Written and maintained by the Louis Armstrong Fellows.
Louis' musicality made him an icon that brought public attention to the African American community through a plethora of ways (e.g. live performances, tours, and movie features). While most people can understand and and acknowledge how Louis broke barriers for the African American community in music and film, some find the roles he played to... Continue Reading →
In 1901 Louis was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city that authorized segregation through Jim Crow laws, supported the racial caste system, and frankly, white supremacy. An interesting and pivotal time for the the African American community due to the substantial legal gains made in the abolition of slavery and equality, e.g. the... Continue Reading →
Each year the Louis Armstrong House Museum holds their Annual Gala for board members, staff, donors, and contributors to the preservation of Louis' legacy. This year the Gala was entitled "That's My Home!", commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Armstrongs purchasing their home in Corona, Queens. It was held at the Capitale building in downtown... Continue Reading →
There’s no doubt that Louis Armstrong was a musical trailblazer, avid traveler, and a domestic and international superstar. An array of fans, commentators, and generations have followed his musical career beyond its five decade stretch. Louis’ influence on jazz and pop-culture is undoubtedly prodigious which allows his legacy to speak for itself. Louis can... Continue Reading →
Louis and Lucille Armstrong were truly innovators of their time. From the strategic design of their modest home to the archival material that was birthed within it, each legend contributed considerably to the legacy of each other. In December of 1950, Louis began what is now referred to as the Louis Armstrong Collection,... Continue Reading →
After two months as a fellow I have already learned and experienced more than I could have ever imagined. Probably the most enlightening aspect of this fellowship has been my interactions with the public. While conducting tours at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, I have been introduced to people from all walks of life that... Continue Reading →
Living in New York has proven to be more of an eye-opening experience than I could ever imagine. It has allowed me to gain immense knowledge through this fellowship, as well as from my own family. My father's side of the family resides in the Bronx; only a few stops away from Yankee Stadium. There... Continue Reading →
Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Dubois are two figures who are commonly recognized throughout the African American narrative. Both of their ideologies shaped the social structure of the black community during the early twentieth century, creating a divide in consciousness. My most recent discovery this week at the Archives, is Louis Armstrong's personal interest in... Continue Reading →
Working in a historic home is very sentimental and truly an honor. The intimacy of preserving the legacy of an icon while depicting their biography with a tangible piece of their life-- their home, in my opinion, is the best type of archival material. The old saying, “home is where the heart is”, can be... Continue Reading →
