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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Margot Lee Shetterly, researcher and author of "Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped with the Space Race," will speak February 6 at 7 pm at Fayetteville State University (FSU). The book was a top book of 2016 for both TIME and Publisher’s Weekly, a USA Today bestseller, and a #1 (instant) New York Times bestseller. The film adaptation of Hidden Figures became the highest-grossing Best Picture nominee at the 89th Academy Awards. 

Shetterly is also the founder of the Human Computer Project, a digital archive of the stories of NASA’s African-American “Human Computers” whose work tipped the balance in favor of the United States in WWII, the Cold War, and the Space Race.

Free and open to the public, Shetterly’s talk is part of the FSU Chancellor’s Speaker Series, an initiative designed to bring nationally known speakers to FSU.

Shetterly’s presentation is one of the 12 Cumberland County events held at FSU and museums, galleries and community centers that honors Black History Month.

Other Black History Month Events

Through Feb 25: The Rosenthal Art Gallery hosts "Celebrating Heritage: Selections from the Hazel and John Biggers Collection." It features over 25 works from leading African-American artists from the last century. The event is part of the FSU Sesquicentennial Celebration. www.150.uncfsu.edu

Jan 26 through Feb 24" The "History and Artistic Form in African-American Cemeteries of Cumberland County" at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County examines the tradition and artistic form of local African-American Cemeteries.  (910) 323-1776  www.TheArtsCouncil.com

Feb 1: An African-American History Exhibit and Program at Smith Recreation Center will feature a video and a presentation highlighting local heroes. Additionally, African artifacts will be on display.  The free event runs from 11 am to 1 pm. (910) 483-6152

Feb 3 through May 27" The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex hosts "1867: Deeds Not Words, The Origin of Fayetteville State University," an exhibit honoring the 150^th anniversary of FSU. The multi-media exhibit features photographs, panels and videos that tell the story of FSU’s founding. www.MuseumoftheCapeFear.ncdcr.gov 

Feb 3: "Dancing Stories with April C. Turner" returns to the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex at 2 pm on Feb 3.  Turner explores the language of African dance symbols. At the end of the presentation, audience members are invited to participate in playing the instruments as a community. The event is free and open to the public. www.MuseumoftheCapeFear.ncdcr.gov 

Feb 10: "Black History Cultural Art Experience Exhibit" at Spring Lake Community Center features the work of local visual artist Yolanda Burse along with music, cultural dance, singing and more. The free event runs from 12 pm – 4 pm. (415) 233-7325

Feb 10: Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s concert "1867-2017: A 150-Year Celebration Concert" honors the sesquicentennial of FSU. Performing with guest artist Angela Brown, the symphony will explore the influence of African-Americans on music composed during this time period. www.fayettevillesymphony.org

Feb 17: Two film industry veterans share the stories of their careers, lives and challenges during "True To Yourself: A Black History Month Film Talk" at FSU. Learn about Tichina Arnold (from "Martin" and "Everybody Hates Chris") and famed casting director Winsome Sinclair during this thought-provoking event. (910) 323-1776

Feb 18: Jazz singer, songwriter and cellist Shana Tucker headlines FSU’s Smooth Jazz Flow II concert. The concert features renowned Fayetteville jazz saxophonist Reggie Codrington. (910) 672-1724. 

Feb 24: The 15th annual Black History Quiz Bowl will bring together students of all races to match wits on subjects ranging from black history, business, economics, politics to civics. Youth from North and South Carolina will compete. The free event runs from 10 am to 2 pm at the Ramada Plaza on Owen Drive. www.BlackHistory4Ever.com

Feb 26: Learn about local history on the African-American Bus Tour. The tour highlights the distinct contributions of African-Americans in our community. Pre-registration is required.  (910) 433-1457

Can’t make the Bus Tour? At any time, follow the Cumberland County African-American Heritage Trail, which provides a historical glimpse into the lives of African-Americans who resided in Cumberland County from the Revolutionary War era through the early 20th century.  www.FayettevilleNCTrails.com

The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fayetteville/Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.com or call 1-800-255-8217. 

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CONTACT:

Melody Foote
mfoote@visitfayettevillenc.com