February 2024 - Parks and Recreation - 12

WE ARE PARKS AND RECREATION
Cary Celebrates Black History Month
While STREAMing Into the Future
By Kim Roberts
F
The Town of Cary,
North Carolina, will
highlight aspects of
Black history, culture
and achievements to
celebrate Black History
and African American
Appreciation Month
in 2024.
ebruary marks a momentous time for the Town of Cary, North
Carolina, as it actively engages in a series of events to commemorate
Black History and African American Appreciation Month.
These events are carefully curated to celebrate the contributions
of Black Americans by shining a light on the rich tapestry of Black history
and fostering a sense of unity within the community.
ing influential figures at the top of
their fields sharing insights, breakthroughs
and information on an
eclectic range of topics, including
artificial
intelligence, the wealth
For 2024, Cary has made a concerted
effort to showcase a diverse
range of events that highlight various
aspects of Black history, culture
and achievements through the lens
of science, technology, research, education,
arts and music (STREAM).
From educational seminars and
historical exhibits to artistic performances
and community dialogues,
Cary's Black History Month events
provide a platform for residents to
deepen their understanding and appreciation
for the immense impact
Black individuals have had on shaping
the community and nation.
Amplifying Black Voices
One of the standout events
2024 is
for
the " STREAM Symposium, "
housed in the newly-opened
Downtown Cary Park and featurgap,
the future of music and entertainment,
and even a live STEM
hip-hop battle.
Cary also has taken steps to
amplify Black voices in the arts.
Local artists and performers take
center stage during Black History
Month with an art exhibit by
local North Carolina artist and
speaker Willa Brigham, a screening
and art class surrounding the
film Black is the Color: A History of
African American Art, and several
other events showcasing myriad
talents that span music, poetry,
food and live performance. Music
lovers can experience everything
from " The Future of Jazz " with
the North Carolina Jazz Ensemble
to " A Brilliant and Uncertain Performance, "
a unique live band and
spoken word experience based on
Dasan Ahanu's poetry chapbook,
A Brilliant Uncertain Rebellion. By
featuring these artists, the town
hopes to provide not only a platform
for local talent, but also emphasize
the vibrancy and diversity
inherent in Black culture.
12 Parks & Recreation | FEBR U AR Y 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
A Celebration of Culture,
Diversity and Unity
By actively participating in Black
History Month events, residents of
Cary contribute to the creation of a
more equitable and just community
- a goal that is shared by its Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Resources
department overall. The celebration
of culture and diversity becomes an
opportunity for individuals to educate
themselves, engage in meaningful
conversations and reflect on
their own roles in fostering inclusivity.
Such awareness is a catalyst for
positive change, encouraging a collective
commitment to dismantling
systemic inequities and promoting
a fair and just society - all while
providing opportunities to showcase
Cary's robust cultural arts, programs
and world-class facilities.
As Cary continues to host and
support Black History Month
events, it sends a powerful message
about the value placed on diversity,
inclusion and unity. These celebrations
not only honor the past, but
also lay the foundation for a more
harmonious and equitable future.
In recognizing and celebrating the
contributions of Black Americans
to its community, Cary can continue
to actively shape a more inclusive
and compassionate present
and future. To learn more and view
the full slate of programming, visit
carync.gov/BHM.
Kim Roberts is Program and Event
Coordinator at Town of Cary
(kim.roberts@carync.gov).
IMAGE COURTESY OF TOWN OF CARY, NORTH CAROLINA
http://www.carync.gov/BHM
February 2024 - Parks and Recreation

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