#43 - More Than Just a Party: The Black Resistance of Mardi Gras

04/03/2025 19 min
#43 - More Than Just a Party: The Black Resistance of Mardi Gras

Listen "#43 - More Than Just a Party: The Black Resistance of Mardi Gras"

Episode Synopsis

Mardi Gras is often seen as just a wild party—beads, parades, and celebrations. But what many don’t realize is that Mardi Gras has deep African, Creole, and Black American roots. It’s a tradition born from Black resilience, joy, and resistance.So, in today’s episode, we’re answering:✅ What are the African and Black American influences on Mardi Gras?✅ How have Black communities shaped the celebration, especially in New Orleans?✅ How does Mardi Gras connect to Black resistance, history, and joy?✅ And most importantly—what lessons can we take from Mardi Gras as we continue to fight for justice today?✨ Join the conversation! What are your favorite Mardi Gras traditions? Comment below or tag us on social media!📌 Referenced Resources & Links:🔗 History of Mardi Gras & Black Culture in New Orleans – Smithsonian Magazine🔗 Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club – Official Website🔗 Mardi Gras Indians: The Secret Black History of New Orleans – NPR🔗 The History of Congo Square – New Orleans Historical🔗 Mardi Gras and African Heritage – The Root🔗 The Black Masking Culture of New Orleans – PBS🔗 Why Black History & Mardi Gras Are Intertwined – Washington Post🔗 How the Baby Dolls of Mardi Gras Empower Black Women – The Atlantic🔗 The Skull and Bones Gangs: Mardi Gras Morning’s Wake-Up Call – NOLA.com🔗 New Orleans’ Black Mardi Gras Krewes – Travel Noire🔗 Mardi Gras & the Fight Against Cultural Erasure – The New York TimesHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.