Black History Month - African Americans and the Arts: Introduction

The theme for this year's Black History Month is African American and the Arts. According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH):

African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans.

Explore this guide to discover events and resources related to this year's theme.

• John H. White Photograph Exhibition - all campuses
• African Americans in Graphic Novels - all campuses

"Inspired to Write! An Author Talk" with novelist, Dr. Beth-Kara Dawkins
Tuesday, Feb. 6, noon-1 p.m., Harris Campus, Library

"African American Culture, Identity, and Representation in Graphic Novels" with Stephanie Williams

• Wednesday, Feb. 7, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Cato Campus, Cato II, Auditorium, Room 020
• Wednesday, Feb. 14, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Merancas Campus, Merancas IV, Room 122 (inside the library)
• Wednesday, Feb. 21, 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m., Levine Campus, Levine IlI, Auditorium
• Wednesday, Feb. 28, noon-1 p.m., Harper Campus, Harper IV, Room 310 (inside the library)

"Crafting a Narrative for Your Family History" with Rose Parkman

• Thursday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-noon, Central Campus, Parr Center, Library, Room 3220
• Thursday, Feb. 15, 1-2 p.m., Harris Campus, Harris 1, Auditorium

"What is it Going to take: African American Arts in Charlotte" with Arsena and Jermaine Nakia Lee, panelists, and Dr. Corlis Hayes, moderator
Thursday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., Tate Hall, Overcash Building

"REVIVAL!" Exploring the Transcendent Nature of Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" with Dr. Alicia D. Dervin
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Cato Campus, Cato II, Auditorium (020)

"A Citizen of No Nation" with photographer/artist Toni Lovejoy
Thursday, Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Central Campus, Overcash, Tate Hall

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library 

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will be hosting a variety of events for all ages.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture will be hosting different events, for all ages, throughout the month.

Association for the Study of African American Life and History 

The ASALH will be hosting a virtual conference for Black History Month.