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 for visitors to learn firsthand about the impact they’ve had on our city.

On November 20, in NOMA’s Lapis Center for the Arts, the program will feature Tribal Queen Bee, the oldest living Black Masking Queen, and Carol Bebelle, visual artist and activist, in a conversation moderated by Denise Graves.

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 the Speakers

Tribal Queen Bee

Tribal Queen Bee was born Littdell S. Banister on October 5, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Queen Bee is the Tribal Queen of the Creole Wild West tribe and is the oldest actively masking Queen in the Black Masking Indian tradition. Queen Bee is 90 years old and started masking in 1973. After introducing her six year-old son Honey to masking, Queen Bee joined the Creole Wild West tribe where Honey is now Gang Flag of the Tribe. This began her journey as a Black Masking Indian. Queen Bee later ascended to the position of Tribal Queen of the Creole Wild West, which, as she explains, “It’s different from a Big Queen. A Big Queen is the Chief’s Queen and must always be next to the Chief. A Tribal Queen is over the entire tribe.” Together Tribal Queen Bee and her son Gang Flag Honey have been masking for over fifty years.

Carol Bebelle

Carol Bebelle, known affectionately as Mama Carol, is a steady voice for the influence of culture on the quality of our lives. Bebelle is the co-founder of Efforts of Grace and Ashé Cultural Arts Center, where for two decades her ground-breaking leadership promoted the intersection of culture, community, and art. As a proud, lifelong New Orleanian, Bebelle received her primary through graduate education in the city and worked nearly 20 years in the public sector as an administrator and planner of education, social, cultural, and health programs.

Bebelle is also the founder and principal of AKUA Productions NOLA, which specializes in cultural, social, and human development. Her album, The Medicine Bag, features a series of jazz and blues songs dedicated to healing. Bebelle published works include her book of poetry “In a Manner of Speaking” as well as poems in “From a Bend in the River,” a chapter in “Civic Engagement in the Wake of Katrina,” and an essay in “Ashé to Amen.” Bebelle’s numerous local and national awards include the 2023 Champion of Culture Award from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and a recognition from the city’s tricentennial celebration as one of 300 people who helped to make New Orleans what it is and is helping to shape its future.

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.