African Americans in Louisiana

African Americans have been in Louisiana for centuries, and have had an important impact on Louisiana culture. African Americans have influenced many of the traditions, crafts, dance styles, and music, and adding to the richness of the state's foodways, rituals, narratives, and occupational lore.

African American artists:

Basketmaking

Edward Harris, Sr. - Split White Oak Basketmaker

Harris Family - Split White Oak Basketmakers

Carving

David Allen - Walking Stick Carver

Dancing

Rosemary "Betty" B. Coldman - Second Line Dancer

Johnny "Kool" Stevenson - Second Line Dancer and Mardi Gras Indian

Furniture

Preston Watley - Chairmaker

Mardi Gras Celebrations

Ferdinand Bigard - Mardi Gras Indian

Allison "Tootie" Montana - Mardi Gras Indian

Johnny "Kool" Stevenson - Second Line Dancer and Mardi Gras Indian

Music

Hattie Addison - Traditional Gospel Musician and Easter Rock Ritual

Penola Caesar - Gospel Singer: Dr. Watt's Style

Roscoe Chenier - Blues Guitarist

Henry Dorsey - Blues Musician

David L. Grillier - Clarinet and Saxophone Musician

Major Helaire - Blues Musician

Ellis Marsalis - Jazz Pianist

Walter "Creole" Polite - Zydeco Musician

Ruddley J. Thibodeaux, Sr. - New Orleans Brass Band Musician

Tabby Thomas - Swamp Blues

Nathan Williams - Zydeco Musician

Rufus "Rip" Wimberly - Blues Guitarist

Religious and Holiday Celebrations

Hattie Addison - Traditional Gospel Musician and Easter Rock Ritual

Essie Mae Arsan - All Saints' Day Wreaths

Penola Caesar - Gospel Singer: Dr. Watt's Style

Elfzelda Coleman - Spiritual Church Ceremonial Robe Maker

Social Organizations

Rosemary "Betty" B. Coldman - Second Line Dancer

Johnny "Kool" Stevenson - Second Line Dancer and Mardi Gras Indian

Ruddley J. Thibodeaux, Sr. - New Orleans Brass Band Musician

Textiles

Rosie Allen - Quilter

Ferdinand Bigard - Mardi Gras Indian

Elfzelda Coleman - Spiritual Church Ceremonial Robe Maker