Deeply Rooted Mural Unveiling
Arts
New Orleans and Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation invite you to Deeply
Rooted: 20 Years and Beyond, a mural unveiling and community block party on
August 31, 2025, honoring two decades of resilience and transformation since
Hurricane Katrina.
The
mural celebrates sustainability, honors cultural memory, and uplifts the green
infrastructure and stormwater management features. The construction of the I-10
Claiborne Bridge in the 1960s had devastating effects on surrounding
communities, businesses, and opportunities. These effects have sparked decades
of pushback and criticism, with ongoing calls for the redevelopment of the
area.
The Mural & History
The Deeply
Rooted: 20 Years and Beyond murals reflect the community's and city's
efforts to pay tribute to the live oaks that once lined Claiborne Avenue before
the creation of the I-10 Claiborne Bridge.
The
project began in August of 2024 when Arts New Orleans and Ujamaa Economic
Development Corporation joined forces to begin the Deeply Rooted: 20
Years and Beyond project. The Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation
seeks to elevate awareness and advocate for those most impacted by the bridge's
legacy. Through a commitment to equitable, sustainable community development,
Ujamaa works to protect and empower the longtime residents of the Claiborne
Corridor, striving to prevent the displacement of indigenous communities amid
accelerating development and gentrification. The collaboration of Art New
Orleans and Ujamaa resulted in the establishment of the "Paint the Trees"
committee. This committee sought to select one or two New Orleans artists to
commemorate the spirit of the live oaks in a way that highlighted environment,
nature, health, and wellness.
The
committee selected lead artists Ojo
Akinlana and Hoze'
Da'ra. The two artists collaborated to design and construct the bold
and lively murals. Both men are skilled artists in the New Orleans area and,
due to their creativity and expertise, also specialize in mural work and
creative painting. The two recently worked to design the River Rhythms mural,
which pays tribute to Louisiana's Indigenous peoples and people of color at the
Canal Street Ferry terminal. Akinlana and Hoze' were perfectly selected to
bring these profound and impactful murals to life.
The Event
The
unveiling, followed by a community block party, will take place on August 31.
The unveiling begins at 3 p.m., and the block party festivities will run from 4
p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be held at Backatown Plaza under the I-10
Overpass (N. Claiborne Avenue between Basin/Orleans and St. Louis Street).
Block party participants include DJ "Two Scoops" from Tamborine &
Fan, local food vendors. There will be a special ribbon-cutting for the Deeply
Rooted mural and a powerful multimedia experience. Make sure to wear
white in celebration of light, life, and the spirit of the Claiborne community.
The Deeply
Rooted: 20 Years and Beyond is possible thanks to Arts New Orleans
continued partnership with the City of New Orleans, with Ujamaa Economic
Development Corporation, Katrina 20 Local Planning Committee, and the support
of the "Paint the Trees" Selection Committee.
Join
Arts New Orleans and Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation to celebrate the
cultural heritage of the Claiborne area and to honor the history, nature, and
community that define it.
