The 40th annual Black Heritage Festival is February 15 at Longleaf Botanical Gardens in Anniston. 

Ms. Georgia Calhoun began the Black Heritage Festival four decades ago. Her vision was to enhance the poetry experience for children in our community and to encourage support for local museums. Each year, students step on stage to compete in the festival’s oration competition. The contest challenges participants to express themselves by reciting poetry. 

On the day of the festival, the opening ceremony will begin at 10:00 am followed by student orations at 10:15 am. The Talladega College Choir will take the stage at 1:00 pm, and the awards ceremony begins at 2:00 pm.  Lunch will be available for purchase between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. 

As in years past, vendors will line the lobby to sell unique trinkets and gifts. Vendor booths will be open for the duration of the festival. 

Students interested in participating in the oration competition may pick up a participation form prior to the festival and return it to the Anniston Museum of Natural History by February 12. Forms are available online at ExploreAMAG.org, at the museum, and from area school principals. Oration registration begins at 9:30 am, on the day of the event, before the festival opens.

Mail to: 
Anniston Museum
PO Box 1587
Anniston, AL 36202

Sponsors:

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, Calhoun County Commissioner Fred Wilson,

 State Representative Dr. Barbara Boyd, Iota Mu Omega Chapter of AKA, 

Pandora Art and Social Club, F&S Body Shop and Wrecker Service, 

Thomas A. Williams Elks Lodge, John and Dr. Valeria Richardson, Eddie and Veronica May, Attorney Cleo Thomas and Dr. Carla Thomas, Alabama Power Service Organization