Black History Month at Audubon Nature Institute Engages and Inspires

Black History Month activities last all the way into March at Audubon Nature Institute, with great gospel music, a scavenger hunt, and the popular Audubon Zoo event Soul Fest inviting visitors to explore and enjoy the richness of African American culture.
 
During Black History Month, visitors at Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Audubon Insectarium learn exciting black history facts and become eligible to win a prize through a scavenger hunt. Each weekend in February, visitors ages 5 – 17 can learn about African American environmentalists, scientists and zoologists. Those completing the scavenger hunt will be eligible for a drawing to win a free family membership to Audubon attractions.  Scavenger hunt sheets are available at each attraction, or can be downloaded here. Prize drawings will be held each weekend.
 
At Audubon Zoo, “Get Yah Praise On,” scheduled for February 19, 2011, is made even more special with an appearance by internationally-acclaimed gospel artist Bishop Paul S. Morton, promising a hand clapping, foot stomping good time for all. This praise and worship experience features several local African American ministries performing at Audubon Zoo’s Capital One stage. Presenting sponsor for Get Yah Praise On is the New Orleans Black McDonald’s Operators Association. Tabasco Brand Products is contributing sponsor for the event, which is included in regular admission to Audubon Zoo.
  
Black History Month festivities culminate March 12 and 13 with the 8th annual Soul Fest presented by Wellcare at Audubon Zoo. Soul Fest features live music, great soul food cuisine, hand made crafts and children’s activities. The New Orleans Black McDonald’s Operators Association is a contributing sponsor for Soul Fest.
 
“Black History Month and Soul Fest at our Audubon attractions showcase the impact African Americans have had on our city, our nation and our world,” said Audubon Nature Institute Director of Community Relations Eileen Lumar-Johnson. “As we share and celebrate the history and contributions of African Americans through our family-friendly venues, we will no doubt inspire, uplift and engage the thousands of guests who celebrate Black History with us each year,” Lumar-Johnson said.

“Black History Scavenger Hunt”
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Insectarium and Audubon Zoo
February, 5&6, 12&13, 19&20, 26&27,  2011
Visitors ages 5-17 years learn and collect interesting facts about African American environmentalists, scientists and zoologists through a fun a Black History scavenger hunt at Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Audubon Insectarium each weekend during February.  Names go into a drawing for a family membership. Drawings take place each weekend for the family membership give away.

“Get Yah Praise On” presented by New Orleans Black McDonald’s Operator’s Association
Audubon Zoo
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Audubon Nature Institute will host its third annual “Get Yah Praise On”
praise and worship showcase with special guest, internationally-acclaimed gospel artist Bishop Paul S. Morton. Local African American ministries perform during this hand clapping, foot stomping, spirit filled gospel music experience. The event takes place at Audubon Zoo’s Capital One Stage.

Soul Fest presented by Wellcare
Audubon Zoo
March 12-13, 2011
Soul Fest, now in its EIGHTH year, celebrates African American food, music, crafts and culture. It was created to celebrate the achievements of African Americans while educating Zoo visitors about their heritage, culture and wellness. The festival showcases handmade arts and crafts by local and national artisans, and features local businesses exhibiting their products and services. In addition, the festival offers delectable Creole cuisine and authentic soul food dishes prepared by native Louisianans. Soul Fest incorporates cultural awareness and community outreach with gospel sounds, R&B entertainment and hip-hop artists, setting the stage for smooth, rhythmic strolling under majestic 100 year-old oak trees.