Mrs. Josephine Offord holds a portrait of her husband, the late Nathaniel Offord. Mrs. Josephine lived in the 5400 block of N. Claiborne Avenue, where the Lower 9th Ward Memoirs sculpture is installed, and she is also the grandmother of the artist, Chandra McCormick. Image courtesy of Chandra McCormick (1992) ©.
PROSPECT NEW ORLEANS unveils Artists of Public Memory Commission, Memoirs of the Lower 9th Ward by Chandra McCormick and Keith Calhoun on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the 5400 block of N. Claiborne Ave located at the neutral ground in between Andry St. and Flood St.
Artists and documentary photographers Chandra McCormick and Keith Calhoun’s collaborative public art project, Memoirs of the Lower 9th Ward, challenges conventional structures of remembrance, symbols of shared memory, and our understanding of who or what should be memorialized and how in public spaces.
Join us for an evening of celebration on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 4-8pm.
Programming for the unveiling will begin at 4:00 PM located on the neutral ground between Andry St. and Flood St on the 5400 block of N. Claiborne Ave. This will be followed by an opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 PM featuring a musical performance by Herlin Riley at the Katrina National Memorial Foundation Museum. The celebration will conclude with a second line parade ending at 8:00 PM.
For more information about Memoirs of the Lower 9th Ward, click here.
Boogie Bill Web, Plays The Blues for friends at 2030 Forstall Street, Lower 9th Ward 1983. Image courtesy of Keith Calhoun (1983) ©.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
4:00 PM
Welcome: Oliver Thomas, Troy Carter, Prospect representative, Shana M.griffin, Chandra McCormick, and Keith Calhoun
4:45 PM
Sculpture Unveiling
5:15 PM
Artists Walkthrough
5:30 PM
Opening Reception at Katrina National Memorial Foundation Museum with special musical performance by Herlin Riley
7:30 PM
Second line with Big Nine Social Aid and Pleasure Club
EVENT PARTNERS
Image courtesy of MM Music Agency.
Herlin Riley, acclaimed as one of today's finest drummers across all music genres, shines in his dual roles leading both his quintet and the New Orleans Groove Masters. His latest album, "Perpetual Optimism," is a testament to his Art Blakey-like knack for talent, featuring a dynamic quintet including Bruce Harris, Godwin Louis, Emmet Cohen, and Russell Hall. Deeply rooted in his faith, family, and New Orleans heritage, Riley's music reflects his life's positivity and his church background, especially in tracks like “Rush Hour.” His long-standing collaboration with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and his tribute to mentor Ellis Marsalis on “Twelve’s It,” highlight his profound musical connections. The album also honors Allen Toussaint and showcases Riley's foray into vocals, influenced by Germaine Bazzle's advice on emotional honesty in performance. Each track, from the lively "Be There When I Get There" to the tender "Touched," echoes Riley's philosophy of optimism and resilience, encapsulating his message: "If you're still breathing, there's a chance to overcome and thrive. Commit yourself to PERPETUAL OPTIMISM!"
Mercedes Place Bar, a cherished barroom in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward, stands as a beacon of community spirit and resilience. Owned and operated for over three decades by Mercedes Gibson, who arrived in the city in 1969, it has become a hub for locals to gather, share stories, and enjoy simple comforts like cold beer and home-cooked red beans and rice. Situated in a neighborhood marked by its recovery efforts post-Hurricane Katrina, this establishment has witnessed the ebbs and flows of the area's fortunes. It's not just a bar; it's a slice of local history and culture where people come together as strangers and leave as family. Now, adding a new dimension to this legacy, Mercedes' granddaughter, Lichelle Gibson, has opened 2NP, a morning café within the bar, offering coffee, tea, and breakfast specialties, further enriching the community spirit fostered by Mercedes Place.
Ronald W. Lewis, the Big Nine’s 25th anniversary parade, 2015, photographed by Judy Cooper
Big Nine Social and Pleasure Club in New Orleans, epitomizes the spirit of community and perseverance. The club was first founded in 1992 as an all-men's club by Robert Starks, a disciplined Army veteran, and Ronald W. Lewis. The club later evolved to include a Women's Division and the Lower Nine Steppers, forming three divisions under one umbrella. The Big Nine is renowned for its magnificent parades, appreciated for their straightforward routes and vibrant atmosphere, especially during Christmas when floats distribute toys to children. This club, more than just a group, is a testament to the community's strength, striving to make the Lower Ninth Ward proud and uplifted, reflecting Robert’s vision of unity and commitment.
Rodney Omar Casimire, a dedicated New Orleans native and visionary, is the driving force behind the Katrina National Memorial Charitable Foundation and its ambitious project, the Katrina National Memorial Museum. This groundbreaking initiative aims to establish an international landmark, not only as a tribute to the lives tragically lost in Hurricane Katrina but also as an educational hub focusing on art, storm preparedness, and sustainable living. With a commitment to incorporating advanced technology and renewable energy sources like wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal systems, the museum is set to be a paragon of modern, eco-friendly construction. Casimire's extensive experience in the arts and working trades across New Orleans, Chicago, and New York significantly contributes to this project. The museum’s overarching mission is to create a space that honors Hurricane Katrina's victims, fosters learning from the disaster, and celebrates the resilience of survivors and rebuilding helpers. The vision extends to achieving the distinction of being America’s first LEED Certified Platinum Museum, aligning with strategic goals to enhance visitors' educational and historical understanding through varied exhibits, both on-site and online, part of a broader plan to remember, learn, and honor.