Photo: Boy Leading Second Line, New Orleans (2006)

Second Lines emerged after the Civil War, when insurance companies refused to sell to African-Americans. They began as jazz funerals for deceased members; in the 20th century, they became their own tradition. Since the hurricane, the city has been imposing restrictions on Second Lines, even going so far as to arrest musicians mourninng the death of fellow musician Kerwin James in October 2007. Despite the storm and the city's harassment, Second Lines continue almost every Sunday, a reminder of the resistance and resilience of New Orleans' African-American communities.