kristen mimms scavnicky

The French Quarter, renowned for its vibrant cultural makeup deeply influenced by African diasporic traditions, offers a compelling case study in the reclaiming of urban space by its daily users, specifically Black community members versus predominantly white tourists due to its saturation of both demographics. Reclaiming space refers to individuals or communities, typically marginalized or historically disenfranchised, taking back use of public or private spaces that have been neglected, misused, or dominated by others. 

This poster shall share observations, artistic documentation, and graphic analysis of the dynamic interactions within the invisible spatial negotiations that occur between buildings, sidewalks, and streets throughout the historic district of the French Quarter. The detailed analysis will focus on the diverse ways in which residents and visitors navigate, inhabit, and transform these public spaces to suit their personal agendas, which are sometimes validated by local laws, and other times transgressive.

The negotiation of space between locals and tourists in general reveals lingering Jim Crow Law microaggressions, as well as opportunities for cultural affirmation and spatial justice. Street performances, ranging from human statues to drum lines, serve as vibrant expressions of Black cultural heritage and spatial resistance. These performances reclaim public spaces as sites of cultural preservation, community engagement, and personal identity, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment in an area that is heavily influenced by tourism and commercialization.

This study not only celebrates the resilience and creativity of the Black community but also calls for a reevaluation of the individuals’ responsibility within urban spaces to better reflect and support the diversity of all users within a space. Through this lens, the French Quarter emerges as a powerful example of reclaiming urban space in ways that honor and elevate the contributions of Black communities while navigating the complexities of tourism and social exchange.