Let's celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month is here! Let's honor Black history-makers in Chapel Hill and across the state, celebrate the work of Black authors and artists, and explore Chapel Hill's civil rights history. Below you can explore our collection materials, this month’s special “Mapping NC Black History" display, other online exhibitions, podcast episodes, and in-person experiences to help you honor Black history this month and all year long.

Mapping Black History in North Carolina

When Chapel Hill Public Library staff visited the North Carolina State Archives during a staff development workshop this fall, they were inspired by what they saw both inside and outside the building. Just outside the Archives is Freedom Park, a space that encourages visitors to reflect on the lives and contributions of Black North Carolinians and how they have shaped our state and country. Inside the Archives, historical records from counties across North Carolina tell the stories of people who lived here, connecting people to moments in time. Maps show where these people lived and worked, grounding their stories in real places.

The year 2026 marks two important anniversaries: the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 100th anniversary of Black History Month (which began as Negro History Week). To honor these milestones, we’ve created a display that highlights Black history rooted in North Carolina. Stop by the library during the month of February to explore it.

This exhibit is just a small glimpse into the rich and complex history of Black North Carolinians. Many stories have been lost over time, which makes preserving and learning about the history we do have even more important. Understanding the experiences of all North Carolinians helps us connect to our state and to each other now and in the future. 

We hope this display inspires you to learn more. In the meantime, click below to see some of the sites around the state featured in this exhibit.