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 WNT Exhibition & Who's Who in Cabarrus-Rowan
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. Magazines may be purchased at the event for $25 each.
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. Tickets are sold out as of May 25, 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.
2025, Women of a New Tribe Exhibition
Featured entertainment: Carl Ratliff, Saxophonist
Renowned saxophonist and Charlotte-Mecklenburg music educator Carl D. Ratliff returns by popular request to grace the Women of a New Tribe Exhibition & Luncheon with his rich, soulful melodies — creating an atmosphere of elegance, celebration, and inspiration.