What We Do
Our Mission
What we do:
At Heritage Parc, our mission is to use the arts to enrich the quality of life in North Lafayette. We believe that the arts are a powerful tool for bringing people together, fostering creativity and self-expression, and promoting a sense of community pride. We provide access to cultural resources and opportunities for artistic expression to enhance the lives of North Lafayette residents and promote a vibrant, inclusive community.
Why we do it:
Our focus at Heritage Parc is on the preservation of Black and Creole heritage. We believe that our cultural heritage is an essential part of our community identity, and that it should be celebrated and passed down to future generations. Our programs and events educate the public about the rich history and traditions of our community, and inspire a renewed appreciation for the contributions of Black and Creole culture.
How we do it:
We achieve our mission by fostering and educating future productive citizens of North Lafayette who appreciate and advocate for the arts. By promoting the arts and preserving our cultural heritage, we help young people develop a sense of purpose and pride in their community, while also preparing them for success in their personal and professional lives. Through our educational programs and partnerships with schools and community organizations, we inspire a new generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
“Art is too important not the share.”
— Romero Britto
Our Founders
Leigha Porter M.Ed
Founder
Jazmyn Jones
Founder
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Leigha Porter M.Ed is a Lafayette native and founder of F.I.R.E. Expressions Performing Arts Conservatory, co-creator of The Creole Nutcracker, and owner of PARC Village, a community art center and space for creatives of color. With a Bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Masters of Education from Grand Canyon University, Leigha is an arts advocate, administrator, and movement artist who has studied theater arts at Dillard University and trained in ballet, modern, and jazz techniques with renowned choreographers. She provides community service as an adjudicator for the NAACP National Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics and has received numerous awards, including the Delta Women in Business Award and the Spoken Red Enterprise Small Business Award. Leigha was selected for the South Arts Emerging Leaders of Color Cohort, representing the next generation of cultural workers and art administrators across the country. She is committed to expanding artistic opportunities for children and adults in under-served communities and challenging perceptions about how to successfully engage and educate the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs of color.
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Jazmyn Jones is a Lafayette native with a deep passion for dance and education. Her early training with renowned instructors and choreographers across the country earned her multiple dance awards and scholarships, and led to performances with Debbie Allen and Urban Souls Dance Company. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine with a minor in Chemistry from Howard University, Jazmyn became a middle school science teacher and currently directs the junior pre-professional dance company Difé II at F.I.R.E. Expressions. She also completed intensive training with American Ballet Theatre and is certified to teach Pre-Primary to Level 3. Jazmyn's commitment to youth education and the arts is fueled by her love for her hometown community, and she hopes to continue making an impact in North Lafayette.