In last month’s issue (July 2018, #168), we ran the following feature: “Revolution in Print: Marking the History of Louisiana’s First Black-Owned Newspapers” by Jules Bentley, in which the following was written: “The French Quarter was built by Black hands—yet in this historic district, encrusted with memorials and markers, there was (until June) not a single historical marker honoring the accomplishments of Black people.” This statement is incorrect, and we were grateful for the correction from local photographer and documentarian Carlos “Froggy” May (@infrogmation on Twitter). There are at least two historical markers that predate the recently commissioned plaque referenced in “Revolution” for the birthplace of L’Union and New Orleans Tribune, two radical Black newspapers of the Civil War era. Those two plaques are: music legend Danny Barker’s birthplace (1027 Chartres Street), and Campanel Cottage (901 Toulouse Street), which commemorates Barthelemy Campanel, a “free man of color” who built the cottage. Thanks to Carlos for sharing that information. ANTIGRAVITY regrets the error.
901 Toulouse
1027 Chartres
photos ADRIENNE BATTISTELLA