Black History Month at Tulane Libraries
This Black History Month, we’re sharing films that spotlight the critical influence of Black music, art, and culture in the local customs and traditions of Mardi Gras and a curated list of books on #BlackHisotry that you can find at Tulane Libraries.
#BlackHistoryMonth Films
This list was created by Josh Windham.
1) Always for Pleasure (1978)
From street celebrations to Carnival, ALWAYS FOR PLEASURE captures the unique sounds and rhythms of New Orleans with spirited performances by renowned local musicians including Professor Longhair, the Neville Brothers, and Allen Toussaint. View Les Blank’s vibrant study of a city in celebration:
https://www.kanopy.com/en/tulane/video/113021
2) Bury the Hatchet (2012)
Filmed over the course of five years, BURY THE HATCHET follows the daily lives of three Mardi Gras Indian “Big Chiefs” as they painstakingly prepare richly detailed hand-sewn suits to represent their respective neighborhood tribes in ceremonial competition. This insightful documentary explores the unique shared histories among the chiefs as they navigate the present-day struggles to preserve and protect the cultural traditions of their communities. View here:
https://www.kanopy.com/en/tulane/video/121487
3) Zydeco: African American Dancehall music in Southwest Louisiana (1984)
ZYDECO: AFRICAN AMERICAN DANCE-HALL MUSIC IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA explores the unique musical heritage and livelihood of Black French-speaking people based in southwestern Louisiana. Helmed by folklorist and Tulane professor of anthropology Nick Spitzer, this illuminating film celebrates the cultural roots, influence, and inspiring joy of Zydeco music heard from local clubs to Mardi Gras. View here:
https://www.kanopy.com/en/tulane/video/5903637
4) The Whole Gritty City (2013)
The Whole Gritty City, a moving documentary following the daily struggles of three school marching bands as they prepare for the upcoming Mardi Gras season. Mixing passionate musical performances with candid personal testimonies by the children, mentors, and families of these predominately African American school communities, the film illustrates how the power of music can help find strength and resolve in the face of adversity. View here:
https://video.alexanderstreet.com/p/Br1mZnJ8J
5) Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans (2008)
This captivating film examines the critical history and influence of America's oldest black neighborhood - also known as Tremé- on the enduring social, political, and creative traditions of New Orleans. Recounting the past and present-day struggles for racial equality, this award-winning documentary spotlights one remarkable community’s ongoing efforts to preserve and protect their cultural heritage. View here:
https://www.kanopy.com/en/tulane/video/160473/223325
#BlackHistoryMonth Books' list
This list was curated by Raquel Horlick and Doxey Kamara.
1. Pride
2. Afro-Nostalgia: Feeling Good in Contemporary Black Culture
3. Brown Girl Dreaming
4. Birth of Cool
5. Sovereign joy: Afro-Mexican Kings and Queens
6. From the Kingdom of Kongo to Congo Square: Kongo dances and the origins of the Mardi Gras Indians
7. Homegirls and Hand Grenades
8. Conversations with Sonia Sanchez
9. Chief of Chiefs: Robert Nathaniel Lee and the Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans, 1915-2001
10. Children of Blood and Bone
11. Black. Queer. Southern. Women: An Oral History
12. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies
13. My Sister, the Serial Killer
14. Blacktop Wasteland
15. Get A Life, Chloe Brown
16. Popisho
17. Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America
18. The Politics of Black Women's Hair
19. The Creation of Jazz: Music, Race, and Culture in Urban America
20. Black Nerd Problems
Date: 2/2/2023
