Celebrate fall, family, and heritage at Whitney Plantation’s Art, Body & Soul: Indigeaux Pumpkin Patch, Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is the first-ever event of its kind, inspired by our fall exhibition, Indigeaux: Yes, Spirit. I’ll go…, by artist and cultural architect Iya Oriade Queen Leia Lewis. Through vibrant textiles and storytelling, Indigeaux reclaims the history of indigo — a crop cultivated here in the 18th century by enslaved Africans with extraordinary skill and artistry.
Families will enjoy:
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Welcome Ceremony
- Emcees: Trenice Cooper, Deputy Director of Operations at Whitney Plantation &
- Performers: West St. John Elementary Choir & Cheerleaders, Shantell Walker, Principal of West St. John Elementary
- Music: DJ Red Alert
- Location: Gazebo Circle Station
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Indigeaux Pumpkin Pick & Painting
- Activity: Pick a pumpkin behind the church and enjoy painting at the Picnic Arts & Craft Table Station.
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Indigo TRUE Workshop
- Presenter: Queen Leia Lewis
- Location: Picnic Arts & Craft Table Station
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Prayer & Poche Family Reunion Welcome
- Guided by: Dr. Johnson, Morning Star Church & Harriet Farrell, Descendant Liaison
- Performers: West St. John High School Choir , Choir Director Reggie Joseph
- Location: Gazebo Circle
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Book Talk: Childhood Grief & Loss
- Speakers:
- Malana Joseph Mitchell – Author of Adventures of Mum Mum and Me, PR Strategist, and Whitney Plantation Descendant
- Dr. Nyoki Cosey-Brown – Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Community Leader
- Location: Antioch Church
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Book Signing
- Author: Lakeyta Samuel Britten, Kennedi and Kassedi Learn…
- Focus: Investment and Financial Education for Youth
- Location: Book Shop
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | 2nd Heritage Guardian Award Presentation & Closing Ceremony
- Location: Slave Quarters Station
This event is FREE – registration required.
Come for the pumpkins, stay for the history, and while you’re here, don’t miss Indigeaux, on view through December 31.
