HEARTS Sacred Grounds & HEARTS Circle Gala
HEARTS Collaborative and Davidson College Present
"Sacred Grounds ’26 — Beyond the Wall"
An Afternoon of History, Music, Dance, and Reflection Honoring the Burial Grounds of the Enslaved in Davidson.
HEARTS Collaborative, in partnership with Davidson College, is pleased to announce its upcoming HEARTS Happening: "HEARTS Sacred Grounds '26 - Beyond the Wall." Taking place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Hurt Hub in Davidson, North Carolina, this poignant installment will mark the fifth anniversary of the acclaimed HEARTS Sacred Grounds series, an initiative of the HEARTS Reunion Project. The public is invited to gather for an immersive afternoon that intertwines local history and nature with powerful cultural expressions in music and dance.
This year’s happening places a dedicated lens on the history of the burial grounds of the enslaved located in and around the Davidson community. Far too often marginalized or forgotten with the passage of time, these sacred grounds serve as vital historical touchstones.
Leading the afternoon's historical exploration is featured speaker Dr. Julia Robinson Moore, whose profound scholarship on this topic continues to bring regional narratives to light.
Rev. Daniel Heath, JD, Associate Chaplain at Davidson College and a descendant of the enslaved at the Torrance plantation, will share his reflections, bridging the past and present through his work with the historic African American descendant communities in our region.
In keeping with the HEARTS tradition of uniting history and culture, the afternoon will also feature a rich lineup of talented artists, including featured musician DaShawn Hickman. Known nationally for his mastery of Sacred Steel, a unique musical tradition that originated within African American Pentecostal churches of the 1930's, Hickman blends gospel music with the expressive sounds of the pedal steel guitar. In his youth, Hickman was exposed to the pedal steel not only in the tiny House of God church his family attended in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, but also in his home, his mother a talented lap steel player herself. Choosing to focus on her ministry, Hickman’s mother would eventually retire from playing, though the love of the steel lived on in their home, with DaShawn picking the instrument up at only five years old. By the age of 12, his local reputation as a gifted pedal steel player was so great that he was regularly asked to play at other nearby churches.
Dashawn has most recently spent time traveling with Cirque du Soleil as a member of the Songblazers band, a first-of-its-kind new-country-themed show. Hickman has earned features in many prolific music publications, including Vintage Guitar Magazine, with notable cover pieces in Blues Blast and All About Jazz. He was also recognized as one of the country's best upcoming artists with nominations from the IBA (International Blues Association) and the Blues Blast Music Awards. Hickman says, “I just want people to enjoy the music and forget about the day. Just live in the time and space that we have been given.”
The event will also feature the dynamic and expressive movement art of the award-winning Vision Elite Royalty Dance company. In high-energy, versatile performances, Vision Elite blends a massive range of dance disciplines, thoughtfully translating memory and honor into moving physical art.
In complement to the history and artistic performances, HEARTS Sacred Grounds '26 will also explore the "Ecology" pillar of HEARTS with guest speaker and Davidson College Environmental Science Professor Dr. Brad Johnson. Highlighting specific flora historically bound to enslaved burial grounds, this special lecture will illustrate how the natural world acts as a living guardian of memory.
HEARTS Sacred Grounds '26 will commence at 2:00 in Davidson’s Hurt Hub. At 4:00, the event will continue with an exploration of the Oak Row and With These Hands remembrance projects on the Davidson College campus.
Event at a Glance:
Event: HEARTS Sacred Grounds '26 — Beyond the Wall in Davidson
Date & Time: Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: The Hurt Hub, Davidson, NC 2:00-4:00, Davidson College Oak Row & With These Hands Sculpture 4:00-5:00
Admission: Tickets are required and free, with donations very appreciated.
Free to the community, tickets are required, and donations are greatly appreciated!
This community gathering has been made possible through the incredible dedication of our volunteers and the generous support of our HEARTS Circle members and committed local sponsors. We extend our deepest gratitude to our co-presenting partner, Davidson College, and to the staff of the Hurt Hub for offering their space and support in hosting this vital conversation. It is through this collective generosity that HEARTS is able to continue illuminating our shared heritage through free public programming.
What is HEARTS?
Simply put, HEARTS brings new life to old places.
HEARTS Collaborative is a regional umbrella non-profit dedicated to exploring and preserving our shared sense of place. Rooted in its six foundational pillars: History, Ecology, Arts, Reunion, Trails, and Store, the collaborative brings place-based history to life. Through monthly HEARTS Happenings, engaging curated events, and collaborative research, HEARTS works to connect diverse stories and forge deep, lasting community bonds. For more information on HEARTS, visit HEARTSco.org.
Looking Ahead: HEARTS Circle Members’ Gala
As summer gives way to fall, our HEARTS Circle Members’ Gala is coming up on on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM.
The Gala is an evening dedicated to celebrating the people whose generosity sustains the HEARTS mission while welcoming new members into the HEARTS Circle. Guests will enjoy fellowship, inspiring stories, and outstanding live music, all in support of preserving the stories filled with history, ecology, arts, reunion, and trails that define our region.
Presenting a cocktail reception with live music in Cedar Grove’s grand parlor, followed by a gourmet, Southern farm-to-table, al fresco dinner under the stars at Cedar Grove.
Featured performer Charly Lowry brings a soulful blend of heartfelt songwriting, velvety vocals, and commanding stage presence. Often compared to legendary artists such as Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, and Tracy Chapman, Lowry's distinctive sound is deeply rooted in her Indigenous heritage and the rich cultural traditions of Robeson County, North Carolina. After her recent national performances, including a visit to Carnegie Hall, we are truly honored to present Charly Lowry at our very special house concert in Cedar Grove.
Whether you're a longtime supporter or discovering HEARTS for the very first time, the Members’ Gala is an opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for preserving our communities and ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations. Every HEARTS Circle membership and contribution helps make that work possible.
Mark your calendar for an unforgettable HEARTS Circle Members’ Gala celebrating preservation, community, and the power of coming together for a meaningful cause. All current 2026 HEARTS Circle Members receive free tickets to this annual treat. To reserve your seats, email Lauren@heartsco.org.
