Photograph: Clerk of Court employee Debra Sostand displays one of the several exhibits also pictured here. (Photograph by Bobby Ardoin.)
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Charles Jagneaux is announcing an extension for a research-based exhibition that chronicles the lives and history of the African-American families who have helped shape three centuries of parish history.
Jagneaux said in a statement issued today that the exhibits prepared by noted parish archivist and genealogical researcher Alex Lee, were already presented for display parish wide in several of the historically Black churches throughout February, will now be available for additional viewing starting in March.
The exhibition continues for viewing through this month, beginning Sunday, March 5, at the Greater Shiloh Baptist Church at 217 La. Highway 10 in Opelousas.
“Our parish archivist Alex Lee was instrumental in putting this exhibit together by creating several collages and presentations that were viewed in February, as a tribute to Black History month. These exhibitions proved to be so widely discussed, that I decided further viewing of them at other churches are essential for developing a more complete understanding of St. Landry history,” Jagneaux said.
Lee said that with the continued presentation of the exhibits at churches throughout March and perhaps indefinitely, that Jagneaux to generally educate more people about St. Landry Parish history.
Additionally Lee said Jagneaux wants to highlight the roles that African-Americans and free people of color have played in creating the intricate ethnic makeup that has made St. Landry unique.
The exhibits, which include information from the private collection researched by Lee, depict photographs and genealogical information from a large number of St. Landry families who have made an impact on parish history, Lee said.
Included as part of the exhibits are members of the Donatto, Thierry, Lemelle, Martel, Lafleur, Pitre, Joubert, Guillory and Ceasar families, according to Lee.
HERE IS A LIST OF WHERE TO VIEW THE BLACK HISTORY EXHIBITIONS DURING MARCH
March 5: Greater Shiloh Baptist Church (Pastor Eric Dupre) 217, Louisiana Highway 10, Opelousas, La.
March 12: Shiloh Baptist Church (Pastor Calvin Tyler) 719 Buhot Street, Washington, La.
March 19: St. Mathilda Catholic Church 800 Laurel Avenue, Eunice, La.
March 26: Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church (Pastor William Elmore) 134 C Alley Street, Opelousas, La.
