With the election of Jeff Landry in October of last year and Donald Trump’s victory several weeks ago, those of us pushing for positive social change and a more just city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana face an increasingly daunting landscape. Statewide, key criminal justice reforms have been rolled back, and higher education and reproductive rights are under attack. Nationally, Trump has already signaled that he will be immediately targeting immigrants and other marginalized communities. His cabinet picks suggest that both health care and consumer protections are likely also in the crosshairs. Both the governor and the president-elect have also vociferously attacked racial justice initiatives, and it is virtually guaranteed this will only increase in the months and years to come. With such strong and regressive headwinds, the work of individuals and organizations that are fighting back is more vital than ever. Here are six strategies we are using to guide our efforts, and we invite you to borrow and shape them in ways that will help you in your advocacy as well.
Continue to Center Equity
There is going to be great pressure on businesses, non-profits, and institutions to abandon their commitment to equity. Don’t. According to a recent study by The Data Center, in 2023 Black households in New Orleans had a median income of just around $38,000, while the median income for white households was nearly three times higher at around $97,000. Our tourism-based economy, built on the creative and physical labor of largely Black, indigenous, and immigrant populations, is a major driver of this inequity. From a scheme that used COVID shutdowns as an excuse to cut tax rates for large corporations and commercial properties while simultaneously raising taxes on residential properties, to a restaurant industry that disproportionately hires white employees for the highest-paying jobs, these disparities are baked in and often go unchallenged. Beyond just centering equity in your own work, challenge any organization, initiative, or study that does not.
Community Before Ideology
Particularly in times of great challenge and uncertainty, it’s easy to get drawn in by what looks to be a great new idea, a persuasive and potentially groundbreaking study, or a political movement promising to shake up the status quo. While you may be sold, take a moment and ask yourself, as an advocate, what the affected community might think. Are they aware? Have you engaged with them to get feedback? What will you do if they disagree with you? Lasting change must be done in conjunction with those impacted, not on their behalf or imposed on them. Your ideas and values may not always line up exactly as you would like them to—and a misalignment may well do more harm than good.
Build Partnerships and Solidarity
The amount of work that needs to be done and the pressure to create positive change can quickly become overwhelming. You can’t do it alone, and if you try you will almost certainly burn out. There are individuals and organizations whose values and efforts align with yours. Step back, do some research, reach out, volunteer, or set up a meeting. While it may seem counterintuitive to spend time networking when you feel surrounded by crisis, the connections you make will increase your efficacy, avoid duplication of efforts, and help your mental health.
Beware of “Art Washing”
“Art Washing” is a new term to describe an old phenomenon. Usually working hand-in-hand with gentrification or extractive industries, art washing is a public relations tool where a small investment is made in the arts—a community-led mural, the purchase of art from local artists, a few gigs for musicians—to help build support for a project that will otherwise be disruptive to a neighborhood or community. In New Orleans, this is an especially common practice. Take, for example, the Crescent Hotel, a proposed five-story hotel that would be built next to the “Rusty Rainbow,” which, in order to respond to community opposition, promises (according to Nola.com) that it will “Celebrate Bywater’s character by featuring local musicians and showcasing the works… of local artists.” Or just start watching City Planning Commission meetings and see how many proposals—from small businesses to corporate chains to luxury apartments—make dubious claims that they will “help local musicians.” Certainly there are projects that legitimately do provide opportunity to musicians, artists, and culture bearers, but be judicious about what you choose to support and don’t be afraid to ask hard questions.
Play the Long AND Short Game
In our initial advocacy guide (June 2023 issue), our final campaign building block was “Play The Long Game.” That basic premise is still true—applying slow and steady pressure can be crucial to creating lasting change. But in the current climate, with civil liberties eroding, the cost of living rapidly rising, and gentrification and displacement eroding neighborhood cohesion, the timeframe for a more extended campaign may be too long and more may be lost in the interim than gained by the policy victory. In conjunction with larger campaigns, look for more immediate ways to provide assistance—either on your own or, more likely, in partnership with others—that can work in conjunction with a policy push. This could take the form of legal or financial assistance, short-term capacity building (like grant writing support), or targeted advocacy designed to solve a small, specific issue. The more in touch with community you are, the more apparent immediate needs will become.
Find Time to Celebrate
New Orleans is still New Orleans! Go see some music, hit up a second line, grab a go cup and dance in the streets if you want to. Take a break, recharge, and don’t let them steal your joy.
This space is provided to MaCCNO as a community service and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or editorial policies of ANTIGRAVITY.
