THE IMPACT EDIT: BLACK HISTORY & BLACK FUTURES MONTH

Black History & Black Futures Month: Honoring the Past, Building the Future in Louisiana

Black History & Black Futures Month is a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the past while envisioning and creating the future we deserve. In Louisiana, Black history is deeply woven into the fabric of the state—from the resistance of civil rights activists to the cultural innovations that shaped the world. This month, we recognize the power of Black storytelling, creativity and perseverance as we continue the work of those who came before us.

The Legacy That Guides Us

Louisiana has long been a battleground for civil rights and social change. In 1953, the Baton Rouge bus boycott became one of the first organized protests against segregation, inspiring the Montgomery bus boycott. Attorney A.P. Tureaud led legal battles against segregation in schools, paving the way for desegregation across the South. Meanwhile, groups like the Deacons for Defense and Justice, founded in Louisiana, protected civil rights activists from violent white supremacists, ensuring that the movement could continue.

Beyond activism, Louisiana’s Black cultural influence is undeniable. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, with icons like Louis Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson changing the global music scene. The traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians, rooted in both African and Indigenous resistance, continue to tell stories of strength and survival. Black chefs, writers and artists have shaped Louisiana’s identity, leaving an indelible mark on the world through their creativity and perseverance.

The Future We Are Building

Today, Louisiana’s Black communities are leading the way in innovation and social justice. Southern University and Grambling State University, two of the nation’s top historically Black colleges and universities, continue to produce leaders in politics, education and STEM. Organizations like the Urban League of Louisiana and Black Tech NOLA are pushing for economic empowerment, ensuring that Black entrepreneurs and creatives have the resources to thrive.

At the same time, activists are tackling issues that disproportionately impact Black communities. Groups like the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice and Step Up Louisiana are fighting for voting rights, fair wages and education equity. In “Cancer Alley,” where pollution has devastated Black communities, grassroots leaders like Sharon Lavigne of RISE St. James are standing up for environmental justice, showing the same perseverance that has defined Black history for generations.

History in Motion

Black history is not just something to be remembered—it is something we continue to build every day. The struggles and triumphs of the past fuel today’s fight for justice, and the work being done now will shape the future. By supporting Black businesses, engaging in activism and amplifying Black voices, we ensure that history is not erased but serves as the foundation for a better tomorrow.

This Black History & Black Futures Month, we honor the legacies that guide us and commit to shaping a future where Black voices, stories and dreams continue to thrive—because the future is ours to create.