Preserving History: Sisters Fight Against Industrialization in Wallace, Louisiana

Twin sisters Jo and Joy Banner are fighting to preserve the historic town of Wallace, Louisiana, where their ancestors were enslaved over 200 years ago. Their Creole cottage cafe sits near property their great-grandparents purchased, surrounded by sugarcane fields and plantations that tell the story of enslaved people.

The sisters, along with their nonprofit organization, The Descendants Project, are battling against a proposed grain export facility that threatens to industrialize their side of the Mississippi River. They fear the facility will erase historic landmarks and pollute the area, echoing the concerns of other residents along Louisiana’s Cancer Alley.

Despite facing opposition from the company behind the project and local officials, the Banners are determined to protect their heritage and culture. They have moved a plantation house to their property in hopes of preserving it and preventing industrial development.

The proposed facility promises job opportunities and economic growth for the town, but some residents are more concerned about the impact on their community’s future. With declining school enrollment and limited resources, the facility’s approval could determine Wallace’s prosperity.

The tug-of-war between preserving the past and embracing economic development is a familiar struggle in many historic Black towns across the country. The Banners are determined to create a network of historic communities and economic opportunities to protect their heritage and way of life.

As the battle continues, the Banners remain steadfast in their mission to keep industrialization at bay and preserve the rich history of Wallace for future generations.