African American Cultural Celebration Presentations and Schedules

2026 AACC Schedule of Events

Gipson Plaza, Opening Kickoff

10:30–11 a.m. 

  • Procession
  • United States Colored Troops Reenactment Groups
  • Carver High School Sound of the Swarm Marching Band
  • The Magic of African Rhythm
  • Welcome and Special Recognition of Dignitaries and Sponsors
  • Musical Performance: India Williams, singer: “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
     

East Building, Level A, Resources

10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

  • Information Table
  • African American Heritage Commission
  • North Carolina Museum of History

East Building, Level A, Education Gallery/Lobby, Resources

10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

  • African American Quilt Circle of Durham, quilters (hands-on activity)
  • Wheel of History  (hands-on activity)

East Building, Level A, SECU Auditorium, Performances and Panel Discussions

11:30 a.m.–Noon

Musical and Dance Performance

  • The Magic of African Rhythm, performers and teaching artists of African dance, drum, and song

12:30–1:15 p.m.

Dramatic Performance

  • Dr. Sonny Kelly, dramatic arts performer, storyteller, motivator, speaker, and comedian

1:30–2:15 p.m.

Education and Heritage

  • Akili “Akili the Bull” Hester, Durham community and history advocate, barber, and rapper

2:30–3:15 p.m.

Food, Health, and Beauty

  • James “Smoke” Boyd, chef and owner, The Flame Catering
  • Vernetta Davis, mental health professional
  • Charlene Coleman Williams, CEO, Integrity IDS Haircare Products & Intentional Life Coaching

3:30–4:15 p.m.

Film, History, and Enterprise

  • Falani Crudup, Franklin County farmer, international filmmaker, and Howard University alumna

East Building, Level B, Demonstrations

10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

  • Shawn Etheridge, painter
  • Warren Goodson, woodcarver
  • Alfreda Johnson, sweetgrass basket weaver
  • Yolanda Jordan, crocheted doll maker
  • C. J. Murphy, mixed media artist
  • Tarin Pipkins, puppeteer
  • Pinkie Strother, miniatures artist
  • Neal Thomas, split-oak basket maker
  • Pamela Washington, jewelry artist and designer
  • Ben Watford, potter
  • Betty Williams, hatmaker

10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

  • America 250 NC: Office of Archives and History
  • Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum
  • Historic Stagville
  • Make a Cowrie Shell Necklace  (hands-on activity)
  • Make a Tissue Paper Hat  (hands-on activity)
  • NCMH Museum Shop Pop-Up
  • Somerset Place
  • State Archives of North Carolina
  • State Library of North Carolina Government and Heritage Library
  • Take-Home Craft Kits
  • Thomas Day State Historic Site

East Building, Level B, Gallery 3, Literature and Storytelling

12:45–1:30 p.m.

Coming-of-Age Literature

  • Helena Haywoode Henry, former attorney, author, Last Chance Live!
  • Pierce Freelon, GRAMMY nominated artist, podcaster, and author, Daddy & Me, Side by Side
  • Chrystal D. Giles, former accountant, author, Not an Easy Win

Storytelling (ASL translation available)

1:45–2:15 p.m.

  • North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers

2:30–3 p.m.

  • North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers

3:15–3:45 p.m.

  • North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers

4–4:30 p.m.

  • North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers