09/10/2026
UJAMAA and the Cultural Innovation District (CID) honor the life and legacy of Jerome “Big Duck” Smith.
A visionary, a community builder, and a true New Orleans icon, Big Duck’s impact will forever echo through our city. From his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement to his founding of Tamborine & Fan and his pivotal role in shaping the Claiborne Avenue corridor and the Cultural Innovation District, his work uplifted people, preserved culture, and created opportunities for generations.
Thank you, Big Duck, for your unwavering commitment to our community, your wisdom, and the countless lives you touched. Your legacy will always be a part of UJAMAA, the CID, and the city you loved.
⚜️YOUR WORK LIVES ON ⚜️