Dianne Honoré

Growing up in her family’s Creole restaurant in Tremé laid the foundation for Dianne “Gumbo Marie” Honoré’s work as a historic interpreter, Creole culture activist, teaching artist, and event producer. She founded the Black Storyville Baby Dolls, the Amazons Benevolent Society, and Unheard Voices of Louisiana. She masks as Big Queen of the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters Tribe for which she creates one-of-a-kind suits from thousands of beads and feathers. She has organized numerous history-related music and food events, tours, and exhibits over several decades including the Roots of Creole Cooking tour for Culinary Backstreets, the Golden Crown exhibit and symposium at the New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrating the legacy of Big Chief Darryl Montana, and descendant heritage tours. In addition to appearances on the Harry Connick Jr. Show, Flip My Food, BET, and Good Morning America, she hosted a show focused on New Orleans history and current events. She owned an exhibit store called “Gumbo Marie” curating exhibits on Louisiana history. Annually, she produces Baking for Breast Cancer with her cancer focus group the Amazons Benevolent Society, raising funds for local cancer fighters.