Central Louisiana African American Culture and Heritage Center set for grand opening
ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - On Feb. 24, the Rapides Parish Library is hosting a grand opening for the Central Louisiana African American Culture and Heritage Center, unveiling its portrait gallery of Black History.
It is happening at the Martin Luther King Junior Library as part of an effort to make the location a hub for Black culture in Cenla.
As part of the grand opening, a curated portrait gallery will be unveiled, highlighting historical contributions that happened in Cenla.
“We are unveiling 13 portraits as part of our African American Culture and Heritage Center,” Library Branch Manager Lakeisha Henton said. “These 13 individuals are the beginning, it’s not the end. So, as you walk through life, you make sure that what you are doing is leaving a legacy, for it can be better when you leave here.”
Library officials said they hope the center will not only honor the lives of those pictured in the gallery but inspire those who visit.
The grand opening and unveiling will happen Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m.
Portrait subjects being honored are:
- Arnaud Wendall Bontemps
- Principal David Iles
- J. B. LaFargue
- Colonel Katrina Lloyd
- Oliver “Ollie” Overton
- Juan Pierre
- Dr. James Jordan Prestage, Jr.
- Dr. Jewel Limar Prestage
- Natalie Desselle Reid
- Reverend Larry Douglas Smith
- Dr. Clarence Talley, Sr.
- Amos Wesley, Jr.
- Dr. Romel C. Wrenn
Portraits were created by these six world-class artists:
- Edward Barnes
- Kylen Guilbeaux
- Fannietta Johnson
- Joseph Anthony Pearson
- Dr. Clarence Talley, Sr.
- Crystal Ann Talley
Click here to report a typo. Please provide the title of the article in your email.
Copyright 2024 KALB. All rights reserved.
