Rediscovering the Creoles of Color in the Prairie Regions with Historian Alex Lee

Country Cousins or Agricultural Leaders? Creoles of color in the prairie regions (St. Landry Parish, Evangeline Parish, St. Martin Parish) have largely been overlooked for their city (New Orleans) dwelling cousins. Their accomplishments include their role in contributing to international commerce and their signature Louisiana cuisine, often referred to as Cajun. These people of African descent lived in rural outposts, but supplied the cash crops that made the port of New Orleans one of the largest in the United States. Family, finance and legacy were core elements for these seldom discussed allied families of color.

Join historian Alex Lee for an in-depth presentation on St. Landry Parish patriarch, Martin Donato Bello (1760-1848) and his legacy. Bello’s portrait by Aimable-Désiré Lansot is currently on view in Knowing Who We Are: A 20th Anniversary Exhibition.

Saturday, December 9
2pm
Free, but advanced registration requested.