*UPDATE: This event is postponed and will no longer take place on April 14. We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide updates for a new date when we have them.*

We welcome historian and cultural preservationist Dianne Honoré to BK House on Thursday, April 14 at 6pm! Dianne's discussion will focus on the history and present day customs that center on the Black Storyville Baby Dolls. This tradition, started by Black women circa 1912 in an area just outside the French Quarter known as "Black Storyville", made a resurgence in 2004 and has grown to over 14 groups today. After founding the "Black Storyville Baby Dolls" group, Dianne saw the need to cultivate more educational outreach and community empowerment. It is through her guidance that the integrity of the practice is maintained and remains a community-driven tradition.

About Dianne:

New Orleans 6th ward native Dianne “Gumbo Marie” Honore’ is a local history buff, event producer and award winning cultural preservationist who founded the Black Storyville Baby Dolls™, the Amazons Benevolent Society™, and co-founded Unheard Voices of Louisiana™. Dianne believes in awakening the past by giving voice to history. She has written, produced and presented many history-related music and food events, panel discussions, tours, and exhibits over several decades. In addition to appearances on nationally syndicated television and promotional materials for Louisiana tourism she also hosted a live local television show focused on New Orleans history and current events. She developed an "exhibit-store" called "Gumbo Marie" in which she curated rotating exhibits on Louisiana history, held classes and sold locally crafted products to support the exhibit space. Annually she produces "Baking for Breast Cancer" in conjunction with The Amazons Benevolent Society™ which raises funds for local cancer fighters. This year she was invited to make her debut as Queen of the legendary Yellow Pocahontas Hunters Black Masking Indian Tribe in the 7th ward New Orleans.

You can learn more about Dianne and visit her online shop at gumbomarie.com

Per City of New Orleans COVID-19 Guidelines, everyone in attendance must provide proof of full COVID vaccination or a negative PCR/antigen test within 72 hours.