Freedom in Congo Square

But Sunday was a day of rest, when Master charmed the weekend guest.

Slaves had off one afternoon, when the law allowed them to commune. They flocked to New Orleans’ Congo Square. Sunday, slaves and free met there.

It was a market and a gathering ground where African music could resound. Beneath the sun in the open air, the crowd abuzz with news to share.

Grouped by nation, language, tribe, they drummed ancestral roots alive. They played triangles, gourds, and bells, banzas, flutes, fiddles, and shells.

[…] They rejoiced as if they had no cares; half day, half free in Congo Square. This piece of earth was a world apart. Congo Square was freedom’s heart.