I Cheryl Harry
Cheryl Harry, Director of African American Programming, Old
Salem Museums & Gardens
What is the movie or TV mini
series linked to Black History that
has had the greatest impact on
your life and why?
"Selma" - Because the film concentrated on
one experience, I saw Dr. King as a Warrior and
not as the "dreamer" that is so commonly used
to describe him. He was gallant, strategic and
spiritual all rolled into one.
What is the book linked to Black
History that has had the greatest
impact on your life and why?
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," by Dr.
Maya Angefou. The story was identifiable to me
as a junior high school student and relatable to
my personality. I felt such a sense of pride after I
completed the book.
What is the play or musical
linked to Black History that has
had the greatest impact on your
life and why?
"A Raisin In The Sun" - It was about a family
trying to achieve the "American dream" and
though they were at odds with each other the
family unit remained intact and they made a
courageous move together.
What is the song linked to Black
History that has had the greatest
impact on your life and why?
Lilt Every Voice and Sing - The lyrical metaphors
are piercing to the soul and the charge and the
challenge are timeless.
What is the poem linked to Black
History that has had the greatest
impact on your life and why?
All of Dr. Angelou's poetry speak to my passion.
The poem that has had the greatest impact on
my life is a collection of poems by Nikki Giovanni
Blues: For All the Changes: New Poems. It was
after reading this collection of poems that I
decided to resurrect the Juneteenth celebration
in 2005.
The Chronicle was founded in
1974. What news story linked to
Black History in The Chronicle has
had the greatest impact on your
life and why? Or, what news story
linked to Black History in general
has had the greatest impact on
your life and why?
The special tabloids that The Chronicle produces
commemorating significant events in African
American history, i.e., Dr. Martin Luther King
Jii Birthday and Dr. Maya Angelous birthday
and passing. National Black "Theatre Festival,
Black History Month, and the upcoming 150th
Anniversary of the Emancipation (Juneteenth)
are keepsakes.
The Chronicle is more than a weekly newspaper
in city. It's a mirror that enables the community
to see itself and reflect on the gains and pains
and keeps us moving forward.
/- \ji H / o.
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Cheryl Harry accepts her awardfrom the
N.C. Black Repertory Company's
Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin (right).
Ms. Harry Bio
The Chronicle's 2013 Community Service Award
Curator of the Arts Honoree
If Cheryl Harry, has her way, every local man,
woman or child will learn to embrace the richness
of beauty of African American culture.
Cheryl has made it her mission to educate and
enlighten. Through innovative and creative means,
she engages the masses in black history. A lifelong
educator, Harry created the nonprofit Triad Cultural
Arts to preserve and promote African American
culture and art. The organization sponsors the city's
popular Juneteenth and Kwanzaa celebrations.
Through her Coming Eventz web site and
e-newsletter, she keeps the community abreast
of concerts, exhibitions, forums and other area
happenings. Old Salem Museum and Gardens
made the right call last year when it brought
Harry on as its director of African American
programming. Cheryl has vastly broadened the
museum's offering and put a fresh focus on Old
Salem's rich black history.
Earlier this year, Cheryl realized a longtime dream
with the release of her local black history book.
"Winston-Salem's African American Legacy" is
a rich pictorial collection that takes readers on a
decades-long journey. The book fills a void that
. has been left empty for far too long.
For embracing a mission to bring the past to the
present, The Chronicle and the community are
proud to proclaim Cheryl Harry as a Curator of the
African American Arts.