"I'm in Cog-Negro." - Milton: January 8th

Today was by far my favorite day in New Orleans, not to say that I have had a bad day here at all. It was “freezing” according to NOLA natives, bundled up in their thick coats, wool socks, hats, mittens, and snow boots, whereas us students are barely walking around in a hoodie. It was in the 30s, which to them was freezing, but that was nothing compared to Illinois weather. We started our morning off with the history and cemetery tour with Milton. Not only was the tour amazing, but Milton was my favorite person that I have met on this entire trip. He was so humbling and ridiculously smart. He provided us with so much extra information on various aspects of the tour. He took us around New Orleans and educated us on when and how the city was established. We had gathered a lot of this information prior to the tour, but he went into so much depth and made it enjoyable with his jokes and humor. He then educated us on women’s rights in NOLA, which we had not had much education on yet, so I found this interesting. He elaborated on Code Noir, which regarded various rules for African Americans that we actually mentioned in our E-Travel Guide. He elaborated and provided more information that we will be able to use in our travel guide.

Aside from this, he also provided us information on the various types of architecture and went into great detail on the fire prevention measure created in order to protect the city, given the 2 large fires that occurred. I could tell he was a huge music buff, because he went into great detail on jazz music and the various artists that rooted from New Orleans. He took us to various music buildings and told many stories of how jazz music came to New Orleans, was taken away, and returned. Then began what I thought would be my favorite part, the cemetery tour. Milton took us to St. Louis Cemetery One, which was another part of m E-Travel Guide. He took us to various tombs and educated us on the history of the tombs, how they were constructed, why they were above ground, as well as how families were buried together. He then took us to Marie Laveua’s tomb. This was also very education for my travel guide. Following the cemetery tour, we had some free time, that of course was spent eating gelato. After this, we went to the Presbytere, which I honestly had no interest in. I thought it was just a museum on Mardi Gras, but I was quickly mistaken. This museum was very educational regarding Katrina and the damage it did. There was real footage and debris from the hurricane, as well as various other stories and artifacts. After this museum, we were on our own. We all went back to the hotel to relax, pack, and spend our last full night together in NOLA. 

Prior to visiting New Orleans, I was very ignorant to the evolution of African American’s in today’s society. I try to shelter myself from negativity, and this results in ignoring the racism and sexism in today’s society. I do not watch the news, or pay attention to politics, simply because it is upsetting and only adds to my anxiety. Being in New Orleans was so humbling, because I was able to learn so much about African American culture and what they have been through, yet I was also able to hear about it first hand from many people. Milton, our tour guide was very humbling. He was so kind, and had such a fun spirit, even though he was telling us stories of how he was segregated in his youth, and excluded given his color. It wasn’t just a story at this point, but it felt real. He wasn’t telling the story in sadness, but simply with experience, and that was the humbling aspect of it. He went through so much struggle, yet is a successful, incredibly intelligent man, still living in the 9^th ward of New Orleans. Not only did he go through the pain and struggle of segregation in the 50s and 60s, but he went through Hurricane Katrina, in the area that was the most damaged. Almost the entire 9^th ward was wiped out, which is where Milton lived, and currently lives. I was 10 when hurricane Katrina happened. I knew something sad and devastating happened, but I had no idea until now how severe it really was. History was never my subject in school, so I will be the first to tell you how ignorant I am when it comes to historical events. However, this trip taught me so much, that I actually enjoyed learning about. I had no idea that 80% of New Orleans was under water. Going through the Presbytere and seeing actual footage of the hurricane, as well as seeing parts of homes, buildings, and items from homes was devastating. It really brought to light the severity of Katrina. I had enjoyed my entire trip in New Orleans given the positivity and atmosphere. Everyone on the streets is so kind, happy, and bright. The atmosphere is a positive one, something I do not commonly feel back in Illinois. It makes me ponder how? How can a city be so positive when 80% of their city was underwater and destroyed from a level 7 hurricane? This entire trip was humbling, not just the people, but the city itself. The whole point of this trip was learning “how the city speaks.” Not only did I learn how the city speaks through music and art, but I also learned how the city stayed together, regardless of the devastation that occurred. I always wondered why people stayed in New Orleans, knowing that there was always the potential of another hurricane. Now I understand. This city is so beautiful, full of history and life that I wouldn’t want to leave either.