Southwest Louisiana is gearing up to celebrate the rich and dynamic African American culture this week as part of the annual Black Heritage Festival.

The festival kicks off Thursday with a senior citizen bingo at 9:30 a.m. at the MLK Center, 2009 N. Simmons St., and a men’s symposium at 7:30 p.m. at Living Word Christian Center, 1639 Ryan St.

The senior citizen bingo consists of 10 rounds with each round sponsored by a local business. The event will include merchandise and cash prizes per round, and lunch will be provided.

The theme of this year’s symposium is “Dear Black Man … Who Are You?” and will be hosted by Donald Thomas Jr. Guests panelists will include Braylon Harris, E.J. Kemper, Jeff Jackson and Keith Bill. The symposium is $20 to attend for men 18 and older and free for those younger.

The festivities continue on Saturday with the Black Pot Cookoff at the Lake Charles Event Center. The day will include food trucks, merchandise vendors, empowerment sessions, dance performances, bands, a kids zone and health fair.

The festival will culminate with a Gospel Extravaganza at 6 p.m. March 10 at Word of Hope Family Worship Center, 3975 E Prien Lake Road, in which area Gospel singers and choirs come together for a night of praise, worship and fellowship.