Black History in the Pine Belt is officially here and the Black History Executive Committee has released this year's key event schedule, which include 3 major events in Laurel and the 2 biggest events in Hattiesburg.
You can see the official key event calendar by clicking here. This year's theme is: "Am I My Brother's Keeper!"
City of Hattiesburg City Councilman Nick Brown, serving his 3rd year as Co-Chair of the Black History Celebrations, is encouraging everyone to come out to celebrate Black History! "We're getting ready to celebrate the 26th Annual Black History Parade and Celebration!" Councilman Brown said.
"So come out and meet us on March 2 on Eastside Ave where the parade will begin and end up at Vernon Dahmer Park where we will have many activities. We'll start at 12:00 Noon and we'll go all day!" said Councilman Nick Brown.
Black History Celebrations
The 26th Annual Black History Celebrations biggest event is Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Vernon Dahmer Park, 1,000 Country Club Rd. The event is officially known as "Black Saturday" and thousands are expected to pack out Vernon Dahmer Park to celebrate Black History in the Pine Belt.
Black History Parade
The event kicks off at 10:00am with the Black History Parade Block Party in front of the Zo's Center, the middle point of the Black History Parade. The parade itself, featuring several marching bands, kicks off at 12:00 Noon on Eastside Ave, in front of Rock of Ages Church, marching to Vernon Dahmer Park.
For more info about the 26th Annual Black History Parade click related story below:
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Grand Marshal
This year's honoree is 18 year old Ole Miss's 4 Star Quarterback, Aj Maddox, who will serve as this year's Grand Marshal of the 26th Annual Black History Parade. Serving as Grand Marshal is the highest award an African American can receive in Mississippi. Previous grand marshals have included Councilwoman Deborah Delgado, Representative Percy Watson, Mayor Johnny Dupree and other dignitaries.
Black History Ball
Aj will receive his official award, The Dr. Peggy Answorth Grand Marshal Lifetime Achievement Award on Tuesday, February 27 at the Black History Ball in downtown Hattiesburg at the Jackie Dole Community Center.
The Black History Ball kicks off at 6:00pm featuring a red-carpet entrance, food, a special invited national guest speaker to give the keynote address and a recording artist for special entertainment.
Black Saturday
At Vernon Dahmer Park, Black Saturday officially kicks off immediately after the parade. It includes a FREE Community Concert, a Step Show & Picnic for college students, Sports Tournaments including the annual youth baseball tournament, and ending ofcourse with the 3rd Annual Black History Fireworks Show.
To vote for other community awards that will be given out on Tuesday Night at the ball, to sign up to participate in the Black History Parade, or to see other Black History events in the Pine Belt, visit www.GetHattiesburgNews.com/community.
Black History in Laurel, MS
Kicking off this year's first major event in the Pine Belt celebrating Black History is a ribbon cutting ceremony in Laurel, MS. Dr. Felicia Keys will have a ribbon cutting to her health clinic, Keys to Wellness, 1250 W 1st St. Suite, in Laurel, MS at 1:30pm on Wednesday, February 14. Food will be served.
Dr. Keys is the first African American and female to run a concierge service. Dr. Keys also has a non-profit that helps high school students explore the opportunity of the nursing field.
Other celebrations in Laurel include a job fair at Union Hall Multicultural Center next to Laurel's police department on Friday, February 24, 2023. Doors open at 10:00am. A hot free lunch will be provided to the community.
Also in Laurel is a community Block Party celebrating Black History, which simply includes a Day in the Park, with fun games, activities, food and entertainment for Laurel residents to enjoy as they come together to celebrate Black History.
For more info email the Community Development Division of Hattiesburg Management Group, info@hattiesburggroup.com or call 769.280.0542.
To add your event to the community calendar, email hattiesburgnews@gmail.com.
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