BlackNatchez.org will host the Miss-Lou Black History Parade Monday, February 20, at 3PM. Businesses, schools, churches, community groups, elected officials, candidates for office, and others from across the Miss-Lou region are invited to participate. Interested participants can register for the parade online at BlackNatchez.org or call 601.807.2707.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Black Genius, Black Excellence & Black Joy.” All participants are encouraged to select an area of Black achievement to highlight during the parade. “We’re not just looking for nice cars and floats-which we all love to see. We want the parade to be a big lesson in black history for our young people,” said Dr. Azalia Smith, one of the parade planners.
The parade will start at the site of Forks of the Road – once the 2nd largest slave market in the South and proceed west on Saint Catherine to the MLK Triangle.
“This route symbolizes the incredible progress of African descendants from enslavement to freedom & entrepreneurship,” said Joseph Smith, founder of BlackNatchez.org. “We’re extending invitations to people from counties and parishes across Miss-Lou that were part of the old Natchez District where Africans were enslaved,” said Smith.
Smith says they’ve already received nearly two dozen entries from participants as far away as New Orleans. “I think people are excited about the opportunity to impact our young people. Teachers are thrilled, and parents are grateful to have a fun, educational activity for kids who are out of school that day.”
Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday and local schools are closed.
The parade will conclude with a community block party featuring music, food, and local vendors. Vendors, food trucks, and others can sign up to join the vendor village for free at BlackNatchez.org.
Questions, suggestions, & feedback can be sent to blacknatchez@gmail.com.
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