Lauren Turner Hines:

Orchestrating Change Through Artistic Resilience and Resistance

By Carey Fountain

A light brown, slim Black woman, with natural hair pulled back in a low bun, wearing a flower wreath in her hair, in a dark red jumpsuit dances with her hands up in jubilation, behind her a medium brown, Black woman in yellow overalls joins by throwing her arms up and singing loudly " I am deliberate and afraid of nothing", with a flower wreath in her hair. Joining on the right is a light brown woman wearing pink overalls and a white shirt, with medium-length locks, a flower wreath in her hair with hands raised and dancing.
Ariel Jackson as THE STRONGNESS (center), Constance Thompson as THE THICKNESS (left), Erin King as THE SOFTNESS (right) in The Defiance of Dandelions by Philana Omorotionmwan, directed by Nicole Brewer, as part of the Inaugural 2023 WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival produced by No Dream Deferred NOLA. Photo by OLM Photography.
No Dream Deferred Founder + Producing Artistic Director Lauren Turner Hines on Opening Night of Draptemonia: A Negro Carol by MD Schaffer as part of the Inaugural 2023 WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival produced by No Dream Deferred NOLA. Photo by OLM Photography.
A gender non-conforming, medium brown Black person sits in front of a large wooden desk, with a white shorts jumpsuit on, and blue and black short braids, styled with two buns in the front. They peer into the distant yet close memory with a quizzical look, behind them, sitting on the desk, sits a medium brown-black woman with curves, and long braids, wearing yellow overalls and a white shirt, seeing that same memory and with an incredulous look. Sitting behind the desk sits a light brown, slim Black woman, with natural hair pulled back in a low bun in a dark red jumpsuit staring straight ahead in disbelief.
Xel Simone as THE QUEERNESS (center), Constance Thompson as THE THICKNESS (left), and Aria Jackson as THE STRONGNESS (right) in The Defiance of Dandelions by Philana Omorotionmwan, directed by Nicole Brewer, as part of the Inaugural 2023 WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival produced by No Dream Deferred NOLA. Photo by OLM Photography.
In a living room, A young Black man wearing a light blue button-up shirt and golden orange shorts, holds his small baby, while the ghost of abolitionist JOHN BROWN, portrayed by a White man, with a full beard and shoulder-length hair, wearing a black vest, white collared shirt, and black pants, visits behind him, in the wonder of the small child.
Jonas Chartock as JOHN BROWN (center), and Jay Dorsey as WAYNE in Drapetomania: A Negro Carol by MD Schaffer,directed by David Kote, as part of the Inaugural 2023 WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival produced by No Dream Deferred. Photo by OLM Photography.
In a church on a church pew, a Black woman, a church usher, wearing an all-white dress and lace head covering, and a young Black pastor, wearing a black church robe with large purple stripes down the center, are praying for a gender -non-conforming person, to regain their ability to speak after witnessing a traumatic event.
Gwendolyne “GiGi” Foxworth as NANNY MAE (left), Donyae Asante as RUNNA (center), and Justin William Davis as VERN MAYOR (right) in Where The Suga Still Sweet by Brian Egland, directed by Lauren Turner Hines, as part of the Inaugural 2023 WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival produced by No Dream Deferred NOLA. Photo by OLM Photography.

Southern Artists for Social Change awardee Carey Fountain writes about fellow awardee Lauren Turner Hines and her work.

No Dream Deferred Founder + Producing Artistic Director Lauren Turner Hines on Opening Night of Draptemonia: A Negro Carol by MD Schaffer as part of the Inaugural 2023, WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival produced by No Dream Deferred NOLA. Photo by OLM Photography.

In the heart of New Orleans, theater artist and community activist Lauren E. Turner Hines is creating a transformative narrative.

Using art as a vehicle for social change, she and her team boldly challenge the status quo as they champion stories that echo the community’s vibrant African roots and the unyielding spirit of resistance that has come to define it. They have dedicated their work to uplifting Black-centered narratives ensuring that the community sees and hears authentic and relatable stories that reflect their lived experiences, dreams, and struggles.

No Dream Deferred NOLA, a community-activated theater production company with a deep commitment to equity and justice, is at the forefront of Turner’s work. The impact of this innovative theater company extends beyond the stage, creating powerful ripples of change throughout the New Orleans community. Through No Dream Deferred, Turner is not merely telling stories; she is cultivating a sense of belonging, empowerment, and visibility that is transformative and enduring. Central to Turner’s mission is honoring the legacy of the fearless Black leaders who have paved the way for this kind of work.

A gender non-conforming, medium brown Black person sits in front of a large wooden desk, with a white shorts jumpsuit on, and blue and black short braids, styled with two buns in the front. They peer into the distant yet close memory with a quizzical look, behind them, sitting on the desk, sits a medium brown-black woman with curves, and long braids, wearing yellow overalls and a white shirt, seeing that same memory and with an incredulous look. Sitting behind the desk sits a light brown, slim Black woman, with natural hair pulled back in a low bun in a dark red jumpsuit staring straight ahead in disbelief.
Xel Simone as THE QUEERNESS ( center), Constance Thompson as THE THICKNESS (left), and Aria Jackson as THE STRONGNESS ( right) in The Defiance of Dandelions by Philana Omorotionmwan directed by Nicole Brewer, as part of the Inaugural 2023 WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival produced by No Dream Deferred NOLA. Photo by OLM Photography.
In a living room, A young Black man wearing a light blue button-up shirt and golden orange shorts, holds his small baby, while the ghost of abolitionist JOHN BROWN, portrayed by a White man, with a full beard and shoulder-length hair, wearing a black vest, white collared shirt, and black pants, visits behind him, in the wonder of the small child.
Jonas Chartock as JOHN BROWN ( center), and Jay Dorsey as WAYNE in Drapetomania: A Negro Carol by MD Schaffer and directed by David Kote’ as part of the Inaugural 2023, WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival produced by No Dream Deferred. Photo by OLM Photography.

Among these leaders is the legendary Captain André Cailloux. Cailloux, born into slavery in 1825, became one of the first Black officers in a North American military unit after earning his freedom in 1846 and became a beacon of determination and justice among free people of color in New Orleans. During the Siege of Port Hudson, he led the 1st Louisiana Native Guards in the Civil War, marking the first instance of a Black officer leading a U.S. Army Infantry Regiment of Black soldiers in a significant battle. Tragically, Cailloux was mortally wounded during the attack in 1863 and the pervasive racism of the era, as evidenced by the ignored bodies of Black soldiers following the battle, overshadowed his legacy. 

Inspired by Cailloux’s resilience and honoring his legacy and those of other unsung heroes, Turner has embarked on a groundbreaking new venture in developing the André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice. While the center produces and hosts performances, the center is more than a venue. It is an immersive space that embodies the change Turner wishes to create. This sanctuary for cultural expression gives space for art and culture to come alive, educates and empowers local artists, stands a testament to the power of art as a tool for social change, and serves as a catalyst for the transformation of New Orleans’ creative landscape.

Turner’s commitment to community empowerment is also reflected in the WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival. Beyond elevating Black stories and voices, inspiring a sense of collective ownership, and fostering community investment in the creative process, this innovative festival cultivates dynamic cultural exchange that encourages engagement and deepens understanding.

In a church on a church pew, a Black woman, a church usher, wearing an all-white dress and lace head covering, and a young Black pastor, wearing a black church robe with large purple stripes down the center, are praying for a gender -non-conforming person, to regain their ability to speak after witnessing a traumatic event.
Gwendolyne ” GiGi” Foxworth as NANNY MAE ( left), Donyae Asante as RUNNA, and Justin William Davis as VERN MAYOR ( right), in Where The Suga Still Sweet by Brian Egland and directed by Lauren Turner Hines, as part of the Inaugural 2023 WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival produced by No Dream Deferred NOLA. Photo by OLM Photography.

“My hope and dream is that there will be many hands that want to caretake for both of these projects,” Turner says. “[I hope] there will be people who connect to their missions in a deep way, who want to be a part of the lifting of these spaces as time goes on.” She envisions the festival and the center as communal initiatives that transcend individual ownership, and instead belong to the community, the city, and the continuous lineage of resistance that she believes is integral to New Orleans’ cultural identity.

As a recipient of the Southern Artists of Social Change Grant, National Performance Network recognizes Lauren Turner Hine’s significant contribution to New Orleans’ community. Her work encompasses the city’s essence and plays a pivotal role in preserving its narrative. It is spirited, resilient, vibrant, and deeply rooted in history. But more than anything, her innovative initiatives are a testament to the power of art to not only reflect society but also shape it. It is the embodiment of resistance and the celebration of the spirit of a city that refuses to be silenced.

About Lauren Turner Hines

Lauren Turner Hines, a dark brown-skinned, full-figured Black woman, wearing braids a black flower-speckled jumper, and a black blazer jacket, smiles at the audience with joy while thanking them for attending the Opening Night of Draptemonia: A Negro Carol.
Lauren Turner Hines. Photo by OLM Photography.

Lauren Turner Hines (she|her) is a director, producer, and equity and justice facilitator based in New Orleans, LA. Lauren is the founder and producing artistic director of No Dream Deferred/ WE WILL DREAM: New Works Festival and co-founder/ artistic director of the Andre’ Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice. 

About Carey Fountain

Carey Fountain. Photo by Angela Hollowell.

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.