Lagniappe.
At Provost Farm, the term lagniappe—a little something extra—beautifully reflects our purpose to go beyond the expected in serving our community.
Like the bonus harvest from a well-tended crop, our work embodies the spirit of lagniappe by cultivating opportunities, knowledge, and equity that enrich lives and strengthen our shared heritage.
“Sometimes you got to hurt something to help something. Sometimes you have to plow under one thing in order for something else to grow.”
― Ernest J. Gaines, A Gathering of Old Men.
Recommended Reading: Discover South Louisiana's Afro-Creole Heritage
Explore the rich history, traditions, and cultural contributions of South Louisiana's Afro-Creole communities through these recommended books. From agriculture and ancestry to foodways, music, and cultural identity, these selections offer a deeper understanding of the people and stories that shaped our region.
Melrose Plantation, Big House, African House, detail of African House Mural, 1955, oil on wood
Art & Agriculture
Art has deep roots in agriculture. From Clementine Hunter’s vivid paintings of plantation life to Chandra McCormick’s powerful photographs of South Louisiana’s rural laborers, artists have long captured the beauty, struggles, and cultural traditions of life on the land.
At Provost Farm, we celebrate this connection between art and agriculture through hands-on creative workshops that connect people to our region’s heritage and inspire artistic expression.
Come create with us! Whether you're an experienced artist or simply curious to try something new, we invite you to join our workshops, explore your creativity, learn new skills, and discover how the land, history, and culture of South Louisiana continue to inspire art.
Genealogy & Agriculture
Agriculture is more than a livelihood—it is part of our ancestry. For generations, families across South Louisiana have cultivated the land, passing down traditions, knowledge, and stories that connect us to our past. Through genealogical research, we uncover the lives and contributions of our ancestors, particularly those whose agricultural labor and legacies have too often gone unrecognized.
At Provost Farm, we encourage you to explore your family roots and discover your connection to the land. Through educational workshops, historical research, and shared storytelling, we aim to help individuals trace their ancestry, preserve family histories, and better understand the role agriculture played in shaping their heritage.
Louis “DeDe” Anderson Sr., the first African American farmer to deposit proceeds from his crop at the Bank of Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, c. 1910.