10th Anniversary Celebration 12/7/24 Learn More

Events

Come for the Pumpkins, Stay for the History

Art, Body & Soul: Indigeaux Pumpkin Patch

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. 

Brought to you by our sponsors:

The Coca-Cola Company

St. Charles Parish Public Library

St. James Parish Library

St. John the Baptist Parish Public Library

Kiwanis Tri-parish Community Partners

Ms. Trina Brown

The Descendants Project

Community Celebration Network

Chick-fil-A Community Organizer

Delgado Community College Green Infrastructure