Another fundraiser to help sustain the Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum, is being hosted on its site in Monroe, La., at 1051 Chennault Park Drive approximately 2 miles from Pecan Land Mall.

The event will feature “Xtreme Praise Ministries” of Alexandria, La., and will be at 5 p.m. Saturday.

This renowned ministry has been in existence for many years, making appearances across central, southern and northern Louisiana, Mississippi and other states. It features several groups of praise dancers, a drill team, a skit, mimes and puppetry — all religiously oriented.

The performances are appropriate for all ages to enjoy, to be informed and to appreciate.

Participants, ranging from early childhood age to young adulthood and beyond, will interact with the audience in a special way that provides an atmosphere of inspiration and acceptance.

The idea of this cultural and educational museum, which is a “labor of love,” began with the vision of the late Mrs. Nancy Johnson of Monroe, approximately 19 years ago. After her death, the vision came to fruition with humble beginnings at a wooden frame modest house on 503 Plum St. in Monroe, and very little money. However, faith and persistence by some dedicated residents of northeast Louisiana, and by relentless fortitude on the part of former Sen. Charles D. Jones, other legislators and elected officials, the present “state-of-the-art” museum represents fruition of Mrs. Johnson’s vision.

The mission of the museum’s board of directors is to preserve and to promote African American culture, heritage and contributions.

We relate the African American experience through educational programs, workshops, tours and civic and social events. We will serve more than 15 Louisiana parishes, several Mississippi counties and visitors from throughout the United States.

Because the responsibility for the museum’s sustenance rests with the board members, we rely on assistance from both private and public sectors of the various committees.

We are seeking additional dedicated board members, friends to the museum, sponsors, volunteers, monetary donations and suitable artifacts and art.

We have been blessed and highly favored to have some outstanding groups locally, as well as from afar to help support the museum. This same principle applies to state and national supporters who have contributed their service, as well as their finances.

Some of the above-referenced events are Parade of the States, Broadway at the Museum — a musical, Golden Girls pageant, Black Heritage and Kwanzaa programs, Family Heritage project, Table Skates and Fashion Show.

We are also soliciting other ideas from the general public to use as fundraisers, and we do appreciate the support that the general public has given us.

The museum’s operational hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Special hours for tours, meetings, conferences and celebrations are easily arranged by contacting these numbers: 318-342-8889, 318-387-2914, 318-235-7090 or 318-235-7091.

Bus transportation is being provided at a cost of $5 per person and will leave at 1 p.m. from Vidalia Junior High School, at 1:20 p.m. from Ferriday High School, at 1:30 p.m. from St. Mark Church in Clayton and at 2 p.m. from Catahoula Parish Health Center in Sicily Island.

The public is invited to attend this beneficial event.

For more information, contact 601-870-8733 or 318-336-8504.

 

Josephine Sanders-Webster is the museum board chairperson.