HOPE – Students from two Hope Public Schools campuses will partner with the National Parks Service in a Black History Month event at Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas-Hope campus Feb. 6.

The event will include student presentations, vocal and instrumental musical performances, a potluck meal provided by students and parents from Hope Academy of Public Service and Hope High School, and a keynote presentation on the history of “soul food” by author Adrian E. Miller, of Denver, Colo., food writer, attorney and certified barbecue competition judge.

Activities begin at 5 p.m. in the Hempstead Hall rotunda, according to Michael Simplson, education specialist, President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site.

“Mr. Miller is also the author of ‘Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time.’ And ‘The President’s Kitchen Cabinet: The Story of the African Americans Who Have Fed Our First Families,’” Simpson said.

He said the event will include an opportunity for local families to have favorite recipes incorporated into in a free community cookbook.

“The submitted recipes will be organized into a community cookbook, ‘Hope for the Soul,’ which will be digitized and distributed free of charge to those requesting a copy,” Simpson said.

In addition to potluck dishes provided by students, the Hope Public Schools Food Services Center and Chicken Express will contribute to the meal, he said.

HHS students who participate by providing a covered dish for the potluck and attend the event may earn community service credit, according to HHS Principal Bill Hoglund. Students should contact Joan Crowder, HAPS community service curriculum specialist, at [email protected]online or signup at the HHS counselor’s office.