THE CHAPEL HILL INSIDER
FROM THE INSIDE…
Inside This Issue: We are diving into the 100th anniversary of Black History Month — and the remarkable Chapel Hill and Carrboro stories that make it personal. Plus, Community Spend Week is happening right now, the full February Market Watch with Meri Lynch (mortgage rates just hit a three-year low), a new thrift store opens on Main Street tomorrow, Kipos Greek Taverna is back at Eastgate this Saturday, and a reminder to vote early before the March 3 primary.
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Feature Story
3 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Chapel Hill & Carrboro
A Century of Celebrating Black History — And It Lives Right Here
Black History Month isn't just about looking back; it's about showing up. And here in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, we've got some pretty incredible ways to honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future of our Black community.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, which makes it feel even more significant. Instead of just reading about history, why not experience it? Whether you're looking for a family-friendly afternoon, a deep dive into local legacy, or a way to put your money where your values are, we've got you covered.
Here are three meaningful ways you can celebrate Black History Month right here at home.
Market Watch with Meri Lynch
February 2026
Your monthly Chapel Hill and Chatham County real estate check-in
Spring buying season is knocking on the door — and this year, it is bringing better conditions than we have seen in a while.
The headline number: mortgage rates dipped to 6.09% for a 30-year fixed as of mid-February — the lowest in about three years. That is down nearly 80 basis points from a year ago, and it translates to real money. Every quarter-point drop expands your purchasing power by roughly 3%.
Upcoming Events
🎉 LOCAL EVENTS THIS WEEK
February 19 through March 4
Thursday-Friday, February 19-20
Community Spend Week continues. Visit The Flying Pierogi, Tonya's Cookies, or Carolina Car Wash through Friday at 4 p.m. to support Black-owned businesses during this inaugural event.
Friday, February 20
Extraordinary Thrift Store Opens 125 W. Main St., Carrboro | 10:00 a.m. First day open for shopping. Donations accepted 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Early Voting Six locations across Orange County | 8:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. weekdays through Feb 27 orangecountync.gov/EarlyVoting
Saturday, February 21
Kipos Greek Taverna Reopening 1800 E. Franklin St., Eastgate Crossing | Ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m., dinner service at 5:00 p.m. Seven months after Chantal's floods, Kipos is back. Reservations at kiposchapelhill.com.
Sunday, February 22
Early Voting All six Orange County sites | 12:00-4:00 p.m.
"Living History: From the Rock Wall" — Marian Cheek Jackson Center Weaver Street Market, 101 E. Weaver St., Carrboro | 1:00-3:30 p.m. Oral histories, storytelling, and community connection honoring Chapel Hill-Carrboro's Black history. Free and open to all.
"Indivisible" — Dr. Sonny Kelly Friday Center, 100 Friday Center Dr., Chapel Hill | 3:00-5:00 p.m. A powerful one-man performance exploring race, identity, and belonging. Free; registration required at fridaycenter.unc.edu.
Black History Month Concert: The Four Seasons Drakeford Library Complex, 203 S. Greensboro St., Carrboro | 3:00-4:30 p.m. Live music in the gorgeous new library space. Free.
Friday, February 27
Extraordinary Thrift Store Ribbon Cutting 125 W. Main St., Carrboro | Open house 3:00-5:00 p.m., Ribbon cutting at 4:00 p.m.
"The First To Know" — Opening Night at The ArtsCenter The ArtsCenter, 400 Roberson St., Carrboro | Performances Feb 27-28 and Mar 6-7 Call 919-929-2787 or box office 984-500-4500 for tickets and showtimes.
Saturday, February 28
Last Day of Early Voting All six Orange County sites | 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Health and Wellness Fair Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St. | 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Free health screenings, wellness resources, and community connections.
Monday, March 2
CDBG Grant Application Deadline Noon — Town of Chapel Hill Community Development Block Grant. Contact [email protected] or call 919-968-2877.
Tuesday, March 3
Election Day — March 2026 Primary Polls open 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Vote at your assigned precinct. Find your polling place at orangecountync.gov/Elect.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
Rose & Roses Soiree: The Power of Five | Graduate by Hilton, 311 W. Franklin St. | 5–8 PM | $50/one, $85/two | Cocktail attire | Benefiting Monet Richardson Community Foundation | secure.qgiv.com/event/mrcfa
Community Update
FROM AROUND TOWN
Mural at the Open Eye Cafe near the Drakeford Library Complex
Kipos Greek Taverna Comes Home to Eastgate
The wood-burning oven is firing back up. Kipos Greek Taverna reopens at 1800 E. Franklin St. in Eastgate Crossing this Saturday, February 21 — seven months after Tropical Depression Chantal flooded the shopping center and shut down businesses across the property. Ribbon cutting with the Chamber at 4:30 p.m., dinner service at 5 p.m. Reservations at kiposchapelhill.com. Kipos joins Trader Joe's, Shake Shack, Great Outdoor Provision Co., and The Loop in the Eastgate comeback. And if one Greek restaurant wasn't enough good news — Giorgios Hospitality Group also announced a brand-new concept, Geos Tavern and Oyster Bar, coming to East 54 later this spring. Opa!
Extraordinary Thrift Store Opens Tomorrow
The new Extraordinary Thrift Store at 125 W. Main St. in Carrboro opens its doors Friday, February 20, at 10:00 a.m. Run by Extraordinary Ventures, it creates employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — stepping into the space left when CommunityWorx closed after 73 years. They are already accepting donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The formal ribbon-cutting ceremony is coming up on February 27. We will have a full feature next week — but go ahead and be one of the first through the door tomorrow.
Early Voting Is Open — March 3 Primary
Early voting for the March 3 statewide primary and Orange County Board of Education election is happening now through Saturday, February 28. You can vote at any of six sites in Orange County: the Drakeford Library Complex in Carrboro, Chapel Hill Public Library, Chapel of the Cross (304 E. Franklin St.), Seymour Senior Center (2551 Homestead Rd.), Orange Works in Hillsborough, and Efland-Cheeks Community Center. Hours this week: 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. weekdays. Sunday, February 22: noon-4 p.m. Photo ID is requested but you can vote with or without it. Same-day voter registration is available during early voting with proof of residency. More info at orangecountync.gov/EarlyVoting.
Free Tax Prep Is Back
The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is offering free tax preparation at the Seymour Center, 2551 Homestead Road. If your household income is $67,000 or less, you qualify. Hours: Thursdays and Fridays 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon. Appointments fill up fast — call (919) 245-4242 or schedule online at orangecountync.gov/ocncvita.
Orange County's Living Wage Set at $22.60/hour
The 2026 Orange County living wage has been set at $22.60 per hour — the benchmark for what it actually costs to live here. Worth knowing whether you are an employer, an employee, or just someone who pays attention to how this community works.
Chapel Hill Insider is your weekly guide to the people, places, and stories that make our community special. Know someone we should feature? Have a story tip? Reply to this email.
INsight from the INSIDER
A Final Note
"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots."
— Carter G. Woodson,
the father of Black History Month, whose 1926 vision we are celebrating a full century later. The roots run deep here. Go see for yourself this Sunday.
Chapel Hill Cartoon Map
Big news: Ed King's beloved hand-drawn Chapel Hill Cartoon Map is now available digitally! In partnership with the original artist, we've brought this charming map—capturing every quirky corner and beloved business in our town—into the digital age.
Click to view the map online!
Until next time,
Be in the know!