Dallas Arboretum Presents Third Annual Black Heritage Celebration on May 6 and 7

The Dallas Arboretum announces the third annual Black Heritage Celebration (BHC), presented by Bank of America, is set for Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7 in the 66-acre garden overlooking White Rock Lake. The event features chef demonstrations, musicians, Black-owned vendors, a fashion show and an entrepreneur showcase. This event is open to the public and is included in the general admission to the Dallas Arboretum.

Some entertainment highlights include Kevin Hawkins, a local who was on Season 22 of The Voice; Shailaun, an Arlington singer/songwriter/producer whose voice mesmerizes; and crowd favorites, Don Diego Band and Clover the Violinist. On Saturday, May 6 at 12 noon, the “Bold and Brilliant Fashion Show Comes to Life” occurs, followed by designers selling their clothing. New this year is a Children’s Celebration on Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Janet Jack, Dallas Arboretum executive board member and Black Heritage Celebration chairperson, said, “Join us as we highlight the unique talents, art and businesses from the local Black community. A significant program for the Dallas Arboretum, the Black Heritage Celebration is a weekend to celebrate the Black community amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Dallas Arboretum.”

The festival includes plenty of fun for the entire family to enjoy. Saturday’s fashion show, curated by Anita Hawkins and produced by Willie Johnson, showcases local Black designers sharing their latest clothing lines and trends. Afterwards, guests can shop from their favorite designers and boutiques on display.

On Sunday, the Arboretum hosts an Entrepreneur Showcase that spotlights local business owners. Additionally, both days feature cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, a vendor exhibit with more than 40 Black-owned businesses selling delectable cuisines, jewelry, gifts and more.

On Sunday, May 7^th, the Children’s Celebration has plenty of fun for families. Activities confirmed to date are children’s entertainment, authors of children’s books, spoken word artists and more.

Tickets, which are $12-$20, are included in the admission to the garden and must be pre-purchased online at https://www.dallasarboretum.org/ or by calling 214-515-6615. For more information and to view the complete list of weekend activities, entertainment, and vendors, visit www.dallasarboretum.org/BHC.

The Black Heritage Celebration committee includes Janet Jack (chairperson), board advisors:

Crystal Alexander, Marissa Horn, Mario Quintanilla, Linda Todd (advisor) and Celia Walker. Committee chairs include Stephanie Calhoun, Tiffaney Dale Hunter, Gloria Werthing Reynolds, Ashley Sutherland and Megan Villa.

Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Bank of America

Additional sponsors: ExxonMobil Corporation; Frost Bank; Anonymous; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority-Alpha Xi Omega Chapter; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority–Chi Zeta Omega Chapter; Law Office of Camille Stearns Miller; Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center; Dr. Arlene J. Ford; The Dallas (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; Impact Venture; MR Civil Justice.

Kickoff Sponsor: Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce

In-kind: House of Dasha.

Media Sponsors: The Dallas Weekly; Radio One; Southern Dallas Magazine.

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The garden is also home of the nationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Daytime admission is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 2-12, and free for Arboretum members and children under two. Parking is $11 purchased online. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum. The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. WFAA, Channel 8 is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum. Timed tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.dallasarboretum.org or by calling 214-515-6615.

Black Heritage Celebration Schedule:

Sat., May 6, 2023

• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Black-owned Vendor Market
• 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Cooking Demonstration with Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que
• 10 a.m.-11:30 am. Clover the Violinist
• 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Shailaun – singer/songwriter/producer
• 12-2 p.m. Matthew Zion Babineaux, pianist
• 12-1 p.m. “Bold and Brilliant Fashion Show Comes to Life”
• 1-5 p.m. Designer booths open
• 2-3 p.m. Cooking Demonstration with Chef Whitney, Cibo Creations
• 3-5 p.m. Don Diego Band

Sun., May 7, 2023

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children’s Celebration with activities for the young and young-at-heart
• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Black Heritage Celebration Business Expo
• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Black-owned Vendor Market
• 10-11 a.m. Cooking Demonstration with Chef Kevin Johnson
• 12-12:30 p.m. and 1-1:30 p.m. Fuller Nation Spoken Word
• 12-2pm Piano Performance
• 2-3 p.m. Cooking Demonstration with Kevin the Pie Dude
• 3-4 p.m. Kevin Hawkins, The Voice candidate