BBTCAC TO PRESENT “PRIDE OF PLACE” PROGRAM SEPTEMBER 22 & 23
Food Ways, Geology, Archaeology, and History of Alabama’s Black Belt
(Camden, AL) The public is invited to attend “Pride of Place: Food Ways, Geology, Archaeology, and History of Alabama’s Black Belt”, on September 22nd and 23rd, in Camden, hosted by Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center. The Alabama Humanities Foundation, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, co-sponsors this project. “Pride of Place” will look at today’s cultural heritage through a series of exciting and informational programs and lectures, all tied to the rich Black Belt soil. Speakers will include: author and award winning southern chef, Scott Peacock; Dr. Mark Wilson, Director of Pebble Hill, Auburn University; and Dr. Doug Phillips, Alabama Museum of Natural History and host of Discovering Alabama.
While there is no charge to attend the programs, there is a charge to attend the Friday night “Traditional Black Belt Dinner”, prepared by Blue Spoon Cooking Company. For reservations, please contact BBTCAC at (334) 682-9878.
Alabama’s rich cultural heritage is a direct development of its geology, geography and its varied history. From its first Native American inhabitants and explorers through the early pioneers and settlers and the 
plantation economy of the nineteenth century, the Black Belt has incorporated details from all of these cultural influences – Native American, British, French, Caribbean, and African. While the heritage of the plantation economy led directly to today’s problems of poverty and unemployment, it also left Alabama’s Black Belt with a rich, cultural heritage.
Since today’s Black Belt is a direct result of all of these influences, it’s current residents and supporters – old and young, all races and ages – can benefit from a knowledge, an understanding, and an appreciation of this past so they can build on it richness.
September’s program will begin with a 2-day introduction to lay the foundation. *CEUs will be provided for teachers.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 22nd
5:15 p.m. Location: Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center, 209 Claiborne Street, Camden, AL 36726
Refreshments and Tour of Black Belt Art House - Construction and cultural/creative program expansion (No Charge).
6:00 p.m. Location: Camden United Methodist Church – Fellowship Hall - Corner of Broad Street & Clifton Street, Camden, AL 36726
Traditional Black Belt Dinner – prepared by Blue Spoon Cooking Company.
*Dinner is optional – Cost is $20 - must RSVP by Thursday, September 21st at noon. Menu will include a traditional regional meal, including main course, three sides, cornbread, tea, and dessert.
6:40 p.m. Food Ways of Alabama’s Black Belt - Commentary by Chef Scott Peacock, author and award winning chef. (No Charge)
7:30 p.m. Pride of Place – Overview and Discussion with Dr. Mark Wilson, Director of Pebble Hill, Auburn University (No Charge)
Saturday, September 23
Geology, Archaeology, and Political/Social History of our Black Belt Soil
10:00 a.m. Location: Camden United Methodist Church – Fellowship Hall
Corner of Broad Street & Clifton Street, Camden, AL 36726
Geology and Archaeology of Alabama’s Black Belt - with Dr. Doug Phillips, Alabama Museum of Natural History (No Charge)
11:00 a.m. Social and Political History of Alabama’s Black Belt - with Dr. Mark Wilson, Director of Pebble Hill, Auburn University (No Charge)
There is No Charge to attend Pride of Place programs. Optional Meals may incur a Charge. RSVP required for meals, requested for programs.
To RSVP or for more information, please call BBTCAC at (334) 682-9878, or visit www.bbtcac.com or our Facebook page.