I met the brilliant New Orleanian writer Lolis Eric Elie at the "It Ain't Over in the Big Easy: Race, Ruin & Revival" conference at Dickinson University in 2006 just months after Hurricane Katrina hit. Lolis has collaborated with filmmaker Dawn Logsdon to bring us the crucial documentary Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans.
ABOUT THE FILM: Long ago, Faubourg Tremé was home to the most prosperous and politically active black community in America. Here black and white, free and enslaved, rich and poor co-habitated, collaborated, and clashed to create much what defines New Orleans culture. Gracefully combining pre- and post-hurricane footage and a wealth of never-before-seen archival footage, Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans is a riveting tale of heartbreak, hope, endurance and haunting historic parallels.
Following successful previews in NOLA, the film is now an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. Read more about it: http://www.tremedoc.com and show some love!
Peace, Lenelle.