The history of Haitian and African influences are deeply rooted in the culture of black history, starting with the Treme the oldest African American neighborhood in the United States.
It is popular for its musical heritage, cultural institutions, culinary influences and architectural heritage are some of the core reasons tourists and locals can feel the culture of Southern hospitality emanating in the Crescent City. Whether you're looking for a history museum, black owned business, or a heart wrenching film, look no further than these 10 places that highlight black history in and around the Treme this February 2025.
10 Places To Experience Black History Month
1. New Orleans African American Museum
1417 Governor Nicholls St., (504) 218-8254
noaam.org
Since 1996, The New Orleans African American Museum (NOAAM) has preserved and elevated the history, art, and culture of the African diaspora and of African Americans in New Orleans. In recent years, NOAAM has featured numerous local artists including Edward Buckles, Kr3wcial, Ryan "Shagg" Baptiste, High Heal Doula, and many more.
Starting on February 1, 2025, the NOAAM is hosting a new satellite pop-up event in partnership with Calas Cafe, owned by Brandon Pellerin, who enhances your palate with the culinary history of calas. NOAAM showcases various exhibitions and signature programs throughout the year, including photographer Fridays, which has featured local photographer Taylor S. Hunter. Every third Saturday at NOAAM, there is a fun, family friendly cultural festival that is free to the public. On February 15, the featured artist of the NOAAM cultural festival will be phenomenal vocalist Raion, an alumnae of Dillard University and founder of "Young Starz of NOLA." Be sure to stop by to delight your tastebuds and embrace the sounds of history in the making.
The NOAAM is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday.
2. Baldwin & Co.
1030 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 354-1741
baldwinandcobooks.com
On Saturday, February 18th 2021, the location formerly known as Gene's Drive-By Daiquiris was renovated and renewed to become Baldwin & Co., a coffee shop and bookstore that brings the energy that's been lacking on the corner of St. Claude and Elysian Fields, replacing the energy of leisurely drinking with productivity and intellectual conversation.
Upon entry, you're greeted with a funky and eclectic vibe from the seating to the ceiling. There is a flair of elegance, but comfort, a kind of "come here and stay a while" feeling. Named after the great James Baldwin, there is a mural in his honor right before the book collection begins. Throughout the month of February, there will be numerous author talks and in-person book signings of well-known Black writers, as well as a children's book reading event on February 8. Some of the author talks are included but not limited to: Imani Perry, Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, Uché Blackstock, and Ibi Zoboi.
Baldwin & Co. is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
3. I-tal Garden NOLA
810 N. Claiborne Ave., (504) 515-7321
italgardennola.com
Chef Ra Supreme and his wife had a dream to provide healthy food alternatives to traditional soul food of New Orleans, debunking the myth that healthy vegetarian, vegan gluten-free, and other plant-based food cannot also be delicious. After years of dedication, their family-owned business has thrusted forward as the best vegan soul food establishment in New Orleans, and for good reason. Their menu has the unique ability to nourish your tastebuds and enrich your soul with each bite.
Be sure to try some menu favorites including their signature Ra Pasta, Cauli-Wings, I-tal Plate, jackfruit ribs, and mac 'n' cheese. Don't forget to wash it down with one of their signature drinks made in house every day—the Ra Mix is the most popular amongst locals.
I-tal Garden NOLA is open 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, as well as 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Sunday.
4. Newcomb Art Museum
6823 St. Charles Avenue, (504) 865-5328
nandos.com/seeourfuture
On February 20, 2025, the Newcomb Art Museum will be featuring an historical exhibit "If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future: Selections of Contemporary South African Art from the Nando's Art Collection." The exhibit will run until June 20, 2025, and will showcase sculptures, paintings, works on paper, and photography from a collection of South African art created between 1948 and 2020.
The exhibit will underscore the artistic perspective and its development over the past 70 years. They will cover universal issues such as love, loss, struggle, and so much more.
The Newcomb Art Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, as well as 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday through Sunday.5. Film Screening at New Orleans Jewish Community Center
5342 St. Charles Ave., (504) 897-0143
eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-aint-no-back-to-a-merry-go-round-by-director-ilana-trachtm-tickets-1105622289029?aff=oddtdtcreator
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the New Orleans Jewish Community Center, as part of the Cathy and Morris Bart Jewish Cultural Arts Series Collection, will be presenting Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round, the untold story of America's first organized interracial civil rights protest, by director Ilana Trachtm. This is a true story of five Howard students that were arrested for sitting on a segregated carousel in Maryland 1960.
The film will exhibit the formation of the Civil Right Movement. The premiere will showcase the unity and courage required during those times through rare footage and personal interviews. The film will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m.
6. Backstreet Cultural Museum
1531 South Phillip St., (504) 657-6700
backstreetmuseum.org
In 1988, Sylvester Francis began displaying his photographs and Mardi Gras Indian memorabilia in his two car garage. This quickly gained recognition and, 11 years later, evolved into a non-profit organization with a board of directors to support his vision. Over the years, he has hosted music performances, public outreach programs, and collaborated with other New Orleans institutions to share New Orleans culture with a wider audience.
The Backstreet Cultural Museum showcases permanent exhibitions year round ranging from their exhibitions of Mardi Gras Indians, Skull and Bones, the Baby Dolls, jazz funerals, and more. General admission is $25 for adults; $20 for locals, senior citizens, veterans; and $10 for children 12 and under.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
7. Louisiana Civil Rights Museum
900 Convention Center Blvd. (Julia Street Entrance), (504) 568-6968
louisianastatemuseum.org/museum/louisiana-civil-rights-museum
On October 8, 2023, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center opened "The Inaugural Experience," a vision for the Louisiana Civil Rights Trial. The exhibit features a one-of-a-kind dream-cube which engages visitors with two significant moments in Civil Rights history: the 105-mile march from Bogalusa to Baton Rouge and the desegregation of New Orleans schools. The museum takes its guests down three pathways: the Right to Assemble, the Right to Education, and the Right to Vote.
The experience features first hand narratives, multimedia videos, and more as they trace the connection between fundamental stories from the late 19th century and communities of the modern Civil Rights Movement. General admission is $7 for adults; $6 for active military, senior citizens, students; and free for children 6 and under. The Louisiana Civil Rights Museum is on the ground floor of the Convention Center and is fully wheelchair accessible.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Louisiana Civil Rights Museum will have special hours during Super Bowl week and will be open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, February 5, through Friday, February 7, as well as from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 8. The exhibit will be closed for Super Bowl Sunday and will return to normal hours on Tuesday, February 11.
8. Black History Month at New Orleans Public Library
Multiple Locations
nolalibrary.org/2024/10/20/black-history-month-2025
Throughout the month of February, the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) will be honoring Black History Month through numerous annual art competitions and story hours of well-known Black writers, as well as a virtual art talk by Lee Hawkins on his book I Am Nobody's Slave on February 18.
A new feature to discover is their Black History Month blogs, where locals can upload their photos and share their stories for the community to read, connect with, and learn from. Do you have a story to tell? Email NOPL at impact@nolalibrary.org to be featured!
The main NOPL is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, as well as 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
9. Loretta's Authentic Pralines
Multiple Locations
lorettaspralines.com
Before her death in 2022, Loretta Harrison had blessed the city of New Orleans with her sweet pralines, being the first African American woman to successfully scale her praline business in the Crescent City to two locations.
Your taste buds can delight from her cookies, praline beignets, sweet treats, and king cakes! Whether you're craving an authentic taste of New Orleans' sweetest treat or a heart warming welcome that only Southern hospitality can bring, make sure you stop by one of Loretta's locations during Black History month.
Loretta's French Market location is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Thursday, and Friday, as well as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Loretta's Rampart location is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
10. New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins C. Diboll Circle, (504) 658-4100
noma.org/events
Throughout the month of February, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) will be honoring Black History Month through weekly gallery talks every Wednesday. The first two talks will be featuring Big Chief Dow Edwards of the Timbuktu Warriors as he educates visitors about his Spyboy Shango Suit, which is currently on display at NOMA's Sand Ash Heat: Glass at the New Orleans Museum of Art. For the second half of the month, Felicita Felli Maynard will expand on and why they use the historical glass ambrotype photographic process in their works featured in Delicate Sights: Photography and Glass, currently on display at NOMA.
NOMA is free to locals every Wednesday to local residents courtesy of The Helis Foundation's Art for All initiative.
NOMA is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, as well as 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.
More To Explore
If you find yourself yearning for a diverse array of options to explore throughout this month, consider visiting some additional destinations that celebrate culture and history. Here, you will discover a selection of historical plantations, insightful museums, delicious black-owned restaurants, or black love events each offering a unique experience that invites you to delve deeper into the richness of the African American heritage.
