Six-day event features African Inspired dance, drums, demonstrations and displays that reflect the “impact of Black History

The Fulton County Human Services Department, Office of Aging and East Point NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) will celebrate Black History Month February 22 -27, 2010, with an African American Heritage Celebration.  The six-day observance entitled “From African Ivory to American Ebony: Celebrate the Impact,” will take place at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility located at 2885 Church Street in downtown East Point.

Celebration performances, demonstrations and displays include:

• Monday, February 22:  “Celebrate Our Past” with opening ceremony at 9:30am, presentation on Managing Arthritis the Natural Way at 1:30 pm
• Tuesday, February 23:  “Celebrate Our Voice”  'Talkin’ On Tuesday presents talks on Lupus at 10:00 am, Low Sodium & Healthy Eating at 11:15 am, and an evening with democratic candidate for senator, Graham Balch as he talks about, “Senior Services, Senior Voices” from 6:00 pm - 8:00pm
• Wednesday, February 24: “Celebrate Our  Mind & Soul” with Fulton County’s Mental Health at 10 am and a tribute to Teddy Pendergrass and Michael Jackson from 11am -1pm
• Thursday, February 25: “Celebrate Our Body” with Vision Screening by Georgia Lions Lighthouse from 10:00 -2:00, Fruit Smoothies at 10:30 am and an evening featuring an African Inspired Dance Concert  by Christan Carter at 6:30 pm.
• Friday, February 26: “Celebrate Our Culture” come travel to New Orleans, Louisiana as we celebrate “Mardi Gras” Bowden style, Cajun style seafood, parade, beads, dancing, umbrellas and lots of fun. Parade starts at 10 am and Disaster Preparedness seminar at 11 am
• Saturday, February 27: “Celebrate Our Youth” Youth Leadership Academy from 1:00pm -3:00pm

Festivities will also include movies with complementary popcorn, Wii games, vendors, black history exhibits, giveaways and fun

The H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility organizes and provides health, social nutritional and educational activities for older persons. 

The facility offers fully equipped fitness center, heated pool for water exercise classes, arts and crafts classes, adult day care program, computer lab and classes, self –help classes, a medical clinic, cafeteria serving healthy breakfast and lunches, social clubs and supports groups, a game room, garden and patio areas, and much more.

NORC bridges new and existing community services through partnerships between community organizations, businesses, government agencies and residents to allow older residents to age in place.  Programs include transportation reimbursement, minor home repairs, walking clubs, 'Talkin’ on Tuesdays', occupational therapy, health and wellness projects. Community outreach programs and services are available based on funding.

The Bowden Senior Multipurpose facility is located at the corner of Church and Dorsey Streets (2885 Church Street) and offers free parking.  For more information, contact Leslie Bridges at 404 762-2094.