Story by Kathleen Evans, Mt. Olive Historical Preservation Society

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Mt. Olive Historical Preservation Society (MOHPS) proudly announces its Black History Month Event, “Celebrating Cultural Connections – the Evolution of the Cakewalk” Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Morgan University Center Grand Ballroom located at Austin Peay State University, at 6:30 p.m.

The event will offers the community an opportunity to learn about the cultural connections created with the emergence of the Cake Walk and how this social phenomenon impacted American Culture then and now. This year’s Black History Month Program promises to provide an educational experience that is both enlightening and entertaining, filled with information, music and dance.

MOHPS recognizes the importance of the influence and contributions of African-Americans regarding history, education, development, growth and culture of the Clarksville area. This may be best achieved through the extension of education to our youth and in organized collaboration between the local government, the Society and the community.

The society recognizes the importance of community partnerships, and its relationships with the AMVETS Post 78 and the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council have been invaluable in providing quality programming to the Clarksville community. The Black History Month Event is a unique opportunity to strengthen productive relationships with these partners. With the Ft. Campbell military presence in the Clarksville community, this event will strengthen the mission of AMVETS in its continued effort “to provide support to veterans through service programs as well as providing community and youth-oriented programs to promote unity and patriotism.”

With Mt. Olive’s mission to educate the community about the contributions of African Americans coincides with that of the Arts & Heritage Council to help community groups “succeed in bringing arts and heritage to life.”

For more information, contact Geneva Bell at 931-552-8026 or Beth Kasper at 931-387-3715 or you may visit our website at www.mtolivecemetery.org for more event details and sponsorship information.