Books

Stories that remember.

Histories for adults and stories for children — each one a small act of preservation, each one rooted in the African American experience.

2012 Louisiana Humanities Book of the Year

Congo Square: African Roots in New Orleans

Adults · History

The first comprehensive study of Congo Square — the sacred ground in New Orleans where enslaved Africans, as well as some free people of color, gathered discontinuously on Sunday afternoons to socialize and celebrate their cultural heritage. Drawing on archival research and oral tradition, Evans provides reports of the gatherings and discusses the African origins of the cultural and religious practices that took root in Louisiana and helped shape African American music and dance as well as religion and cuisine.

French edition book cover: Congo Square: racines africaines de la Nouvelle-Orléans
This French edition has carried the work to readers in Paris, Bordeaux, Dakar, St. Louis and beyond.
Book cover: Jerome Smith: Man of the People
To be published in early 2027

Adults · History

Jerome Smith: Man of the People

A collection of essays that discusses Smith’s contributions to the civil rights movement and the city of New Orleans via the Tambourine and Fan organization. With a foreword by Kalamu ya Salaam and edited by Freddi Williams Evans, contributing essayists include Raphael Cassimere, Ph.D., Jarvis DeBerry, Randal Maurice Jelks, Ph.D., Zada Johnson, Ph.D., Joyce Jackson, Ph.D., and Freddye Hill, Ph.D.

Drawing from over sixty years of archival documents, media sources, and interviews with members of New Orleans CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) and Tambourine and Fan, writers discuss Smith’s civil rights activism in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, parts of Mississippi and New York as well as his community-based, youth-centered activism in New Orleans. Of most significance is Smith’s direct contribution to the book. His numerous interviews with writers, both individually and collectively, from 2021 to 2025, provided clarity and insight that otherwise would have been lost. As one of the longest living activists from the civil rights era, Smith’s participation in this book project proved rare and priceless.

Books for Young Readers

Award-winning picture books and chapter books that bring African American history into the hands of young readers.

Book cover: Passing It On: The Art of John T. Scott

Chapter Book

Passing It OnThe Art of John T. Scott

An in-depth look at the life and cutting-edge artwork of MacArthur “Genius” Fellow John T. Scott, a renowned, New Orleans-born sculptor, painter, printmaker and visionary artist.

The authors are Freddi Evans and John Scott's widow, Mrs. Anna Rita Scott...This is a labor of love...These women sat down with students of Mr. Scott, family members, fans of his work, and collectors to create a book that really celebrates his legacy and his work - and something that will allow every student in this parish to be able to really learn about the man whose pieces they pass every day.

Brandon Lewis, Director of The Helis Foundation John Scott Center, WWLTV Great Day Louisiana Interview, Oct 2, 2024

Scott's life and career are intimately illuminated in “Passing It On,” by co-authors Freddi Williams Evans and Scott's widow, Anna Rita Scott, with photographs by Eric Waters, who gracefully documents the artist's wildly divergent oeuvre. The handsome monograph is published by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, which holds a significant collection of Scott's works.

Rien Fertel, The Advocate, Jul 6, 2025

Co-authored by Freddi Williams Evans and John Scott’s widow, Anna Rita Scott, this 100-plus-page hardcover volume offers an in-depth look at the life and work of the New Orleans-born artist who dedicated his career to celebrating the African diaspora... John T. Scott was a renowned New Orleans-born artist whose work embodied the vibrant culture, history, and spirit of the city. He often explored themes of identity, community, and resilience, creating pieces that resonated with both local and global audiences...Scott’s large-scale public artworks can still be seen throughout New Orleans, reflecting the city’s dynamic cultural landscape. His legacy as an educator, mentor, and cultural advocate continues to inspire generations of artists.

Off Beat Staff, Off Beat Magazine, September 9, 2024
Book cover: Come Sunday: A Young Reader’s History of Congo Square

Chapter Book

Come SundayA Young Reader’s History of Congo Square

An engaging account of historic Congo Square and the African presence in New Orleans paired with over 130 images and primary documents.

I find the connections between Congo Square and current New Orleans traditions in music, dance, business, etc. fascinating. This book is a must read for ALL New Orleans’ students as it will deepen their understanding of New Orleans, the richness of New Orleans culture and the traditions that make New Orleans the great city it is today.

Ryan P. Ruyle, Middle Grade Director, Morris Jeff Community School

The book cited much factual information in a manner that students could digest. Come Sunday is an excellent source of true history that students can relate to. Impressive! It would be a great book for high school students as well.

Romero J. Stewart, History Teacher, McDonogh 35 Senior High School

The book is salient and promotes evocative feelings regarding the significance of Congo Square to the history of America. It is an easy read that allows young readers to understand the vitality of Congo Square, with brief historical content of its beginnings and impact on American history.

Juaquana C. Lewis, Turnaround Specialist, McDonogh 35 Senior High School

Come Sunday should serve as a mandated cultural reference manual for middle and high school students in New Orleans so they may better understand why the world has been intrigued and influenced by New Orleans culture.

Warren Jones, II, Jefferson Parish Schools & Historical Research Specialist

Awards & Recognitions

  • Bronze Medal Winner, Independent Publisher Book Awards, 2018
  • Finalist, Next Generation Indie Book Award, 2018
  • Nominee, 2017 Humanities Book of the Year, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
Book cover: Hush Harbor: Praying in Secret

Picture Book

Hush HarborPraying in Secret

A quiet, powerful story of the hidden worship spaces where enslaved Africans gathered to pray, sing, and keep faith alive.

Evans handles the issue with clarity, understanding and pride…

Kirkus Reviews

This is a beautifully written, inspiring story told through the experiences of one young boy. As in her previous award-winning book, "A Bus of Our Own," Evans illuminates a moment in African-American history. She captures not only the voices of individual characters but also the powerful connections between the people in the story that help them manage adversity with courage and pride.

Marigny Dupuy, Times Picayune

The illustrations by Erin Bennett Banks are haunting. This book will be a real eye opener for your child regarding one of the darkest chapters of American history. However, author Freddi Williams Evans pulls it off in an upbeat and positive way. This book gets a high five from me for keeping my interest from beginning to end.

Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Managing Editor, Stories for Children Magazine

Awards & Recognitions

  • 2009 Best Picture Book – Language Arts, The Society of School Librarians International
Book cover: The Battle of New Orleans: The Drummer’s Story

Picture Book

The Battle of New OrleansThe Drummer’s Story

The little-known story of Jordan Noble, an enslaved boy, who served as Andrew Jackson's drummer and helped rally the American forces at the Battle of New Orleans.

New Orleans writer Freddi Evans, author of the award-winning A Bus of Our Own, has once again succeeded in offering a different point of view on a well-known historical period.

New Orleans Times Picayune

Jordan B. Noble, known as “Old Jordan,” served in four American wars. As Andrew Jackson’s drummer, the enslaved, fourteen-year-old Noble summoned the troops to action during the Battle of New Orleans. Many years later, he became a fixture in New Orleans parades, beating his worn drum and leading other veterans of color through the streets. In this book, a young boy follows Jordan on the parade route and listens to him tell of his important role drumming through the din of fire. Told in rhyming couplets, this book reads the way a parade feels and sounds, with the steady beat of the drum moving the story along.

Book cover: A Bus of Our Own

Picture Book

A Bus of Our Own

Inspired by a true story from rural Mississippi — a community that came together so its children could ride to school with dignity.

First-time author Evans’s story is clearly written and well told; what could have been preachy comes through as a thoughtful reconstruction of events and a gentle tribute to determination.

Kirkus Reviews

This satisfyingly different title is worthy of acquisition and begs to be read aloud and discussed.

School Library Journal

The drama is in the facts about what ordinary people did together.

Booklist

Awards & Recognitions

  • 2004-2005 Many Voices, One Nation Selection – American Library Association
  • 2004 Mississippi Library Association Juvenile Book Award
  • 2003-2004 Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee – Indiana Media Educators
  • 2003 Living the Dream Book Award
  • 2002 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
  • 2002 Oppenheim Portfolio Platinum Book Award
  • 2002 Best Children’s Books – Bank Street College of Education, NY

Inquiries about purchasing, school orders, or signed copies?

Get in touch — Freddi responds personally to questions from educators, booksellers, librarians and readers.

Contact Freddi