By Rita LeBleu

American Press

Photos Special to the American Preess

In 2021, the Black Heritage Festival could only draw attention to its rich heritage “virtually.” Not this year. This year it begins with a BINGO that beats all, and that’s just the first day. The four-day celebration includes a formal gala and dinner, the main festival, a parade and the gospel extravaganza.

“This celebration is not a separation of cultures,” said Donald Thomas, the 2022 executive director. “It’s an inclusion of cultures, an appreciation of culture. Black culture is American culture.”

The festival has been going on here for over 30 years and is an invitation to everyone to win prizes, enjoy stellar entertainment, shop over 70 local vendors and learn more about black history origins, according to Thomas. Since the early settlement of America, Black culture has influenced the nation’s language, manners, religion, literature, music, art and dance.

Thursday, March 10, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the BHF will host its Senior Citizen Super Bingo. a 10-game round to include a blackout at the MLK Center located at 2009 N. Simmons St. in Lake Charles.

“It’s totally free to all seniors 50 and up and includes lunch,” Thomas said. “Everytime I’m interviewed about the event, someone has objected to being called a senior if they’re in their 50s. But I guarantee you, if they walk away with some of these prizes and a free lunch, they won’t be offended.”

Thomas said he attended local bingo events and decided to take prizes up a notch. In addition to restaurant gift cards, expect household goods such as air fryers, dishware and beautiful bedding sets.

On Friday, March 3, the public is invited to attend the “My Black is Beautiful Celebration/Gala” to be held at the Magnolia House Event Center at 932 Enterprise Blvd. in Lake Charles, 8 – 10 p.m.

Admission is $50. A table is $400. Dress is semi-formal. Expect a delicious five-course meal, hall of fame presentation, dancing to R&B and zydeco hits, cashbar and a music performance by saxophonist Michael Kittling.

The main festival, with vendors to include art, books, jewelry, clothing, food and more, takes place Saturday, March 12 at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Parade lineup is 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Departure is at 11 a.m. The route goes from the Civic Center to Enterprise Boulevard to Mill Street to Lakeshore Drive and back to the Civic Center.

The Black Men Wear Suits event is hosted by the Lake Charles Chapter of Southern University Alumni Federation and includes seminars on resume building, interview skills and how to prevent human trafficking.

Immediately following the parade, the fun continues with the Kids Zone, awesome giveaways including bicycles, breakout sessions and live performances by Leon Chavis, Audi-Yo, Russ G., Harold Guillory and more.

The Black Heritage Festival presents the Gospel Extravaganza Sunday, March 13 at United Christian Fellowship at 2900 E. Opelousas St. in Lake Charles from 5 – 7 p.m. Admission is free. Don’t miss performances by Duane Terry, Bonnie Bolden and others.

The mission of the BHF of Louisiana is to develop, expose and enhance audiences to the arts and culture of African Americans, and provide arts and humanities opportunities to all citizens, thereby, expanding tourism opportunities to our diverse regional population and scholarship and other learning opportunities for local students.