4th annual, New Orleans, Da Soul of America Tour, Return of Da Native Son!

FA-MLI, Inc. (Foundation for Arts, Mentoring, Leadership, and Innovation)

March 8, 2024

Dear Traveler,

Da Soul of America is an annual tour to New Orleans, Louisiana, celebrating the collective experiences and contributions of people of African descent in New Orleans and the Southern region. This tour aims to immerse participants in the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans while raising funds to support FA-MLI Inc. and our youth and human-interest programs. We cordially invite you to join us for the Da Soul of America Tour this year, scheduled from October 10th to October 15th, 2024. Please note that portions of our tour will be filmed for an upcoming documentary on Black culture in New Orleans and Los Angeles.

As a native of New Orleans, I have always cherished the profound cultural legacy that my city embodies—from its delectable cuisine to its vibrant music scene, distinctive architecture, and the resilient spirit of its people. The Foundation for Arts, Mentoring, Leadership, and Innovation (FA-MLI) is a community-based nonprofit, designated as a 501(c)(3) agency, established in 1992 with a mission to enrich the lives and prospects of vulnerable youth and adults. Over the past 31 years, FA-MLI's dynamic programs and services have significantly contributed to high graduation rates, career opportunities, economic advancement, and cultural enrichment for thousands of residents in our community.

This year's tour will run from October 10 to October 15, 2024. The cost per person is $2,800, which includes double occupancy lodging, round-trip airfare, scheduled activities, ground transportation to and from the airport, one meal, a commemorative t-shirt, and an invaluable educational experience! Payments can be made via Zelle (famlisoul@gmail.com) or through our website, www.famlisoul.org, by selecting the "Make a Donation" option and using your credit card. Alternatively, you may contact us at 323-245-2133 to arrange for mail-in payments (FAMLI, Inc., 4290 Creed Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90008).

Our culinary journey will encompass a plethora of options, including renowned establishments such as The Yakkamien House with Chef Kandis (my daughter), Dooky Chase, Commander's Palace, Soul Food Vegan, Mr. Ed's, Lil Dizzy's, and many more. Additionally, we will explore the iconic French Quarter, visit the historic site of the Storyville red-light district near Frenchman Street, cruise the majestic Mississippi River, tour the Whitney Plantation, embark on a Swamp Tour, experience a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar, and partake in a spiritually enriching visit to Congo Square, where the origins of Jazz unfold before our eyes. Our journey will culminate with an authentic Second-Line procession!

Please refer to the attached itinerary for a comprehensive overview of our activities.

With your participation, we are confident that we will not only provide a culturally enriching experience for the youth and veterans supported by FA-MLI Inc. but also achieve our fundraising goal for this season. If you are interested in becoming our official tour sponsor, please reach out to us at [contact information]. Thank you immensely for your support; we eagerly await your response!

Warm regards,

Mr. Torrence Brannon-Reese, MSW @ USC / 323-245-2133 / 323-864-2656
Founding Director, FA-MLI, Inc.