By Sara Beth Williams–
A free event celebrating Black history with food, arts and music, will be held on Feb. 25 at the Citrus Heights Community Center.
The “Taste of Soul” event is open to the public and will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., with organizers intending the event to become an annual celebration. Attendees can learn more about the contributions of African Americans throughout United States history, participate in arts and crafts, and enjoy catered food from local soul food restaurant, Enfuzion Bar and Lounge.
Citrus Heights Arts Executive Director Gigi Rayford said in an email that the organization chose to host the event during Black History Month to share the Black experience with the community.
“Music, food, and camaraderie run deep in the Black community,” Rayford said.
The event will feature musical performances from DJ Troy and Grant Drum Line, a music organization that supports youths aged 14 to 24 through encouraging positive social and community engagement. Rayford said Grant Drum Line was chosen because drumlines historically played an important role in Black colleges in fostering camaraderie and school pride.
“It is a time where we not only celebrate the great work of those who came before us but also recognize how other black people are contributing to our community,” Councilmember Porsche Middleton said in an email, adding that the event’s goal is to change the narrative of how history is celebrated in modern society. Middleton is one of the sponsors of the event.
The mission of Citrus Heights Arts is to encourage and promote arts and arts education throughout Citrus Heights and the Sacramento region, according to the organization’s Facebook page.
The Citrus Heights Community Center is located at 6300 Fountain Square Drive.
