Black Heritage Month @ The Smith Family Ranch (Feb 1-29th)

### Celebrate Black Heritage Month at The Smith Family Ranch

Join us for a transformative experience at our first annual Black Heritage Month Celebration @ The Smith Family Ranch. After warmly welcoming over 800 community members last year with events ranging from an Easter egg hunt to classic car shows, birthday parties to family reunions, we're elevating our celebrations to new heights. This month, we are using the Community On Demand Digital Media Network to merge our family reunion style gatherings with a profound focus on mental wellness, behavioral health awareness and the resilience of the Black community.

Experience the Essence of Black Heritage Month:
This year, we're expanding our horizons to promote mental wellness and behavioral health awareness through various activities that speak to the soul. From the warmth of the bonfire to the celebration of ancestral traditions, from the vibrant art displays to the serenity of wellness walks, there truly is something for everyone.

### 🌿 Community Cleanup & Backyard BBQ

Engage in meaningful community cleanup efforts that contribute to the beauty and sustainability of our cherished ranch. Every 1st & 3rd Saturday from 9a-3pm, indulge in Backyard BBQs filled with delectable treats and the joy of shared moments between extended family and new friends

### 🔥 Storytelling around the Bonfire

Gather around the bonfire for an evening of storytelling to share narratives that connect us to our roots and unite us as a community. Storytellers, film makers, content creators, illustrators, painters, authors and artists welcomed!

### 🌌 Ancestral Rites of Passage Ceremonies

Witness and participate in ancestral rites of passage ceremonies that welcome our young men and women into adulthood with respect and tradition. Black history curators, actors, performance groups and cultural specialists welcomed!

### 🎨 Art Displays Celebrating Nature

Join our art & film committee! Immerse yourself in the installation of art displays that celebrate our deep connection to nature and showcase the diverse artistic expressions within our community. Artists residency available!

### 🧘‍♀️ Meditation, Therapy and Wellness Walks (Sessions covered by Medicare & Medicaid!)

Re-align your heart, mind, body, and soul with guided meditation, horticulture and equine therapy sessions, and wellness walks through the serene landscapes of the ranch.

Date:
Beginning February 2024. Check back for dates!

Time:
Varies

Location:
The Smith Family Ranch, 1950 East Atlanta Road, Stockbridge, GA

Let's Make The Smith Family Ranch a Special Place "Where Family Comes Together."
Bring your loved ones, invite friends, and be part of an unforgettable experience filled with purpose, connection, and celebration. For registration and more information, visit **nextstepsyep.org** or contact us at **info@nextstepsyep.org.**

Let’s create lasting memories and build a legacy of unity during this Black Heritage Month at The Smith Family Ranch.