Black History Month was celebrated at Hempstead Hall this weekend honoring black culture and the importance of soul food in America. The event was organized by Tara Henry, Kennedy Phillips and Kayla Wyatt, students from Hope Academy of Public Service and Mike Simpson with the National Park Service for William Jefferson Clinton's Birthplace Home and National Historic Site.

Guest speaker Adrian Miller, author of Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine One Plate at a Time and The President's Kitchen Cabinet was welcomed to the stage following the the opening prayer, the National
Anthem and "Lift Every Voice and Sing" performed by the Haynes Chapel Baptist Church Choir. You can watch the entire program below including all performances and speeches.

Concluding the entertainment the audience was invited to "Have a plate together" and enjoy freshly prepared soul food provided by the Aramark Food Service Program of HPS while visiting with families, friends and local citizens. Miller setup a book stand outside of the Rotunda offering book signings and pictures with him for all the guests.

Hempstead Hall and its staff was proud to host this event and they wish to keep bringing the community together like this in the future. Click HERE to keep an eye out for many more upcoming events at Hempstead Hall.

https://vimeo.com/390097795