Join us for The Art of Cultural Preservation: "The Bead and Me" celebrating the culture of the Black Masking Indians of New Orleans

Please join us November 6, 2025 from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. for Create and Heal: The Art of Cultural Preservation, "The Bead and Me". For this Create & Heal we will be celebrating the culture of the Black Masking Indians of New Orleans with particular focus on their beading artwork as experienced by Sylvia Stinson (opening welcome and 'mood-setting' by Imani Aanu).

Participants will learn about various aspects of the history and culture of the Black Masking Indians of New Orleans and have the opportunity to create their own personalized beaded artwork. Participants will also be exposed to the music/chanting that is a key aspect of the culture and will also have the chance to view video footage of the culture in action.

 

6:30 - Community gathering / fellowship

Opportunity to engage with cultural artifacts set up around the space (e.g.

Books, other media, inspirational videos of culture in action, etc.)

7:00 - Opening Welcome (Cathy Runnels) and Kick-off / Mood-setting (Imani Aanu)

7:15 - Participants gather supplies to make beaded artwork

Beading instruction / guidance (Sylvia Stinson)

Presenting “The Bead and Me” – Slide show & Info-sharing (Slyvia Stinson)

8:15 - Q&A / Group sharing about the artwork created

(Participants who do not fully complete their projects can take a few supplies

with them to complete their projects later)

8:30 - Final wrap-up (Sylvia & Imani)