For over two decades, the Backstreet Cultural Museum, a cornerstone of New Orleans’ vibrant cultural landscape, has stood as a testament to the enduring traditions of social aid and pleasure clubs and Black masking culture. Founded in 1999 by the visionary photographer, videographer, author, and historian Sylvester “Hawk” Francis (1946–2020), streetsounds.net proudly shines a spotlight on this invaluable institution dedicated to preserving the soul of the city’s streets.
Hawk Francis, himself a member of the Gentlemen of Leisure Social Aid and Pleasure Club, was driven by a passion to document and honor these unique cultural expressions. His journey began when a simple offer to purchase a photograph of himself sparked a lifelong mission. Instead of buying the photo, Francis embarked on a project to photograph parades himself, ensuring that participants received a copy – a practice he termed “cultural return.” Equipped with his first camera, a Brownie Hawkeye, which earned him the moniker “Hawk,” he expanded his documentation to include jazz funerals, second line parades, and the spectacular Black Carnival traditions, capturing the essence of New Orleans street life. These were more than just events; they were moments of collective joy and cultural expression, essentially dancing in the streets.
Francis’s dedication went beyond photographic documentation. In 1990, he began collecting physical artifacts, with the first piece being a mask worn by Victor Harris. This marked the humble beginnings of the Backstreet Cultural Museum, initially housed in a two-car garage behind his home in the Seventh Ward. By 1999, the burgeoning collection found a new home in the former Blandin Funeral Home in Treme, a location steeped in cultural significance as the starting point for countless jazz funerals. The museum quickly evolved into a cherished community hub and a vital cultural landmark, a place where the spirit of dancing in the streets was not just remembered but actively celebrated. Francis, a generous host, frequently conducted personal tours, sharing his deep knowledge and passion with visitors, and ensuring the traditions continued by distributing second line route sheets.
The legacy of Sylvester “Hawk” Francis, who passed away on September 1, 2020, after dedicating half a century to preserving Black history and culture, continues to resonate deeply within New Orleans. His profound contributions to the city’s cultural identity are永存 through the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Today, under the stewardship of his daughter, Dominique Dilling Francis, the museum remains a vibrant center, ensuring that the stories, traditions, and the spirit of dancing in the streets live on for generations to come.
