The documentary The Untold Story of Black New Orleans was very informative, as well as sad and hopeful. Throughout the film, it was clear that black culture in New Orleans has developed uniquely and fervently over time, and that the distinguished eras of “slavery, freedom, civil rights” are a myth. I found it fascinating how the area stood out from its surroundings at any given time; while slavery was tightly regulated in Virginia, black people freely walked the streets of New Orleans; while other states would force segregated seating, black people of New Orleans would push the driver out and take control of the carriage if they were refused. It was also incredibly touching how the culture has carried on to this day even if it isn’t formally recognized; children can be seen doing dances in the street that are traditionally African. I also think that as much as the documentary illuminated the culture of the area, it simultaneously highlighted the tragedy of inevitably losing some of that history. In all, I think this was an interesting film that taught me a lot about a history-rich area that I didn’t know much about.