Congo Square: The Heartbeat of New Orleans
Where culture and rhythm refused to die, jazz was born.
In 18th and 19th century New Orleans, Congo Square was a rare space where enslaved Africans and free people of color could gather. On Sundays, music, drumming, and dance filled the square.
These gatherings kept African traditions alive — rhythms, languages, and spirituality — despite efforts to suppress them. Congo Square became a living archive of memory and resistance.
Its influence shaped the music of New Orleans, fueling jazz and shaping global culture. Today, Congo Square is remembered as a symbol of resilience and creativity that cannot be erased.
Why it matters: Congo Square carried African culture into the heart of American identity.
