Black History Month celebrations will be all about fun and culture. Freestyle. Stop, Pop and Roll. Steppin’. That’s what you can look forward to at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center www.sciport.org, Feb. 5-27. At Soumas Heritage Creole Cottage come, sit a spell and hear the “Experiences of a Lifetime”, 6 p.m., Feb. 26.
The hands-on science center will introduce visitors on Feb. 5, to freestylin’, a popular trend in the music world. A freestyle battle of words tests not just rhythm and rhyme, but also use of the English language, coherency, memory, and quickness of brain power. Come and help create your own freestyle!
Then on Feb. 12, get to steppin’ at the Steppin’ It Out, a form of dance that uses the body as an instrument. Simple motions such as a clap, a stomp, a slide and more can be combined to generate a flow of dance moves of epic proportions. Show up to step out!
The activities roll on with Stop, Pop, and Roll With It, Feb. 26. Black American musical performers are constantly introducing new dance moves. We'll take a step back into history and reflect on Black Americans who have contributed to and revolutionized dancing, including moves from the great James Brown, the Moonwalk by Michael Jackson, hip-hop moves from Ginuwine and Usher, "Lean Wit It Rock Wit It" by Dem Franchize Boyz and others in this dynamic and kinesthetic program.
All these programs will be held at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for the public. Black History Celebrations will culminate with a program, Feb. 27, at 1:30 p.m.
“The Experiences of a Lifetime” lecture will feature honored guests Clyde Soumas, born 1933 in Manderville, Louisiana, and Winston Tollett, born 1929 in Muskogge, Oklahoma. The series will highlight bitter-sweet badges that umbrella the Depression Era, buried truths, the Civil Rights Movement, and untold facts that lead up to the present.
The purpose of this event is to bridge the community together, break down barriers, and help bring clarity to assumptions and misunderstandings of cultures," said Panderina Soumas, owner of Soumas Heritage Creole Cottage.
“I simply want people within cultures to not be afraid to ask questions in hopes of understanding one another and to aid in getting rid of prejudices," Soumas said. "Knowledge is power which allows you to learn something everyday.”
Soumas is located at the recently-opened Villagio, which is a collection of retail shopping venues and residential apartments. Seating is limited. Call 318-746-4905 to reserve your space today.
