The Alston-Massenburg Center in Wake Forest will host an event where history and community come together. The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is partnering with local collector Ronald "Skip" Parker to present a Black History Expo, offering an educational and nostalgic exploration of African American heritage. Scheduled for Saturday, from noon till 4 p.m., this event will welcome the public to engage with a pivotal chapter of American history at no charge, according to the town's announcement.
Parker, a Wake Forest native, has curated a selection of antiques and collectibles spanning from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. Among the items on display are an 1842 wooden washboard, and a vintage 1954 DeLaval stainless steel milk can. The antique dolls, which feature historical figures such as Rosa Parks, Ida B. Wells, Ella Fitzgerald, Katherine Johnson, and Maya Angelou, offer a tangible connection to the individuals and stories that have shaped the nation's history.
According to the official announcement made by the Town of Wake Forest, the expo will not only showcase Parker's private collection but also serve as a venue for shared knowledge and cultural exchange. The Alston-Massenburg Center, located at 416 N. Taylor St., is named after two notable African American leaders from the community and provides a space for historical reflection.
