Elders Sacred Talk Series: Ashton Ramsey and Alvin “Al” Jackson, also Honoring Big Queen Rita Johnson

NOMA and the Congo Square Preservation Society present the Elders Sacred Talk Series with prolific elder New Orleanians, celebrating the lives they lead while providing the opportunity for visitors to learn firsthand about the impact they’ve had on our city. This month, join Ashton Ramsey and Alvin “Al” Jackson for their conversation, as well as for a celebration honoring Big Queen Rita Johnson of the Mowhawk Hunters Black Masking Indian Tribe. This program is included with museum admission, which is free for Louisiana residents every Wednesday courtesy of The Helis Foundation’s Art for All initiative. No registration required. About the Speakers Ashton Ramsey Over the past 20 years, Ashton Ramsey‘s handmade suits have become an integral part of Carnival in downtown New Orleans. A one-man tradition of wearable folk art, Ramsey sees himself primarily as a folk historian. He produces collage poster biographies when notable musicians or community figures have passed away. Ramsey also creates collage commentary of significant issues impacting our community. Born in New Orleans and raised in the Seventh Ward, Ramsey has followed the Sunday afternoon Social Aid and Pleasure Club parades most of his life. While he was never a member of a marching club, he’s recognized as a second liner. “I’m a second liner. That’s what I do” declares Ramsey. Ramsey’s tie to New Orleans second line culture stretches back to the late 1940s, when he used to assist his older brother Walter in sewing the elaborately beaded surfaces of his Mardi Gras Indian suit. After considering the time and expense needed to excel as an Indian, Ramsey turned instead to gluing ornaments, decorations and text into men’s suits; a practice that became more pronounced by the mid-1970s. Once Ramsey joined the original Dirty Dozen Kazoo Band as their cowbell player, the group, which later morphed into the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, cemented his role in New Orleans street culture. Over the years, Ashton Ramsey has presented his work regularly at Jazz Fest, and his suits are also in the collection of the Backstreet Cultural Museum. This year, Mr. Ramsey’s suits were included in Prospect 2 at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Mr. Ramsey can frequently be seen in his wearable art while riding his signature tricycle at jazz funerals, parades, and other celebrations around the city. We salute a living legend. Alvin “Al” Jackson Native New Orleanian Alvin “Al” Jackson is a Culture Bearer, Cultural Historian, and Founder of Tremé’s Petit Jazz Museum, located at 1500 Governor Nicholls Street. Having grown up in Tremé, Jackson is deeply rooted in local traditions and has made it his life’s work to promote the culture and study New Orleans’ musical history. He is a Founding Member of the Black Men of Labor Social Aid & Pleasure Club and has a history of masking with Black Masking Indian tribes as well as skeleton gangs. After working on many other projects – including the U. S. Air Force data analysis to help create the Saturn IB rocket, and time in the New Orleans city government – Jackson turned his attention to his long-time dream of opening a museum dedicated to the history of the people and conditions that created the sound of Jazz in New Orleans. His curated collection of artifacts and skillful storytelling help visitors understand and appreciate America’s gift to the world known as jazz. We salute a living legend. About Elders Sacred Talks and Art Thrives NOMA’s Art Thrives initiative presents creative aging programs designed to support visitors ages 55 and up. In addition to art-making workshops, courses, and opportunities for hands-on art-making, the Elders Sacred Talk Series with the Congo Square Preservation Society provides a platform for older adults in New Orleans to share their experiences with audiences of all ages. The Elders Sacred Talk Series is presented in partnership between NOMA and the Congo Square Preservation Society. Art Thrives is supported by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. Additional support for Art Thrives is provided by Bank of America Charitable Foundation (Empowering Communities Grant).