Deeply Rooted: Unveiling

Arts New Orleans and Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation invite the public to Deeply Rooted—a block party with purpose marking two decades of resilience Arts New Orleans is proud to invite you to a special dedication ceremony celebrating Deeply Rootedby Falola “Ojo” Akinlana and Da’ra Hoze’.

Located in the Claiborne Corridor Cultural Innovation District (CID) Backatown Plaza, between St. Louis Street and Orleans Avenue, this mural reclaims the spirit of the oaks that once stood in the area of the I-10 Claiborne Bridge. Deeply Rooted reimagines and honors the lost Live Oak Trees of Claiborne Avenue, highlighting sustainability, new green infrastructure, and stormwater management capabilities implemented during Phase 1 of CID development.

This mural was made possible through our continued partnership with the City of New Orleans, collaboration with Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation, and support from the “Paint the Trees” Selection Committee.

The unveiling will coincide with Deeply Rooted: 20yrs and Beyond, a community celebration marking two decades of transformation, innovation, and unity since Hurricane Katrina.

I hope you’ll join us “under the bridge” to honor Ojo’s and Da’ra’s remarkable work, connect with community partners, and reflect on the power of public art to uplift our community and tell our shared story.