Guardians Institute

Guardians Institute is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating African and African American traditions and culture through educational programming and activities.

Guardians Institute opened the Donald Harrison, Sr. Museum and Cultural Center in 2013. The facility honors and educates community members about the indigenous art/cultural traditions through educational programs and projects. The museum, named in honor of the founder, Herreast Harrison's late husband, Donald Harrison, Sr. by celebrating his legacy and presenting community-based arts traditions from New Orleans.

Mrs. Harrison established the Donald Harrison, Sr. Book Program in 2006. She has presented over 40,000 books to area school children during in-school programs that included not only a new book for each child, but also a cultural performance.

Since the museum opened she has presented cultural performances that featured jazz musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, African drumming, and theatrical productions.

Testimonials

Dear Mrs. Harrison and all the Staff at the Guardians Institute,

What an amazing treat it was to have you première the "New Way Pocky Way" anti-bullying program and show at the International School of Louisiana!

I admit I was unprepared for just how comprehensive and multi-faceted the show is: rap, emcee, improv-theater, motivational speaking, dance, history… and literacy to boot! The 80+ fourth graders who crammed into the library space were enthralled, invested, and completely amazed they "got this at school!" The gift book each received was just delicious icing on the cake.

Sincerely,

Lucia J Hammer
Librarian
International School of Louisiana