Keep It In The Culture

Business Description

Keep It In The Culture (KIITC) is a New Orleans-based worker-owned cooperative dedicated to preserving, empowering, and uplifting the Black culture bearers of our city. Established in January 2023, our mission is to provide affordable craft and costume materials for the creators of New Orleans’ iconic cultural expressions, including Mardi Gras Indians and other local artisans. At the heart of our work is a commitment to keeping wealth within the community while ensuring that our cultural traditions remain authentic, vibrant, and accessible.

We understand the artistry, dedication, and resources it takes to create the intricate Mardi Gras Indian suits, which can take 6-9 months to complete, weigh over 100 pounds, and cost thousands of dollars. By offering materials such as plumes, beads, and other crafting supplies at affordable prices, we help alleviate the financial burden on these cultural icons while ensuring the legacy of their work endures. Additionally, we stand as an alternative to big-box stores and globalized production models that exploit and commodify Black cultural artistry.

Community-Centered Initiatives

At KIITC, we believe in not only providing materials but also creating meaningful community engagement opportunities. Through initiatives like beading workshops, school supply drives, and hydration stations at Super Sunday events, we invest directly in the community. Our hydration stations, for example, provide essential support to culture bearers during celebrations, ensuring their well-being while they keep traditions alive.

Our cooperative also fosters ownership and empowerment by putting control directly into the hands of our worker-owners, many of whom are passionate stewards of New Orleans culture. Big Chief Walter Sandifer, a co-founder and leader of the Beautiful Creole Apache Mardi Gras Indians, and Nick Holmes, a Central City native and culture preservationist, bring decades of experience, dedication, and vision to our work.

At KIITC, every purchase you make supports community-driven efforts to safeguard the authenticity and richness of New Orleans culture. By shopping with us, you’re not just buying materials—you’re investing in the people, traditions, and heritage that make our city extraordinary.

Visit us today at 3400 S. Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA, or contact us at (504) 517-8366 or keepitintheculture504@gmail.com. Together, let’s “Keep It In The Culture!”