photos & video: Melisa Cardona, jazz franklin & Ennis Carter/Social Impact Studios
For the second in-person ILI intensive of ILI Year 5 hosted by Alternate ROOTS, the Fellows, ILI Partners made their way to New Orleans, LA. Despite the uncharacteristic chilly weather, we spent 4+ days in and around the city, digging deeply into the complex culture of this place. From spiritual gathering spots, to a day of remembrance at a plantation, to an exploration of the different indigenous and immigrant experiences, this intensive continued the Fellows’ journey of intercultural learning, understanding, and togetherness – all through the lens of arts and culture.
#THISisWhatLeadershipLooksLike
Here’s a snapshot of what Intensive #2 was like:
Day 1: Welcome to New Orleans
Friday, January 19, 2024 – New Orleans, MS
Breakfast
Grounding Together
- with Host Team Wood Delahoussaye & Damia Khanboubi
Walk to Congo Square
One of the oldest ongoing gathering spaces in the nation.
- Speakers + Artists:
- Wendy Shenefelt
- Wood Delahoussaye
- Scierra LaGarde
- Kumbuka Drum and Dance Collective
ROOTing in New Orleans History: ILI Bus Tour
Learning about the way Native Americans and Africans who endured the Transatlantic Slave Trade shaped New Orleans.
- Speakers + Artists:
- Wood Delahoussaye
- Cierra Chenier
- Bus route
- African American Museum
- Le Petit Jazz Museum
- Tomb of the Unknown Slave
- Esplanade Avenue
- Bayou Road
ROOTing in The Present Work
A conversation with New Orleanians working to manifest a more equitable New Orleans.
Location: André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Social Justice
A Taste of Bayou Road, catered by: Addis NOLA, Coco Hut, Nonnos, Cupcake Fairies, Pagoda Café
Open Reflection Space
Pod Time
“Dine Arounds” Small Group dinners
"Just amazing to start our day with such a spiritual and creative moment in Congo Square."
"Cierra was a jewel of knowledge. I’m so glad she was there to guide us in the Tremé community. It’s nice to read about these places, but even greater to experience them with someone who deeply cares about the community and holds such a wealth of knowledge."
"This was a really good experience for my pod. We were able to ground ourselves in the feelings that the experience was bringing up for us. It also helped to have some breathing space to identify space on our own."
Day 2: Remembrance
Saturday, January 20, 2024 – Edgar, LA
Breakfast
Pod 1 Offering
Travel to Whitney Plantation for Day of Remembrance
Healing Moment
Personal Reflection Time
Day 3: My Louisiana Love Tour
Sunday, January 21, 2024 – New Orleans, LA & surrounding areas
Pod 2 Offering
A bus tour through South Louisiana’s Indigenous communities with a focus on the people and the land.
Visit Indigenous Mound Site
Visit Crevasse River House for Lunch & Performance
- Speakers + Artists:
- Monique Verdin
- Nick Slie
- Bruce Sunpie Barnes
The Impact of Vietnamese Communities on Southern Louisiana
- Speaker: Khai Nguyen, Song Community
Day 4: The Cultural Continuum
Monday, January 22, 2024 – New Orleans, LA
Welcome to Ashé Cultural Arts Center
- Speaker: Carol Bebelle
Workshop Offering #1: Black Masking Indian Beading
Artist: Ausettua AmorAmenkum
Workshop Offering #2: Drumming Workshop
Artist: Luther Gray
Lunch at the legendary Dooky Chase
Closing Dinner & Late Night Performances at Ashé Powerhouse Theater
- Guest Artists
- Sha’Condria “iCon” Sibley
- Charm Taylor
- Sunni Patterson
- Rebirth Brass Band & Dirty Dozen
