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River Road African American Museum Announces Donation and Partnership with Air Products to Revitalize True Friends Hall

$175,000 donation marks the start of a fundraising campaign to transform True Friends Hall into a cultural center to preserve and celebrate the history and legacy of local music in Southeast Louisiana

The River Road African American Museum (RRAAM) announced today a $175,000 donation from Air Products that will support the revitalization and preservation of the True Friends Benevolent Society Hall. In celebration of the Hall’s heritage, the True Friends Benevolent Society Hall will soon house a new music hall of fame and academy. 

This contribution from Air Products marks the first major corporate donation to kick off the fundraising campaign for the Hall. Over the next 12 months, RRAAM hopes to reach its $1.3 million goal to support the Hall’s stabilization, architectural planning and design, and refurbishing. Through the music academy, the local community will have a space to gather and honor the legacy of legendary local musicians who once played in the Hall, including Fats Domino, Plas Johnson, who is the original saxophonist for the Pink Panther theme song, and Irma Thomas, among other renowned musical artists.

“For decades, River Road has been dedicated to educating visitors about the history and culture of African Americans in south Louisiana’s rural communities,” said Darryl Hambrick, co-founder of the River Road African American Museum. “Air Products’ donation supports this ongoing mission as well as River Road’s collection, preservation, and interpretation of art and historic buildings.”

River Road African American Museum Announces Donation and Partnership with Air Products to Revitalize True Friends Hall

The River Road African American Museum (RRAAM) announced today a $175,000 donation from Air Products that will support the revitalization and preservation of the True Friends Benevolent Society Hall. In celebration of the Hall’s heritage, the True Friends Benevolent Society Hall will soon house a new music hall of fame and academy. 

This contribution from Air Products marks the first major corporate donation to kick off the fundraising campaign for the Hall. Over the next 12 months, RRAAM hopes to reach its $1.3 million goal to support the Hall’s stabilization, architectural planning and design, and refurbishing. Through the music academy, the local community will have a space to gather and honor the legacy of legendary local musicians who once played in the Hall, including Fats Domino, Plas Johnson, who is the original saxophonist for the Pink Panther theme song, and Irma Thomas, among other renowned musical artists.

“For decades, River Road has been dedicated to educating visitors about the history and culture of African Americans in south Louisiana’s rural communities,” said Darryl Hambrick, co-founder of the River Road African American Museum. “Air Products’ donation supports this ongoing mission as well as River Road’s collection, preservation, and interpretation of art and historic buildings.”

Air Products employees attended the Third Fridays event at the River Road African American Museum in Donaldsonville. From left to right, Stanley Bienemy, Government Affairs Manager for Air Products; Danna LeBlanc, Commercial Executive Director of Air Products’ Louisiana Clean Energy Complex; Christina Stephens, Senior Communications Specialist for Air Products and L’Oréal Monique Evans, Executive Director of the River Road African American Museum.

Built in 1897, the True Friends Benevolent Society Hall historically hosted debutante balls, galas, and other cultural and social events for the region’s benevolent societies – membership-based, ethnic support groups. Just as these benevolent societies uplifted their local communities, the celebration of music genres including jazz, blues, and R&B also brought people together in the True Friends Hall. By commemorating the True Friends Hall’s history through the new music hall of fame and academy, RRAAM hopes to create a community space for local groups and musicians for decades to come.

“Our recent partnership with Girls Play Trumpets Too stands to serve as the first and flagship youth music program for the music academy. This partnership was created to foster an appreciation for traditional music form and encourage continued engagement for Louisiana musicians to a town currently devoid of arts resources,” said L’Oréal Evans, Executive Director of River Road African American Museum. “Together with Air Products, RRAAM is positioned to further invest in the development of a cultural economy for Donaldsonville, Louisiana, while preserving our nation’s treasures.”

Air Products employees present a check to the River Road African American Museum in Donaldsonville. From left to right, L'Oréal Monique Evans, Executive Director of the River Road African American Museum, Tamerick Zachary, artist and emcee for the event, Christina Stephens, Senior Communications Specialist for Air Products, Danna LeBlanc, Commercial Executive Director of Air Products’ Louisiana Clean Energy Complex and Stanley Bienemy, Government Affairs Manager for Air Products.

Danna Leblanc, Air Products’ Commercial Executive Director for the Louisiana Clean Energy Complex said, “The River Road African American Museum is leading critical preservation work in the region. Air Products is inspired by their commitment and we’re looking forward to continuing this partnership with the Museum as part of our enduring commitment to Louisiana and our local communities.”

River Road African American Museum thanks Air Products for their kickoff contribution toward revitalizing the True Friends Benevolent Society Hall and creating a community hub to continue educating and inspiring Louisianians.