Maison Creole de Freetown: Celebrating Black History

LAFAYETTE, La.–Maison Creole de Freetown is the city’s only African American Museum, focusing on Black History and resides in the heart of Freetown, Lafayette, Louisiana.

In 2022, Erica Melancon-Fox founded Maison Freetown, managed by the True Friends Society.

The historical organization defended and protected Creoles of Color and African Americans from the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and the Knights of the White Camelia.

Freetown is also home to the original beginning route of Lafayette’s Black Mardi Gras Parade, Black-owned businesses like KOK’s Wings and Things, and neighboring Downtown Lafayette.

Throughout the Carnival Season, locals and tourists can enjoy supporting the rich art, Black history, and culture at Maison Freetown.

The museum honors great Creole musicians and culture bearers like the late “Rockin’ Sidney” Simien, and Sydney “Big Sid” Williams.

The Black Wall Street Times interviewed Melancon-Fox about the exhibits' intent, Lafayette’s Black Mardi Gras culture, and the importance of Black History throughout Creole culture and beyond.