RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Museum of History got a jumpstart on Black History Month last week.

The 23rd annual African American Cultural Celebration honored the history, art and culture of the community. 

Adrienne Nirde has always loved history and anthropology.

“I think African American history in particular has been a long interest of mine,” Nirde said. “There are just so many stories that haven't been told and haven't had the opportunity to be told yet. So I like to work with communities and people to give them platforms to be able to share their stories.”

As the director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission, she gets the chance to educate the community about culture and history. Freedom Park is one of her favorite places in downtown Raleigh because it honors the struggle for African American freedom.

“I think that it's a really great reminder for folks of what this history looks like,” Nirde said. “And also a reminder that some of these efforts for freedom are not that long ago.”

The park took almost 20 years to make and features 20 voices of freedom in quotes on the walls. 

Adrienne Nirde loves Freedom Park in downtown Raleigh. (Spectrum News 1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)

One of Nirde’s favorite quotes is from Ella Baker: “Remember, we are not fighting for the freedom of the negro alone, but for the freedom of the human spirit, a larger freedom that encompasses all mankind.”

Nirde did a presentation about Freedom Park at the history museum’s African American Cultural Celebration to educate visitors of the important part these African American heroes played in the history of our country and our state.

The event featured performances, artists and educational presentations as well as exhibits that show the history of African American culture in North Carolina.

Craftsmen and artisans came from all across the state to the African American Cultural Celebration. (Spectrum News 1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)

“Celebration is the key word here,” Nirde said. “A lot of times, I think when we think about African-American history, you know, there are some tough things that we talk about. But really acknowledging that there is resilience, that there is hope, that there is really, really a light in big pieces of the culture.”

Many of the exhibits are still available to visit at the N.C. Museum of History. Nirde says the event is a great way to engage young people in the community and let them see possibilities for their future.

A display at the N.C. Museum of History. (Spectrum News 1/Jenna Rae Gaertner)