River Road African American Museum Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Photos by Gerard Preen and Bruce Wayne Marie Bell Data News Weekly Contributor A Celebration of Culture and Introduction of New Executive Director L’Oreal “Kamaria” Evans On Thursday March 21, 2024, River Road African American Museum celebrated its 30th Anniversary with the launch of its newest music series Third Thursdays (a tribute to local Louisiana music), and a welcome reception in honor of its new Executive Director, New Orleans native, L’Oréal “Kamaria” Evans. The Story of River Road African American Museum The River Road African American Museum, located in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, is a cultural and historical gem dedicated to celebrating and interpreting the lives of African Americans in the River Road region, both before and after the American Civil War. Founded in 1994 by Kathe Hambrick, it was among the first museums in Louisiana to focus on the contributions of Africans and African Americans. Originally established at the Tezcuco Plantation, the museum moved to Donaldsonville in 2003 after a fire destroyed the plantation. The museum is part of the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail and offers a detailed portrait of African American life in the sugar parishes of the area, with materials relating to slavery, freedom stories from Southeastern Louisiana’s...