Building the Future: The Black Research and Performing Arts Center (BRePAC)
- Tyrone Jefferson
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 26
A Vision Rooted in History, A Future Built on Legacy
At A Sign of The Times of the Carolinas, our mission has always been to preserve and celebrate the rich history of the African Diaspora through music, dance, and storytelling. Now, we are embarking on our most ambitious project yet—a 10-year Capital Campaign to bring to life the Black Research and Performing Arts Center (BRePAC) in Charlotte’s historic West Side.
This state-of-the-art facility will be more than just a building—it will be a hub for education, cultural preservation, and artistic expression, ensuring that the untold stories of Black history are shared, studied, and celebrated for generations to come.
Why BRePAC?
For far too long, the full story of Black history has been left untold. Mainstream education often begins with 1619, the year enslaved Africans arrived in America—but our story did not begin there.
The BRePAC will fill this historical gap by providing educational programs focused on Black history before 1619, tracing the roots of Black excellence back to Ancient African civilizations and following the journey through the present day. By investing in this center, we are building capacity, confidence, and cultural pride for our shared future.
What BRePAC Will Offer
The Black Research and Performing Arts Center will serve as a beacon of knowledge and creativity, offering a space where the past, present, and future of Black history and culture come alive. The facility will feature:
📚 A Black History Repository & Research Library
A dedicated space for students, teachers, and researchers to explore:✔️ Rare Black history books and literature✔️ Music manuscripts and archives✔️ Photographs, LP recordings, and videos documenting Black culture
🎭 A 210-Seat Multimedia Performance Venue
An intimate yet dynamic space for:✔️ Live music and dance performances showcasing Black artistry✔️ Lectures and discussions featuring historians, activists, and artists✔️ Film screenings and video presentations that bring Black history to life
🎙️ A Cutting-Edge Audio & Video Recording Studio
A fully-equipped studio for:✔️ Podcast and audio storytelling—capturing the voices of elders, historians, and artists✔️ Recording performances and oral histories to preserve Black culture✔️ Community-driven media production, ensuring our stories are told by us, for us
📖 A Bookstore, Gift Shop, and Café
A welcoming space where visitors can:✔️ Browse literature celebrating Black history, culture, and thought✔️ Support Black artisans and businesses through curated products✔️ Enjoy coffee and conversation in a space designed for connection and reflection
A Decade-Long Commitment to Black History
Over the next ten years, A Sign of The Times is dedicated to bringing BRePAC to life, ensuring that it becomes a pillar of Black education, creativity, and community engagement.
Our goal is not just to construct a building, but to create a living, breathing institution that empowers young minds, honors our ancestors, and uplifts our community.
We believe that by reclaiming our past, we build a stronger, more confident future.
How You Can Help
This campaign is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about legacy. We need your support to make BRePAC a reality!
✅ Donate: Every contribution helps bring us closer to building a home for Black history in Charlotte.✅ Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network and help us raise awareness.✅ Partner with Us: We welcome collaborations with educators, artists, and cultural organizations.
💡 Together, we can ensure that the stories of the African Diaspora are not just remembered—but celebrated, honored, and passed down.
📢 Join us in making history. Support the BRePAC campaign today!