🌱 African American Cultural Center + Wake Superintendent To Retire

Happy National Umbrella Day Raleigh!

I'm taking bets, how crazy do you think that Raleigh nights are going to be leading up to Valentine's Day? I myself will be sticking to takeout and food trucks until all the romance passes. As much as I like to use Valentine's Day as a chance to treat my husband and self, two kids means that will probably take a raincheck for us. If you are looking to get out or just keep up from the comfort of home, I have everything you need to know below, including:

• The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture visits Raleigh.
• A Valentine Haunted House is for a good cause.
• The Kids Exchange Consignment Sale is open now.

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But first, today's weather:

Some rain and a thunderstorm. High: 67 Low: 48.

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Here are the top five stories in Raleigh today:

1. The family of Darryl Williams got the first look at body camera footage related to his death in police custody. A judge ordered the release of footage on Tuesday, granting Raleigh Chief of Police Estella Patterson's request to first release the video to family. In the five day report released by the department, they said that Darryl Williams disclosed to officers that he had heart problems after being tased. The footage will be released to the general public at some point today. (abc11)
2. $12 million from the city's newest park bond is set to go towards the city's first African American Cultural Center. The project is slated for construction in southeast Raleigh in one of Raleigh's most historic Black neighborhoods, South Park. The collection has been in the works for years and contains donated artifacts, community relics, historical records and family memories, with more than 1,500 pieces. Organizers hope that the center will be open by the end of the year, with plans for a Heritage Walk to follow. (abc11)
3. Wake County Public School System Superintendent Catty Moore announced that she will be retiring, effective July 1. Moore's retirement was announced in a letter that was sent to employees, stating," I make this decision with a heavy heart but with undeniable confidence in the WCPSS community moving forward." Moore has served the school district for five years, and is Wake County's first Latina superintendent and first female superintendent. (abc11, CBS17, WRAL)
4. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture came to Raleigh on Thursday to discuss the Biden administration's infrastructure improvement plans. Secretary Tom Vilsack led a discussion at the North Carolina Rural Center and emphasized that now is a pivotal moment in agriculture as more farmers reported negative income last year. Vilsack talked about creating more climate-smart initiatives to help farmers increase incomes. He also talked about the expansion of broadband in North Carolina, and transportation systems to help North Carolina businesses and farmers keep an edge. (CBS17, WRAL)
5. A federal appeals court has sided with North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, stating that a 1931 libel law is likely unconstitutional. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman has been pursuing a lawsuit against Stein, stating that his 2020 commercial violated the law in question. The law makes it a misdemeanor to help circulate "deragatory reports" about a candidate to harm their election. The appellate ruling, vacates the decision by U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles who believed the law to meet the standard for exceptions to the First Amendment. (Spectrum News 1)

Today in Raleigh:

• Hiking Club at Durant Nature Park (11:00am-1:00pm)
• Ties & Tiaras Valentine's Ball at Little Doodles (6:00pm-8:00pm)
• My Creepy Valentine Haunted House to support Give Kids The World (6:00pm)
• Diva Royale Drag Queen Show at Gold Lounge (7:00pm)
• Do Portugal International Circus (7:30pm)
• ComedyWorx Valentine's Day Show (8:00pm-9:30pm)
• Friday Night Shop Party at Black Friday Market (8:00pm-12:00am)
• Anti-Valentines Day Dance Party at Fortnight Brewing Co. Cary (8:00pm-12:00am)

Saturday in Raleigh:

• Couple's Yoga Session at Wandee Yoga (10:00am)
• My Mini & Me Banana Sushi Art Class with Joy Worthy Co. (10:30am-12:00pm)
• Food Truck Saturdays with Free Beer at Harley-Davidson (11:30am)
• James Bond 007 Launch Party Tournament at Boxcar Raleigh (12:30pm)
• First Ever Brewery Tour at Raleigh Brewing Co. (3:00pm-4:00pm)
• My Creepy Valentine Haunted House to support Give Kids The World (6:00pm)
• The ComedyWorx Show at ComedyWorx (6:00pm-7:30pm)
• Valentine's Day Gala at Sheraton Raleigh (6:00pm-10:00pm) & The Hibiscus (6:00pm)

Bonus: Weekend Best Bets (WRAL)

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From my notebook:

• It's National Umbrella Day and don't worry, I'm not going to try to buy you an umbrella with the City of Raleigh logo on it. Instead, I want to post about Umbrella Dry Bar that is set to open soon. You can join their newsletter to get updates on alcohol free events and other dates to know.
• The Kids Exchange Consignment Sale has officially begun in Raleigh at the Jim Graham Building at the NC State Fairgrounds. (abc11)
• According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC), Raleigh reached the #1 spot for most hot dogs consumed per-capita. (CBS17)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll see you soon!

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Patch newsletter? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com