Feed the Second Line is non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the culture bearers of New Orleans. We seek to build a more equitable city by creating opportunity for the people that make it a vibrant place.
We support culture bearers by purchasing groceries and other essentials, we create job opportunities for culture-bearers, we provide general support for those who make our city culturally rich place.
We believe that all people are inherently creative. Our definition of culture bearer is broad and inclusive of a wide range of creative practices, both formal and informal — all of which make New Orleans a magical place to live and visit.
Initially, we were concerned about our elder culture bearers catching COVID at the grocery store. In particular, New Orleans legends like Al "Carnival Time" Johnson and Mr. Benny Jones, leader of the Treme Brass Band. Recognizing that much of New Orleans culture is created by regular folks, we wanted to support others who make our city's vibrant street culture - baby dolls, Black Masking Indians, Second lines, musicians, and more.
We thought buying groceries for folks would help protect our culture during COVID... but also creating well-paying gig-work opportunities for musicians, who lost much of their earning opportunities.
Buying someone's groceries also has tremendous power to fight income inequality. And we believe that our city's culture bearers must supported so they can continue to make the culture we all love. Groceries are a way to say "Thank you" for all the years of culture they have created.
Devin is a stay at home dad of two, and founder of Feed the Second Line and Krewe of Red Beans.
Collin Ferguson is the cofounder of Where Y'Art. She is deeply passionate about the culture bearers and artists that live in our community, and her business aimes to provide meaningful work that can support these creatives.
Ashely runs Hansen's Sno-Bliz — a multigenerational snoabll stand serving all New Orleanians since 1939. She is proud to carry on her family's sweet legacy in service to her beloved New Orleans community.
Mr. Al Jackson is the founder of Treme's Petit Jazz Museum. He also parades with the Black Men of Labor Social Aid and Pleasure Club and is a native of the Treme. https://www.tremespetitjazzmuseum.com
Mr. Fred Johnson is a founding member of the Black Men of Labor Social Aid and Pleasure Club - he is also CEO of the Neighborhood Development Foundation.
Dr. Johnson is a member of the Money Wasters Social Aid and Pleasure Club and a practicing optometrist with a successful practice in New Orleans.
Nathalie Jordi is a co-founder of Hotel Peter & Paul and lives in the Marigny with her husband and two sons.
Karen Marshall is a middle school science teacher who has lived in New Orleans since attending Xavier University. She is passionate about all forms of learning, fighting inequality, and ensuring all elders are treated with the utmost care and compassion.
Desmond Melancon is the Big Chief of the Young Seminole Hunters Mardi Gras Indian Tribe. He is also a contemporary artist who creates intricate beadwork designs - often inspired by history and the African American experience. His work has been featured internationally. https://www.demondmelancon.com
Barbara Newton is a retired jewelry designer and a member of the Krewe of Red Beans. She loves New Orleans culture and assisting the community.
Tahj Williams also known as Queen Tahj is a Mardi Gras Indian and designer. She’s mask with the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indian tribe.
