How To Fest and Why: March On! 2026

FESTIVAL WEEK

Tues 9/29 We’re getting fancy and focused at our Annual Awards Gala, featuring the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. Awardees: – NOLA native son and former mayor, Marc Morial and the National Urban League, and Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE). Presenters Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rep. Troy Carter (LA-3). Jonathan Capehart masters the ceremonies to the music of the Crush Funk Brass Band. (Get out those 2nd line hankies!) 

Wed 9/30 Prolific documentary filmmaker, Sam Pollard, graces us with a screening and conversation on his newest film, The Lorraine. Best known as the site of Dr. King’s assassination, the venue has a storied history that precedes and follows that tragic event. Join us at Montgomery County Community College for the full story. 

Thurs 10/1 How do you depict history accurately on film when no footage or photos are available? Find out at this screening of the new PBS documentary, Bringing History to Life: AI and Documentary Filmmaking. Following the screening at NCTA, the filmmakers, policy experts, and tech mavens explore the promise and perils of adding AI into the mix. 

Fri 10/2 Shall We Gather?  Yes, we shall!  It’s a night for unpacking the many racial, religious, and social dimensions of being an “ally” for justice in 2026. Then, in the spirit of 60s movement rallies, we’re raising the roof off Metropolitan AME with contemporary vocal powerhouse MuMu Fresh and Ms. Rutha Mae Harris, one of the original Freedom Singers. 

Sat 10/3 is a full day of festival activities. Check out the 12 finalists’ films from our international Student & Emerging Short Film Competition, screened during the day at Howard University.

Then NOLA  is back in the spotlight that night at Atlas Theater with an evening celebrating the sound, spirit, and enduring influence of New Orleans civil rights legacy through live brass music, the tradition of the Second Line, and a remarkable conversation with three families – Landrieu, Morial and Francis – that helped shape the city and America.

Sun 10/4 What’s the story you have to tell?  Head on over to The People’ Mic, where live music, improv, spoken word, and an open mic give the power to the people. 

Tues 10/6 We wrap up the festival with The Power of Partnership, how educator Booker T. Washington and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald worked together to bend the arc of justice in arts and education. We’re screening the film ROSENWALD at the Capital Jewish Museum, with discussion, EXHIBITION, and reception steps away at the National Building Museum.