XNOAH - New Orleans African History and Culture

Course Description

There is an African (Nigerian) proverb that states, “Until the lions have their own historians the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” In this course, the “lions’ historians” will retrace the journey of African ancestors from the arrival of the slave ships to life in New Orleans in search of their own truth. You will learn about New Orleans African History (N.O.A.H.) & Culture.

This course is for established and future “Culture Bearers,” those who are committed to protecting, preserving and passing on the truth of N.O.A.H. Students will participate in seven (7) classroom sessions and one (1) guided tour (date TBD).  Classroom sessions consist of instructor lectures, guest speakers, and student presentations.  

Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive a Loyola University New Orleans Certificate of Completion and 1.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Instructor: Sunni Patterson

Course Outline

See Sample Syllabus

Learner Outcomes

Upon completion of this course learners will be able to: 

• Actively engage with African historical landmarks, cultural sites, and artifacts in New Orleans, applying their knowledge of African history and culture to contextualize these experiences in a meaningful way.
• Critically reflect on the contributions of African history and culture to New Orleans, analyzing how African traditions, customs, and historical events have shaped the city’s identity, from its founding to the present.
• Develop strategies for interpreting and communicating the African historical narrative, addressing challenges such as underrepresentation, sensitive topics, and ensuring cultural accuracy in their storytelling.
• Collaborate with African American historians, cultural practitioners, and community leaders to co-create projects that highlight the significance of African culture in the historical and contemporary fabric of New Orleans.
• Connect the historical understanding of African culture in New Orleans to present-day social justice movements, demonstrating how the city’s African heritage influences ongoing discussions about race, equality, and cultural preservation.
• Reflect on the ethical considerations of representing African history, ensuring that marginalized voices are uplifted and that complex historical narratives are communicated responsibly and respectfully.

Notes

This course is great for those for following:

• Aspiring tour guides
• Seasoned tour guides
• Hospitality industry
• Those who just enjoy learning about the city of New Orleans
• Those who enjoying learning about history and culture 

Testimonials

"Taking the African Culture and Heritage in New Orleans course was eye-opening and grounding. It connected dots between the city I live and work in and the African traditions that shaped its soul. The course offered both historical context and present-day relevance, helping me see local customs, neighborhoods, and celebrations with new depth. It reminded me how essential it is to preserve and uplift the cultural legacies that have been passed down through generations. As someone working in skilled trades training and workforce development, this course strengthened my commitment to honoring local heritage while preparing the next generation to respect, represent, and build within their own communities." - Janelle D., Spring 2026

Recommendations

Related/Similar Courses:

Professional Tour Guiding 1: History of New Orleans

Professional Tour Guiding 2: Specialty Tours, Research, & Storytelling

French Quarter History

LGBT+ History of New Orleans

History of New Orleans Voodoo

Certificate in New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• New Orleans History, Culture, and Tourism : Elective Courses