Natchez, Mississippi, known for its southern charm, fascinating history and significant architecture, announces a selection of events happening this February to commemorate Black History Month.
“As one of the oldest continuous settlements on the Mississippi River, Natchez is proud to celebrate our rich cultural heritage with a curated series of Black History Month programs,” said Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage & tourism manager at Visit Natchez. “Through engaging events and experiences, we aim to honor all of Natchez’s history, celebrate those who fought for change in the community and cultivate an enduring conversation about equality.”
“Critical Places” Exhibit presented by the Natchez National Historical Park and the Alluvial Collective
Saturday, January 27, 2024 – Friday, March 29, 2024
Natchez National Historical Park is partnering with the Alluvial Collective to host a temporary exhibit in the South Slave Cabin at Melrose. The “Critical Places” project by photographer Mikael Levin takes a contemporary look at sites of former slave rebellions. Natchez was selected as a host site because of the planned Second Creek uprising in 1861 southeast of town which resulted in 40 enslaved persons being hanged at Cherry Grove Plantation. The Alluvial Collective will also sponsor community gatherings for discussion during the exhibit from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Zion Chapel’s Founder’s Day
Sunday, February 11, 9:30 a.m.
The public is invited to attend the annual Founder’s Day program held by Zion Chapel A.M.E. Church at 28 N. Dr M.L. King St., Natchez. During the program, presenters from the congregation will give presentations on the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church denomination, detailing its founding by the Reverend Richard Allen (1760 –1831), a man born into slavery in Philadelphia, PA. Allen founded and became the first Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. For more information, call Norma West at 601-807-0454.
Civil Rights Panel Discussion
Monday, February 12, 2024, Time TBD
Co-Lin Community College will host a panel discussion on the civil rights movement that will feature civil rights veterans, leaders and historians. Organized by Librarian Beth Richard and Janice Jarvis, the event is free to the public and will be held in the school’s library or multi-purpose room. For more information, visit colin.edu, call 601-446-1107 or email beth.richard@colin.edu.
“A Look at Mande (West African) Culture through Traditional Music” presented by Jerry Jenkins
Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 12:30 p.m.
Jerry Jenkins and his drums will be featured in a program titled, “A Look at Mande’ (West African) Culture Through Traditional Music,” on West African music at Alcorn State University. Jenkins will offer a historical look at African music and give demonstrations of how the music was played. He also will discuss its value as well as its impact on today’s culture in southern Mississippi. Jenkins’ presentation will be given in Dumas Hall, Room 107, on the Lorman Campus of Alcorn State University. The event is hosted by the Southwest Mississippi Center for Culture & Learning and Alcorn State University School of Arts and Sciences and organized by Teresa Busby, the center’s director. The event is free to the public. For more information, call 601-877-6551 or email tbusby@alcorn.edu.
2024 Miss-Lou Black History Parade & Community Block Party
Saturday, February 17, 2024, 2 p.m.
The 2024 Miss-Lou Black History Parade will travel from the Forks of the Road to the MLK Triangle for one mile with a community block party in the MLK Triangle immediately following. Lineup will begin at noon at the Adams County Department of Human Service at 150 E. Franklin St. In the event of rain, the parade will be held on Monday, Feb. 19, which is President’s Day. For more information, registration and to reserve your spot in the parade, visit www.blacknatchez.org.
“Back Down Memory Lane: African American Women Past and Present who Changed History and Culture”
Saturday, February 17, 2024, 5 p.m.
The public is invited to an exciting new program that celebrates the achievement of Black women. Titled, “Back Down Memory Lane of Black Women Who Changed History and Culture,” the program will be held at the Natchez City Auditorium, 207 Jefferson St., Natchez. “The program will feature local women of various churches and organizations who will portray the women we are remembering,” said organizer Dr. Carolyn Myers. “A special segment of the program will be focused on Mississippians and Natchez natives.” Everyone is asked to bring two canned goods or non-perishable items to donate to Stewpot. This program is sponsored by Seeds of Change Resource Foundation. For more information, call 601-870-6343.
Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi: Why It Matters
Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 6 p.m.
Dr. Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager for Visit Natchez, will present a lecture on civil rights pioneer Anne Moody (1940-2015) at the Natchez Historical Society. His talk is titled, “Anne Moody’s Coming of Age in Mississippi: Why It Matters.” The presentation will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the Historic Natchez Foundation at 108 S Commerce St, Natchez. For more information on this NHS event, call 601-492-3000 or email info@natchezhistoricalsociety.org or visit https://www.natchezhistoricalsociety.org.
Second Annual Natchez Black History Month Art Exhibit
Entire month of February, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Opening on January 31, New Vision Media will hold a month-long art exhibit featuring the works of up to five African Americans artists in the lobby at 20 E. Franklin St. Malcolm Inniss, owner of New Vision Media, said the goal is to have artwork that’s influenced by “Natchez notables.” The artists will cover such topics as Richard Wright and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, among others. This exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, call Leon Hollins at 601-334-0987.
The Enslaved Journey by Rev’s Country Tours
Entire month of February
In observance of Black History Month, the Rev. Tracy A. Collins will provide cultural heritage tours throughout February 2023 that will focus on the history of slavery and periods up to the Civil Rights Movement in Natchez. The tours will be available on request or by appointment. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3F0Kdua.
Legacy of the Rhythm Night Club
Entire month of February
For the entire month of February, the Rhythm Night Club Memorial Museum will offer tours that highlight the lives and legacies of African Americans. Stories will focus on the more than 200 people who died in the fire of 1940, as well as those who survived or were affected by the tragedy. During Black History Month, the cost of admission will be half price. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3gRpyRB.
“From Slavery to Freedom: The Story of the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops”
Date TBD
The public is invited to a special Black History program hosted by Jefferson County High School in Fayette, in partnership with Visit Natchez, the Natchez U.S. Colored Troops Monument Committee, and the Southwest Mississippi Center for Culture and Learning at Alcorn State University. The program will focus on the legacy of the U.S. Colored Troops and the efforts to honor them with a monument. It will also feature a special presentation by U.S. Park Ranger Barney Schoby. For more information, call Roscoe Barnes III at 601-492-3004.
Dedication of Historical Markers for African American Sites
Date TBD
Historical markers will be dedicated to the George F. Bowles House during a special ceremony at the NAPAC Museum. Bowles was a prominent African American who lived from 1844 to 1899 and was known as a successful businessman, publisher, politician, and activist. Winston was considered one of the oldest entrepreneurs of Natchez. He opened his barbershop in 1942, and it remained open for 70 years. For more information, call Bobby Dennis at 601-445-0728.
Holy Family Catholic Church Black History Celebration
Date TBD
Following Sunday mass, the public is invited to a Black History celebration at Holy Family Catholic Church at 8 a.m. where presentations will be given on important people in Black History, including Dr. John Bowman Banks, Dr. Albert W. Dumas Sr., Henry Dumas, Senator Hiram R. Revels, Senator John R. Lynch, William Johnson, Ida B. Wells, Fannie Lou Hammer and others who have had an impact on Natchez’s African American community. Music will also be presented, followed by a breakfast. Father Anthony Okwum said the program is an annual event at the church. For more information, call 601-445-5700.
Comments