Louisiana is enveloped in the rich traditions and creations of African Americans who have called the state home and shaped its history. Their influence is indelible and groups can witness it via Louisiana’s African American Heritage Trail.
From New Orleans to Shreveport and everywhere in between, the trail showcases, among other sites, the marketplaces, streets, schools and resting grounds that tell the African American story.
New Orleans boasts seven of the trail’s total 33 sites, according to Cara Banasch, vice president of convention sales and strategy at the New Orleans CVB.
“Thanks to the city’s relatively small geographic footprint, most of these sites are within short walking distance of each other,” she says.
Of the seven are St. Louis Cemeteries No. 1 & 2, which are “fascinating landmarks of those who lived and died in our great city,” according to Banasch, as well as Congo Square at Armstrong Park, which took its name from the tradition of slaves who weekly gathered to sing, drum and celebrate, and the French Market, which has a 200-year-long history that groups can learn about as they shop and grab a bite.
Louisiana’s African American Heritage Trail makes a stop in St. Tammany Parish at Fontainebleau State Park, where groups will see what remains of the Fontainebleau plantation and sugar mill owned by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville.
The park’s visitor center, which is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Isaac, offers background on the site’s history.
In the heart of downtown Shreveport is Texas Street, where groups can visit the Multicultural Center of the South. African American history is a focus here and the art exhibits, including paintings by folk artist Clementine Hunter, are memorable.
Also on Texas Street is the Southern University Museum of Art Shreveport, which also displays a nice selection of African American artwork.
And Monroe is home to the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, which is located in Chennault Park and features art exhibits showcasing the works of local and regional African American artists.
The facility is also available for meetings and has a full kitchen.
