Converge Media journeys back to the South: New Orleans
Converge Media is back in the South on a #PartneredPilgrimage with Seattle’s Choose 180 and Sankofa Impact. We are documenting the trip as a group of nearly 30 individuals from The Emerald City experience history and culture in New Orleans, The Mississippi Delta, Memphis, Selma, Montgomery, and Atlanta along the way, the group will meet with and learn from Civil Rights foot soldiers and activists working in their communities today.
We will be documenting our film crew’s experiences in each city as we go. Stay tuned for updates on the film.
#SankofaImpact #ichoose180 #BlackHistory #SharedHistory #Seattle #freedom #BlackLivesMatter #BlackHistoryMatters #collectiveliberation #BlackMediaMatters #WWConvergeDay 1
Arrival
Our crew arrived in New Orleans at 3:30 pm, joining the trip as they headed to one of the most historic spots in New Orleans: Dooky Chase’s.
Dooky Chase’s
Dooky Chase’s is one of the most historic businesses in New Orleans. The restaurant, founded in 1941, was the site of critical meetings during the Civil Rights Movement as well as playing host to countless historical figures and celebrities. On top of that, it features some of the best food in the city. Choose 180 team members and Sankofa leads dined on a four course meal and heard from Stella Chase, the daughter of legendary chef Leah Chase.
Walking Tour
After dinner, we embarked on a walking tour of the French Quarter with Choose 180 and Sankofa. Led by New Orleans spoken word artist Michael “Quess” Moore, we visited Louis Armstrong Park and the monument in Egalité Square. Quess spoke about his history and the city’s history, explaining the way Armstrong Park served as a rallying point for the city’s Black community during the Civil Rights movement.
Day 2
The French Quarter
Day 2 began with the Converge crew visiting the famous Cafe Du Monde to enjoy beignets and coffee. We were also treated to the sounds of a sidewalk jazz band.
The Lower Ninth Ward
Burnell’s Lower Ninth Ward Market
During Hurricane Katrina, the Lower Ninth Ward was devastated due to flooding caused by the rupturing of levee walls. In the years since, only about 35% of residents have returned and the scars left by the storm remain clearly visible. Burnell Cotlon owns the only grocery store in the entire neighborhood, providing food, clothes, household products, laundry machines and barber services to those residing in the area. We were there as he spoke to the Choose 180 team and shared his story.
STUDIO BE
Studio Be
Our final stop of the day was at Studio Be. Founded by New Orleans artist Brandan “BMike” Odums, the converted warehouse features installations inspired and created by the people of New Orleans, specifically around the Black experience. BMike was the first artist to go into the Ninth Ward following Katrina and see beauty within the destruction, creating art around the neighborhood and inspiring countless others.
