Louisiana Plantations: Under New Ownership

Two Black Women Become Owners of 231-Year-Old Woodland Plantation

In a significant historical milestone, Woodland Plantation in LaPlace, Louisiana, has transitioned into the ownership of two Black women, marking the first time in its 231-year history that the property is under Black ownership. Twin sisters Jo and Joy Banner, leading The Descendants Project, finalized the purchase of the plantation this month, embarking on a mission to preserve its heritage and utilize it for educational endeavors.

Preserving History and Promoting Education

The Descendants Project, a nonprofit helmed by Jo and Joy Banner, intends to uphold the legacy of Woodland Plantation by offering educational programs spanning archaeology, museum studies, and heritage tourism. Notably, the plantation will not host weddings but will instead serve as a hub for learning and cultural enrichment. Inspired by the renowned trombonist and composer Edward “Kid” Ory, born at the plantation in 1886, the sisters plan to establish an arts and culture program to honor his legacy.

Roots of Rebellion: Honoring the Past

Situated a short distance from New Orleans, Woodland Plantation holds a significant place in history as the starting point of the 1811 German Coast Uprising, the largest revolt of enslaved individuals in the United States. The uprising, involving over 500 enslaved people, aimed to march to New Orleans to establish a free Black republic. While the rebellion was suppressed, its memory lives on as a testament to the resilience and struggle for freedom.

Telling the Untold Story

Jo Banner underscores the importance of narrating the plantation’s history from the perspective of those who were enslaved there. The Descendants Project seeks to provide a comprehensive account of the uprising and the experiences of enslaved individuals, ensuring a respectful and empowering narrative that resonates with Black visitors.

Empowering Through Education and Environmental Justice

Partnering with institutions like Whitney Plantation, known for its focus on slavery’s legacy, The Descendants Project aims to empower Black individuals by providing genealogical resources for tracing ancestry. Moreover, the sisters advocate for environmental justice, opposing projects like a proposed grain elevator in St. John Parish.

Looking Ahead

With plans to reopen Woodland Plantation in six months, The Descendants Project is diligently working on refining ticketing details and other logistics. Collaborating with descendants of enslaved individuals from the plantation and the revolt, the sisters are committed to bringing their vision to fruition, ensuring that Woodland Plantation becomes a beacon of education, empowerment, and historical preservation for generations to come.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Axios News