February is Black History Month, and the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) is celebrating with a family-friendly festival, “A Taste of Soul,” at Del Mar College on Saturday, Feb. 22. The event promises to provide an exquisite experience of downhome Southern food, great music, games and even a Kids Zone––all part of recognizing and exploring individuals with extraordinary achievements in their fields.
“Del Mar College will be alive and kickin’ with the tastes and sounds of ‘Soul’,” says Tina Butler, Del Mar College Executive Assistant to the President and TABPHE Vice President of Public Relations. “The TABPHE Corpus Christi Chapter invites everyone to join us as we celebrate Black History Month.”
“Taste of Soul” runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the grounds between William F. White, Jr. Library, the Heldenfels Administration Building and the English Building on the East Campus, located at Baldwin and Ayers. This event is open to the public with free admission. For more information, contact Simone Butler-Sanders at 361-695-6661 or 739-1367 or visit www.delmar.edu/tabphe or www.facebook.com/cctaste.
An event suitable for the entire family, participants can experience delicious, mouthwatering Cajun dishes, soul food, barbecue and many other South Texas favorites from local vendors for an affordable price. Other vendors will have items and services for purchase as well. And for anyone looking for some great music, “Taste of Soul” will feature live music by the Del Mar College Jazz Band and the Texas Brass Band from Houston.
To view a clip of the Texas Brass Band performing in 2012, click on the video:
Participants can join a Healthy Living Program with Zumba and Line Dancing or just simply sit back, relax and enjoy the entertainment. Blankets, strollers and folding chairs are welcome. A Kids Zone will give young ones the entertainment they seek as Mom and Dad enjoy other festival activities. Youth under age 18 must have adult supervision.
Event sponsors include Citgo, C Sounds, Emerald Beach Hotel, H-E-B, the National Black Police Association, Port of Corpus Christi, Sonic, Superior Health Plan, the Texas Jazz Festival Society and Walmart.
Since 1976, every U.S. President has officially designated February as Black History Month. Communities celebrate this recognition to educate and honor the great achievements, contributions and struggles of the Black community in this country. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African-Americans. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black History.