Apalachicola Celebrates African-American History

Representatives from the Hillside Coalition of Laborers for Apalachicola, Inc. (H’COLA) appeared before the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners at their October 5, 2010, regular meeting to request a partnership between the two entities to host a month-long, citywide recognition and celebration of African-American History during the month of February.

The city commission wholeheartedly agreed and the following is a schedule of events planned throughout the city involving a combination of public organizations and businesses.

Feb. 11 – Project Impact African Mask-Making
African Mask-Making Family Pottery Workshop at the Project Impact site located at 192 14th Street. Create a “Family Mask” in clay. There will be a follow-up session on Feb. 16 from 4-6 to finish glazing and decoration of the masks. For more information, contact fayejohnson@cityofapalachicola.com or call 850-653-1325.

Feb. 12 & 26 – Apalachicola Municipal Library – Heritage Read Aloud
The Apalachicola Municipal Library will host a Read Aloud of children’s book on the African American Heritage as well as guest readers at 11 a.m. Feb. 12 and Feb. 26. The library will also have a book exhibit at the festival. For more library information, visit www.cityofapalachicola.com/Library.cfm

Feb. 13 – Free-Jazz Concert Featuring Smooth Jazz Artist Hulon Crayton
To celebrate Black History Month the Apalachicola History, Culture, & Arts committee will host a free Jazz Concert on February 13 from 4-6 pm at the Cotton Warehouse located at the corner of Water Street and Avenue E. The concert will feature Smooth Jazz Artist Hulon Crayton. Apalachicola Center for History, Culture & Art, corner of Ave E and Water Street.

Feb. 18- March 31. Contemporary African-American Art Quilt Exhibit
The Gallery at 49 Palmetto will feature an African American Quilt Exhibit opening Feb. 18 and running through March 31. This show will highlight two important contemporary fiber artists: Valerie Goodwin and Yvonne Wells. Valerie Goodwin is both an architect and artist. Her quilts are inspired by the realistic and abstract imagery of maps and the points, lines, and patterns found within them. Yvonne Wells is a retired Alabama public school teacher and a self-taught quilt- maker and artist. Her quilts have evolved from traditional quilting techniques and express pictorial narratives of personal and political significance. Part improvisation and part memory, together their works explore the rich tradition of quilt making in new and exciting ways. An opening reception will be held at The Gallery at 49 Palmetto on February 18 from 6 -8 pm. The Gallery at 49 Palmetto is located in historic Apalachicola at 49 Avenue G, at the corner of Avenue G and 4th St. “Contemporary African-American Art Quilts” will be on exhibit during the Gallery’s hours of operation Tuesdays – Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.49palmetto.com/

Feb. 19-20 – H’COLA African-American History Festival
The two-day outdoor free festival will highlight both local and national African-American history, food, art and culture with a parade, live entertainment, exhibits, food, arts and crafts, inspirational speakers, music, dance, poetry and drama. The festival is held at Franklin Square, located in the North Historic District, “The Hill” off 6th Street and Avenue L. For more information, visit http://www.hcola.org/.

Project Impact students will be marching in the Festival Parade on Feb. 19 and will have a booth at the festival Feb. 19-20. The Project Impact group will also premier their new reading video at the Festival. The World Premier of “Take a Look, Read a Book” video produced by the Project Impact Players will debut at the Festival Feb. 19. For more information, contact fayejohnson@cityofapalachicola.com or call 850-653-1325.

Throughout February - African Heritage Display
Downtown Books will feature an African Heritage display of books throughout the month of February. To find out more, call 850-653-1290.

Throughout February - Major Contributors to Apalachicola’s Black History
Various Locations citywide. Historical panels on display at local businesses and the H’COLA African American History Festival featuring past and present local black leaders including the first Black City and County Commissioner, first African American Mayor of the City of Apalachicola, educators, business and religious leaders over the years. Sponsored by Water Street Hotel.