Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism are relaunching Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. The announcement was made at the Whitney Plantation in St. John the Baptist Parish.
Nungesser says the trail created years ago left out some of Louisiana’s significant history.
“So by relaunching it, we get all the site occurrences happening that may not fit what we’re doing with the Civil Rights Trail but definitely has a place here in Louisiana,” said Nungesser.
The African American Heritage Trail includes sites that showcase innovative African Americans’ contribution to our nation’s history, and Louisiana’s everyday life, culture, and art. The Civil rights trail focuses on events that predated the Civil Rights movement.
Nungesser says the relaunch came after consulting with his staff.
“So we decided to relaunch that trail by putting the same team that’s working on the civil rights trail to bring new things, materials, and promotions,” said Nungesser
The African American Heritage trail was first launched in February 2008, including 26 sites from New Orleans to north Louisiana. Now there are over 38 sites open to the public. The Heritage trail will highlight the arrival of ships carrying the enslaved, and continue through the civil rights period.
Nungesser says this will have long-term benefits.
“So I think taking all these assets and educational tools and putting some money behind the promotion is going to be good for education, and good for tourism,” said Nungesser
Officials are encouraging Louisiana residents to nominate important people, places, or businesses for the relaunch of the Heritage trail at www.Louisianaafricanamericanheritagetrail.com. Meetings are set to be held state-wide by this fall.
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