The Town of Carrboro will be issuing a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month at its town council meeting on Tuesday. The town’s celebration of the month, however, starts with a virtual program  Monday night dedicated to commemorating George Henry White.

Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle recently spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell about Monday’s program.

“This is an event organized around commemorating the 120th anniversary of George White’s farewell address to Congress,” Lavelle said.” “It will be an awesome way to kick off the month.”

White served on the North Carolina State Legislature and represented the state in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1897 to 1901.  He was a major advocate for anti-lynching legislation and, at the time of his famed address, was the only African American member of Congress.

The event will last from 6 to 8 p.m. and feature a discussion led by Benjamin R. Justesen, author of “Forgotten Legacy: William McKinley, George Henry White, and the Struggle for Black Equality.” Former chief public defender for Orange and Chatham Counties, James E. Williams Jr., will emcee the proceedings and opening remarks will be delivered by current Rep. G. K. Butterfield.  After the discussion, three student guest speakers from the Cheatham-White Scholars program will read from White’s farewell address to Congress.

The program will be held over Zoom and limited to the first 100 people to register. Those who are unable to sign up can view the event on the Town of Carrboro’s YouTube channel.

The Town of Carrboro’s Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources Department will be hosting a series of events for Black History Month following tonight’s program. A poetry open mic night will be held on February 2 at 7 p.m., seniors will be able to test their knowledge of Black History with bingo on February 4 at 10 a.m., and multiple virtual art exhibits will be held all month long. The department will also host virtual sessions with storyteller Donna Washington on February 17 at 6 p.m. and Tarish Pipkins, a puppeteer who has worked creating and performing for Paperhand Puppet Intervention, on February 28 at 2:30 p.m.

You can find more information about the Town of Carrboro’s events and activities for Black History Month here.

Photo via the Town of Carrboro.

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