Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture: Economy Hall

Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture: Economy Hall

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents the 2025 Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture Series. This year’s lecture explores the history of Economy Hall and how the legacy of that famed cultural institution remains alive and well in New Orleans today. Former Louisiana Poet Laureate Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy will open the event.

Free and open to the public.

Panelists:

• David Kunian: Curator, New Orleans Jazz Museum
• Fatima Shaik: Author, Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood
• Doratha “Dodie” Smith-Simmons: Civil Rights Pioneer and Co-Founder of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
• Dr. Michael White: Clarinetist, Composer, and Scholar of Jazz History
• Curator and Moderator: Megan Holt, Ph.D, One Book One New Orleans

Many of us have stood under the Economy Hall tent at Jazz Fest, but how many of us know the story of the place for which it’s named? A discussion moderated by Megan Holt, executive director of One Book One New Orleans, will delve into the history and enduring legacy of “the Carnegie Hall of Jazz.” As we focus on the place, we will also highlight the brotherhood of free men of color who built Economy Hall during a tumultuous time in American history. Key discussion points include:

Early History of the Economy Society: Exploring the founding of the society and understanding its significance to free people of color in New Orleans

The Economy Society and Civil Rights: Examining how the members of the Economy Society responded to changing laws designed to strip people of color of their rights

Economy Hall’s Enduring Impact on Jazz: Reflecting on how musical performances at Economy Hall shaped Jazz music as we know it today

*Time will be allowed for questions from the audience following the conversation.

About the Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture Series:

The Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture is a program produced and presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit that owns the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell. The Foundation uses the proceeds from Jazz Fest, and other raised funds, for year-round programs in education, economic development and cultural enrichment. For more on what we do, please visit www.jazzandheritage.org

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, 1225 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, United States