African American History in New Orleans and How Congo Square Influenced That by Peyton Silverthorn

African Americans played a major role in influencing the culture of what is now, New Orleans. 

You could argue that African Americans are the foundation of a lot of New Orleans Culture. 

Here are some reasons why, accompanied by personal experiences I witnessed while on the trip that solidifies this statement. 

How the African Americans came and became established in New Orleans is through immigration. Many of the blacks that came to New Orleans came from Africa. They were bought and sold through auctions. New Orleans housed over 100 slave auction houses, becoming the largest slave auction places in the United States.  The slaves stayed slaves through the French rule, “code Noir”  established in 1724. This law meaning, Black Code, restricted the rights of the black population forcing them to abide by their plantation owners rules and regulations. This rule may have enslaved the workers but allowed them a day of rest later turning into their sacred day, Sunday. (African American Culture in New Orleans) Their daily life consisted of working hard in sugar cane fields, but their spirit and culture affected more than just the plantation eventually it flourished the culturally unique city of New Orleans

Whitney Plantation Museum

The black immigrants in New Orleans were given more freedom than immigrants from other regions. They were allowed to have Sundays to congregate. They congregated in a place known as the Congo Square, located near the French Quarter. Since most immigrants were from similar regions of Africa they could communicate using native language and practice common traditions. Congo Square became a sanctuary for the African Americans to come together and play music, dance, and practice religion. (African American Culture in New Orleans) Congo square was a place they could celebrate their heritage as well as make new traditions together. The African American people that came together at this sacred place influenced the New Orleans culture from Mardi Gras and music to a popular tourist attraction, voodoo.

Congo Square

They say Congo square was the root of Jazz music. When all the immigrants came together and rejoiced in music and prayer a popular genre of music was born. They even go as far as saying, “American musical genre whose roots at the turn of the 20th century can be traced back to those Sundays at Congo Square. But New Orleans African-American musicians have been leaders in everything from hip hop to funk, from gospel to bounce and a distinctive style of rhythm & blues that was a catalyst for the birth of rock ’n’ roll. New Orleans remains famous for its vibrant music scene rooted in its musical legacy, a legacy that is African-American at its core.” (African American History in New Orleans) More information on Jazz music stemming from Congo square is in this video.

Post New Orleans Trip: We went on a music tour. We had a tour guide named Milton. He was a wealth of knowledge so if you want to get the low down on music of New Orleans you NEED to book him. I learned on this three hour tour of the city, how jazz music came to be. YUP, sure enough it stemmed from Sundays at Congo Square. But, that wasn't the sole source of what we now know as jazz. Jazz was a compilation and progression of different artists styles. But, it started with beats and origins from African Americans. 

Black immigrants also created a major trademark of New Orleans, Voodoo. Voodoo came about through the Haiti population. They came to the United States to escape a slave revolt bringing the voodoo tradition to the states. (African American History in New Orleans) Voodoo may seem intimidating, but it is a form of medicine that the Haiti population uses. It combines herbs and rituals to heal. 

Post New Orleans Trip: I visited a Voodoo shop. They have an abundance of different herbs that do different things. There is stuff to treat sicknesses and even stuff to help you be successful in daily life.There is even one called a love potion. I wanted to buy this, but though better not risk it. I already have a man. When talking to one of the ladies creating some herbs they informed me that you are to use these herbs and form of rituals in combination with your religion. Voodoo isn't something to call upon the dead with, instead its something you use to pray and heal with. A few friends had their cards read. This is nothing to be scared of. Instead it promotes positivity and helps you realize the baggage you carry helping you cleanse your soul of it. Overall it was a neat experience. I recommend checking Voodoo Authentica out as it is a prominent component in New Orleans Culture 

New Orleans Voodoo Shop

Black culture on Mardi Gras stemmed from the Black Indians. The Black Indians would put on colorful garments with face paint and parade around the day before Ash Wednesday. This day is now what we call today Mardi Gras. A black support group created this movement to mock white people and their lavish festivities. Here are some pictures of the traditional garments that the Black Indians would wear as well as a video of the Black Indians at the Mardi Gras parade in 2017. (Mardi Gras in African American Tradition)

Traditional Garments of the Black Indians

Here is a video depicting the struggles and living conditions of the slaves that resided on the Whitney Plantation. This plantation is open to the public. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to go and be enlightened by the production now known as slavery.

Works Cited ( Peyton Silverthorn) 

An African American History In New Orleans .” NewOrleans.com, New Orleans Tourism Corporation, 1996, www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/multicultural/multiculturalhistory/afrilcanamerican.html.

 African American Culture in New Orleans.” Museum of the City, Grace Studio, 2017, www.museumofthecity.org/project/african-american-culture-in-new-orleans/.

The African-Americans.” African American History in New Orleans, New Orleans , 2017, www.neworleans.com/things-to-do/multicultural/cultures/african-american/.

Mardi Gras in African-American Traditions.” The Free Dictionary, Farlex, Mar. 2017, encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Mardi+Gras+in+African-American+Traditions.