Living in New Orleans neighborhood, the Lower 9th Ward provides people with the opportunity to live in peace and quiet. While only 15 minutes to downtown, it’s very quiet and serene in their neighborhood. You can find funky, modern built homes and plenty of old-school New Orleans type houses too.
Take a look at some of their amazing local businesses and non-profits!
Sankofa
Sankofa, Lower 9th Ward
Sankofa was founded by Rashida Ferdinand in 2008 as a non-profit, with the goal of increasing accessability to fresh, local food in the drastically underserved community of the Lower Ninth Ward. Initially organized as a monthly artisan and food vendor event, Sankofa has transformed into a fresh market service, as well as a community support organization, providing an open-air fresh food stall. Open every Saturday morning, the market offers a selection of seasonal produce, farm-fresh eggs, and local seafood. Sankofa also operates a small urban farm in the Lower Ninth Ward that produces food for local residents. This organization provides a great venue for locals to get involved in their community!
House of Dance and Feathers, Lower 9th Ward
The House of Dance and Feathers is a museum of sorts located in the backyard of life-long Lower Ninth ward resident Ronald Lewis. Mr. Lewis has dedicated his time, energy, and home to preserving the culture of New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian community since 2003. The museum houses several costumes and artifacts donated by the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian community. A New Orleans living legend, Mr. Lewis founded the Original Big Nine Social Aid and Pleasure Club, and is eager to share his wealth of knowledge of New Orleans history and culture. Tours of the museum are by appointment only, and admission is always free. T-shirts are available for purchase, along with Mr. Lewis book, titled The House of Dance and Feathers.
Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum
Lower 9th Ward Living Museum
The Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum is housed alongside a private residence on Deslonde St. in the Lower Ninth Ward, blocks away from the Industrial Canal. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Lower Ninth Ward community and its people. Through a series of photographs, oral histories, and written exhibitions, the Living Museum offers a self-guided tour of the Lower Ninth Ward, from its humble beginnings to the present day realities of post-Katrina life, told by neighborhood residents. The exhibits provide an interactive look into the lives of community members throughout several generations. The museum houses a weekly after-school program for area students, as well as several youth focused clubs and workshops. The organization readily accepts volunteers, and has become a vital part of the Lower Ninth Ward community.
Learn more about New Orleans neighborhoods, the Lower 9th Ward.