On the road to the Essence Music Festival: Louisiana’s must-see hidden gems
The Essence Music Festival is a marvelous celebration of African-American music ranging from rap to reggae. Louisiana is also a similar repository of black culture's lengthy legacy in America. Be sure to explore your surroundings, to make your trip to the Essence festival even more rewarding.
En route from I-49 traveling through Shreveport to Lafayette, LA
The Multicultural Center of the South
520 Spring St.
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 424-1380
This multicultural center was designed to celebrate the distinct cultures that make up the tremendous diversity of Shreveport, which has more than 26 diverse cultural groups living in the area. Before immersing in the glory of the Essence Music Festival, make a quick stop to enjoy some of these exhibits, which include entertaining and educational family activities and a multicultural library. There are special programs that include lectures, live musical performances and cultural tours. The most impressive element might be the art exhibit that houses paintings by the world-renowned folk artist Clementine Hunter. Visit www.mccsouth.org for more information.
The Melrose Plantation
3533 La 119
Melrose, LA
(318) 379-0055
When you mention the name Coincoin around Melrose, expect to hear stories about a woman who overcame hardship — a woman who changed her dismal situation of being enslaved into becoming a prominent and wealthy business owner. The Melrose Plantation, formerly known as Yucca Plantation, was owned and operated by Coincoin. With the help of her sons and slaves, she handled the full operations of the land, from cultivating tobacco, corn, and other crops to raising cattle and of course successfully changing the course of history by her example. For this reason and more, this plantation is a must-see! Don’t miss the rare examples of African-influenced architecture and the notably featured murals of “ The African House” created by famed African-American folk artist Clementine Hunter. Call (318) 379-0055 for hours of operation.
The Arna Bontemps African American Heritage Museum
1327 3rd St.
Alexandria, LA 71301
318-473-4692
Arnaud “Arna” Wendell Bontemps was one of the nation’s most prolific African-American writers of the twentieth century. In an effort to give back to the man that gave so much to the world, the Arna Bontemps African American Heritage Museum was created. This museum serves as a memorial to Bontemps’ amazing life and works, including his poetry, short stories, children’s literature, anthologies and biographies of famous African-Americans. Stop by this incredible site to learn more about the immense contributions Bontemps made to African-American history and culture. Exhibits are open daily expect for Mondays and Sundays. Call (318) 473-4692 for hours of operation.
The Essence Music Festival is a marvelous celebration of African-American music ranging from gospel to roots reggae. Louisiana is also a similar repository of black culture’s lengthy legacy in America. Be sure to explore your surroundings to make your trip to the Essence festival even more rewarding.
Wanjira Banfield writes about travel and entertainment for theGrio. You can find her at www.wanjirasworld.com and follow her on Twitter @wanjirasworld.
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