Charlotte, NC, February 19, 2026
The Carolina Theatre in Charlotte is launching its inaugural ‘Black and Brilliant’ series for Black History Month, featuring six award-winning films and a special live performance by Opera Carolina. The initiative aims to highlight Black stories and contributions while acknowledging the theatre’s complex history. After closing for nearly five decades, the venue reopened in 2025 following a significant restoration, marking a new chapter in its commitment to inclusion and representation.
Charlotte, North Carolina
The Carolina Theatre in uptown Charlotte is marking Black History Month 2026 with its inaugural “Black and Brilliant” series, a program featuring award-winning films and live music performances throughout February. This initiative represents a significant step in the theatre’s ongoing efforts to acknowledge its complex past and build a more inclusive future for the community. The series aims to center Black storylines, characters, and artists, reflecting on the enduring contributions of African Americans to arts and culture.
A Legacy of Resilience and Evolution
The Carolina Theatre, a venue that first opened its doors in 1927, carries a nearly century-long history within Charlotte. For 36 years following its opening, the theatre enforced discriminatory policies, barring Black patrons from entry. A trial integration period began in 1963, during which African American guests were initially required to make reservations and sit exclusively in the balcony, restrictions not imposed on white attendees. These discriminatory practices were eventually eliminated after three weeks, paving the way for all patrons to be admitted without racial restrictions.
After decades of operation, the Carolina Theatre closed in 1978 and remained vacant for 47 years. It underwent an extensive $100 million restoration before reopening last year, in March 2025. Since its revitalization, the venue has hosted several notable events, including an appearance by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who was interviewed by Harvey Gantt, Charlotte’s first Black mayor. The theatre’s current leadership views the “Black and Brilliant” series as part of its evolution, acknowledging past wrongs while actively working towards a legacy of inclusion. The building’s structure largely remains the same as in 1927, but its purpose and approach have significantly evolved.
“Black and Brilliant” Series Highlights
The “Black and Brilliant” series, a collection of six award-winning films and live music, aims to provide diverse cultural experiences. The film lineup includes classic and contemporary titles such as “Shaft” (1971), “Do the Right Thing”, “Dreamgirls”, “Love And Basketball”, “The Princess and the Frog”, and “Sinners” (2025). Each film is scheduled to be shown at 7 p.m. on various dates in February.
Beyond cinematic presentations, the series will conclude Black History Month with a special live performance from Opera Carolina. This concert, titled “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” is scheduled for February 28 at 8 p.m.. It is designed to celebrate the rich legacy of Black artists and composers, exploring the cultural truths and transformative power of Black voices in classical music, encompassing spirituals and operatic arias.
2026 National Black History Month Theme
The 2026 observance of Black History Month across the nation is guided by the theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations”. This theme marks 100 years of national efforts dedicated to honoring the lives, struggles, and achievements of African Americans. It prompts reflection on the origins and lasting significance of these commemorations, which began with the founding of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and his colleagues. Their vision laid the groundwork for what became Negro History Week in 1926 and later Black History Month.
The national theme encourages an exploration of the profound impact these commemorations have had on shaping identity, fostering pride, and advancing equality. It also underscores the vital importance of preserving and sharing accurate and inclusive history, especially as historical narratives face contemporary challenges. Black history is presented as foundational to American history, essential for understanding both the present and the future.
Charlotte’s Cultural Landscape and Black History
Charlotte, the most populous city in North Carolina and the county seat of Mecklenburg County, serves as a significant cultural center in the state [HowToPronounce.com snippet from initial prompt]. Beyond the Carolina Theatre, the city is home to other key institutions dedicated to African American art, history, and culture. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, for example, is recognized as a central destination for showcasing the art, history, and culture of African Americans and people of African descent. It serves as an epicenter for music, dance, theater, visual art, film, arts education programs, literature, and community outreach. Similarly, the Charlotte Museum of History offers exhibits that delve into the city’s Black neighborhoods and the individuals who have shaped Charlotte.
These institutions collectively contribute to a rich understanding of Black history within Charlotte and the broader Carolinas, offering spaces for education, reflection, and community engagement. They highlight stories of resilience, struggle, triumph, and the profound contributions of Black Americans that have influenced both the region and the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Carolina Theatre celebrating in February 2026?
The Carolina Theatre in Charlotte is celebrating Black History Month in February 2026 with its inaugural “Black and Brilliant” series.
What kind of events are part of the “Black and Brilliant” series?
The “Black and Brilliant” series includes a collection of six award-winning films and a live music performance. The film lineup features “Shaft” (1971), “Do the Right Thing”, “Dreamgirls”, “Love And Basketball”, “The Princess and the Frog”, and “Sinners” (2025). The series concludes with Opera Carolina’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” concert.
When did the Carolina Theatre originally open and what is its history regarding segregation?
The Carolina Theatre originally opened in 1927. It had a segregationist past, barring Black patrons for 36 years until a trial integration period began in 1963, which initially imposed restrictions on African American guests before being fully eliminated.
What is the national theme for Black History Month 2026?
The national theme for Black History Month 2026 is “A Century of Black History Commemorations”. This theme marks 100 years of national observances dedicated to honoring the lives, struggles, and achievements of African Americans.
Key Features of the Carolina Theatre’s Black History Month Observance
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Name | “Black and Brilliant” series | Local (Charlotte) |
| Duration | Throughout February 2026 | Local (Charlotte) |
| Programming | Six award-winning films and one live music performance | Local (Charlotte) |
| Film Titles | “Shaft”, “Do the Right Thing”, “Dreamgirls”, “Love And Basketball”, “The Princess and the Frog”, “Sinners” | Local (Charlotte) |
| Live Music | Opera Carolina’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” concert | Local (Charlotte) |
| Theatre’s Reopening | March 2025, after a $100 million restoration | Local (Charlotte) |
| Theatre’s Original Opening | 1927 | Local (Charlotte) |
| National Black History Month Theme 2026 | “A Century of Black History Commemorations” | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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