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Contact: Leigh Flynn
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
10/29/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - An historic and cultural preservation group from Northwestern State University is looking for information about the experiences of African-Americans in Natchitoches from 1865 through 1975.
The project, called "The Black Experience in Natchitoches, 1865-1975," is being implemented by students in History 3170, a course in cultural and historic preservation offered through Northwestern's Department of Social Sciences.
Dr. Ann Malone, course instructor and coordinator of the Natchitoches Cultural and Historic Preservation Project, said the information is being gathered from documents and oral histories of the black community in Natchitoches.
The ultimate goals are the development of a website as well as an historical pamphlet, walking tours and driving tours of sites associated with the history of blacks in Natchitoches. Tour pamphlets and all materials generated by the project will be given to the community, free of charge.
Certain historical and religious sites, businesses, homes and people who significantly impacted the black influence in Natchitoches will be included in the tours and written materials.
The project will focus on the history of Natchitoches as viewed from the black perspective, said project coordinator Chet Keeton.
"Currently, there are books and tapes covering the history of Natchitoches as viewed from European and Creole perspectives," Keeton said. "This project will broaden the flavor of the Natchitoches experience and demonstrate the importance of Natchitoches as a truly multicultural experience."
To accomplish their goals, the NCHPP is seeking information on a number of topics relating to the black community. The group is specifically gathering information about black-owned businesses, businesses catering to the black community, photographs of life in the community, information about neighborhoods and locations of notable residences of prominent African-Americans in Natchitoches. Information about predominantly black schools, churches, community centers, theatres, swimming pools, lodge halls and parks would also be helpful.
"We all have stories to share, and now is your chance to record your memoirs of African-American life in Natchitoches so they do not get lost for future generations," Keeton said.
Sheila Richmond, a project researcher, said even young people could contribute by telling stories passed down from their grandparents and parents.
The NCHPP is distributing brochures and questionnaires relating to the project at area schools, churches and businesses.
For more information or to request a questionnaire, call Malone at (318) 352-5632 or (318) 357-5505, or leave a message for the following project researchers at (318) 357-6195 -- Michael Barker, Scott Batts, Brian Cockrell, Chet Keeton, Joseph Knights, Jason Lott, Tamara May, Richard Packer, Sheila Richmond or Casey Waller.