NORFOLK, Va. – Celebrate Black history, culture and art with the second annual Essence of Heart & Soul Festival at Norfolk Public Library’s Downtown Branch at Slover from noon to 5 p.m. on Feb. 10.
The Essence of Heart and Soul Festival will highlight Black businesses and the Black dollar, the education of minority students, health and wellness and Black creatives.
The festival aims to bring awareness to the different aspects of community and culture, such as how the Black community has contributed to the growth and advancement of the Hampton Roads area and the success and accomplishments of Black people within our region.
Norfolk Public Library is partnering with Tidewater Waves, Noir Art, and Made in Norfolk Apparel to provide business panels, art galleries featuring local Black artists, vendors, story times, crafts and other featured programs.
Find a full list of panels and events at www.norfolk.gov/heartandsoul.
About Tidewater Waves: Tidewater Waves is a premier marketing and media company that contributes to the development of the 757 area of Virginia. Since conceptualization, they have provided elite services to clients and pride themselves in providing media exposure to creatives, entrepreneurs and businesses.
About Noir Art 757: Noir Art 757 is a Black art collective that hosts programs and showcases to highlight the work of local Black artists. It provides a space for local creatives to be expressive and build an art community. Noir Art 757 will act as the host for two art galleries during the festival with over 10 local Black artists.
About Made in Norfolk Apparel: Since its humble beginnings in 2012, Made in Norfolk Apparel has grown to become a premier clothing and merchandise brand in the 757 area of Virginia. It opened its first store front location in 2019 and has expanded its quality and reputation in the area and abroad through consistent promotion and community-driven branding and outreach, pairing those ideals with high-fashion street wear. Made In Norfolk Apparel also provides community programming that promotes reading and education for children in Norfolk Public Schools.
About Norfolk Public Library: The Norfolk Public Library offers access to information, books, programs and online resources to meet the needs of our diverse community for lifelong learning. The library system consists of four anchor branch libraries, eight neighborhood libraries, a local history and genealogy collection and Mobile Delivery. All programs are FREE of charge. Norfolk Public Library embraces the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement. Visit www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org or call us at 757-664-READ for more information. NPL - Creating a City of Learners.