I can’t leave New Orleans without a curtsy to Marie Laveau, the powerful “Voodoo Queen” who captured hearts, minds, and souls here. Born a free woman of color in New Orleans, she was famous as a Voudou practitioner who brought Roman Catholic beliefs and the African Voudou tradition together in her work. Marie Laveau is justly celebrated and respected for the people she saved with her wise ministrations during the New Orleans’ cholera epidemic. She’s buried in Saint Louis Cemetery and her grave is never without a huge pile of offerings from people who want her to grant their wishes.
I paid my respects and delivered a Dead Love thank you. Merci, belle reine.
—Erin Orison, DEAD LOVE/the Daily Slice