It's that time of year for gathering with family and friends in thanksgiving, but also for us at American Routes, it's time to celebrate the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellows. Each year the NEA recognizes traditional artists for their excellence and contributions to our nation’s heritage. It's the highest award in the traditional arts. The Winnsboro Easter Rock ensemble carries on a women's African American spiritual ritual. Originally performed by enslaved Africans in the northeast Louisiana Delta region. It combines Christian worship and the West African ring shout tradition. The Easter Rock is held the day before Easter with call and response vocals, foot stomping, food, and symbols to commemorate the death and resurrection of Christ. The Winnsboro Easter Rock Ensemble are the last known practitioners of the ritual, and they've taken the tradition outside of the church to the Louisiana Folklife Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage