The Abolitionist’s Sanctuary
An outgrowth of Solitary Gardens, the Abolitionist’s Sanctuary is a social practice project, garden and cultural initiative created by artists, incarcerated persons and organizers. Each plant grown in The Abolitionist’s Sanctuary carries with it history and politics—symbolisms, medicinal uses, and cultural legacies—that teach us about the persistence of abolition, social equity and radical ecology. The Sanctuary is part of the Larger Growing Abolition Initiative & a sister space to the John thompson Legacy Center, 1212 St Bernard Avenue. To learn more about the garden’s incredible history click here.
with special thanks to:
This work forces us to contend with the myth of rugged individualism. It is never done (well) alone. With growing gratitude for all the volunteers who have embedded this soil under their nails & contributed to our vision most especially; Sage Stoneman, Addi Ginsburg, Hannah Rose Groedel, Jamal Elhayek, Schmelly’s Dirt Farm, the littles of the 7th Ward & to our funders The Know Your Rights Foundation s/o to Colin Kaepernick & Antenna’s Platforms Fund! The Abolitionist’s Sanctuary at 1653 N Robertson Street in New Orleans has been a garden and sanctuary under the stewardship of many since 2006 including, The Porch Cultural Organization, Emily Posner, The Boys & Girls 7th Ward Garden Club, 7th Ward Rainbow Gardens, A Garden to Dye For and has been consistently maintained through volunteer love and sweat equity. We hope to steward this sanctuary for decades to come. Download the history of these very special gardens maintained in the 7th Ward of New Orleans here.