Continuing the Quest for History Untold!
2024-2025: Year of the Woman
Empowering Excellence and Inspiring Generations
2024-2025: Year of the Woman
Empowering Excellence and Inspiring Generations
Kannapolis African-American Museum and Cultural Center, Inc.
Welcome
Welcome to the Kannapolis African-American Museum and Cultural Center, Inc. (KAA-MaCC) website. Learn about the rich history of KAA-MaCC, from its founding to the present day. Our museum has been dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural history of our communities in Cabarrus and Rowan County, North Carolina. The KAA-MaCC is a pivotal cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of African-American heritage in our region.
Vision 2026 Initiative
Our new Vision 2026 Initiative builds upon our mission to provide an inclusive and immersive experience of our heritage in Cabarrus and Rowan County. It aims to revitalize and expand our impact as a cultural institution. Vision 2026 outlines KAA-MaCC's strategy to enrich African-American heritage preservation, community engagement, and education. We will forge partnerships, broaden resources, and engage the community actively to create a sustainable future for the museum and cultural center.
Cabarrus-Rowan Women of a New Tribe Photographic Exhibition
The 2025 Women of a New Tribe Exhibition Comes to Kannapolis
Celebrating Legacy, Leadership & Beauty
The Kannapolis African-American Museum and Cultural Center, Inc. (KAA-MaCC) is proud to present The 2025 Women of a New Tribe Exhibition, a compelling photographic journey by acclaimed artist and photographer Jerry Taliaferro. This signature event, set for Saturday, May 31, 2025, at The Laureate Center in Kannapolis, North Carolina, honors phenomenal African-American women from Cabarrus and Rowan Counties whose lives and legacies embody strength, grace, and resilience.
Taliaferro’s nationally acclaimed exhibition, Women of a New Tribe, explores the spiritual and physical beauty of African-American women and celebrates their contributions to culture, history, and community. The 2025 exhibition brings this powerful work home—featuring portraits of local trailblazers, changemakers, faith leaders, educators, and community icons. Their stories and images reflect the rich tapestry of Black womanhood in the heart of North Carolina.
The celebration will culminate with a special Luncheon Program, beginning at 12:00 PM, including a live performance by renowned saxophonist Carl D. Ratliff, greetings from distinguished guests, Spoken Word Spotlight: Sarah Kinard Delivers Powerful Poetry, and the unveiling of the honorees' portraits. Guests will receive exclusive first access to the premiere edition of “Who’s Who in Cabarrus-Rowan”, a new biannual magazine spotlighting African-American excellence across the region. Each honoree will be featured with a professional profile alongside other leaders shaping the future of Cabarrus and Rowan. Pre-Order the magazine for $25 until May 15, 2025 at https://pay.kaa-macc.org/sales.
Following the luncheon, attendees are invited to a gallery viewing of the exhibition from 2:00–4:30 PM, where they can experience the full photographic display in an intimate and inspirational setting.
Tickets for the Women of a New Tribe Exhibition & Luncheon are $25, available now via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/4iNfZgQ. Guests are encouraged to purchase early, as space is limited. The deadline to purchase tickets is May 30, 2025.
This is more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of identity, heritage, and the enduring power of Black women. Join KAA-MaCC as we honor the women who are shaping the soul of our communities and writing the next chapter in our shared story.
Women of a New Tribe Exhibition & Luncheon
Our Mistress of Ceremonies
We are thrilled to welcome Demetra Grigley, MSW, LCSWA, Assistant Director of the NC START West Team, as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the upcoming Women of a New Tribe Exhibition & Luncheon.
Join us on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 12 noon at The Laureate Center in Kannapolis, NC as we honor 19 phenomenal African-American women from Cabarrus and Rowan Counties. With her warmth, professionalism, and dynamic presence, Ms. Grigley will guide us through a powerful celebration of heritage, excellence, and sisterhood.
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2025, Women of a New Tribe Exhibition
back by popular demand Saxophonist, Carl Ratliff
Carl D. Ratliff, "Ratjan accomplished saxophonist and Charlotte Mecklenburg Music Educator, serenaded soulful sounds during the dinner hour at the KAA-MaCC 11th Anniversary & Hall of Fame Inductions and by popular demand, KAA-MaCC will present him for an unforgettable afternoon of music, celebration, and inspiration!