N.C. A&T to Celebrate Black History Month with Homage Exhibit at University Galleries

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 1, 2024) ­- The University Galleries at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will host the traveling Homage Exhibit during the month of February to commemorate the resilience, achievements and cultural heritage of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month.

The Homage exhibit is a private collection owned by Charlotte, North Carolina residents Nia and Morris McAdoo, which focuses on African American history and art and showcases more than 650 original artifacts that have been collected over 20 years.  

The popular exhibit includes works by artists Romare Bearden and Elizabeth Catlett, alongside original documents and objects from Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Shirley Chisholm, Ralph Bunche and more. Each item in the collection symbolizes a significant moment in history such as legal papers documenting the horrors of the slave trade.

“We are excited to host the Homage exhibit and celebrate Black History Month with our community,” said Roy Carter, associate professor and director of the Visual Arts Program. “This celebration of African American culture is an invitation to recognize the enduring spirit of a community, showcasing the depth of their culture and pride.”

The galleries will feature a curator-led tour of the exhibit Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in which the collectors, Mr. and Mrs. McAdoo, will be on hand to discuss and provide insight into the collection. The event is open to the public.

From art and literature to music and sports, the exhibit covers a wide range of topics that have shaped the African-American experience. For example, the exhibit includes signed documents from Coretta Scott King, wife of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and also contains memorabilia from the lives of Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Davis and Malcolm X.

“The Homage Exhibit is an excellent opportunity for students and community members to learn about Black history, why it's important, and the culture and contributions of African Americans,” said Carter.

The exhibit will be open to the public during normal University Galleries hours, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday by appointment. Group tours are welcome.

For questions about the University Galleries, call Carter at 336-334-3209. For more information about the Homage exhibit, visit www.homageexhibit.com.

In addition to the onsite location, the University Galleries features virtual exhibitions, which include:

“Black Art Matters” https://www.ncat.edu/cahss/gallery/black-art-matters.php

“Rosa: The Works of Bryan Collier” https://www.ncat.edu/cahss/gallery/collier/index.php

“Songs from the Motherland: Musical Instruments from the Permanent Collection” https://www.ncat.edu/cahss/gallery/songs-from-the-motherland/index.php