By: The People’s Paper MS
Black History Month is here. And, Elaine Barnes continues a decades long tradition of honoring African American history, culture, and community through the annual Heritage Pageant and related events held throughout Collins.
Barnes is the founder and organizer of the Heritage Pageant, a Black History Month celebration that was established in 1995 under the Community Concerned Citizens for Development and Change, an organization she also founded. The initiative was created in response to the lack of Black representation in local county festivities at the time.
“There was not enough Black presence in the local county celebrations,” Barnes said. “This was about creating space, visibility, and pride in our heritage.”
The Heritage Pageant and its accompanying events are free to participate in and are funded primarily through community donations. Those donations help cover expenses incurred by the organizing committee as it sponsors various events throughout the month of February.
“There are no rules for participating,” Barnes explained. “Just embrace the vision and help see the vision manifest itself.”
Barnes said Black History Month offers an important opportunity for education, reflection, and unity.
“The gift of February is that by celebrating Black History Month and our heritage, we have the opportunity to learn something new about African American culture and the incredible contributions of Black Americans to history, science, art, and our rights as citizens of the United States,” Barnes said.
The 2026 Black History Month celebration in Collins includes a full calendar of events designed to engage residents of all ages.
2026 Heritage Pageant and Black History Month Events
Beauty and Beau Pageant and African Attire Fashion Show
Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Location: Collins Elementary School Auditorium, 108 Dogwood Avenue, Collins
Health and Resource Fair
Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Collins High School Gymnasium, 1208 South Dogwood Avenue
Vendor setup begins at 8:00 a.m.
Black History Month Parade
Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Parade line up: Collins High School Campus, 1208 South Dogwood Avenue
Line up time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Community members interested in participating or volunteering are encouraged to contact the appropriate event coordinators.
Event Contacts
Pageant: Keshia, 601-329-7529
Fashion Show: Karen, 601-517-3973
Parade: Danny, 601-641-1034 or Nelson, 601-466-5612
Health Fair: Wendy Patino, 228-243-8972; Ann, 601-441-1185; Konchetta, 601-325-6917
Barnes said her hope remains the same as it was when the celebration began nearly 30 years ago: to ensure Black history, culture, and contributions are recognized, honored, and celebrated in Collins.
