Nonprofit Bastrop County African American Cultural Center & Freedom Colonies Museum will host a Black History Month celebration for the community on Feb. 24.

The details

The celebration will kick off at 11 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. at the cultural center, 1303 Pine St., Bastrop.

Attendees can learn about and buy wares from West Africa while listening to music, including a live drum show.

West African merchants Fatoumata Binta Traore'gloux-Phelps and her mother, Hadia Khadiatou Keita, will offer a variety of items during the event, including traditional clothing, textiles, hats, wraps, bags and more. A portion of the proceeds will go back to the cultural center.


What else?

Doris Jean Williams, president and CEO of the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center & Freedom Colonies Museum, said she is excited to meet with the community while helping to educate them on the history of African Americans in the area.

"This is to bring, highlight and focus on African American culture in Bastrop County," Williams said. "We would like for everyone to come out and connect."
The Black History Month celebration at the African American Cultural Center & Freedom Colonies Museum will offer attendees a chance to connect with the community and learn about the history of African Americans in the area. (Courtesy Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
The Black History Month celebration at the African American Cultural Center & Freedom Colonies Museum will offer attendees a chance to connect with the community and learn about the history of African Americans in the area. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)


Learn more


Originally from Guinea, Traore'gloux-Phelps is a retired U.S. Army veteran who lives in Austin. In 2017, she began philanthropic initiatives to empower African women and children through education and community.

"It's been a blessing," Traore'gloux-Phelps said. "I'm so happy to give back and help others with what we are doing."

Those interested in helping her mission can do so through:One more thing

Williams said the cultural center team is working with city officials to build a 10,000-square-foot African American Heritage and Cultural Center Complex at the site on Pine Street, next to its existing location at the historic Kerr-Wilson house.


Open to the public, the meeting will be at city hall on March 5 from 5-7 p.m.

"This will be a time for the community to express their thoughts and wants for the complex," Williams said. "We invite everyone to come out and give their input."
The cultural center team is working with city officials to build a 10,000-square-foot African American Heritage and Cultural Center Complex at the site on Pine Street, next to its current location at the historic Kerr-Wilson house. (Courtesy Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)
The cultural center team is working with city officials to build a 10,000-square-foot African American Heritage and Cultural Center Complex at the site on Pine Street, next to its existing location at the historic Kerr-Wilson house. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact)