Deeply Rooted Mural Unveiling
Arts New Orleans and Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation invite you to Deeply Rooted: 20 Years and Beyond, a mural unveiling and community block party on August 31, 2025, honoring two decades of resilience and transformation since Hurricane Katrina.
The mural celebrates sustainability, honors cultural memory, and uplifts the green infrastructure and stormwater management features. The construction of the I-10 Claiborne Bridge in the 1960s had devastating effects on surrounding communities, businesses, and opportunities. These effects have sparked decades of pushback and criticism, with ongoing calls for the redevelopment of the area.
The Mural & History
The Deeply Rooted: 20 Years and Beyond murals reflect the community’s and city’s efforts to pay tribute to the live oaks that once lined Claiborne Avenue before the creation of the I-10 Claiborne Bridge.
The project began in August of 2024 when Arts New Orleans and Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation joined forces to begin the Deeply Rooted: 20 Years and Beyond project. The Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation seeks to elevate awareness and advocate for those most impacted by the bridge’s legacy. Through a commitment to equitable, sustainable community development, Ujamaa works to protect and empower the longtime residents of the Claiborne Corridor, striving to prevent the displacement of indigenous communities amid accelerating development and gentrification. The collaboration of Art New Orleans and Ujamaa resulted in the establishment of the “Paint the Trees” committee. This committee sought to select one or two New Orleans artists to commemorate the spirit of the live oaks in a way that highlighted environment, nature, health, and wellness…