PINEVILLE, La. – In observance of Black History Month, Cleco is partnering with organizations across Louisiana to sponsor events and educational programs.

“Supporting Black History Month is just one of the many ways Cleco is working to promote diversity and inclusion in our workforce and our local communities,” said Anthony Bunting, Cleco chief administrative officer and Cleco diversity team executive sponsor. “When companies and communities come together, we can make a difference.”

Cleco-sponsored activities across the state include:

• Support for an exhibit, open to the public through March 31, 2018, honoring historic African-American business owners and innovators at the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center in Opelousas, La.
• In addition to a monetary donation, Cleco employees will volunteer for various projects at the Arna Bontemps African American Museum in Alexandria, La. 
• Sponsorship of the LSU-Alexandria Celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 15 at 11:30 a.m.
• Sponsorship of the Patterson Civic Organization’s Celebration in the Park on Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. in Patterson, La.
• Sponsorship of an essay contest on Remembering the Cost of Freedom, as well as its Warriors of Freedom Awards, which honors five local community leaders, at Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School in Alexandria, La.
• Sponsorship of two St. Tammany Parish Library activities, including:
• On Feb. 24 at the Madisonville branch, a genealogy lesson on finding slave ancestors
• On Feb. 27 at the Slidell/Pontchartrain branch, a viewing of Selma, a film chronicling Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights
• Sponsorship of a student program celebrating African-American achievements to be held at Peabody Magnet High School in Alexandria, La. on Feb. 25 at 11 a.m.
• Sponsorship of the East St. Tammany NAACP Freedom Banquet on Feb. 24
• Sponsorship of Children’s Black History Month play and performance on Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at King’s Chapel AME in Many, La.
• Prize sponsor and judge for the New Iberia City Parks and Recreation Youth Art Festival Art Contest from Feb. 14 -19.
• Host of a public forum at the company’s headquarters in Pineville, La. with Clarence R. Fields, Mayor of Pineville and former of Cleco employee, about his journey from employee to mayor on Feb. 26 at 8 a.m.

“We are thrilled to have Cleco partner with us to help celebrate Black History Month,” said Jillian Boudreaux, St. Tammany Parish Library adult programming coordinator. “With their help, we are able to make our event even better and bring more people in our community together.”