The City of New Orleans announced the launch of the NOLA Walk of Fame, a new 501(c)(3) organization aimed at preserving and promoting New Orleans’ dynamic history by honoring its most influential figures.
NOLA Walk of Fame’s goal is to create a landmark celebrating the enduring spirit and contributions of New Orleans’ most distinguished natives. The project honors distinguished figures in entertainment, business, sports, politics, arts and other sectors. This includes renowned celebrities, visionary entrepreneurs and influential thinkers, who have left a lasting impact on the City of New Orleans, as well as the world.
“As we continue preparations to host Super Bowl LIX, it is of huge importance that we honor and recognize the diverse group of notable individuals who make up the beautiful fabric of our city,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Their global influence is a source of pride for our community and a testament to the city’s reach on the world stage. Thank you to the city’s entertainment ambassador, Percy ‘Master P’ Miller, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Operation Restoration and all other partners for helping embrace our culture and ensuring a bright future for our city and its cultural heritage.”
The NOLA Walk of Fame will be located at the end of Canal Street along the Mississippi River, attracting over 7 million locals and visitors annually. A custom engraved Fleur-de-lis will be permanently installed, serving as a symbol of honor and remembrance for each inductee.
A key component of the project is the development of an educational curriculum for New Orleans youth, including mentorship and internship programs designed to enhance their learning experience and instill a sense of pride in the city’s rich cultural heritage. Other key components include the creation of a museum that offers a deeper insight into the city’s rich history, as well as a documentary that captures inductees’ legacies and impact on the local community.
Partnerships for the NOLA Walk of Fame include the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, as well as Operation Restoration, who serves as a fiscal sponsor.
“At Operation Restoration, our work is rooted in our commitment to creating pathways to success through education and fostering deep connections with the communities we support, prioritizing impact over profit,” said Syrita Steib, founder, president and CEO of Operation Restoration. “We are proud to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the NOLA Walk of Fame and its goal to not only preserve and promote the city’s dynamic history but also foster improved educational learning and expand community engagement.”
Leading the NOLA Walk of Fame initiative is Percy Miller and the NOLA Walk of Fame Committee, a dedicated group of individuals committed to celebrating the enduring spirit and contributions of New Orleans’ most distinguished natives.
Full List of the First 50 Honorees for the New Orleans Walk of Fame:
1. Aaron Neville, Musician
2. A.P. Tureaud, Attorney
3. Al Copeland, Restaurateur
4. Allen Toussaint, Musician
5. Allison “Tootie” Montana, Mardi Gras Indian
6. Anthony Mackie, Actor
7. Archie Manning, Athlete
8. Avery Johnson, Athlete
9. Big Freedia, Musician
10. Blaine Kern “Mr. Mardi Gras,” Businessman
11. Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams, Musicians
12. Bryant Gumbel, Journalist
13. Carl Weathers, Actor
14. Cedric Richmond, Politician
15. Clyde Drexler, Athlete
16. Khaled Mohammed Khaled “DJ Khaled,” Musician
17. Drew Christopher Brees (Honorary Inductee), Athlete
18. Eli Manning, Athlete
19. Ella Brennan, Restaurateur
20. Ellen DeGeneres, Comedian
21. Ernest “Dutch” Morial, Politician
22. Fats Domino, Musician
23. Gayle Benson, Businesswoman
24. Harry Connick, Jr., Musician
25. Irma Thomas, Musician
26. Jon Batiste, Musician
27. John Georges, Businessman
28. Leah Chase, Restaurateur
29. Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. “Lil Wayne,” Musician
30. Louis Armstrong, Musician
31. LaToya Cantrell (Honorary Inductee), Politician
32. Malcolm “Dr. John” Rebennack, Jr., Musician
33. Marc Morial, Politician
34. Marshall Faulk, Athlete
35. Mahalia Jackson, Singer
36. Mia Young “Mia X,” Musician
37. Moon Landrieu, Politician
38. Norman Francis, Educator
39. Oretha Castle Haley, Activist
40. Percy “Master P” Miller, Musician
41. Pete Fountain, Musician
42. Peyton Manning, Athlete
43. Reese Witherspoon, Actress
44. Revius Ortique, Jr., Judge
45. Sidney Torres, Businessman
46. Trombone Shorty, Musician
47. Troy Carter, Politician
48. Todd Graves, Businessman
49. Tom Benson, Businessman
50. Tyler Perry, Filmmaker
51. Wendell Pierce, Actor
52. William Goldring, Philanthropist
53. Wynton Marsalis, Musician
