Introduction to Repair the Breach NOLA
Repair the Breach NOLA is a grassroots, church-based reparations initiative founded by two inspiring white women in their eighties. Their goal is to address historical injustice while they still have time, energy, and passion. This small but mighty group has captured the attention of internationally acclaimed reparations scholar Dr. V.P. Franklin.
Dr. Franklin co-edited Reparations and Reparatory Justice, a groundbreaking book chronicling the historical fight for reparations in the U.S. and globally. His work serves as an essential resource for understanding the context and urgency of the movement.
The Biblical Roots of Reparations
Repair the Breach NOLA draws its name and mission from Isaiah 58:9-14, which promises restoration and justice:
“Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt… you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.”
Reparations, as this group sees it, means healing, justice, and even salvation. To achieve this, we must expose the through-line from slavery to today—a line that’s been intentionally hidden for generations.
Art as a Tool for Truth and Healing
New Orleans’ art scene offers powerful ways to illuminate the legacy of slavery and its ongoing impacts. Recent exhibitions, films, and performances make these connections tangible and undeniable.
Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration
What to Know:
The Historic New Orleans Collection’s exhibit ties slavery directly to modern mass incarceration. It reveals how these systems are historically linked and perpetuate injustice.
When to Visit:
The exhibit runs through January 19, 2025.
Rebel Nun: A Documentary on Sister Helen Prejean
What It Shows:
This documentary, featured at the New Orleans Film Fest, explores Sister Helen Prejean’s spiritual journey. Her work with Death Row inmates began in New Orleans, where she recognized the dehumanizing parallels between slavery and modern incarceration.
Why It Matters:
Angola State Penitentiary, once a plantation, still mirrors its brutal past. The film highlights Sister Helen’s unwavering commitment to seeing humanity in even the most vilified individuals.
Pass Over: A NOLA Project Production
Where to See It:
This riveting play is performed outdoors at the African American Museum.
The Story:
The plot weaves together the struggles of Moses and Kitch, two Black men on the streets, with references to Biblical Egypt and a plantation in 1855. Their humor and dreams contrast sharply with the stark realities of racism and systemic oppression.
Memorable Line:
“Can you imagine getting to the land of milk and honey, and finding out you’re lactose intolerant and have to watch your blood sugar?”
Why It Resonates:
The characters’ humor, pain, and humanity shine, while the white characters symbolize the unrelenting force of white supremacy. The play’s emotional weight underscores the urgency of reparative justice.
New Orleans Churches and Reparations
Why These Stories Matter
Attending these artistic events isn’t easy—they’re heavy and thought-provoking. Yet, they crystallize the need for initiatives like Repair the Breach NOLA. A friend of mine wears her Pass Over bracelet daily, reminding her why she mediates between police and returning citizens.
These works offer crucial insights into our history, connecting the past to present struggles. They demonstrate why reparations are not just an idea but a necessity for healing and justice.
How You Can Get Involved
If these stories and exhibits move you, consider joining Repair the Breach NOLA or learning more about our efforts. To connect, email Jean Ewing at Jean.repair.the.breach.nola@gmail.com.
Repair the Breach NOLA combines faith, scholarship, and art to illuminate the path toward justice and reparations. New Orleans’ current art scene vividly ties the past to today’s struggles, making it clear why we must confront these truths. Let these powerful stories inspire action and guide us toward meaningful change.