Celebrate Black History Month with Park and Recreation

​It’s Black History Month and there are tons of ways you can explore this fascinating part of American history right here in Mecklenburg County.  

Celebrate the rich history of African Americans and their contributions to the Mecklenburg community through programs with Park and Recreation: 

Know Your History The program will empower youth to learn more about their past, learn about leaders who are not mentioned in mainstream media, and introduce them to different African Americans who have made major impacts on our lives today.  When: Wednesdays in February through Feb. 22, 2023, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Where: Naomi Drenan Recreation Center  Who: Kids ages 6-12  Registration: $2 for residents, $3 for non-residents  Register online 

Local History Thursdays at ArchiveCLT sponsored by Park and Recreation  ArchiveCLT is a black woman - owned coffee shop on Charlotte's west side dedicated to celebrating local black culture. Join us from 1-3 p.m. every Thursday in February to hear from a westside icon. Enjoy a complimentary beverage, while supplies last.  When: Thursdays in February through Feb. 23, 1-3 p.m.  Where: Archive CLT  Who: Open to everyone  Registration: Free 

Untold Stories of Mecklenburg County  This program brings local history to life through a discussion of the historic preservation movement both nationally and in Charlotte. After providing a brief overview of "Historic Preservation 101," Dr. Liz Morrell of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation will describe the County's new Untold Stories initiative and invite participants to provide their own stories if they wish. The program will conclude with a performance of "Sweet Jenn" by artist Lakeetha Blakeney. Through this living history performance, participants will be invited into the world of an enslaved woman in the pre-emancipation South.   When: Feb. 7, 2023, 11 a.m.   Where: Mallard Creek Recreation Center  Registration: Free  When: Feb. 10, at 10 a.m.  Where: David B. Waymer Recreation Center  Registration: Free 

Be BOLD! Celebrating Black Women in History  Be bold! Be fearless! Black women have done amazing things to make the world a better place and open doors for other women. We'll explore their contributions and learn how we can be just as bold and fearless. We will create a door hanger that will serve as a reminder to walk through any door boldly and fearlessly!  When: Feb. 9,2023, 5 – 6 p.m.  Where: Southview Recreation Center  Who: Kids ages 8-16  Registration: Free  Register online 

Black History Drums for Life  Please come out to the David B. Waymer Recreation and Senior Center as we celebrate Black history with a special presentation with Drums for Life.  When: Feb. 20, 2023, 2 – 3 p.m.  Where: David B. Waymer Recreation Center  Registration: Free  Register online 

Lawrence Orr: Chronicle of A Life Fulfilled  This film depicts the life of local icon Lawrence Orr. Orr's contributions to Mecklenburg County include advocacy for African American land ownership in the face of segregation and access for black students to high school during a time in the County's history when there were no high schools for African American students. He was also a leader in his church and widowed father of nine. A Q&A with the film's director, Frederick Murphy, will follow the screening.  When: Feb. 20, 2023, 6 p.m.  Where: Tyvola Senior Center; a Q&A with the film's director, Frederick Murphy, will follow the screening.  Registration: Free

Dancing Through Black History  Why do we dance? Step into this program to find out how social dances started for enslaved Africans and how they continue today as an expression of identity and freedom. Participants will learn how to do dances from the past and connect them to dances of this generation.  When: Feb. 23, 2023, 5-6 p.m.  Where: Southview Recreation Center  Who: Ages 6 - 17  Registration: Free  Register online 

Black History Month Fashion Show  When: Feb. 24, 2023, 4 – 6 p.m.  Where: Eastway Regional Recreation Center  Who: Ages 55+  Registration: Free  Register online 

Black History Bingo/Trivia  Please come out to the David B. Waymer Recreation as we celebrate Black history with bingo and trivia!  When: Feb. 27, 2023, 2 – 3 p.m.  Where: David B. Waymer Recreation Center  Registration: Free  Register online