Second Line Culture In New Orleans

Dancing in the Streets: Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs of New Orleans Exhibit

Dancing in the Streets: Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs of New Orleans Exhibit

When California-native New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell cancelled Second Lines in the winter of last year, thousands of Black New Orleanians were robbed of their ability to feed their families, pay their mortgages or rent, and keep groceries on the table.

Do you miss the Second Lines? I know I do.

The Historic New Orleans Collection just announced an exhibit that will fete New Orleans Second Line culture between now and June 13th 2021.

We’ve all come to realize that the big rollicking Sunday afternoon street parties are not coming back until Cantrell leaves office so this is one of the only available options to enjoy the culture til that moment occurs.

Dancing in the Streets: Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs of New Orleans
February 25–June 13, 2021
Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
520 Royal Street, Tricentennial Wing, 3rd Floor
Free ticketed admission

Free tickets

Second Line Culture In New Orleans

Black Masking Indian Gangs’ Ceremony At St Augustine Church

Tootie Montana’s funeral in Treme (photo courtesy AP)

Black Masking Indian gangs will gather tomorrow, January 6th 2021, at St Augustine Church in the 6th Ward of New Orleans to honor Big Chief of the Yellow Pocahontas, Tootie Montana.

A few old-timers may remember Montana’s great-uncle, Chief Becate Batiste who founded the Creole Wild West back in 1880.

Creole Wild West are recognized as being the first Black Masking Indian groups.

Tootie Montana died on June 27, 2005 as he was speaking out against police brutality in front of New Orleans City Council.

Tomorrow is officially Tootie Montana Day in New Orleans.

The gathering will take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Slave outside St Augustine Church in Treme at 3:30pm.

Second Line Culture In New Orleans

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell Cancels 2020-2021 Second Line Parade Season

Photo taken at Big Chief Leonard William Brooks of the Golden Spears Tribe Memorial Celebration

In a recent interview with DJ Action Jackson of WWOZ, the president of New Orleans Social Aid and Pleasure Club Task Force, Tamara Jackson informed listeners that there will be no second lines in New Orleans til at least August of 2021. Continue Reading

Second Line Culture In New Orleans

Young Fellaz Brass Band Second Line In Armstrong Park

Young Fellaz Brass Band second line in Armstrong Park

Saturday June 6th, 2020, Young Fellaz Brass Band are throwing an “all black attire” second line in Armstrong Park at 3pm. You will be required to stay six feet away from fellow celebrants.

When I was at the Big Chief Leonard Brooks of the Golden Spears Tribe second line back in mid-March I never dreamed that it would be the final parade of the spring.

Gallery of the Big Chief send-off

Second Line Culture In New Orleans

Relief Money Is Available For New Orleans Black Masking Indian Gangs

A Baby Black Masking Indian At New Orleans Super Sunday

When you get involved in it, it’s a serious piece of business

That’s Big Chief Darryl Montana of the Yellow Pocahontas speaking on the Black Masking Indian tradition.

The folks behind Jazz Fest are putting their money where their mouth is. They’ve ponied up a relief fund for New Orleans Black Masking Indian Gangs. The gangs are filled with musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and just regular folks who are trying to survive through this arduous time.

Can you imagine how much money the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has pulled in over the last half-century?

It’s good to see them plowing some of that revenue back into the community.

Here’s how to apply for the funds

Second Line Culture In New Orleans

Second Lines As Far As The Eye Can See

Louis Cottrell's second lineLouis Cottrell’s second line Tue, Mar 28, 1978 – Page 24 · The Town Talk (Alexandria, Louisiana) ·

Unfortunately second lines are now forbidden in the City of New Orleans but that hasn’t stopped me from keeping a running count of the ones that will take place once a sense of normalcy has been restored. I’d love contributions to this project so if you see any names missing please leave a comment. Continue Reading

RIP: Rest In Peace, Second Line Culture In New Orleans

The Death of Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club King Larry Hammond

The Death of Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club King Larry Hammond

I know it’s fashionable to hate Daily Mail but our local papers did not provide anywhere near this level of coverage on the death of Zulu King Larry Hammond.

I’m writing an article about the massive backlog of second lines that is stacking up due to the city of New Orleans isolation mandate, and I’ll publish it soon.