NOMA and the Congo Square Preservation Society present the Elders Sacred Talk Series with prolific elder New Orleanians, celebrating the lives they lead while providing the opportunity to learn firsthand about the impact they’ve had on our city.

On September 25, in NOMA’s Lapis Center for the Arts, the program will feature Luther Gray and Jamilah Yejide Peters-Muhammad, co-founders of the Congo Square Preservation Society, in a conversation moderated by Kelly Harris Deberry, local poet and author. The program will also include a drumming performance by Timothy Brown and Wesley “Kamau” Phillips. 

Free with museum admission. Louisiana residents receive free admission to NOMA on Wednesdays courtesy of The Helis Foundation. When you arrive at NOMA, check in at the admissions desk for directions to the Lapis Center for the Arts.

About Art Thrives

NOMA’s Art Thrives initiative presents creative aging programs designed to support visitors ages 55 and up. In addition to art-making workshops, courses, and opportunities for hands-on art-making, the Elders Sacred Talk Series is a platform for older adults to share their experiences with audiences of all ages.

About the Speakers

Luther Gray

Luther Gray has been an active and important part of the New Orleans arts community since 1984. Gray co-founded the Congo Square Foundation, which is now the Congo Square Preservation Society. The organization was instrumental in the restoration of drumming and cultural activities in Congo Square. Due to the efforts of the Congo Square Foundation,  Congo Square is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the organization led the effort to erect the Congo Square historic marker.

Gray led a team of artists, which included visual artist Douglas Redd, that carved three Bamboula drums from a one-hundred-year-old cypress tree, which are now on display at the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Gray founded and directed two bands, Percussion Incorporated and Bamboula 2000, for which he won the Big Easy Music Award in the World Music Category twice. Gray has produced several records; served as lead drummer for the Guardians of the Flame Mardi Gras Indians; and led workshops and tours for thousands of school-age children and adults yearly; and provided African drumming for events in Congo Square and throughout the city as the founding leader of the Congo Square Drum Circle, which dates back to 1988.

Jamilah Yejide Peters-Muhammad

Jamilah Yejide Peters-Muhammad, affectionately known as Mama Jamilah, is a lifelong resident of New Orleans. Peters-Muhammad is a graduate of Dillard University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Peters-Muhammad also holds a degree in Faith Community Nursing. During Peters-Muhammad’s career, she worked at Touro Infirmary and Tulane Medical Center, among others, but left the hospital setting over three decades ago to pursue community-oriented practices.

In addition to community wellness, Peters-Muhammad serves as a leader in preserving and promoting the cultural traditions of her African ancestors. Peters-Muhammad co-founded the Congo Square Preservation Society, Kumbuka African Drum and Dance collective, and Bamboula 2000. Peters-Muhammad has performed and taught African dance and culture for over 40 years. Peters-Muhammad is a gifted healer, dancer, singer, percussionist, and choreographer. Peters-Muhammad has been a part of the Black Masking Mardi Gras Indian tradition since age 16 and is presently a member of Guardians of the Flame Maroon Society.

Peters-Muhammad is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is a health and wellness consultant at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, the community outreach nurse for the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation; and the leader of the health as well as the dance ministries at her church, Christian Unity.