Date
5-2025
Document Type
Capstone Project (Campus-Only Access)
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Department
Music & Performing Arts
Major
Music
Abstract
This paper explores the roles of women in Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo, examining how they use their musicality for economic empowerment. Aiming to center the experiences and agency of Black women in these diasporic traditions, the analysis considers the historical connections between Vodou and Voodoo, particularly the impact of the Haitian Revolution on the development of Voodoo in New Orleans. It investigates how women in both contexts leverage the spiritual authority and cultural capital associated with these religions to create businesses, lead ceremonies, and foster community. The concept of "spiritual play-labor" is explored, highlighting how women transform religious expression into tools for empowerment, challenging societal expectations and achieving economic and social mobility (Guzman, 2023). By focusing on women’s musical practices, this research seeks to celebrate Black femininity and recognize the vital role of women in sustaining cultural traditions while navigating complex social and economic landscapes across the African diaspora in Haiti and New Orleans.
Recommended Citation
Neal, Latasha, "Rituals and Revenue: How Women in Haiti and New Orleans use Religion and Music for Economic Empowerment" (2025). Capstone Projects and Master's Theses. 1975.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/caps_thes_all/1975