The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), in collaboration with the Congo Square Preservation Society, is hosting the next installment of the Elders Sacred Talk Series, an event that celebrates the lives and legacies of influential elder community members in New Orleans. The series aims to honor these cultural trailblazers while offering audiences a unique chance to learn from their stories and contributions to the city’s rich heritage.
The next installment of the Elders Sacred Talk Series will take place on Wednesday, December 18, from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at NOMA’s Lapis Center for the Arts. This month’s program will highlight the accomplishments of two notable figures, Jennifer Turner and Chakula cha Jua, both widely recognized for their profound impact on the cultural and artistic landscape of New Orleans.
Jennifer Turner, affectionately called “Mama Jen,” is a beloved community griot and the manager of the Community Book Center, a cornerstone of Black literary culture in New Orleans. Known for her captivating storytelling and dedication to African history, Turner also founded HomeFest, an annual celebration that promotes culture and economic development on Bayou Road. In 2022, she was honored as a Living Legend by Southern University at New Orleans.
Chakula cha Jua is a celebrated playwright, poet, educator, and theater director with over 50 years of experience in the New Orleans Black theater community. His contributions to theater include directing with iconic organizations like the Free Southern Theater and Ashé Cultural Arts Center, as well as founding the Chakula cha Jua Theater. A retired public school theater teacher, cha Jua has received numerous awards, including the Gambit Weekly’s Big Easy Award and the Mayor’s Arts Award.
The Elders Sacred Talk Series is part of NOMA’s Art Thrives initiative, which supports creative aging programs for visitors aged 55 and older. The initiative includes hands-on workshops, courses, and platforms like this talk series, where older adults can share their life experiences with audiences of all generations.
The Elders Sacred Talk Series is free with museum admission. Louisiana residents can enjoy free admission to NOMA every Wednesday, courtesy of The Helis Foundation. Guests are encouraged to check in at the admissions desk for directions to the event.
For more information, visit noma.org. Join this enriching celebration of community, culture, and history, and learn from the stories of New Orleans’ remarkable cultural bearers.
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