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to Rev. Jesse Jackson. Today, we honor a giant whose voice, courage, and love for our people shaped generations. Reverend Jesse Jackson was not only a civil rights icon—he was family to the NAACP.

His legacy sits at the heart of our work and at the center of this nation’s fight for justice. We carry his light forward. https://naacp.org/articles/naacp-honors-life-and-legacy-reverend-jesse-l-jackson-sr-son-movement

Living In Color opens this weekend! Showcasing a riveting display of visual art representing the experience of people of color living in the south, this Black History Art exhibit features seasoned creatives and emerging talent throughout North Carolina. Hosted in partnership with Raleigh Film and Art Festival

Opening Reception
📍 The Chapel
📅 Saturday, January 31
⌚ 1:30 - 3:00 pm

Exhibit Open Hours
Saturday & Sunday 12 - 5 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 11 am - 3 pm

*Exhibit closed February 8 from 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Get all the details at dixpark.org/events

📅Save the Date
African American Cultural Celebration (AACC)
January 31, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
North Carolina Museum of Art, East Building and Gipson Plaza

Join us for the 25th annual AACC, presented in partnership with the NC African American Heritage Commission, the North Carolina Museum of History, and the North Carolina Museum of Art. This celebration kicks off Black History Month with engaging demonstrations, inspiring presentations, powerful performances, and meaningful community connections.

If you can’t make it to the in-person event, join us on January 30 for the virtual Cultural Education Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Note: Due to renovations at the North Carolina Museum of History, this year’s festival will be held at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

See the full schedule: https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/events-and-programs/festivals-and-concerts/african-american-cultural-celebration-presentations-and-schedules

“I made it,” she whispered through tears at the Swannanoa River. Today One year since Hurricane Helene, WNC still heals, rebuilds, and gives thanks because WE MADE IT . Together, we rise. Together, we made it. 🙌💧🌈 #BeLovedAsheville #HurricaneHelene #WNC #WeMadeIt

We are saddened to report that Assata Shakur, revolutionary, activist, and author, has passed away.

Born JoAnne Chesimard, she rose as a leading member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army, fighting for justice and freedom.

A political exile in Cuba since 1984, her life embodied resistance, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of liberation. Her legacy lives on in the generations she inspired to stand tall in the face of oppression.

The best way to honor here is with a quote we all should by:
“It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”

Rest in power, Assata.

Billionaire MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, awarded the United Negro College Fund with a "transformational" $70 million gift towards strengthening historically Black colleges and universities, the organization announced.

This gift follows Scott's $10 million contribution in 2020, which helped bolster the UNCF emergency reserve fund, according to the release from the organization.

Read more: https://abcnews.visitlink.me/F7ejtA

#OnThisDay in 2016, our museum opened its doors to the public. Today, we’re celebrating 9 years as the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting, and showcasing the African American story. In this place, family stories, heritage, and our shared journey are preserved and celebrated. Join us in honoring this anniversary as we look forward to welcoming you home in 2026, a year marking our 10th anniversary: nmaahc.si.edu/10Years. #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory #NMAAHC

Rest in power!

Debbie Allen is mourning the loss of her beloved mother, Dr. Vivian Ayers, who has passed away at the age of 102 — just weeks after celebrating her milestone birthday.

Born in 1923, Ayers lived a life rooted in art, culture, and legacy. She was a celebrated poet, playwright, and cultural preservationist, whose words and vision shaped generations.

Rest in peace queen!

On August 5, 1889, Cullowhee Academy, a private school that was the predecessor of Western Carolina University, opened with an enrollment of 18. The school quickly prospered and closed the year with 100 students.

The school’s second principal, Robert Lee Madison, was a strong proponent of teacher education and proposed that the General Assembly give money to an existing high school in each congressional district so that a normal school could be opened to train prospective teachers. The legislators chose only to fund Cullowhee, giving $1,500 to Madison to get the program started. Although not fully funded at the time, Madison’s idea, called the “Cullowhee Experiment,” became the model for the state’s regional colleges.

Improvements to the campus were funded by the legislature in 1901, and the school’s name was changed to Cullowhee Normal and Industrial School in 1905. It began operating as a junior college in 1913, while continued growth facilitated the transition to a four-year college in 1925.

Rechartered in 1929, the school became Western Carolina Teachers College, a four-year, degree-granting institution. In 1953, the name changed again to Western Carolina College, to better reflect the institution’s liberal arts programs and graduate courses. The college gained university status in 1967 adopting its ultimate name, Western Carolina University.

Marker located in Cullohwee, NC: https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2024/01/23/western-carolina-university-q-38

Awesome Opportunity to uplift the community.

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