Free First Sunday
Free admission is available every first Sunday of the month from 1 - 5 PM. In addition, we provide the reduced admission price of $5 for unlimited Irene W. Pennington Planetarium shows.
Don't miss out on this day of exploration, creativity, and discovery on Sunday, March 2 with free admission to our one-of-a-kind galleries and various hands-on activities for all ages.
Plus, for a reduced admission of just $5, you get access to unlimited surround-sound fulldome planetarium shows! Visit lasm.org/calendar for the full planetarium schedule.
Save your money for other great memories while still enjoying the full experience of LASM!
This Free First Sunday is graciously sponsored by Open Health Care Clinic, a federally qualified health center dedicated to providing high-quality medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to all individuals, regardless of insurance or income status.
Baton Rouge is making headlines for its remarkable progress in literacy, and Dr. Rani Whitfield, known as Tha Hip Hop Doc, is keeping the momentum going with the 2nd Annual Reading & Rhythm event at LASM. This family-friendly celebration continues his mission to inspire young readers through music, storytelling, and community engagement.
Dr. Whitfield’s Impact During Black History Month:
Dr. Whitfield comes into this event fresh off of three major engagements during Black History Month, reinforcing his commitment to youth empowerment:
- Keynote Speaker at the BLAST (Boldly Living As Smart Teens) Conference in St. Landry Parish on both February 14 and February 28.
- February 14: Launch of the BLAST 3.0 music video, featuring the Southern University Laboratory School Girls Basketball Team, led by head coach Quianna Chaney. The video will be shown on both BLAST conference days to inspire young students that “You can have it all and ball, you can shoot like Durant and still be a part of honor roll.”
- Keynote Speaker for Broadmoor High School’s Junior ROTC, addressing young leaders about discipline, responsibility, and literacy.
About the Book:
RJ Did It! is a heartwarming story about R.J., a spirited young boy learning essential life skills. Through rhythmic storytelling, it promotes responsibility, personal growth, and the importance of health and hygiene.
What to Expect at Reading & Rhythm:
Attendees will enjoy:
- Live book readings and book signing with Dr. Whitfield and his son, R.J.
- A screening of the ‘RJ Did It!’ music video—a fun, educational visual experience for young readers.
- Live music performances featuring former members of the world-famous Human Jukebox.
- DJ sets by Dr. Whitfield and Maestro, showcasing diverse musical styles.
- Health messages and interactive family activities, promoting literacy and wellness.
About Dr. Rani Whitfield:
Dr. Rani G. Whitfield, a board-certified family physician and sports medicine specialist, has spent over two decades using music and motivational speaking to address health and social issues. Known as Tha Hip Hop Doc, he is a National Spokesperson for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and a leading advocate for health education.
A graduate of Southern University and Meharry Medical College, Dr. Whitfield is a former Vice Chair and current member of the Southern University Board of Supervisors and the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. He lives in Baton Rouge with his wife, Kiara, and their two children.
Come celebrate Baton Rouge’s reading success and inspire the next generation of young readers through music, storytelling, and community!
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