African

New Orleans is a place filled with several diverse cultures and traditions.  The African culture in Louisiana dates back to the 1700’s.  Africans were brought to New Orleans, enslaved, soon after it was founded.  Although enslaved, Africans were able to maintain their cultural practices such as music, dance, food, and religion due to the manumission laws.  As slavery became abolished over time, the African community in New Orleans became a part of the city, spreading its values, traditions (such as voodoo), and religion as well. African culture therefore becoming a staple in traditions and influencing many different aspects of the community.

Slave Auction

Congo Square: This was a place on edge of the French Quarter where hundreds of African slaves and laborers would gather to interact with their peers, play music, dance, and sustain their native roots.

Congo Square

Food: New Orleans cuisine is another very large staple in the community.  The African culture has incorporated many of the primary dishes of Louisiana, such as, Gumbo and Jambalaya. While in New Orleans, Gumbo was an item that was on almost every menu, showcasing how big of a footprint just the African derived food has become on the city. Although many of the foods have slightly altered or combined throughout time, many of the core dishes such as Gumbo, has become a tradition.

Gumbo

Music: Music is a very large aspect of New Orleans culture and tradition, and although its music is unique, much of it stems from African culture.  Some specific elements derived from the African culture would be yodeling, improvisation, and syncopation.  Music has become a deep root in Louisiana, New Orleans and dates back centuries.  Below are two pictures, the one on the right I took while in New Orleans, showing that the same style and roots of the African music is still very much alive and existing in the city.

Labor Parade Band

New Orleans 2018

Information provided by: Alyvia Schneider

References

The African-Americans. (n.d.). Retrieved December 30, 2017, from

            https://www.neworleans.com/things-to-do/multicultural/cultures/african-american/

A Commentary: African Cultural Retentions in Louisiana. (n.d.). Retrieved December 30, 2017,

            from http://www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Articles_Essays/afri_cult_retent.html