At the southern corner of Armstrong Park, Congo Square was first designated as a gathering place for slaves in 1817. Since the eighteenth century slaves had been given Sundays off, and the Square, which sat just outside the French Quarter across Rampart Street, became an informal celebration of African music and dance each week. It’s a place that’s significant to Melissa. “I never take for granted that I live in one of the greatest cities in the world,” she says, “and I love that the historic site of Congo Square is one that I can still visit to feel the incredible energy of its legacy. It’s located inside gorgeous Armstrong Park, right in the center of the Tremé neighborhood, the oldest African-American neighborhood in the United States. While you’re there, walk around and enjoy the art installations, including the sculpture of New Orleans’ own Louis Armstrong, one of the greatest musicians of all time.” —DJ Soul Sister (Melissa Weber)
