South Tidewater News

NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk Public Library's Downtown Branch at Slover will be hosting the second annual Essence of Heart & Soul Festival on February 10, from noon to 5 p.m. This festival aims to celebrate Black history, culture, and art, and will feature various activities and programs highlighting the contributions of the Black community in the Hampton Roads area.

According to the Norfolk Public Library, the Essence of Heart & Soul Festival will focus on several important aspects, including the promotion of Black businesses and the significance of the Black dollar. Additionally, the festival will shed light on minority student education, health and wellness, and the achievements of Black creatives.

To ensure a successful event, the Norfolk Public Library has partnered with organizations such as Tidewater Waves, Noir Art 757, and Made in Norfolk Apparel. These collaborations will provide a diverse range of offerings, including business panels, art galleries featuring local Black artists, vendors, story times, crafts, and other featured programs.

Tidewater Waves, a premier marketing and media company, has been instrumental in the development of the 757 area of Virginia. They have provided media exposure to creatives, entrepreneurs, and businesses, contributing to the growth of the local community.

Noir Art 757, a Black art collective, will be hosting two art galleries during the festival, showcasing the work of over 10 local Black artists. Their mission is to provide a space for local creatives to express themselves and build an art community.

Made in Norfolk Apparel, a renowned clothing and merchandise brand, has been serving the 757 area since 2012. They have grown to become a premier brand through consistent promotion and community-driven branding and outreach. In addition to their fashion offerings, Made in Norfolk Apparel also promotes reading and education for children in Norfolk Public Schools through community programming.

The Essence of Heart & Soul Festival promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees. With a wide range of panels, events, and activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For a full list of panels and events, visit www.norfolk.gov/heartandsoul.

The Norfolk Public Library is dedicated to providing access to information, books, programs, and online resources to meet the diverse needs of their community. With four anchor branch libraries, eight neighborhood libraries, and a local history and genealogy collection, the library system strives to promote lifelong learning. All programs offered by the Norfolk Public Library are free of charge, in line with the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement.

For more information about the Essence of Heart & Soul Festival and other programs offered by the Norfolk Public Library, visit www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org or call 757-664-READ. The Norfolk Public Library is committed to creating a city of learners and encourages everyone to participate in their events and initiatives.