HISTORY

HISTORY AND CULTURE OF NEW ORLEANS STREET PARADING

As early as the 1780’s benevolent societies were formed by free and enslaved blacks of New Orleans . Evolving from African communities and tribal practices, these social organizations were even more crucial for African American survival in the New World . Member relied on each other for assistance through hard times, illness, and ensured proper burial at death. These social groups also serve to continue the expression of African forms of ceremony, dance, music and celebration that evolved from the practices and rituals of Congo Square , the only place in America where free and enslaved people of color were allowed to express their culture.

Nineteenth century burial records show approximately two hundred organizations with burial tombs in New Orleans cemeteries. Though the number of clubs have waxed and waned over the centuries, today (Pre-Katrina) over fifty-two clubs parade annually comprised of extended families and community members based in specific neighborhoods. Each club annually creates a parade which expresses their identity to the large public through dress, dance and music.

Elements of the Parade include a Society Banner or Flag followed by the principal members dressed in coordinating colors with specially made embellishments and accessories; such as feathered fans, baskets, umbrellas, and streamers. Much thought and expense goes into the choosing of the club colors, shoes, and design of the accessories. Club members literally dance down the street in elaborate, improvised, yet ancient patterns; using the fans and baskets to punctuate their movements. Following the Club members is a marching Brass Band, immediately behind the band is an improvised percussion group and then the “Second-Line” brings up the rear. While now used as a catch phrase for the culture, the term second-lines is literally the mass of people who are following the principal elements of the Parade or Funeral Procession. Often there are multiple divisions of club member in a Parade each with its own Brass Band.

In 1987 the United States Congress designated Jazz…. “A rare and valuable national treasure to which we should devote our attention, support, and resources to make sure it is preserved, understood and promulgated”.

From Congo Square to South Rampart Street , New Orleans is the only city in America that has had a continuous expression of African and African American culture for centuries. Through dance, rhythm, song, and musical expression the origins of many genres of American music can be linked with the history of New Orleans . For almost two centuries, the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs Parade culture has been intertwined with the creation, development and continuation of Jazz. The Black Men of Labor, pre-Katrina and post Katrina, have been leaders in preserving and continuing New Orleans Cultural traditions.