Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture: Economy Hall

We're live from the 2025 Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center! Listen in as we explore the history of Economy Hall and how the legacy of that famed cultural institution remains alive and well in New Orleans today. Many of us have stood under the Economy Hall tent at Jazz Fest, but how many of us know the story of the place for which it’s named? This discussion moderated by Megan Holt, executive director of One Book One New Orleans, delves into the history and enduring legacy of “the Carnegie Hall of Jazz.” As we focus on the place, we also highlight the brotherhood of free men of color who built Economy Hall during a tumultuous time in American history. Key discussion points include: Early History of the Economy Society: Exploring the founding of the society and understanding its significance to free people of color in New Orleans The Economy Society and Civil Rights: Examining how the members of the Economy Society responded to changing laws designed to strip people of color of their rights Economy Hall’s Enduring Impact on Jazz: Reflecting on how musical performances at Economy Hall shaped Jazz music as we know it today Former Louisiana Poet Laureate Dr. Mona Lisa Saloy opens the event. Panelists: David Kunian: Curator, New Orleans Jazz Museum Fatima Shaik: Author, Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood Doratha “Dodie” Smith-Simmons: Civil Rights Pioneer and Co-Founder of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Dr. Michael White: Clarinetist, Composer, and Scholar of Jazz History Curator and Moderator: Megan Holt, Ph.D, One Book One New Orleans