2025 Black History Month
Join us in celebrating the lives and legacy of African Americans across Orange County through engaging in film, art, storytelling, and community dialogue. Orange County events held throughout the month will aim to acknowledge African Americans in labor, justice, and equity movements. We invite all members of Orange County to engage in deep reflection, community dialogue, and commitment to building a more just and inclusive Orange County.
Orange County, NC, celebrates Black History Month by featuring videos about Black History Legends in Orange County.
| Date, Time & Location | Program & Details |
|---|---|
Every Thursday, Feb 6–27 Passmore Center, 103 Meadowlands Dr, Hillsborough, NC 27278 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Telling the Full Story Conversation SeriesJoin Telling the Full Story, an oral history and map-based project that highlights overlooked Black and Indigenous histories in Hillsborough. Hear from committee members, watch collected oral histories for each site, and discuss what these stories mean for our community today. Co-sponsored by The Alliance for Historical Hillsborough. To register, call Passmore Center at 919-245-2015 by Friday, Jan 31. |
Saturday, Feb 1, 2025 Orange County Public Library, 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278 2:00–4:00 p.m. | How the Word Is Passed — Community Read DiscussionJoin us for a discussion of How the Word Is Passed by Clint Smith. Our stories become our histories—how are we preserving them for future generations? Registration preferred; you are welcome even if you haven’t read the book. |
Monday, Feb 3, 2025 Orange County Public Library, 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278 6:30–8:30 p.m. | Second Class Citizen — Book Club ReadFirst Monday Classics Book Club reads Second Class Citizen by Buchi Emecheta. This community-led club meets monthly at the Main Library to discuss classic books in a welcoming atmosphere. Free and open to the public; registration encouraged but not required. |
Thursday, Feb 6, 2025 Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Judging Juries — Film Screening & DiscussionJudging Juries is a short documentary on how racial bias affects juries in the U.S. After the film, join a discussion led by Emily Coward, Director of Duke Law’s Inclusive Juries Project. More: orangecountync.gov/JudgingJuries |
Friday, Feb 7, 2025 Hargraves Center, 216 N Roberson St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Annual Black History Month BreakfastCelebrate with a cultural program, fellowship, and a soulful breakfast. Co-sponsored by Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation and Orange County Department on Aging. Min: 30 / Max: 70. To register call Seymour Center at 919-968-2070 by Friday, Jan 31. |
Friday, Feb 7, 2025 Eno Arts Mill, 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd #17, Hillsborough, NC 27278 7:00–9:00 p.m. | TRANSCENDENCE — 2024 Robert & Mercedes Eichholz Foundation BIPOC Artist-in-ResidenceFeaturing Tyamica Mabry with Angel Triplett, Artistry by Tayon, Dr How, Hausson Byrd, and Rasheem Kilo Pugh. Open studios, DJ Damu, Friendly Tacos food truck, and beverages by Ponysaurus Brewing. Free art-making with Mer Haggerty. Studio artists: Eno Arts Mill Studio Artists. |
Monday, Feb 10, 2025 Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (Room A) 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Fireside Chat: Braxton Foushee, Brian Litchfield, Gerry Cohen, and Howard LeeA conversation with leaders about how civil rights shaped 50 years of Chapel Hill Transit. |
Saturday, Feb 15, 2025 Orange County Public Library, 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278 2:00–4:00 p.m. | Everybody’s Work: Healing What Hurts Us All — Film Screening & DiscussionA documentary by Chad Tingle and SHIFT Films examining systemic racism in nursing and U.S. healthcare through the experiences of Nurses of Color driving change. |
Friday, Feb 21, 2025 Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 1:00 p.m. | The Man Behind the Counter: Charles Bess Recalls the Greensboro Sit-InsAn interview with Charles Bess, the man who served the students during the Woolworth’s sit-ins, hosted by filmmaker Garrett Davis. Co-sponsored by AARP North Carolina. To register, call 919-968-2070. |
Friday, Feb 21, 2025 Eno Arts Mill, 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd #17, Hillsborough, NC 27278 6:00–9:00 p.m. | ORIGIN — Film ScreeningFrom Ava DuVernay, based on Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste. Explores connections between history, race, and caste systems across the globe. Free and open to the public; space is limited. |
Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 Bonnie B. Davis Environment & Agricultural Center, 1020 US-70, Hillsborough, NC 27278 6:00–7:30 p.m. | The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone & How We Can Prosper Together — Community Read & DiscussionInspired by Heather McGhee’s bestselling book, a panel and discussion on how racial inequities affect our schools, housing, economy, and public health—and how collective action creates a stronger Orange County. All are welcome, regardless of whether you’ve read the book. |