Reclaiming the narrative: Black Heritage in Southeast Louisiana

Dr. Antoinette Harrell
Local Historian and Genealogist
 in Tangipahoa Parish

I wish to formally communicate the insights and knowledge my mother imparted to me, along with the valuable sources she shared, to other members of our family. This approach represents the most effective means of preserving and perpetuating our family's history and legacy for future generations. Additionally, I aim to encourage other families to delve into their own histories, recognizing the importance of sharing stories, photographs, and family heirlooms among relatives. We must honor our ancestors and the lessons they left behind, as doing so sustains our history and culture. Without active efforts to research and preserve our past, this history risks being lost or fading over time. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to take deliberate action now to ensure our heritage is not forgotten. Furthermore, we have a responsibility to educate future generations about our family history, creating a deeper understanding and appreciation of our roots.

To develop a more profound comprehension of oneself, it is essential to explore and analyze one's personal history. In my experience, the history of my family was a subject frequently discussed by my mother, who recounted events reaching as far back as her memory allowed. Regardless of how often she shared the same story—even if it had been repeated a hundred times—she narrated it with the same enthusiasm and sincerity, as though she were recounting it for the very first time. Perhaps she held the belief that through this repetition, she was ensuring the transmission of our family's legacy to future generations. One thing is undeniably true: I am deeply grateful that she did so, as it stands out as one of the most meaningful and cherished gifts I have ever received. Unfortunately, many individuals lack awareness of their family's history, and what is even more troubling is that some actively choose to remain ignorant of it.

In 1994, when I began my efforts, there were no existing Black collections available at either the local genealogy library or the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. At that time, it was impossible to find any documented information regarding Black churches, schools, civic associations, or societies. This absence of resources was a clear indication of a significant gap in the historical record, and I was determined to address this deficiency. Through dedicated work and persistence, I am proud to note that there are now five distinct Black collections housed at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. Additionally, the local genealogy library has been enriched with a collection that includes genealogy records and photographs of Black individuals, reflecting the progress made in preserving and highlighting this important history.

Numerous individuals have reached out to me through phone calls and emails to convey their appreciation for my research efforts and for preserving the narratives of their ancestors. Their expressions of gratitude have served as a source of inspiration, motivating me to undertake the creation of a more extensive and detailed collection while dedicating myself to further research. I was resolute in my commitment to ensure that these stories would not fade into obscurity, striving instead to honor and celebrate their enduring legacy.