Carrboro Celebrates Black History Month
Carrboro is proud to recognize and honor the history of Black people in Carrboro and throughout the nation, and to remember and celebrate them during Black History Month.
Black History Month grew out of the establishment, in 1926, of Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
“I encourage all residents in Carrboro to celebrate this important month, and continue to work toward the goal of liberty and justice for all,” said Mayor Lydia Lavelle, who issued a proclamation to recognize Black History Month in Carrboro during the Town Council meeting of Feb. 2, 2021.
Read the proclamation, which recognizes many Black people who have played significant roles in the life of our community, including Robert “Bob” Drakeford, Braxton Foushee, Hilliard Caldwell, Henry “Hank” Anderson, Joal Hall Broun, Michelle Johnson, Barbara Foushee, Fred Joiner, and Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten, at http://townofcarrboro.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1591
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Town of Carrboro Announces Black History Month Programming
The Town of Carrboro’s Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources Department invites you to join Black History Month programs throughout February.
- Black History Legends - Orange County Style
Orange County BIPOC Elected Officials are sharing videos honoring local Black History Legends! Check local social media channels and YouTube.com/CarrboroNC - Ways to Commemorate Black History Month in Orange County
Check out the Visitors Bureau site (visitchapelhill.org/blog/post/ways-to-commemorate-black-history-month-in-orange-county for more information on other programs in Orange County. - Celebrating Black People in America – George Henry White
The Town of Carrboro welcomed Dr. Benjamin R. Justesen to discuss his new book, Forgotten Legacy: William McKinley, George Henry White, and the Struggle for Black Equality. Dr. Justesen was joined by local college students who read from George Henry White’s farewell address to Congress. Retired Chief Public Defender, James E. Williams, Jr. emceed the event with introductory remarks from current Congressman G. K. Butterfield.
THIS PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING NOW at youtube.com/watch?v=xqgAqNcYpDc
For a list of activities planned by the Town of Carrboro, see http://townofcarrboro.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1591
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Carrboro Seeks Volunteers to Serve on Racial Equity Commission
The Town of Carrboro is recruiting for the newly established Racial Equity Commission.
The Racial Equity Commission is empowered to make short, mid- and long-term recommendations for significant progress toward repairing the damage caused by public and private systemic racism, boosting economic mobility and opportunity, and creating generational wealth in the Black community. The commission was established by the Carrboro Town Council on Jan. 19, 2021.
Learn more at http://townofcarrboro.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1595
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Carrboro Town Manager Announces Retirement
After more than 30 years in local government service, Town Manager David Andrews has announced plans to retire from the Town of Carrboro on July 31, 2021.
“While I will leave with many enjoyable memories, I am also looking forward to making new ones and spending more time with my family,” Mr. Andrews said. “I will miss the tremendous employee team that is always doing great things for our community with the support and leadership from our elected officials.”
“Carrboro is a small organization with only about 160 employees, but we’re mighty because of them. Just look at all the amazing things they have been accomplished in our progressive, civically engaged community. So, it’s really the people I will miss the most. The uniqueness of Carrboro is rooted in our people, their values and character.”
Learn more at http://townofcarrboro.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1596
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Town Council Update
Meeting agendas and updates are issued from the Town Clerk’s Office. To receive these by email or text, sign up for Carrboro Town News at townofcarrboro.org/signup
Civic involvement is a valued tradition in our community. Reach the Town Council with your ideas, views and questions at council@townofcarrboro.org
Coming Up
The Town Council will meet virtually at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, to consider an agenda at https://bit.ly/3rx4C1X and also available at carrboro.legistar.com
To view, livestream at carrboro.legistar.com OR YouTube.com/CarrboroNC OR Cable TV 18 (in Carrboro). To speak at the meeting email publiccomment@townofcarrboro.org
Past Meeting
The Carrboro Town Council met virtually Tuesday, Feb. 2, on the agenda https://bit.ly/39viFPd and took the following actions:
- Business Revolving Loan Application: The Council tabled this item.
- Donation of 108 Bim Street Property by the Carrboro Civic Club: The Council accepted the donation of the property.
- Mid-year Financial Report: The Council reviewed the Town's General Fund financial position at December 31, 2020.
- Capital Improvement Plan FY 2021-22 through FY 2025-26: The Council received a report on the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY 2021-22 through FY 2025-26.
- Public Hearing for Community Input on Town Budget for Upcoming FY 2021-22: The Council held a public hearing to receive comments from the public regarding the upcoming budget for the Town beginning July 1, 2021.
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Food Distribution at Rogers Road Community Center
"We are preparing our bags and boxes," said Minister Robert Campbell. "We are in need of peanut butter, jelly, cereal and pasta sauces. Our goal is to stage 450 bags."
#BehindtheScenes Tuesday afternoon at Rogers Road Community Center, 101 Edgar St., Chapel Hill, NC
Donations may be dropped off 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday at the Rogers Road Community Center. For more information, please call 919-918-2822 or visit renacommunitycenter.com
The next RENA FOOD DRIVE-BY-GIVEAWAY will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19.
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Vote Your Favorite (COVID-19 Safe) Business Contest
The Orange County Health Department would like to recognize local businesses that have been vigilant in ensuring that their staff and customers feel safe, secure and well-served during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognition for these businesses will happen through a contest where Orange County residents can vote.
The Health Department encourages the Orange County community to vote to show appreciation for these wonderful businesses. This contest is open to all businesses- not just food businesses. This includes child care centers, schools, tattoo artists, pools, veterinarians, accountants, dry cleaners, any businesses in Orange County.
Each winner will receive a trophy and $1000 in advertising support in the form of advertising on Chapel Hill Transit buses.
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Get Your Shot
If you are a home caregiver to medically fragile children and adults and are providing regular medical care, you are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine in Group 1. The NC Department of Health and Human Services has expanded that group to include non-medical professionals.
Learn more at https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines/find-your-spot-take-your-shot/deeper-dive-group-1
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Safer Ways to Enjoy the Super Bowl
Gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.
Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party.
- Wear clothing or decorate your home with your favorite team’s logo or colors.
- Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game and share the recipes with your friends and family.
- Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching.
Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.
- Use a projector screen to broadcast the game.
- Sit at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.
More at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/small-gatherings.html
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