City event to celebrate Black History Month

For Black History Month this February, it is more than just a remembrance of important people and events in the African-American community; it is much more than just a glance at history. More than that, it is a chance for all Americans, regardless of color and creed, to come together to celebrate the progression in our society and a chance to correct the past by striving to attain a better future for all, and officials in the City of Hattiesburg are making those strides.

The annual African-American History Month Celebration will be held Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Hattiesburg. Last year, the city observed African-American culture through a celebration of soul food, and due to popular requests, “Celebrating Hattiesburg’s Best Soul Food” is back.

Chairperson of the event Deborah Delgado, who also serves as Hattiesburg councilwoman for Ward 2, said the event was so popular among residents last year that they had no choice but to bring it back as the official theme for the 2013 observance.

Though the event is free and open to the public, it is requested that each person bring a soul food dish to share, which will serve as an admission to the event.

“There were so many dishes last year that many of us had not even seen or tasted since our early childhood,” Delgado said. “The South has such a deep history and love of soul food.”

Delgado said about 125 residents attended the celebration last year, and though officials are expecting the same number, they hope everyone in the Hattiesburg community will find time to come out to taste the best soul food in the South. 

For those who are not connoisseurs in the kitchen, Delgado has a solution.

“Feel free to bring a gallon of sweet tea or lemonade,” Delgado said. “That’s the Southern tradition; it’s the drink we have traditionally used with every meal.”

The event will also feature live music by local musician legend T-Bone Pruitt.

For more information about the event, visit the Hattiesburg City Council’s Facebook page.