encouraged.
The Man Behind the Counter: Charles Bess Recalls the Greensboro Sit-Ins
Friday, February 21 | 1:00 p.m.
Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
A compelling interview featuring Charles Bess, the man who served the students during the historic Woolworth’s sit-ins. Co-sponsored by AARP North Carolina.
ORIGIN – Film Screening
Friday, February 21 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Eno Arts Mill, 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd #17, Hillsborough, NC 27278
A screening of Ava DuVernay’s ORIGIN, based on Isabel Wilkerson's Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. Free event; space is limited.
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone & How We Can Prosper Together – Community Read & Discussion
Friday, February 27 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Bonnie B. Davis Environment & Agricultural Center, 1020 US-70, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Inspired by Heather McGhee’s bestselling book, this panel discussion explores how racial inequities impact various aspects of society and how collective action can drive positive change.
These events provide an opportunity to engage with history, art, and community conversations while celebrating the rich contributions of African Americans in Orange County and beyond.
Media Contact:
Paul Slack
Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer
Orange County Department of Equity and Inclusion
pslack@orangecountync.gov | 919-245-2317