The Cornelius Parks & Recreation Department celebrates Black History Month every year with a special event in February. This free, public event is offered in collaboration with the Smithville Community Coalition and Cain Center for the Arts.
This year's program will feature:
Keynote speakers the Smithville Community Coalition
An art exhibit by Sir Will
Performance by The Jazz Legacy Project
Musical performances by Union Bethel AME Zion Church and Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church
Post-event light refreshments
As the national theme for Black History Month celebrations in 2025 is "African Americans and Labor," we will also be proudly highlighting several black-owned businesses and business owners that afternoon.
This is a free community event!
Founded in 1910, Smithville is one of the oldest African American communities in Mecklenburg County, with roots dating back to the 1880s in Cornelius. Smithville Community Inc. was originally formed as a nonprofit in 1968 by long-time leaders in the Smithville community before its annexation to Cornelius. The coalition was re-formed as the Smithville CommUnity Coalition in 2012 and became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2015. The SCC vision is to revitalize and transform their community into a vibrant, safe and attractive place to live and work that builds pride in its residents and attracts new developments of affordable homes and businesses, focusing on empowering all individuals and strengthening families.
For more event information, please click the source link below.