Manufactured by
Unidentified
Used by
Black Men of Labor, Inc., American, founded 1994
Date
2012
Medium
cloth, plastic
Dimensions
H x W x D: 35 × 16 1/2 × 3/4 in. (88.9 × 41.9 × 1.9 cm)
Caption
The Black Men of Labor (BMOL) is an exclusively all-male krewe, or parading group in New Orleans founded in 1993. The founding generation of the organization all came from building arts trade families and the group originally paraded the Sunday of Labor Day weekend in honor of the working men and women of New Orleans.
This sign was used by BMOL members during their 2013 annual parade, which had an African-inspired theme. The 2013 theme also reflects the BMOL’s recognition of and connection to the African diaspora.
The mission of the BMOL is to "educate, preserve and perpetuate the rich African and African American culture of New Orleans traditional Jazz music. Through arts and culture the BMOL promote civic engagement and creates opportunity for those interested in building sustainable income and wealth" (Black Men of Labor 2013). BMOL is considered one of many benevolent societies that were created in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries to help free and enslaved Africans cope with financial hardships.
Description
Sign in the shape of the letter "B" used in a Black Men of Labor parade in New Orleans, Louisiana. The sign is orange with patterned with a yellow, waved lines and a repeating yellow sunburst design. It is bordered with gold braided tassels and yellow, black and red braided tassels.
Place used
New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
Place made
New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Memorabilia and Ephemera - Other
Type
initials (layout features)
signs
Topic
Associations and institutions
Building Arts
Communities
Costume
Fraternal organizations
Holidays and festivals
Jazz (Music)
Men
Ornamentation
Social reform
Societies
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Black Men of Labor, Inc.
Object number
2015.260.6.1
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd587b4c110-3c29-449b-99d7-6d3e3b83fe3f

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page