As Black History Month unfolds, Natchez, Mississippi, stands ready to honor this crucial period with enthusiasm and a rich tapestry of cultural festivities. This year, BlackNatchez.org spearheads the celebrations with the eagerly anticipated Miss-Lou Black History Parade & Community Block Party, promising a day filled with joy, remembrance, and community spirit.
Scheduled for Saturday, February 17th, the festivities are set to commence with the Vendor Village, open from 12 pm to 6 pm in the historic MLK Triangle. This initiative offers a golden opportunity for the public to engage with and support local small businesses while exploring the impactful work of community organizations. Prospective vendors and parade participants are welcomed to register their interest at BlackNatchez.org, with participation remaining free.
Erienne Washington-Smith, the Vendor Village coordinator, expressed excitement over the community’s enthusiastic response. “The interest in the Vendor Village and the parade has surpassed our expectations, and we are both excited and grateful,” Washington-Smith remarked, highlighting the community’s eagerness to partake in the festivities.
The parade, set to begin at 2 pm, promises to be a poignant journey through Natchez’s historical landscape. Starting from the Forks of the Road, once the second-largest slave market in the South, and proceeding to the MLK Triangle, the former epicenter of Natchez’s thriving Black Business District, the parade route itself is a tribute to resilience and progress. This year’s theme, “We Made That: Ideas & Inventions That Changed the World,” aims to inspire and educate, celebrating the spirit of innovation and creativity that has been a hallmark of Black history and culture. Dr. Azalia Smith, one of the parade organizers, emphasized the importance of the theme: “Learning about the monumental contributions of our ancestors inspires hope and encourages innovation within our community.”
The festivities will culminate in a Community Block Party at the MLK Triangle, where attendees can enjoy performances from local musicians, artists, and a DJ battle, fostering a sense of unity and celebration. Joseph Smith, founder and Executive Director of BlackNatchez.org, shared his vision for the event: “We aim to highlight Black history as an integral part of the Natchez story, inviting the entire community to join in the celebration. This is a testament to our collective history and future.”
The events are free and open to the public, with an invitation for donations to help cover event costs, ensuring that these celebrations can continue to grow and inspire. “Every contribution, no matter the size, will be put to good use,” assured Joseph Smith, underlining the community-driven spirit of the event.
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