I am New Orleans.
date. 2018
city. New Orleans
photographs. portraiture.
“I am New Orleans.” is a portraiture series for multi-generational New Orleanians and the homes of their ancestors. Post-Katrina led many of us back to our “family home” to live; some for three months, some for three years; some in 2006, some in 2016. Some live there now and some have since moved on. We are called back to these homes to rebuild our lives and our city. It is our job to tell our history. It is our job to write our future. Our ancestors built New Orleans and it is our job to rebuild it.
I am Kelsi Brooks [now known as Ifátùmínínú Bamgbàlà Arẹ̀sà]. I am the grand-daughter of the late Clara Anderson Dunn and Wilbert England Dunn, great grand-daughter of the late Corinne Lonon Dunn and Jonas Dunn Sr. This house has been in my family for 48 years (since my grandfather built it from the ground up). I have lived in this house for a year post-Katrina. I am New Orleans.
I am Gus Bennett Jr. I am the son of Gus Bennett Sr. This house has been in my family for 32 years. I have lived in this house for nine years post-Katrina. I first moved here when my father fell sick. I am New Orleans.
I am Megan Braden-Perry. I am the daughter of the late Elizabeth Rita Anne Braden- Perry and the granddaughter of the late Frederick Meine Braden and Pauline Cecile Dominque Braden. This house has been in my family for 49 years. Two of my mother’s boyfriends moved this bench to our home in 1970. I have lived in this house for thirteen years post-Katrina. I am New Orleans.
I am Arlette Jupiter. I am the great granddaughter of Theresa Lola Jones Jupiter and the late Kirby Jupiter. This house has been in my family for 54 years. My great grandfather purchased this home for $10,000 in 1964. Over 30 members of my family have lived here during some point in their lifetime. I lived in this house for three years post-Katrina. I am New Orleans.
I am New Orleans Image 4