August 2023 Edition

Dear CID Supporters and Community Members, 

Welcome back to the latest CID update! It has been a while since our last regular update and I have missed you all dearly. 

We're excited to share some incredible milestones and updates with you in this newsletter. From groundbreaking construction for Phase I (Backatown Plaza) to the unveiling of new murals, we're making strides in enriching the Claiborne Corridor community. Dive in to learn more and find out how you can be part of this amazing journey.

As always, we thank you for your continued love and support! - Ny

Nyree A. Ramsey

Executive Director

Cultural Innovation District (CID) 

Ujamaa Economic Development Corp. 

Elevating the Claiborne Cultural Innovation District:

A New Chapter Begins

We are thrilled to announce that construction has officially commenced on the Claiborne Cultural Innovation District (CID). This milestone marks a transformative moment not only for the district but for our entire community. Before the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) recognized the critical importance of this initiative, describing it as a means to "center our community's voice in order to address a legacy of demolition and disinvestment."

Learn more about the EDA’s unwavering commitment to our community by clicking the button below.

We're excited to share that construction is well underway for Phase I of the Claiborne Cultural Innovation District (CID) at Backatown Plaza, situated beneath the bridge between Orleans Avenue and St. Louis Street. This phase brings a host of marketplace improvements designed to enhance both the community and its environment:

• Enhanced Public Safety Lighting: Brighter and more energy-efficient lighting options to keep public areas safe.
• Eco-Friendly Stormwater Management: Green infrastructure to better absorb stormwater and mitigate environmental hazards.
• ADA-Compliant Accessibility: Sidewalks and access ramps will adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
• Surface Upgrades: Pavement and surface overlays to pedestrian flow and walkability.
• Custom Kiosks: To support the formal and informal marketplace and inclusion of game carts for family and guided youth play.
• Utility Connections: Tie-ins to municipal lines for seamless utility services.
• Aesthetic Touch-ups: Pressure-washing and painting, as needed, to maintain a clean and welcoming appearance for this community gathering space.

Always remember, the overarching aim is to transform the underutilized space beneath the bridge into a valuable economic asset for our community. Stay tuned for more construction developments!

We are delighted to announce the completion of two amazing murals within the Claiborne Cultural Innovation District (CID). Created in collaboration with the youth group Eternal Seeds, these art installations serve as vibrant landmarks for our community.

The first mural, dedicated to Joyce and Big Chief Allison "Tootie" Montana, graces the façade of the former Liberty Hardware building, located at the intersection of N. Robertson and St. Bernard Avenue. The second mural refreshes the iconic "Welcome to Treme" sign situated at the crossroads of old Bayou Road/Gov. Nichols, and N. Claiborne.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Eternal Seeds Summer Session, the BeLite Collective, BMike and StudioBE for their artistic contributions, as well as to the volunteers from TechStars NOLA for their support in bringing the "Welcome to Treme" mural to life.

The 1st Annual Cultural Futures Fest

The Cultural Futures Fest held JuneTeenth/Father's Day weekend, not only wowed the attendees but it also served as a dynamic launch pad for enhanced community involvement in the Claiborne Innovation District (CID). Ujamaa EDC is excited to collaborate with Colloqate Design and the "Claiborne Reunion" team as we gear up for CID Phase 2: Tamborine & Fan. Stay tuned for upcoming events and new opportunities to engage with your community!

Kermit Ruffins, Mama Shirley Ramsey and Christina Ruffins

We also take a moment to honor the remarkable lives of Barbara Lacen Keller and Jessie Smallwood. These incredible women were driving forces in our community, nurturing growth and empowering those around them and they are featured in CID videos. Their contributions were pivotal in shaping the Claiborne Corridor Cultural Innovation District, and their legacies will continue to inspire us.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we

move forward together!