East Baton Rouge Parish honors Black History Month with arts, education, and musical events
Here's a list of February and Black History Month events hosted throughout the parish
Throughout February:
A Century of Black Life, History, Culture, Health, and Wellness
Held every Saturday in February, 9am - 1pm at Redwood Baptist Church, 20912 MacHost Road in Zachary. GROWTH Services of Louisiana presents Angela Robertson, NCC, and the Reverend Dale Flowers with expert guests as they discuss everything from Black life, history, culture, health, and wellness. On Feb. 10, there will be a wellness fair. On Feb. 17 the discussion will be “Embracing Your Black Identity” and on Feb. 24 the topic is “Christianity and Black Culture,” followed by a Taste Fest at 2pm. ONLINE: https://growthla.org
Protective Styles: Narratives on Black Hair within Contemporary Art
The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge invites the public to explore the journey of Black hair through the lens of contemporary art. Curated by Southern University professor and artist John Alleyne, this exhibit breaks the chains of hair interrogation and embraces the profound complexities of Black hair. This exhibit presents thought-provoking black-and-white portraits of vibrant celebrations of cultural pride, 22 artists from across the nation come together to challenge norms and celebrate the beauty of diversity. The Shell Gallery at the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, 233 Saint Ferdinand St., Baton Rouge, is openMon-Fri: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm and Saturdays: 10 am - 2 pm. The free exhibit closes February 29.
Feb. 10: Independence Park Theatre and Cultural Center.
On Feb. 10 from 10am - 3pm, Independence Park Theatre will come alive with a dazzling array of talents that feature performances that span the spectrum of art and theatre – from soul-stirring gospel choirs to electrifying dance ensembles, to thought-provoking spoken word poetry and gripping historical reenactments. The theatre is located at 7751 Goodwood Blvd.
Feb. 16: Fireside Chat with Lurie Daniel Favors
Hosted by Imagination Leads and the Power Coalition, this Fireside Chat features a dialogue with Lurie Daniel Favors, a fierce racial justice attorney, advocate, and host of The Lurie Daniel Favors Show on SiriusXM Urban View Channel. This in-person event offers a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most influential voices in Black history and civil rights activism. The 6pm event is held in the Glen Oaks High School auditorium, 6650 Cedar Grove Dr. Baton Rouge.
Feb. 21: Education As A Civil Right: Past, Present & Future
Explore the past, present, and future of education and its impact on society. This in-person event will take place on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Manship Theatre. Prepare to be inspired by thought-provoking discussions, insightful speakers, and interactive sessions. The event opens with the EACR Gallery Walk, a curated collection of historical photos and artifacts from the civil rights era, specifically highlighting East Baton Rouge Parish's journey through school desegregation. Be a part of the conversation.
Feb. 23 Beaucoup Vitabu - Black Girls Love to Read Too!
This exciting event celebrates the joy of reading among Black girls. We believe that representation matters, and we want to create a space where Black girls can see themselves in the stories they read. This event will celebrate and encourage increased literacy of school-age girls in grades kindergarten through 5th grade while highlighting local Black authors and inspiring creativity through the marrying of literacy and art through listening to books read aloud and participating in story-related activities. Parents will learn how to increase literacy in their homes and how to advocate for their children in school. Panel discussion and Q&A session features local educational experts and presentations from local organizations with a focus on literacy. Register: bit.ly/BeaucoupVitabu
Feb. 23: Black History Month Fundraiser For Youth, 6:30pm
Youth Oasis, an non-profit organization focused on ending youth homelessness, will host Lift Every Voice, a Black History Month fundraiser to build a safety net for youth. The event features entertainment by poet Erica Lesha, Mary Davis, Ednisha Lee, Ariel Bellazar, and Danielle Stephens with presentations by Tekoah Boatner and Chandra McCaskill. Entrance to the 6:30pm event is $10. It will be held at Youth Oasis, 260 South Acadian Thruway, in Baton Rouge. Visit YouthOasis