New Orleans was established as a multicultural society where creativity flourished, making way for new traditions in commerce, food, arts, & culture. No doubt the history of the African American is an integral part of this city’s rich tapestry. Our colorful threads seeped in tragic levels of pain and weaved joy, purpose, originality from them, despite the odds. Our sense of safety and togetherness is rooted in our communities. Our neighborhoods. And now these neighborhoods that cultivated our culture are threatened. By the brashness of those who don’t care to understand that the magic they seek in this city comes from these communities. Its power source being its people. Progress can’t come at the cost of the people. Without the people, there is no culture.