The Bayou Recalls
Let the Bayou tell it and tell it all.
Join us as we explore the rich stories of our American history and culture. The Bayou Recalls tells stories from the Southern American experience from our own words in order to preserve Southern black thought. Through these accounts, we will learn and unlearn patriotic biases. Dive deep into the narratives that shape our community, our lives, and our future.
Why was The Bayou Recalls created?
The Bayou Recalls is an oral history website dedicated to telling stories of the Southern American experience in relation to specific topics in our culture relating to race, color, spirituality, class, and social mobility. My name is Jemima Joél, and I am the founder of this site. I am a multidisciplinary artist, holding titles such as singer, painter, activist, and writer. The Bayou Recalls was founded in 2025, as an addition to my visual art practice where I spend time exploring lesser-known historical events in American History. I analyze how it affected black folk in the African Diaspora and what our people did to resist oppressive laws and dominant culture.
When I began to exhibit my art, I would have folks tap me on my shoulder and say, "Hey, I know someone who went through that." These viewers were referencing a thematic instance in my art that they have or know others who have also experienced. I realized that I wanted to know those stories and record those stories so that one day someone researching lesser-known historical events, can hear about it through our own words.
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