Black History Month Events in Natchitoches
Saturday, Feb. 12
Black History Parade - Featuring Grand Marshal Dr. Marcus Jones, at 1 p.m. The parade will also feature Miss “Expressions of a Culture” Anastasia Nelson. Lineup will be at 11:30 a.m. at 1300 Texas St. The parade route will be from Texas Street to MLK Drive and will end at the Ben D. Johnson auditorium parking lot. The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center will showcase state of the art opportunities leading to careers at an open house. There will be prizes and refreshments. For more information, call 318-332-8254.
Saturday, Feb. 19
Genealogy Sleuthing with our Mammy’s - Join the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum as Gaynell Brady, founder/educator of Our Mammy’s, shares the stories of African Americans in Louisiana through the lens of her ancestors. Genealogy Sleuthing with Our Mammy’s is an interactive program that will introduce children to family history. Participants will develop a portion of their family tree, look for clues, and uncover evidence from artifacts. This educational program is geared for families and children ages six and older and accompanied by an adult. Free and open to the public from 2-3:30 p.m.
Unity for a Stronger Community – This event will feature free food, a fashion show, community awards, and announce the winners of the MLK Art Contest. Begins at 5 p.m. at RAM located at 175 Fairgrounds Road in Natchitoches. For more information call 318-761-0000.
Memorial Illumination - Cane River Creole National Historical Park will host a memorial illumination to remember and honor the people who were enslaved on Magnolia Plantation. The free illumination events and self-guided tours will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. The tours will be outdoors, will cover about a half mile over uneven and unpaved ground, and will occur rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight and dress appropriately for weather and walking conditions. Magnolia Plantation, which can only be accessed from LA Highway 1, is located at 5549 Highway 119, Derry, LA.
Wednesday, Feb. 23
Community Health Fair - This year's national theme for Black History Month focuses on the importance of Black Health & Wellness. There will be a FREE Health & Wellness Expo at the MLK Recreation Center from 12 noon - 3:00 pm. This is a FREE Public Event open to all ages, no RSVP Required. Sponsored by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and the City of Natchitoches.
Saturday, Feb. 26
Memorial Illumination - Cane River Creole National Historical Park will host a memorial illumination to remember and honor the people who were enslaved on Oakland Plantation. The free illumination events and self-guided tours will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. The tours will be outdoors, will cover about a half mile over uneven and unpaved ground, and will occur rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight and dress appropriately for weather and walking conditions. Oakland Plantation is located at 4386 Highway 494, Natchez, LA.
If you would like your event to be included, please email event description and details to media@natchitoches.com.