Data News Staff Edited Report
A new community mural planned for Hunters Field will celebrate the enduring Legacy of Tambourine & Fan, a Historic Youth-Centered Movement founded by Civil Rights Leaders Jerome “Big Duck” Smith and Rudy Lombard, while creating meaningful opportunities for young women impacted by incarceration.
The initiative is being led by BAR NONE by DeSign, a grassroots organization dedicated to organizing, educating, and empowering individuals affected by incarceration and educational inequities through the arts, political education, leadership development, and community engagement.
According to Darryl Jacobs Lumpkins, Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors, the mural is designed to preserve an important Chapter of New Orleans History while demonstrating the transformative power of art and community investment.
“This project honors the truth-telling History and Cultural Legacy of Tambourine & Fan,” Lumpkins said. “It also provides two young women an opportunity to use their artistic talents to create something permanent that will inspire others for years to come.”
The mural pays tribute to Smith and Lombard, whose leadership helped shape generations of young people through civic engagement, cultural pride, community service, and neighborhood stewardship. Their work encouraged self-determination and empowered youth to become active participants in building stronger communities.
A unique aspect of the project is that it is being created by two young women whose lives have been impacted by incarceration. Rather than allowing past experiences to define their futures, the artists are contributing their creativity to a lasting public work that celebrates Black History, resilience, and community pride.
Organizers say the project demonstrates that meaningful opportunities, mentorship, and artistic expression can help individuals develop confidence, leadership skills, and a renewed sense of purpose.
BAR NONE by DeSign is inviting residents, businesses, foundations, and community organizations to support the project through financial contributions. Donations will help cover artist stipends, painting supplies, project completion costs, and community engagement activities associated with the mural’s unveiling.
The organization operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities, an 85-year-old nonprofit organization based in Detroit. Through this partnership, all donations made in support of the mural are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Like many grassroots organizations, BAR NONE by DeSign relies heavily on community support to sustain its work. While fiscal sponsorship allows the organization to continue serving communities throughout New Orleans, leaders say grassroots organizations often face challenges securing traditional funding despite their demonstrated impact and longstanding community partnerships.
Organizers believe the Hunters Field Mural will stand as more than a work of public art. They hope it will become a lasting symbol of remembrance, resilience, and opportunity—preserving the Legacy of Jerome “Big Duck” Smith and Rudy Lombard while demonstrating how art can strengthen communities, inspire future generations, and provide pathways for personal growth and civic engagement.
Recommended For You.
Be the first to comment