The year 2017 marks the 27th anniversary of the founding of the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American History and Culture (NAPAC). The founders and members of NAPAC are so excited about this accomplishment and have planned a celebration to highlight the milestones that brought them to this place and time. They will also recognize the community for its unwavering support of the organization. This celebration, which will prove to be a spectacular event,  will be at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27 at the Magnolia Bluffs Hotel on Canal Street in Natchez.

The stated purpose and mission of the NAPAC organization have been and still remain “to be the vehicle in which to educate the public of the history of the African American community in Natchez, Mississippi from the earliest appearance of Africans in the Natchez area to the present time.”

The brain-child of NAPAC is Judge Mary Lee Davis Toles, who also encouraged and inspired Josie Gilchrist Camper, Flora Terrell, Patricia Washington and Mary White to form this organization. Juanita Jones and Patricia Powers, now deceased, were invited to join the organization shortly after its formation. In 1991, the seven women opened the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, located on Main Street.

The Museum was created to present and preserve the cultural and historical contributions of African Americans in the growth of Natchez, the state and the nation. Through much community, city and state support, the group was able to secure a building, displaying artifacts depicting the African American life. Much has happened in those 27 years. We moved from our first building on Market Street to our present location on Main Street. Our exhibits and our memberships have grown. The Museum is recognized nationally as a treasure for the city of Natchez.

The NAPAC organization invites the community to help commemorate and celebrate its 27th anniversary.

Everyone is invited to the reception on at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Magnolia Bluffs Hotel.

Tickets are $25 and may be purchased from any one of the following committee members:

• Mary L. Toles at 601-442-6822
• Lovie Martin at 601-807-9044
• Pat Washington at 601-442-6613
• Josie Camper at 601-392-1743
• Liz Howard at 601-334-0023
• Flora Terrell at 601-446-6288
• Mary White at 601-446-5601
• Juanita Jones at 601-446-5752.

We thank you in advance for your kind support through the years. We invite you to come and enjoy what we believe will be a memorable evening as you help us re-affirm our mission — that we indeed EXIST TO TELL OUR STORY.

Patricia Washington is one of the founders of NAPAC as well as a Board Member.