In celebration of Juneteenth, The Shadows and the Iberia African American Historical Society are hosting the Faith and Freedom Symposium on Friday, June 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The symposium is free to attend, and registration is recommended.
Faith and Freedom will explore how African Americans have used religious beliefs, spiritual practices, and sacred spaces as tools of community organization across freedom movements — including Abolition, Civil Rights, and Black Lives Matter.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Kodi Roberts of Louisiana State University. Dr. Roberts explores race, resistance, and community through the lens of faith and faith-based traditions, and is the author of Voodoo & Power: The Politics of Religion in New Orleans.
An optional lunch from Church Alley is available for $20 and must be purchased in advance.
Preorder Dr. Roberts' book to receive it in time for the Symposium and save 15%!
Unable to attend in person? Register for the livestream.
ABOUT THE KEYNOTE
Dr. Kodi A. Roberts is an Associate Professor of History at Louisiana State University specializing in African American history, with a focus on the intersections of race, religion, and resistance in the United States. He earned his Ph.D. in History from the University of Chicago, along with degrees from Louisiana State University and the University of New Orleans. Dr. Roberts is the author of Voodoo and Power: The Politics of Religion in New Orleans, 1881–1940, a widely recognized study of the cultural, political, and economic dimensions of Voodoo in New Orleans. His research and teaching explore Afro-Atlantic religions, racial ideologies, and movements for social change, with particular attention to the historical and contemporary significance of African diasporic spiritual traditions.
FUNDED BY
Funding for the 2026 Program Mini Grant has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by this organization do not necessarily represent those of either the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities or the State of Louisiana.