The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC) will host its Grand Reopening weekend December 1-3 at MTCC, 501 W. 9th Street in Little rock. This celebration weekend will feature multiple events, so that everyone has an opportunity to make it out and celebrate Black history in Arkansas.
The celebration weekend begins Friday, December 1, with the Trailblazers Luncheon and Day Party at 11 a.m. 40 finalists were selected from across Arkansas, named as those who embody the spirit of the Mosaic Templars Preservation Society, and who are carrying the torch to preserve Black history and culture in Arkansas. The Top 15 winners will be announced at the luncheon. Tickets to the luncheon are $75, while tickets to the luncheon are $25. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Mosaic Templars and the 140/15 board.
Saturday, December 2, at 7 p.m. is the Harlem Nights on 9th Street Grand Reopening Gala. This event will be an elegant evening of glitz and charm as we remember downtown little rock as its old name “Little Harlem.” Visitors will be able to enjoy a casino night, the sultry sounds of blues and jazz as well as amazing culinary flavor and Arkansas own branded Delta Dirt Distillery. This is all in honor of the museum’s amazing new exhibition the celebrates Arkansas African American history and culture. The black-tie affair will be catered by Jacinda Jones with Catering Inspirations, and will feature performances by Tawanna Campbell and Miss Pinky, as well as the big band ambiance of Ultimate Sounds of Little Rock. Enjoy casino-style gambling, cocktails by Delta Dirt Distillery, and a wine tasting featuring exclusively Black-owned vineyards courtesy of Flyght Black. Tickets are $250. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Mosaic Templars and the 140/15 board.
Finally, Sunday, December 3, at 1 p.m. is the official ribbon cutting and grand reopening ceremony. The ceremony will include remarks from Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis, Historian John Graves and others. Following the ceremony is the annual MTCC Holiday Open House, with a special appearance by Ol’ Saint Nick, sweet potato pie samples courtesy of our “Say it Ain’t Say’s” Sweet Potato Pie Contest Winner Candice Bailey, our special holiday punch, and of course, tours of the brand-new permanent gallery! This event is free and open to the public.
Ticket information is available at MosaicTemplars.com!