The beauty of Black History: The Black History, Arts & Culture Community Celebration via BACE helps amplify the month and related community connectivity
- 27 minutes ago
- 3 min read
100 years ago, noted historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson came up with an idea which started off small, but has a big and lasting impact.
What begins as a day grows into a week and evolves into a month, Black History Month. With a focus on highlighting the impact of Black and Brown people within the US and across the globe, it's a reminder that said history is truly history and should not be omitted or ignored. When you consider the things that many take for granted (i.e. the creation of the traffic light to the design of Washington DC and countless other examples), chances are, it comes from here.
And speaking of here, something special takes place on February 15, 2026.
Thanks to the efforts of BACE (Black Art, Culture, & Education), their growing event takes place at the Aurora Theater. The Black History, Arts & Culture Community Celebration is just as it sounds: it is a celebration through the lenses of the creative and performing arts, education, business, and related aspects of life and culture.
The actual event opens with welcomes from Andy Morgan (one of the creative forces and leadership behind the nonprofit) along with local leadership (from the city of Lawrenceville and Gwinnett County Public Schools). To help set the tone for the afternoon and accentuating the larger experience, Penny Poole, a long-time community advocate, not only provides part of the backstory of "Life Every Voice and Sing" (written by James Weldon Johnson and is widely known as the Black National Anthem).
After a few more remarks, we're able to catch the first half of the program leading into the intermission. A combination of dance (i.e. African, Hip-hop, Gospel/Praise, and Contemporary), music performances (i.e. Jazz, R&B, and even a fashion show provide engaging performances across the board.
To add to the first half of the event, special recognition is given to Ms. Ruby Neal given her track record of community service and advocacy in Gwinnett County.
Once the intermission takes place, we take a different look at another means of accentuating the event, as we take time to speak with the vendors and businesses lending support (for a complete listing of the participating businesses and related information, refer to the photo/QR code below).
A solid array of businesses ranging from (but not limited to) the creative arts, health and beauty, fashion, reading, and education are among those present. All not only provide sound access to their services and related resources, but reiterate the relevance and importance of the month and the event (you may watch the snapshots of the vendors we speak with below).
Even Ramona Toole, a candidate for Gwinnett County Superior Court (judge), takes time to be a part of the event.
The event is truly meaningful given the cross-generational approach of youth and families who are in attendance along with participants. Even more meaningful is our conversation with Ms. Denise Carey. She is a volunteer who readily shares her time and talents and in our talk, provides solid context regarding what BACE is all about.
The month provides a highlight, but Black History not only takes place every day, but is something to incorporate on a daily basis.
And this past Sunday, the efforts of BACE are among those doing this and then some.
Notes: You may watch all video, including the full interviews with the vendors and our coverage of the first half of the event, by visiting our playlist (click HERE to view and subscribe).
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