|
On September 27, 2024, the Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia, will headline a landmark free concert w/ special guest Ani DiFranco and Leyla McCalla at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, marking the first-ever mass registration of women for clean economy jobs in U.S. history. Expected to draw over 2,600 attendees, this free event will connect women with high-paying skilled trades careers in growing sectors that are critical to building Louisiana’s clean economy, including clean energy, historical preservation, construction, film and entertainment, tourism, and more.
To mark the occasion, Big Freedia will perform on a bill with special guest Ani DiFranco and celebrated New Orleans musician Leyla McCalla. The concert is free to attend for those who sign up to learn more about local clean economy careers and training opportunities, particularly those that empower women to take on high-paid roles in skilled trades that will shape Louisiana’s future.
The event is being led by The Descendants Project, a local organization focused on mobilizing the Black descendants community of Louisiana’s River Parishes, and Blanchard House Institute, a national leader in urban revitalization and community development. Together they are championing a new vision for Louisiana’s economy — one that embraces clean industries and empowers women to lead in skilled trades, construction, historical preservation, renewable energy, and other fields critical to the state’s cultural and economic future.
“Women are stepping up in skilled trades and other key roles to build the clean economy we envision for Louisiana,” said Joy Banner, Co-Founder of The Descendants Project. “This event is about connecting women with opportunities, training, and support to lead in building a stronger, more resilient future for our communities.”
This historic concert coincides with North America’s Building Trades Unions’ (NABTU) annual Tradeswomen Build Nations event, which is expected to bring over 5,000 women to New Orleans over the weekend to celebrate their roles in America’s skilled trades workforce. The combination of these events represents a unique opportunity to recruit more local women into high-paying trade careers and other sectors that contribute to a thriving clean economy.
“Our vision for Louisiana’s future is about more than just jobs — it’s about creating an economy that reflects our culture and invests in the people who make it vibrant,” said Jaha Cummings, the Founder of Blanchard House Institute. “This event is the beginning of a new conversation about what’s possible when women take the lead in building our state’s future.” |
