NATCHITOCHES – In celebration of Creole Heritage Month, Northwestern State University’s Ethnic Studies Program, Gail Metoyer Jones Center and Creole Heritage Center will host a special Creole Heritage Month Lunch & Learn highlighting the rich history, creativity and cultural contributions of Louisiana Creoles.
The event is free and open to the public and will take place from noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 in the President’s Room of the NSU Student Union. Lunch will be provided but guests must RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creole-heritage-lunch-and-learn-tickets-2001011678797.
Creole Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the history, traditions, artistic expressions and contributions of Creole people and communities. Through educational and cultural programming, the observance encourages greater appreciation for the ways Creole, particularly Louisiana Creole, heritage continues to shape Louisiana’s cultural identity.
The event will explore Louisiana Creole art in its many forms, providing attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the ways music, literature, visual and physical arts have preserved and expressed Creole history, identity and traditions across generations.
Featured speakers will include Milton Arceneaux of Creole Culture and Katrice LaCour of the LaCour Trio. Together, they will guide attendees through a conversation about the history and significance of Creole music, literature and physical arts and their continued influence on Louisiana culture and beyond.
“Celebrating Creole Heritage Month provides an important opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom. Events like this allow students to connect what they learn in their courses with the lived experiences, traditions, stories and contributions of the people who have shaped our region,” said Brittany Broussard, Ddrector of Campus Community Relations.
The Lunch & Learn is designed to be both educational and celebratory, creating a space for students, faculty, staff and community members to deepen their understanding of Creole culture while hearing directly from individuals engaged in preserving and sharing its traditions.
“The Creole Heritage Center is thrilled to partner with NSU’s Ethnic Studies Program and Gail Metoyer Jones Center on this event during Creole Heritage Month,” said Dr. Kent Peacock, director of the Creole Heritage Center. “Louisiana first recognized Creole Heritage Month in 2005 and connecting the next generations to cultural tradition experts like Mr. Arceneaux and Mr. LaCour is exactly what Creole Heritage Month is all about.”
From storytelling and literature to visual expression and other artistic traditions, Creole art provides a powerful record of community history and lived experience. The program will encourage attendees to consider not only the history behind these art forms but also how Creole culture continues to evolve and thrive today.
For additional information about the Creole Heritage Month Lunch & Learn, contact Dr. Jasmine Wise at WiseJ@nsula.edu.