Katrina Practicum

Tremé Images

This house in the Tremé, one of New Orleans oldest African American communities, is the headquarters of Ujaama the community partner working with the class. Ujaama is affliated with the St. Peter Clavier Catholic Church, and it has a large shrine in its yard. Ujaama would like to convert the abandoned building across from its headquarters into a neighborhood school. Churches in the Tremé have been a major factor in its recovery. Interstate 10 bisects the Tremé, and casts a shadow over Claiborne Avenue. Flooded cars towed under the highway during the citys cleanup provide auto parts as well as shelter to the returned. New Orleanians, and residents of the Tremé in particular, are known for their spirit of independence and resistence. Evidence of the former spirit of the neighborhood. In March, a number of homes were being rebuilt by their owners. Tremé businesses had begun to reopen as well, like this laundromat. Housing in the Tremé is characterized by large, shuttered windows and unique details in the trim. Similar details are found in the French Quarter, the citys oldest district. The Lafitte housing project sits at the southwest edge of the neighborhood. This project, which sits beside the highway, could provide returning residents with transitional housing. Although the Tremé only flooded about 3 feet, evidence of the flood remains on walls and doorways. Other signs of the flood abound, such as boats sitting in the streets.