Da Soul of America Tour
Annual New Orleans GetawayOctober 5th, through October 11th, 2022
Da Soul of America is an annual tour to New Orleans, Louisiana and pays homage to the collective experiences and contributions of people of African descent in New Orleans and the rest of the Southern region. The purpose of this tour is to introduce participants to the rich cultural background of New Orleans and also raise funds to support FA-MLI Inc., and our youth & human-interest programs. You are invited to participate in the Da Soul of America Tour to New Orleans this year, our official tour dates are October 5th through October 11th, 2022. Note: Much of our tour will be filmed for a critical documentary on Black culture in New Orleans and Los Angeles.
As a native of New Orleans, I’ve always appreciated the rich cultural legacy my city espouses, from its delicious food offerings, to the music, its unique architecture and the dynamic spirit of our people. Foundation for Arts, Mentoring, Leadership and Innovation (FA-MLI) is a community based, non-profit, 501 (c) (3) agency, founded in 1992 with a mission to enhance the lives and life chances of vulnerable youth and adults. Over the past 29 years, FA-MLI’s dynamic services and programs have resulted in high graduation rates for its students, career opportunities, economic advancement, and cultural edification for countless thousands of community residents.
As mentioned above, this year’s fundraising trip will take place October 5th through October 11th, 2022. The cost is $4,000 per person (Golden level) and scales from there, $2,500 (Silver) $1,500 (Bronze) and covers double occupancy lodging, round trip airfare, scheduled activities, ground transportation (to and from the airport) two meals, a commemorative t-shirt and an educational experience of immeasurable value! Payments/Deposits via our website, www.famlisoul.org. You may also call us directly @ 323 864.2656 to arrange mail in payments (FAMLI, Inc., 4290 Creed Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90008).
Our dining options are endless, and include (but are not limited to) legendary spots such as Dooky Chase, Commander’s Palace, Mr. Ed’s and Lil Dizzy’s. We will also visit the world-famous French Quarter, and the site of the Storyville red-light district near Frenchman Street. We will cruise the mighty Mississippi River, visit the Whitney Plantation and enjoy a ride on the St. Charles StreetCar and a spiritually enriching visit to Congo Square, where we explore the origins of Jazz. We will top it all off with an authentic Second-Line procession!
Check our attached itinerary for a more detailed view of our activities.
With you by our side, we’re sure to not only serve the youth and veterans that FA-MLI Inc. supports with a culturally rich experience, but we will also achieve this season’s fundraising goal. Hence, if you are interested in being our official tour sponsor, please reach out to us at [contact information]. Thank you so much for your support; we cannot wait to hear back from you!
Sincerely,
Torrence Brannon-Reese, MSW, Founding Director, FA-MLI, Inc.
323 864.2656 / www.famlisoul.org / famlisoul@gmail.com
Ashley “Perky” Perkins, Executive Consultant / 562 453.8758 / perkyperspectivespod@gmail.com
Note: Our airline(s) of choice are Delta, American and Southwest, we will announce which carrier we’ve chosen by August 1, 2022. Once on the ground, our objective is to utilize and patronize Black vendors as much as possible, in an effort to encourage patronage of these vitally important businesses, whose ancestors are the architects of much of what folks enjoy about New Orleans, including the foods, the music and the friendly, engaging personalities expressed in the city.
New Orleans, Da Soul of America Tour of arts, culture and education activities include…
- Mississippi Riverboat Cruise
- Ride on the St. Charles Streetcar
- Congo Square, origin of Jazz
- Home of VooDoo Queen
- “Maria Laveau”
- Black Township, Donaldsonville
- French Quarter
- 9th Ward Katrina Storm Tour
- Frenchman Street
- We will Eat; File’ Gumbo, Seafood Jambalaya,
- Crawfish Etoufe’, Char Broiled Oysters, Pralines, Hurricanes da drink, (Vegan & Vegetarian options) and Yakka Mein prepared by my daughter, Kandis Torre..
- Black (Mardi Gras) Indians
- Second-Line Procession
- Free People of Color Museum
- Lodging @ the (Black Owned) Hubbard Mansion on St. Charles Avenue
- Attend a Live “Native Son” concert
- Much more!
Contact us at 323 864.2656 or famlisoul@gmail.com
ITINERARY
(Times & activities subject to change, alternative activities are
available)
New Orleans, Da Soul of America
Tour of arts, culture & education.
Oct 5th – 11th. 2022
WEDNESDAY, OCT 5th,
*Welcome Dinner @ the Hubbard Mansion
Arrive 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 6th *Riverboat Cruise
12noon – 3pm
We 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 7th,
*Whitney Plantation & Donaldsonville, da Black Township.
10am – 3pm
Our Whitney Plantation visit takes us on an uncomfortable, yet, necessary journey reminding
us of the struggle 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 & half,
and features opportunities to actually step inside of an authentic slave
cabin.
SATURDAY, OCT 8th, French Quarter Market, Concert; Return of the Native Son
concert & Birthday Celebration!
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
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 9th, *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 5pm – 6:30pm
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 1700’s, 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 10th, *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 artform, as we witness
the emergence of Jazz’s first great icon, Charles Buddy Bolden.
Times, TBD:
TUESDAY, OCT 11th,
Soul Stirring Breakfast
9am – 11am
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.
Hey Pocky Way!
Da Soul of America Tour
Annual New Orleans GetawayOctober 5th, through October 11th, 2022
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 ($2,500, general, $1,500 meet us there, $500 concert & Boat Ride) to fit the wishes of the traveler. Participants will be invoiced monthly all balances are due 2 weeks before departure.
This fundraiser and educational trip is 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. The purpose of this tour is to introduce participants to the rich cultural/historical background of New Orleans, and also 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. In the focused areas of arts, culture, and education, our tour includes dining options at legendary spots such as Dooky Chase, Commanders Palace, and the Acme Oyster House. 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!
Tour Options Include: 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, and more..
– Torrence Brannon-Reese