Freddi Williams Evans – Humanities Hero

Freddi Williams Evans is an author, independent scholar, and arts educator, whose publication of Congo Square: African Roots in New Orleans, the first comprehensive study of the historic location, has made her an international authority. Her work influenced the New Orleans City Council to rename the landmark from “Beauregard Square” to the more popular name “Congo Square.” The book’s publication in French initiated Evans’ presentations in France and Senegal, sponsored by the American Embassies in those countries.

As a community activist, Evans presently co-chairs the New Orleans Committee to Erect Historic Markers on the Slave Trade to Louisiana, and is a founding member of the New Orleans chapter of the Women’s National Book Association. She is also on the LEH’s Tricentennial editorial board overseeing the publication of “New Orleans & The World: The Tricentennial Anthology.”

As an arts educator and administrator in Jefferson Parish, Evans advanced arts integration and arts programming for students at all levels. She initiated the New Orleans Teaching Artist Institute, which provided mentorship for aspiring as well as veteran teaching artists.

Currently, Evans serves as a scholar for LEH’s Prime Time Family Time Literacy Program and the dean of Ashé Cultural Arts Center’s Institute of Cultural Education, an initiative that advances the inclusion of culture and the arts in school curricula. She is also the award-winning author of three historically based children’s books: A Bus of Our Own, The Battle of New Orleans: the Drummer’s Story, and Hush Harbor: Praying in Secret.

“My goal as a writer is to promote, preserve and share untold and under-told stories of the African American experience. This endeavor reflects my zeal for history and focuses on literature for children as well as adults. For young readers, I strive to craft stories that make history come alive – that inform, empower and ignite a curious desire in support of a life long passion for reading. Throughout my diverse writing and professional endeavors, a common thread of intention exists – to engage, enlighten and inspire.”

Humanities Hero Freddi Evans Williams’ contributions span academic, literary, community activism, arts advocacy, and education arenas. The LEH is proud to champion Freddi Evans Williams. For more on Williams Evans, click here.