Winston Salem Times

An exhibit called "We Built This" is set to open at Union Station in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as part of the city's observance of Black History Month. The exhibit, sponsored by the Historic Resources Commission, the African American Heritage Initiative, and Winston-Salem State University, aims to highlight the stories of Black builders and craftspeople in the state.

The exhibit will showcase the work of those who have designed some of North Carolina's most historic sites, from Colonial Days to the present. Among the notable people and sites featured in the exhibit are Lamson Hall at Winston-Salem State University, Goler Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, and George Black, an internationally known brickmaker.

"We Built This" will be open to the public at Union Station on Friday, February 2, from noon to 4 p.m., with a program starting at 2 p.m. After this, the exhibit will travel to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Farmers' Market, where it will be open on Saturdays throughout February.

In addition to the exhibit, the city has organized various events and activities to celebrate Black History Month. One of these is the Black Sacred Music Symposium, presented by the city's Department of Human Relations/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The four-day conference, which will take place at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts campus from February 15 to 18, is dedicated to the study and performance of Black sacred music traditions.

The Winston-Salem Police and Fire departments will also be honoring select retirees during a virtual Black History Month Celebration on Sunday, February 18. The Recreation & Parks Department will showcase entries in its Black History Month exhibits and activities during the event, which will be posted on the city's YouTube channel.

Other events include an African American Read-In Day at the William C. Sims Sr. Community Center on February 22 and a Black History Month film series at the Old Town Neighborhood Center on Thursdays throughout the month.

For more information on these events and activities, including registration details for the Black Sacred Music Symposium, interested individuals can visit the City of Winston-Salem's website.

As the city of Winston-Salem observes Black History Month, it aims to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. Through exhibits, conferences, and various activities, the city provides an opportunity for the community to learn and engage with Black history and culture.