Date of Award
Urban and Regional Planning
Planning and Urban Studies
New Orleans indigenous cultural traditions such as Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs and second line parades were born out of the disenfranchisement of the African American community. Though the practices have existed for over a century and provide social benefits, they have faced hostility from the police department, indifference from elected officials and city planners, as well as economic exploitation, denying them the ability to thrive. With a restructuring of public policy and outside assistance, these cultural traditions will be able to help revitalize the economically depressed areas where they continue to be practiced.
Ellestad, Ethan K., "Working Towards the Sustainability of New Orleans’ African American Indigenous Cultural Traditions" (2012). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 1514.