Group hosting African American Heritage Exhibit in Abbeville

By Melissa Hargrave, Correspondent

For the months of January and February, the Abbeville Cultural and Historical Alliance Center is hosting an African American Heritage Exhibit.
The event, sponsored by Heroines of Jericho under the leadership of Felecia Williams, as well as First Holy Ghost Church, Developing Young Professionals, and Effective Solutions, is an educational tour through a portion of African American History.
The Beulah Olga Court #41 Heroines of Jericho is a women’s auxiliary organization in Abbeville. The Order has 25 members and is a division of the Royal Arch Masons fraternal order guided by the Prince Hall Affiliation. The auxiliary began in Abbeville in February of 1983, and native Felecia Williams has been involved with Heroines of Jericho since 1997. In her own words, she describes the organization, “As Christians, God has entrusted and commissioned us to handle His program on Earth. The Heroines of Jericho are committed to being leaders in our family, community, and church by helping to make this place better, not by rising above anyone, but by taking the hand of those who need guidance. In keeping with our mission, we attempt to unlock the doors of awareness, education, and leadership by developing programs that will empower the community, help give a voice in the design and provision of services or programs needed, and focus on our children, so that no child is left behind.”
Since African American History is not a course taught in area public schools, Felecia and the Heroines of Jericho participate in many different organizations and events to help educate the public. Starting in January for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and until the last day of February, Heroines of Jericho help bring awareness of African American History into the community. This year, upon visiting the Abbeville Cultural and Historical Alliance Center and speaking with curator Tony Mayard, Felecia and the Heroines of Jericho decided to gather forces with other local organizations and create an African American Heritage Exhibit.
The exhibit highlights black men and women, both past and present. It acknowledges their accomplishments in sports, music, literature, art, science, and education despite their struggles with racism, segregation, and prejudice. The display is open to the public from now until February 27th. Opening ceremonies and reception will be held at 11:30am on January 16th at the Abbeville Cultural and Historical Alliance Center located at 200 N. Magdalen Square. There will be a performance by Faith Hope Christian Fellowship’s liturgical praise group Anointed & Appointed, as well as an interpretative presentation of Sojourner Truth by Marvette Johnson. There is no charge for the event, and the public is encouraged to attend.
The African American Heritage Exhibit is included as part of a week of activities honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. The MLK Stump Service will be held on January 18th at 9:30am. The MLK Parade will kick off at Comeaux Park. Participants are asked to line up at 10:20am at Gr. Pleasant Green B.C. on the corner of Green and IJ Joiner St. There will also be celebration events held at Herod Village site and McKinley Park.
For Felecia Williams and the Heroines of Jericho, helping to bring this exhibit to the public is a work of love. Williams comments, “For the followers of Christ, a life of love means applying gospel values to real situations and pursuing the virtues. ‘If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; and if you can dream it, you can become a part of it.’”