NEW ORLEANS — The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office participated in a proctored visit and continuing legal education session at the Historic New Orleans Collection’s (HNOC) “Captive State” exhibit. This initiative aimed to provide DA’s Office attorneys with a deeper understanding of the historical connections between slavery and modern mass incarceration in Louisiana.

The “Captive State” exhibit offers a unique exploration of the legal frameworks that established racial differentiation in the law and supported an economic system rooted in the exploitation of Black Louisianians. By engaging with historical objects, legal codes, court cases, multimedia, and data visualization, participants were able to gain insights into how these practices have evolved into the current era of mass incarceration and continue to disproportionately impact marginalized communities.

“For public servants dedicated to pursuing justice, it is crucial to be well-versed in the historical and cultural contexts of the communities we serve,” said Williams. “This session will help our attorneys approach their work with an informed perspective and a deeper commitment to equitable justice.”

This event underscores the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office’s commitment to continuous learning and development in service of our mission to administer justice fairly and compassionately. By fostering a culturally informed and historically aware workforce, the Office will better serve and support those who have been historically discriminated against within the criminal legal system.