In celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Hopkinsville - Christian County, the Movers & Shakers, fundraisers for the Minority Economic Development Initiative of Western Kentucky, Inc. (MEDI) will host its first Heritage Weekend, Friday and Saturday, March 12^th and 13^th in Hopkinsville.

The Movers & Shakers Heritage Weekend includes a tour Saturday, March 13 at 9 a.m. that brings you up-close and personal to a number of African American historic sites in Hopkinsville-Christian County. Dr. Nancy J. Dawson, former Professor of African American Studies at Western Kentucky University will serve as the tour moderator, providing the rich history and significance of each site. Advance tickets must be purchased for this “Inaugural” event. They can be purchased at the MEDI office at 1101A South Main Street, downtown Hopkinsville for $25 or two for $40, which includes lunch and “Stories from Da Dirt” seating. Hurry seating is limited.

On Friday, March 12, members of the performing arts group Music is Spirit will perform scenes from “Stories from Da Dirt”, an African American Civil War historical drama, for students in the Christian County School District. On Saturday, March 13, at 3 p.m. Music is Spirit will perform a community production of “Stories from Da Dirt”, at the Alhambra Theatre. These performances will include local high school students whom have been selected to participate in the drama to sing spirituals from the Underground Railroad.  “Stories from Da Dirt” was written by Dr. Dawson. It has been performed at colleges and universities across the country and is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. Tickets can be purchased at MEDI and the Pennyrile Arts Council, $10 for adults and $5 for students. Youth group ticket purchases of 10 or more receive 2 free Adult tickets!

In order to promote cultural heritage tourism, the Movers & Shakers, Christian County Public Schools, Hopkinsville College of the Bible, MEDI, Jennie Stuart Medical Center, Pennyrile Rural Electric, Lea-Sec, Inc., Victor’s Construction, and Pioneers, Inc., are sponsoring this “Inaugural” African American Historic Site Tour.  The tour will utilize historians, community leaders, and artists to tell the story of the African American experience in Christian county and provide an understanding about the rich history and significance of each site. The overall intent of the project is to compliment the tourism industry in Hopkinsville – Christian County and support the diversity goals and objectives of the Community Vision Plan.

For more information about any of the events please contact MEDI or Nadia Ferguson at 270-885-8885.