What does an equitable New Orleans look like?

The conversation is waiting for you.

I Am New Orleans is a community-led campaign designed to inspire conversation and action to create a child-centered city. Developed in partnership with more than 30 community organizations and supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we provide a platform for residents, leaders and stakeholders to powerfully unite to advance racial equity.

We host virtual and in-person community conversations on critical issues facing children and families in New Orleans, such as racial equity, economic dignity, economic justice, early childhood education, maternal and child health, and food justice.

We host virtual and in-person community conversations on critical issues facing children and families in New Orleans, such as racial equity, economic dignity, economic justice, early childhood education, maternal and child health, and food justice.

By uplifting community voices and sharing real-life experiences and knowledge, we can visualize and realize a New Orleans where all children and families can thrive. We invite you to share your story with us and on social media using #IAmNewOrleans.

By uplifting community voices and sharing real-life experiences and knowledge, we can visualize and realize a New Orleans where all children and families can thrive. We invite you to share your story with us and on social media using #IAmNewOrleans. 

Community-Inspired Murals​

We partnered with local artist Jade Meyers to create two murals – one at the Norman Mayer Library in Gentilly and another at the Andrew P. Sanchez & Copelin-Byrd Multi-Service Center in the Lower 9th Ward. Discover how we brought our mission and the communities’ visions to life.

Join Us Aug. 20 for FutureFest NOLA

Be a part of the change and unlock your potential at FutureFest NOLA! This special I Am New Orleans youth summit will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, at Dillard University. 

Designed for 14- to 24-year-olds, FutureFest NOLA brings together a collective of youth leaders, expert speakers and community organizations to provide valuable insights and tools to help you navigate and shape your future. 

The event will feature headline performances from Dee-1, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, DJ Raj Smoove, Brass-A-Holics and more, with Wild Wayne as emcee. We’re also bringing action-centered workshops, panel discussions and a resource hall, and food and transportation will be provided. 

We invite you to join us to learn, connect and heal. Visit the link below to learn more and register, and keep following along with us as we announce the full-day schedule.

The Latest Updates

Save the Date:
FutureFest NOLA is
August 20

Community-Inspired Murals Win Four Prestigious Awards

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Growing Together:
A Discussion on Food Equity & Accessibility

Our first in-person #IAmNewOrleans event includes youth and expert panelists, breakout sessions and ways to combat today's food challenges.

Join us for our first in-person #IAmNewOrleans event at 3:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, December 3, at Langston Hughes Academy. The event will be hosted in partnership with Grow Dat Youth Farm and aims to dig deeper into the food equity challenges in New Orleans and across the U.S.

We know that food equity and accessibility disproportionately impact BIPOC communities, and during the holidays, families experience additional financial strain. The holidays are a time of celebration centered around food and drink, but for millions, food insecurity makes the season far less festive. “Growing Together: A Discussion on Food Equity & Accessibility” will be rooted in empowerment while our community experts provide unique resources and solutions for us to combat today’s food challenges.

Our city’s youth will be at the core of this event, with breakout sessions, open dialogue and opportunities to reimagine a more equitable food system for future generations. Free Lyft transportation, light food and refreshments will be provided. This is a kid-friendly event, and children of all ages are welcome.

Youth panelists from Grow Dat’s youth leadership program will facilitate the conversation alongside:

  • Pamela Broom, 7th Ward Revitalization project manager & FARMacia Wellness Hub director
  • Leticia Casildo, Familias Unidas En Acción executive director
  • Cheryl Brickley, Sankofa CDC’s Healthy HeartBeats community facilitator
  • Kim Curtis, Crown Community Garden
  • Khai Nguyen, VEGGI Farmers Cooperative

We invite you to join us and share your story using #IAmNewOrleans on your social networks.