Cultural Heritage

African-American History Attractions

Catch a heart-pounding performance of the Durham-based Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble, and you might be fooled into thinking you’ve been transported to the heart of Africa. The rhythmic beating drums, vivid costumes and bold, unabashed dance movements combine to create a captivating presentation.

“Our performances are audience-geared – there’s lots of interaction,” says Dr. Chuck Davis, who founded the world-famous African American Dance Ensemble in 1980 and serves as its artistic director. “Our basic repertoire is dance styles indigenous to Africa, and we also do modern and jazz. All our costumes are traditional African, and most are made in Africa.”

Davis’ African American Dance Ensemble is one of dozens of ways to experience black history in North Carolina. African-Americans across the state are proud of where they came from and share their heritage with visitors through museums, cultural centers, festivals, galleries and even gardens.

The African American Dance Ensemble’s season runs from August through May and takes the performers all over the world, including at least two trips to Africa each year. The group performs in Durham during the month of April, but visitors are welcome to watch their rehearsals during other months at the Durham Arts Council. “We rehearse in a big studio, and we encourage people to come in and observe,” Davis says. “I take the time to explain the different dance styles. Some rehearsals are closed, so check ahead, but the door is open most of the time.”

In Raleigh, Dr. E.B. Palmer is equally enthusiastic about black history. In 1984, Palmer and his wife, Juanita, turned their own 3-acre, wooded back yard into the African American Cultural Complex, now known as one of the top black history museums. The complex features African-American artifacts and inventions, exhibits on outstanding black women and personalities, and an African American Hall of Fame. “We also created a nature trail with huts that’s symbolic of an African village,” Palmer says. “In the center of our village is a mini amphitheater where we do plays and other programs.”

The Palmers give daily tours to interpret contributions made by blacks toward the development of North Carolina and North America, and they host an annual outdoor drama the last two weekends in July called The Amistad Saga: Reflections. “When people come here, they leave with a deeper appreciation for the work and value of African-Americans and what they’ve done for the economy,” Palmer says.

In Greensboro, the Walkway of History notes six landmarks in local black history, while the new 33,000-square-foot International Civil Rights Center & Museum is nearing completion downtown. “We anticipate this being one of the most interactive and creative museum experiences that will allow the visitor to relive a crucial period in American history,” says Amelia Parker, executive director of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, which will open in 2009.

Along the North Carolina coast are Airlie Gardens in Wilmington and The Roanoke Island Freedmen’s Colony in Manteo. Airlie Gardens showcases the work of Minnie Evans, who is considered one of America’s most important visionary artists, as well as sculptures and mosaics by local artists. The Roanoke Island Freedmen’s Colony is rich in Civil War history and became home to thousands of former slaves.

Additional attractions that celebrate black history include the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum in Sedalia, the African American Atelier gallery in Greensboro and the Afro-American Cultural Center in Charlotte.

By Jessica Mozo, courtesy of Journal Communications

added: March 10, 2009

updated: June 17, 2009