The Noyes Cultural Arts Center and curator Fran Joy will host Black History/My History, a celebration of collective Black History in support of Lakou, a nonprofit organization that works to provide vocational training for people in Haiti. The fundraising event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.
Several paintings and art from African American and Haitian American artists have been donated in support of Lakou programming in Haiti. Lakou provides training in the construction trades, internships, and jobs in Les Cayes, Haiti. Proceeds will go towards sponsorship of Haitian students for equipment and materials needed to participate in the program.
“We are excited to receive the support of curator Fran Joy, the Noyes Cultural Arts Center and the City of Evanston again this year for our work in Les Cayes, Haiti,” said Jude Laude, executive director of U.S.A. Operations for Lakou. “Les Cayes is still rebuilding from the devastating earthquake in 2021. Lakou comes to Evanston in an effort to help build a stronger Haiti.”
Laude (ETHS ‘84) joins Lakou founders Randy Meyer (ETHS ‘83) and his wife, LaNae Meyer, to advance Lakou’s mission of “providing opportunity for the Haitian people through world-class vocational training and job creation.”
This year, Haitian guitarist Gerald Toto Alfred will be the special guest, and a silent auction will be held offering paintings by African American and Haitian American artists.