New Orleans is a city shaped by the labor, artistry, and resilience of Black workers. Their contributions are not only foundational to the city’s infrastructure and economy, but also to its vibrant cultural identity.

In November 2025 I had the opportunity to visit the art exhibit—”Don’t Stand Alone”— which invites the public to engage with the history and lived experiences of Black laborers in New Orleans. It was beautiful and eye opening. Through visual storytelling, archival materials, and community voices, the exhibit brings to light both the hardships and creative endurance of Black workers across generations.

In my recent interview with Senior Researcher Matt Olsen, he emphasized, “When we talk about rebuilding New Orleans, we have to remember who was holding the tools, who was doing the work, and whose stories have yet to be fully told.” Olsen also noted that “Art is a powerful way to connect us to these histories—not as distant facts, but as living legacies that shape our present.”

Initiatives like this exhibit ensure these stories are seen, heard, and valued.  The exhibit’s website offers a wealth of resources and stories making this critical history accessible to all.

As 2026 begins and we reflect on the meaning of labor and community, “Don’t Stand Alone” reminds us that honoring the legacy of Black labor is essential to understanding New Orleans itself—and to building a more just and inclusive future. To learn more or experience the exhibit virtually, visit: nowcrj.org/dontstandalone

By Cortney Sanders
Director of National Jobs For All Network
The Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy