In a groundbreaking revelation, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade (LABB) and Inclusive Louisiana are set to unveil a report detailing the identities of enslaved individuals buried on the proposed Formosa Plastics site in St. James Parish. The report, titled Buried at Buena Vista: The Untold Stories of Five Enslaved People, brings to light the harrowing histories of five individuals whose remains were found on the former Winchester/Buena Vista plantation, part of St. James Parish’s 5th District.
Scheduled for release on October 21, 2024, at the André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice in New Orleans, the report reflects meticulous research conducted by LABB’s genealogist Lenora Gobert. Gobert’s findings identify the remains of five enslaved people, ranging in age from 9 to 32 years, who are interred on the site of what could become one of the world’s largest plastic production facilities if the Formosa Plastics complex is approved.
The report’s release aims to bring to the forefront the stories of these individuals, illuminating the often overlooked or concealed lives of those enslaved along the Mississippi River. The discovery and recognition of their identities offer a deeply personal dimension to the ongoing conversation surrounding the development of industrial sites in historically significant areas.
“This report is a testament to the resilience and dignity of those who endured unimaginable hardships,” said Lenora Gobert. “Their stories deserve to be heard and remembered, especially as decisions regarding this land’s future are being made.”
The press conference will feature insights from Gobert, as well as perspectives from Barbara Washington and Gail LeBoeuf, co-founders and co-directors of Inclusive Louisiana. Washington and LeBoeuf emphasize that the mission of Inclusive Louisiana is to safeguard the residents of St. James Parish from industrial pollution and to preserve the region’s historical and cultural heritage. For them, acknowledging the identities of these enslaved individuals is essential to honoring the legacy of those buried on the land.
Both LABB and Inclusive Louisiana remain dedicated to supporting the health, heritage, and environmental safety of communities affected by industrial encroachment. LABB, an organization focused on grassroots efforts, works to hasten the transition from fossil fuels, advocating for those living on the fencelines of Louisiana’s polluting industries.
The findings outlined in Buried at Buena Vista: The Untold Stories of Five Enslaved People not only highlight the enduring legacy of slavery but also raise ethical questions about the use of lands steeped in such history for modern industrial purposes. The collaboration between LABB and Inclusive Louisiana underscores the importance of community-led advocacy in Louisiana, seeking justice for both current residents and the memories of those who came before.
