Interviewed by Rosalind Reisner on February 24, 2022 as part of Black History Month, our In Conversation Author series hosted by WNBA-NYC chapter featured Fatima Shaik and her new book: Economy Hall: The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood.
Early On
Formed and thrived at the historic Economy Hall in New Orleans in 1836, this brotherhood for free men of color offers a parallel history to the one that is frequently taught. Due to a fire, the building had to be torn down and a new one built in 1857. From there, the Economy Hall became a rich part of history.
Shaik pointed out that her father was friends with one of the last Economy Hall members who had been given the job of clearing out the furniture and whatever else remained in the building. A load of books was designated for the dump, but somehow, they were diverted. The books ended up in a closet in Shaik’s home, where they remained for the next fifty years.
It was when Shaik was casting for a new project took a serious look at the books that she realized what a fascinating and resonant history they contained. Mostly written in French and by hand, they documented the meetings and activities of the brotherhood from its founding, in 1836, to its demise in 1963.
Economy Hall was a meeting place that both defined and assisted the community in which it existed. Wills, burials, medical bills—these were all under the brotherhood’s umbrella. To raise money, the brotherhood held dances at the hall, and gradually became known as jazz, became associated with the place as well. The books document all of this and more, such as major events, like the Civil War and a brutal massacre of people of color.
Research
Shaik described the nearly five years of research she put into this project as a true labor of love, and it touched very close to home for her. She recognized that many of the names she encountered were those of neighbors she had known for years and now she knew that they were descendants of those long-ago members. According to Shaik, the Economists left behind a vibrant intellectual and musical history that has helped shaped the cultural life of New Orleans.
What’s next?
From writing this book, its’ very positive perception has been so rewarding that Shaik has plans for exploring the life of another member of the Economy, a man of color with an African mother and Italian father who travelled between Paris and New Orleans in the 1830’s. Shaik knows that his story is going to be fascinating one, and she is just the woman to tell it.
About Fatima Shaik
You can find out more about Fatima Shaik on her website and her book can be found here.
About Rosalind Reisner
Rosalind Reisner is a writer, speaker, and former librarian who presents programs and writes about books, reading, and readers’ advisory services. She is a long-time member of WNBA and was a major contributor to our book, Women in the Literary Landscape.
Thanks for this insightful article, Kitty! The panel was really enlightening and I can’t wait to get a copy of the book for my father who loves Jazz music and will be interested in that aspect of Economy Hall!