ANNUAL NEW ORLEANS GETAWAY
October 20th, through October 26th, 2021
You are invited to join our annual excursion to the Greater New Orleans, Louisiana area, entitled, Da Soul of America! Our dates are October 20th, through October 26th, 2021. We will stay at the quant, Hubbard Mansion, which offers an authentic, Victorian-era experience and sits on St. Charles Avenue adjacent to the famous St. Charles Street Car.
The cost of our Tour is $4,000 and scales to fit the wishes of the traveler. Participants will be invoiced monthly all balances are due 2 weeks before departure.
This fundraiser is also an educational trip are designed as a short immersion to the city known as the birthplace of jazz and offers the most distinct experience of African Diasporic Root Culture. Our tour pays homage to the collective experiences and contributions of people of African descent in New Orleans. This tour aims to introduce participants to the rich cultural/historical background of New Orleans and raise funds to support FA-MLI‘s programs and projects.
As a native son of New Orleans, I’ve always appreciated the rich cultural legacy my city espouses, from its delicious food offerings to the spine-tingling music, its unique architecture, and the dynamic spirit of the people. Our tour includes dining options at legendary spots such as Dooky Chase, Commanders Palace, and the Acme Oyster House in the focused areas of arts, culture, and education. We will visit the world-famous French Quarter and the site of the legendary Storyville District near the always vibrant Frenchman Street! Our trip includes a dinner cruise up and down the mighty Mississippi River, a life-altering visit to the Whitney Plantation, and the Creole People of Color Museum. Enjoy a Swamp tour and make friends with the gators, take a ride on the world’s oldest continuous running Streetcar, the famous St. Charles Streetcar, and visit the Treme district, home to Louis Armstrong Park’s Congo Square, where we explore the origins of American music. We will meet up with the legendary Mardi Gras Indians and gain insight into their storied history and rich cultural gifts. Finally, we will top it all off with an authentic Second-Line procession in Da Streets of the Big Easy!
About the sponsoring agency:
FA-MLI, (foundation for arts, mentoring, leadership and innovation) is a community-based, nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) agency, founded in 1992 with a mission to enhance the lives and life chances of deserving youth and adults. Since 1992 FA-MLI Inc. has provided educational, emotional, and physical support to deserving youth and families in schools and participating communities. This tour is one of our annual fundraisers.
Tour Options: Cafe` DuMonde`, Bayou Road, Ruby Bridges school, Plessy V Fergerson site, Horse & Buggy Ride through the French Quarter, 9th Ward, Garden District, Beyonce’s Church, Marie Laveau’s home, Historical Graveside Tour, and finally, we will visit the HBCU’s Xavier, Dillard & Southern Universities and more…
Check our itinerary below for a more detailed view of our activities. With you by our side, we’re sure to not only serve the deserving youth, community members, and veterans that FA-MLI supports with a culturally rich experience, but we will also achieve this season’s fundraising goal. please reach out to us at [famlisoul@gmail.com / 323 864.2656 / www.famlisoul.org . Thank you so much for your support; we cannot wait to hear back from you!
ITINERARY (times subject to change, alternative activities are available)New Orleans, Da Soul of America Tour of arts, culture & education. Oct 20 – 26. 2021 WEDNESDAY, OCT 20, *Welcome Dinner @ the Hubbard MansionArrive in NOLA (arrival times may vary) 3:00 pm, check into the hotel.7 pm – 9 pm Welcome & Dinner @ The Hubbard Mansion.3535 St. Charles Avenue.9 pm until, Free time THURSDAY, Oct 21 *Riverboat Cruise12noon – 3pmWe will cruise the mighty Mississippi River in style, dine on delicious New Orleans foods including Gumbo, Jambalaya, Seafood, other delicious dishes, plus, enjoy a live Jazz band! Van Tour of the City (Uptown & Irish Channel, Da Projects, Magazine Street, the Garden District, Audubon Park, the Neutral Ground)Evening open.
FRIDAY, OCT 22, *Whitney Plantation 10am – 3pm /
Our Whitney Plantation visit takes us on an uncomfortable, yet, necessary journey reminding us of the struggles of those African people, held in bondage hundreds of years ago. The tour also includes access to two exhibits including the History of the Slave Trade and Slavery in Louisiana. This tour takes about an hour & a half and features opportunities to actually step inside of an authentic slave cabin. After this experience, we return to New Orleans, rest up for an hour or two, and then enjoy dinner (7 PM) at the world-famous Dooky Chase Creole Restaurant, founded in 1941!
Suggested free time to hang out, Frenchman Street.SATURDAY, OCT 23, French Quarter Market, Concert; Return of the Native Son
Times: TBD /
Mississippi River Libation Ceremony: The sacred ritual of remembering the countless African Diasporic people transported as free indigenous nations, people of color, enslaved-domestic born and imported, the Buffalo Soldiers, and those escaping to freedom. This is also a good time to explore new truths regarding the entrepreneurial skills of Louisiana who contributed to the wealth of this nation. Our consultant/cultural liaison, Rev. Dr. Denise Graves will fascinate the rituals of Remembering and embrace those ancestor spirits who sacrificed for future generations.
*Special concert: We are coordinating a special concert, “Return of the Native Son,” marking a return to my roots. Here, I will perform alongside some of the greatest musicians in the city. The concert will include an eclectic mix of indigenous music, poetry, dance, classic soul, doo-wop, rock, and funk! Time, TBD.
SUNDAY, OCT 24, *Congo Square, Second Line 1pm – 4pm /
This day, we will engage in a long-held, honored New Orleans tradition called the Second Line! The Second Line holds many meanings and is a part of the fabric of our great city. The Second Line is a street-based celebration, led by sparkling Brass Bands, oftentimes hundreds of revelers, dancing in the streets behind the band and the principals, which could be a Coffin, honoring the passing of a loved one, or a newly Married couple, embarking on a new together; whatever the occasion, participation in a Second Line will lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face!
Drum Circle 5 pm – 6:30 pm
Congo Square Drum Circle and Sculpture Garden Tour, located inside of Louis Armstrong Park is sacred ground. It was at this site, dating back to the 1700s, where 19 African Nations gathered on Sundays to express their culture; drumming, vending, dance, and the practice of spiritual traditions and ceremonies. Congo Square is just across the street from the home of legendary New Orleans VooDoo Queen, Marie Laveau, (1801 – 1881). Additionally, we will tour the Tremé neighborhood, which is the oldest Black community in America.
Free time. MONDAY, OCT 25th,*Museums, Shopping in da French Quarter,
The history of New Orleans is vast and varied, so for those who desire a deeper understanding of this history, there are a plethora of great Museums for your edification including, the Free People of Color Museum, the Historic New Orleans Collection, the McKenna Museums, and even the World War II Museum, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Other options this day include a walking tour of the French Quarter, including the French Market, or a Horse & Buggy ride, and yes, Cafe Du Monde where we must partake of the beignet donuts! Finally, learn about the Storyville District, (1897 – 1917) where it is purported that Jazz first developed into a recognizable art form, as we witness the emergence of Jazz’s first great icon, Charles Buddy Bolden.
Times, TBD:
TUESDAY, OCT 26th, Soul Stirring Breakfast 9 am – 11 am/ Our departure day breakfast (optional) allows us to come together to share our thoughts about the trip, go over last-minute details, reflect, hug up, and thank each other for a great time together before we depart to our respective points of origin.
