Cornelius Celebrates Black History Month Saturday

CORNELIUS, NC — Cornelius will honor Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 1-3 p.m. at town hall. The Cornelius Parks and Recreation Department has teamed up with Smithville CommUNITY Coalition to host the event, titled Embracing Heritage.

This celebration will feature three special presentations:

• HEARTS Park: Historic preservation advocate Abigail Jennings will be sharing the vision for HEARTS Park. Utilizing the historic James Torrance Cedar Grove and Hugh Torrance House & Store in Huntersville, this new Mecklenburg park promises to engage visitors with place-based history.

• Potts Barber Shop Historic Designation: Regarded as the oldest ongoing Cornelius business that has been continuously owned and operated by an African American entrepreneur, Potts Barber Shop received a well-deserved historic landmark designation in October 2021. The history of the barbershop and details on its designation will be shared with attendees.

• Art by Gil Horne Jr.: Acclaimed multi-media artist Gil Horne Jr.'s work will be on display in Town Hall throughout the month of February. His art is a narrative of the Black experience, drawing inspiration from his own confrontations with profiling, stereotypes, and masculinity. Visitors are encouraged to come by and view his work at any time during our normal business hours.

The event will also feature live musical performances, activities for children, and sketch artist Maurice Caldwell. Following the event, attendees are encouraged to walk across the street for the installation of Potts Barber Shop's historic landmark plaque.