“Unity” is located at the site of the London Avenue Canal levee breach. It commemorates the residents who experienced devastating loss due to Hurricane Katrina, and who continue to face stormwater risk and other environmental challenges.

The process of creating these sculptures is a testament to the strength and dedication of the artists and educators who participated: the COVID-19 pandemic hit just as the youth artists were completing their designs, forcing the group to meet virtually, and resuming the project nearly nine months later. The pandemic required the artists to think creatively about community input: they collected feedback through surveys, virtual community dialogues, and interactive creative packets mailed to all neighbors. The sculptures are etched with text inspired by charrettes, research on the history of the site, Gentilly residents’ input, and creative collaboration between YAM and lead artist Carl Joe Williams. In addition to participating in the research and design of the sculptures, the youth artists met for several weeks at a professional metal fabrication studio where they learned how to cast aluminum out of wax molds.

Artists: Carl Joe Williams (Lead Artist Mentor), Shanti Broom, Sly Watts, Elijah Turk, Gabrielle Tolliver, Tekai Arnold, Aspien Beaco, Lauren Carre, Alvester Ceazer, Darrell Lonon, Shaquille Mcneil, Richard Payne Jr, Ronald Thomas, James Clark III, Joseph Williams, Cassandra Payne, Dustin Tobias