Olive Hill Community Economic Development Corporation
Serving Burke County and Western North Carolina for 28 years
A Working Community Planning Concept | Updated September 2026
Our Vision
February 2027 offers an opportunity to do more than present individual Black History Month programs. We envision a coordinated community celebration that brings together local Black history, arts and culture, children and youth, elders, churches, community organizations and existing Black History Month traditions.
Mountain View Recreation Center will be an important part of that story. For generations, Mountain View served as a gathering place for recreation, swimming, dances, youth activities, celebrations, meetings and community life.
We also hope to explore and preserve the history of local cultural arts programming, including the Burke Cultural Arts Coalition, Mountain View Youth Choir and the Essence of the Arts Performing Troupe, while considering how the Performing Troupe might be revived for a new generation.
Coordinate — Not Compete
Black churches, the Burke County NAACP, the public library and other organizations already have important Black History Month traditions.
WHAT WE'RE EXPLORING
Black History Dinner Theater &
Living Legends Gala Fundraiser
This would serve as the signature fundraising and cultural event of the celebration, combining dinner, local history, theater, music, fashion, performance and recognition of Living Legends whose contributions have helped shape our community.
From Bandstand to Soul Train:
A Mountain View Social
An intergenerational celebration of music, dance, fashion and hairstyles through the decades—from the sock-hop and Bandstand years through Motown, Soul Train, funk, disco, old-school music and beyond.
The experience would celebrate not only the music, but also the importance of Black performers, dance, fashion, hairstyles and cultural expression. And yes—a Soul Train line may be required!
A Moment in Black History
Short local and national Black History presentations could be shared through radio, television, Facebook, YouTube and other social media throughout February.
A major emphasis will be placed on telling our own local stories.
The Essence of the Arts Performing Troupe &
Mountain View Youth Choir
could become an important part of the production.
Back to Mountain View
History Experience
Throughout the planning process, we hope to collect photographs, programs, newspaper articles, artifacts, memories and oral histories connected with Mountain View and Black life in Burke County.
The exhibit could include churches, schools, businesses, recreation, cultural organizations, families and individuals whose stories deserve to be preserved.
Children & Youth
Young people will be encouraged to discover history close to home—people, places, churches, schools, neighborhoods, businesses, organizations and family histories connected to Burke County
Proposed 2027 Highlights:
-
January — MLK Banquet Preview - A brief introduction to the Black History Month initiative and an invitation for the community to contribute memories, photographs, stories and talents.
-
February — Back to Mountain View Opening & History Experience
-
February — Black History Dinner Theater & Living Legends Gala Fundraiser
-
Saturday, February 20 — Proposed From Bandstand to Soul Train Social
-
Saturday, February 27 — Anticipated NAACP Black History Festival collaboration
-
Sunday, February 28 — Anticipated Public Library Gathering of the People collaboration
.Dates and activities are subject to confirmation with participating organizations and venues.
Help Us Tell the Story
We are beginning now because this celebration should be created with the community, not simply presented to the community.
We especially want to hear from people who:
-
Remember Mountain View “back in the day”
-
Participated in the Essence of the Arts Performing Troupe
-
Have old photographs, programs, newspaper articles or memorabilia
-
Know local Black history that should be preserved
-
Know individuals whose contributions deserve recognition
-
Sing, dance, act, write, direct, sew, design, research or work with young people
-
Represent a church or organization planning a 2027 Black History Month activity
-
Want to volunteer in the planning process
Our history happened here.
Our stories live here.
Together, we can make sure they continue to be told.
Whether you want to volunteer your time and talents or share a story, photograph, memory, or piece of local history, please complete the form below so we can connect with you and include your contribution in the planning for Black History Month 2027.