This piece was featured in Maya’s most recent exhibition “Whippersnappers.” | Photo courtesy of Maya Freelon and North Carolina Historic Sites
There’s a saying that goes, “those who can’t do, teach.” Local artist Maya Freelon is defying that notion in real time as an award-winning artist and now, as an Assistant Teaching Professor at NC State.
If you haven’t visited one of Freelon’s exhibitions, it’s likely that you’ve seen her work out and about. Her original artwork “Spill” was the inspiration behind the mural across from Midwood Smokehouse.
Freelon began teaching Contemporary Issues in Art and Design at NC State in January and relishes the opportunity to guide + inspire the upcoming generation of artists in Raleigh.
“As an educator, you have moldable minds, and it’s beautiful to see people who want to learn,” Freelon told RALtoday. “My dad’s alma mater was NC State, and he was an architect who made sure I knew we were a part of the Wolfpack.”
Celebrating Black History Month: “Hidden Figures” | 6:30 p.m. | Holly Springs Cultural Center, Holly Springs | Free | Enjoy a community viewing of the film depiction of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson’s work at NASA.
Community & Cocktails: An Evening of Music and Philanthropy | 7-9 p.m. | The Willard Rooftop Lounge | Price of purchase | Take in views of Oak City’s skyline and enjoy food + bev specials like $12 Espresso Martinis and $8 pimento jars while supporting those impacted by domestic violence.
Friday, Feb. 28
Goodnights Presents: K. Trevor Wilson | Through Sunday, March 2 | Times vary | Goodnights Comedy Club | $30+ | Make laughter the soundtrack of your evening as the award-winning comedian K Trevor Wilson performs.
Saturday, March 1
Sip, Sew and Tell | 10 a.m. | The Self Care Marketplace | $30 | Sew your own makeup bag from scratch at this beginner-friendly workshop.
Fight Night Live — Davis vs. Roach | 7 p.m. | Sports & Social Cary, Cary | $60 | Watch boxer Gervonta Davis return to Brooklyn to defend his Lightweight World Title against Super Featherweight World Champion Lamont Roach.
Find candidates who want to work right here, right now. | Gif by 6AM City
Local job boards are a total game-changer — for both job seekers and businesses. Instead of sifting through endless listings, they focus on quality over quantity, connecting employers with candidates who actually want to work in the area. That means fewer relocation headaches and better retention.
For big and small businesses, it’s a smart way to connect with candidates who understand the local community and culture. Plus, hiring locally usually means a faster, smoother hiring process. Whether you’re looking for a job or trying to fill one, RALtoday Job Board keeps things simple, practical, and close to home.
Dogwood Residential is planning a 108-unit mixed-use development on Hillsborough Street near NC State. The five-story building will feature apartments, retail space, parking, and rooftop terraces. The project, which replaces a former Wells Fargo, will add to the ongoing transformation of Hillsborough Street. (Triangle Business Journal)
Watch
Robert Hunter, a Wake County Sheriff’s Deputy and singer, stunned “The Voice” coaches with his blind performance of “‘Til You Can’t.” Hunter’s audition prompted judge + country singer Kelsea Ballerini to turn her chair, offering him a spot on team Ballerini — and he accepted. Catch more of Hunter’s voice and his journey on NBC’s “The Voice” on Mondays at 8 p.m. (NBC)
Closing
Walgreens is closing multiple stores in the Triangle, one at 8385 Creedmoor Rd. in Raleigh on Tuesday, March 18 and another on Fayetteville Street in Durham on Tuesday, March 25. These closures are part of the company’s nationwide plan to shut down 1,200 stores by 2028, amid rising operational costs. (Triangle Business Journal)
Edu
William Peace University has launched The Peace Pledge, offering full tuition for qualifying students from lower-income households. This initiative aims to make higher education more accessible, empowering first-generation undergrads with a chance to earn a degree without financial barriers. Eligibility includes a FAFSA-determined income of $75K or less. (Raleigh Magazine)
Try This
Explore recent archaeological excavations at Mordecai Historic Park on Saturday, March 29 at 1 p.m. Discover objects that reveal the diverse history of the site, from Indigenous people to Raleigh’s founders, and learn about the park’s evolution over time. The event is free and open to all.
Plan Ahead
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a free outdoor screening of “A League of Their Own” at Fletcher Park on Sunday, March 30. The film, about the first women’s professional baseball league during WWII, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for an enjoyable evening.
Number
$2,500 amount. That’s how much we’re looking to raise to support our staff and mission here at RALtoday — and our fundraising ends tomorrow. If you love the free community resource you’re reading right now (we sure do), support us today with a one-time donation. See how close we are to our goal.
$2,101. That’s the record-breaking price that car insurance premiums are projected to reach in 2025. Read: It’s more important than ever to make sure you’re not overpaying. Review Money’s best car insurance list to see if you could save (maybe up to $1,300 a year).*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Category
Tech
Apple moves forward in NC
Apple is one of the leading technology companies in the US. | Photo via Apple Newsroom
Last summer, Apple confirmed a four-year delay for its anticipated campus in Research Triangle Park. Originally part of a $1 billion investment announced in 2021, the RTP campus was set to bring 3,000 jobs to the area. However, the tech giant is moving forward with investments in parts of NC, particularly in Catawba County, where it continues expanding its data center operations.
Construction has yet to begin, and no start date has been provided. Since 2021, Apple has hired nearly 600 people in Raleigh, but the delay poses risks to the company’s eligibility for state incentives tied to job creation and investment milestones. The delay may also affect Apple’s $100 million pledge for local education and $110 million for infrastructure across the state.
The Buy
The Buy
Your two new best friends to speed up blow drys: a really good hairbrush and Kenra Platinum’s time-saving blow dry spray. The Wet Brush hairbrush features a vented design for faster airflow plus heat-resistant bristles, while the 4.7-star rated Kenra spray detangles, smooths, and decreases blow-dry time by 50%.
The Got to Be NC festival is on its way back to the NC State Fairgrounds May 16-18. If you’re interested in being a vendor or exhibitor, applications are due Saturday, March 1.
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