Algiers Tricentennial to Finish Strong!

NEW ORLEANS – As the Algiers Tricentennial enters the final months of 2019, there are several activities, programs and events to commemorate 300 years of history and put clear focus on the next 300!

Through the year, the Tricentennial Committee has collaborated with the University of New Orleans to populate the Your Story, Our Story web site with oral histories of Algerines and to create histories about Algiers landmarks and people of interest for UNO’s New Orleans Historical app that was developed for the city’s Tricentennial in 2018. In the coming months, celebrate, to share, to learn and be entertained and engaged.

Prosperity in Algiers
On November 9, Old Algiers Main Street Corporation will present Prosperity in Algiers: Focus on the Future, a half-day summit that will focus on development opportunities in Algiers, particularly in the federally-designated Qualified Opportunity Zones in Old Algiers.

“This event is open to everyone interested in seeing more economic activity in Algiers; however, investors, developers and entrepreneurs likely will find it most beneficial,” said OAMSC President Valerie Robinson.

One or more panels will present information regarding specific parcels available and discuss how Opportunity Zones in Algiers can benefit the community.  Flozell Daniels, CEO of Foundation for Louisiana, will moderate the panel, which will include guests from private and public entities who are working in equity and development, including New Orleans Business Alliance and Algiers Economic Development Foundation.

The event, to be held at Olde Algiers Cultural Center at 1800 Newton Street, will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast and culminate with a tour of potential opportunities in Old Algiers at 12 noon. To register online, visit Event Brite.com/Prosperity in Algiers. Entergy is the primary sponsor for this event.

George Lewis Legacy Concert
George Lewis was a world-famous clarinetist and composer who lived in Algiers (McClelndonville/Tunisburg). His musical style greatly influenced another renowned clarinetist, composer and scholar Michael White, who will present an entertaining program of music and education at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 16 at Landry-Walker High School Auditorium. General admission tickets are available through Event Brite.com/George Lewis Legacy for $20; $10 for students. Special VIP packages are also available. Contact info@oldalgiersmainstreet.org for details. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation has provided financial support of this event.

UNESCO Slave Route Marker Project
In December, an historical marker will be installed at the historic Algiers Courthouse to commemorate the arrival of ships carrying enslaved Africans, who disembarked at Algiers.  The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation and Algiers Point Association have provided funding for this project.

“While there have been many activities throughout the year to engage the community, the ones still to come are designed to draw both including residents and visitors,” Robinson said. “We have all learned a lot about our own community and want to share Algiers’ history and culture with the world.”

Volunteers are needed for upcoming events. Email contact@algiers-tricentennial.org for more information. For information about all upcoming events, visit Algiers-tricentennial.org.

Tricentennial sponsors include Entergy, Transdev, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, Algiers Development District, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Port of New Orleans, Inhab, Deep South Studios, Algiers Point Association and Algiers Historical Society.