Greer E. Mendy:
Weaving Cultural Legacies Through Blues To Bounce
By Carey Fountain
Southern Artists for Social Change awardee Carey Fountain writes about fellow awardee Greer Mendy and her work.
In the heart of New Orleans, Greer E. Mendy stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and community engagement.
With over fifty years of experience, Greer’s latest project, “Blues To Bounce,” is an eloquent narrative that captures the essence of New Orleans’ vibrant cultural tapestry. Through dance, music, and literature, Greer is on a mission to create and narrate cultural legacies that reflect the true spirit of the community.
A Life Rooted in Community
Born and raised in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Greer’s life has been a rich mosaic of communal experiences. “I come from a large extended family… It was truly communal,” she shared. This upbringing in a close-knit community instilled in her a deep appreciation for collective effort and mutual support, values that have profoundly influenced her artistic journey.
“Blues To Bounce”: An Artistic Evolution
“Blues To Bounce” is the third installment of Greer’s series, “Born in Blackness, Born in Love.” This multifaceted project delves into the transformation of musical and dance traditions in New Orleans, tracing their roots from blues to the energetic rhythms of bounce music. Greer elaborated, “Bounce is a social dance practice… It started as we know from an African aesthetic.”
The project unfolds in three phases: research, literary contributions, and a choreographic performance series. Each phase is designed to explore and celebrate the evolution of bounce music, highlighting its cultural significance and the communal spirit it fosters. Greer’s vision is to present bounce not just as a genre of music but as a powerful medium of social expression and unity.
Community-Centric Creation
Community involvement is the cornerstone of “Blues To Bounce.” Greer actively invites local writers, artists, and community members to contribute their voices to the project. “Those people who are writers or aspiring writers… are invited to submit for publication in the book ‘Blues To Bounce,’” she explained. This inclusive approach ensures that the project is a true reflection of the community’s diverse perspectives and talents.
The project also includes interactive workshops where community members can engage with the artistic process. Greer believes in the transformative power of participation, stating, “If we’re talking about a community project and we’re talking about bounce, why can’t the community get up and dance and jump in the middle?”
Impact and Legacy
Greer’s aspirations for “Blues To Bounce” extend beyond artistic achievement; she envisions the project as a catalyst for social change. She explained, “Art is to inspire us to move, to make objective changes… for the benefits of people individually or the community.” By educating and engaging the community, Greer hopes to foster a deeper understanding of cultural legacies and inspire future generations to continue this vital work.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Like many artists working on community-based projects, Greer faces significant challenges, particularly in securing funding. However, her determination and passion drive her forward. She acknowledged the support of organizations like the National Performance Network (NPN), which have been instrumental in providing the necessary resources to keep the project alive.
Greer also highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity and ownership of cultural narratives. “Ownership of the narrative goes toward the legacy… How do we disseminate and hold those legacies in truth?” she reflected. This commitment to authenticity is a guiding principle in all her work.
Looking to the Future
As “Blues To Bounce” continues to develop, Greer remains focused on bringing the project to fruition. She aims to publish literary contributions and stage a dynamic choreographic performance that captures the spirit of bounce music. Greer emphasized the importance of community support in achieving these goals, encouraging people to attend events and engage with the project.
A Beacon of Inspiration
For aspiring artists and community leaders, Greer offers wise advice: “Dream and believe in your vision, have a purpose, a plan, and acknowledge the blessings we receive every day.” Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the unyielding belief in the transformative power of art.
Greer E. Mendy’s “Blues To Bounce” is more than a project; it is a celebration of New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage and a powerful statement on the importance of community and collective memory. Through her work, Greer continues to inspire and uplift, creating a lasting legacy that will resonate for generations to come.
For more updates on “Blues To Bounce” and upcoming events, stay tuned to Greer E. Mendy’s ongoing journey as she weaves together the cultural threads of New Orleans.
About Greer E. Mendy
Greer E. Mendy’s artistic practice is rooted in the power, love, and self-reflection of my Blackness. I founded and direct Tekrema Center for Art and Culture, a cultural arts organization in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward, to promote the study, maintenance, development, and perseverance of African and African Diaspora art and culture.
I hold a Jurist Doctorate from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, a diploma from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in music (bassoonist) from Xavier University in New Orleans. I remain a licensed attorney.
I am an independent scholar of African, Caribbean, and New Orleans culture, specifically studying dance traditions, languages, and literature. I am the author of Black Dance in Louisiana: Guardian of A Culture, which is an exposé of the traditions’ social and political environments, and Naked Appearances, a collection of essays, poems, and short stories addressing art and identity.
I firmly believe that African American cultural heritage, its artistic practices and humanities are the fabric that preserves and defends my existence and spirituality.
About Carey Fountain
Carey Fountain’s artistic journey began with writing songs at the age of 11 and composing music soon after. Fountain works as a multidisciplinary artist and community organizer, working to build community through discourse and relationships that explore the human perception and how an informed perspective can transform identity. Fountain works as a musician, painter, muralist, videographer, photographer, clothing designer through his brand Vibes & Virtues and as the Manager of Public Programs at the Birmingham Museum of Art where he creates dynamic, inclusive programs at the Museum to support the BMA’s role as a vibrant and vital community resource.