The Arna Bontemps African American Museum and Cultural Arts Center celebrated Bontemps' 105th birthday with the Arna Bontemps Literary Residency on October 11 and 12, 2007, featuring nationally renowned African American folklorist and storyteller Adella Gautier (Adella, Adella the Storyteller). She visited selected Rapides Parish schools and was also featured at the Museum’s Art Walk /Open Mic on Friday, October 12th, hosted by Pam Kay and Richard Cooper.
The Arna Bontemps Birthday Block Party culminated the celebration on Saturday, October 13, 2007, with activities beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continuing to 7:00 p.m. The Museum’s permanent display showcased book covers from his noted works, along with artifacts such as the typewriter on which he typed to draft his literary pieces. Selected books were available for purchase.
Schedule of Activities
10:00 Local Choirs
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Domino Tournament - Contact the Museum to Register
12:00 noon–3:00 p.m. Clowns, Balloons and Jumpers
1:00 p.m. – JoyDara Singers
2:00 p.m. - Dancers from India
3:00 The Bontemps Birthday Cake
4:00 p.m. Extreme Praise Ministries
5:00 Scenes from City Park Players’ Encore of Crowns
6:00 Domino Award Ceremony
6:30 Jazz under the Stars, Music by Local Jazz Ensemble
This project was sponsored by the Arna Bontemps African American Museum and co-sponsored by the Mayoral Commission for Cultural Affairs, Office of the Mayor, City of Alexandria, and partly funded by Act 18, State of Louisiana.