The History of the South's Forbidden Black Burials

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A proper burial is a ceremony that many of us take for granted, but that was not the case for African Americans for a large portion of history in the U.S.
In the premiere of Ritual, Tank Ball explores the often overlooked history of Black burial in Louisiana. From a man honoring his duty as caretaker for his ancestors’ cemetery to a woman fighting to protect the sacred burial sites of her enslaved ancestors, we learn how one of the oldest rituals in history - taking care of the dead - became an act of resilience in the American South.
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In Ritual, Grammy-nominated musician Tank Ball journeys through the long-held rituals and traditions of the South. From the widely-shared to the deeply personal, rituals define a community's relationship between the past and present, and their resonance in the collective regional consciousness.
Learn more about The Descendants Project at www.thedescendantsproject.com
Check out Jeremy's music at www.jeremycharlesmusic.com/
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[@pbsvoices]

Ritual is Webby Nominated! Help us out with a vote! vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/video/video-series-channels/diversity-equity-inclusion

[@teamextras4life270]

I WILL NEVER SUPPORT "black lives matter" I never seen Them in THE BLACK COMMUNITY AIN'T NO DIFFERENT Than NAACP,Black Caucus and other so called Black Organization's just like puppet president Obama/ONLY THE BRAINWASHED America BLACK COMMUNITY Don't Realize NO MATTER HOW MUCH BLACK COMMUNITY ACCOMPLISH THE BLACK COMMUNITY WILL NEVER EVER BE EQUAL TO WHITE America and That's FACT'S even in 2023,How many year's after SLAVERY/AFRICA would better off if AFRICA TRIBES didn't sell "SLAVES" to the European's royal families/But Greedy AFRICA TRIBES sold their Prisoner's of War💪🏾🤯💯

[@teamextras4life270]

ONLY THE BRAINWASHED America BLACK COMMUNITY Don't Realize NO MATTER HOW MUCH BLACK COMMUNITY ACCOMPLISH THE BLACK COMMUNITY WILL NEVER EVER BE EQUAL TO WHITE America and That's FACT'S even in 2023,How many year's after SLAVERY💪🏾😎💯

[@Juanduhhh456]

Please keep them coming!!!❤

[@justmejenny7986]

I enjoyed this very much. I subscribed.

[@career5690]

🇭🇹

[@rozchristopherson648]

I’m 61. My father (born 1920) grew up on a farm in Georgia. Every year when I was a kid, my mom and I went with him during the summer to visit his family back in Georgia. One day, my father and I went for a long walk in a kind of forest just outside his hometown. As I was walking my foot went completely down into a hole. My father ran over to me to help me out of the hole. He told me that we were walking through an old burial ground where slaves were buried. There was no real indication that this was a place of burial except for a few old weathered pieces of wood stuck in the ground as markers. Many enslaved people were just put into the ground without even a coffin. Weeds had grown up all around. Now I understand. These people were not even given the dignity of being able to assemble and bury their dead properly. Thank you for this video.

[@bevnedd8746]

Whatever that is happening to Causcians now, they deserve it. RIP my ancestors it is because of your suffering and pain why I'm here today, I honour you, I respect you.

[@relaxationstation7374]

I lived in rural Iowa for decades and South American Industrial Slave Migrants are being buried this way in North America until this very day!

[@JohnDoe-ks3mh]

Whew your comment gave me chills

[@Tardisntimbits]

That is so haunting...I offer my sincere apologies, and respect for your pain. It brings to mind the Indigenous children's graves being found up here in Canada near the residential schools, and it hurts my heart to think of what agony my forebearers wrought.

[@rozchristopherson648]

@@Tardisntimbits Thank you so much. God bless.

[@stanleyglover5534]

They have deployed every weapon in their arsenal at us and we have survived and thriving. They are in awe of our incredible resilience 😮😢.

[@ewno1566]

@@darlahays2471 well don’t you have time today? Good to know nothing has changed!

[@QEsposito510]

“They are in awe” black delusion is alive and well. See: we wuz kaaaangz!!!

[@alienvomitsex]

Truer words haven't been spoken.

[@CMJames]

Literally tried to exterminate, and have failed at every turn. The years of brutal savagery will come back to bite

[@CMJames]

@@QEsposito510 is obsessed a more suitable word? I mean the savages seem to have nothing better to do

[@Qu33n]

I do hope Tank becomes the host for this series and it goes on for seasons! This was a beautiful, educational history of Black Southern tradition! Done with such care and love.

[@JesuszillaCorp]

Great voice whether its melody or fact serving always a welcome addition

[@MignonneC]

As a child, I would often play around the trees behind my grandma's house in Faranah (Guinea, West Africa). Each tree represented an ancestor buried there decades or centuries ago. I ate the fruits (guava, avocado, mango...) and was grateful to know that my ancestors were with me by my mere existence and through the vegetation growing around us. To learn that the ancestors that were forced to cross over did the same there brings up different feelings : joy, belonging, pain, gratitude, pride and so much more! These verses of a David Diop poem come to mind : Ils sont dans les Herbes qui pleurent, Ils sont dans le Rocher qui geint, Ils sont dans la Forêt, ils sont dans la Demeure, Les Morts ne sont pas morts.

[@huldahsroots]

This is truly beautiful. The traditions continued from Africa to America.

[@brentonwebb5097]

@@huldahsroots lots of traditions but they forgot to teach that in the school system

[@brentonwebb5097]

I always tell my family to bury me withtout a casket and plant palm trees over me, the trees use us a fertilizer and will be here for 100s of years later

[@vividesiles3763]

C'est vraiment beau🌺

[@nancyjames7013]

Oh my! This strikes a cord with me. I was visiting with my great aunt in Oklahoma. She lived in her house until she was 100 and passed at 103. Anyway, when I got to her house, she was in the backyard standing in the middle of a circle of plants. She told me that she put a plant in the ground there for everyone who died. She pointed out a few, and named who the plant was for. And that is where she went to talk to our people who crossed over.

[@to348]

When I attended my father-in-law’s funeral in Nigeria, I immediately knew where some of Louisiana’s funeral celebrations originated from.

[@gamuiceyt01]

African funerals are a celebration of life

[@inviernum4201]

I feel blessed to have listened to such an incredible story of love and dignity as told by an amazing artist. Thank you PBS for introducing me to the wonder that is Tarriona Ball.

[@rheeryder2524]

Assuming you've seen her on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Series. You're welcome. 😁

[@bbills4186]

Check out her music as well. You will not be disappointed.

[@Lioness1499]

Born and raised in Louisiana. I know all of my family history dating back to slavery. As a child I grew up cleaning the family grave yard. I use to be scared at night afterwards.

[@rheeryder2524]

😂😂😂😁😁😁

[@anna-mariadavis5914]

@@rheeryder2524what’s funny

[@monta247]

Many don't know .that we know our lineage our history it is written in minds and soul of the very select

[@PapaVamp]

If anything you were probably the safest one in the house lmao, you were honoring your ancestors by taking care of their resting place

[@wednesdayschildfullofwoe]

​@@monta247 Our family's history is also on "paper". You just have to know where to look and how to research. Technology is making it much more possible.

[@WavesByWayne]

Tank just continuing to carve her path of greatness. So glad the City is continuing to embrace her as one of its faces!!!

[@coceaux]

This is beautiful. My 3x great grandfather was the only embalmer and mortician in our small town of Natchitoches. To this day, a house that was used as a funeral Home is still in our family. I honor his memory and service. Ibayé Ephram Pelham

[@huldahsroots]

Truly beautiful! I love our culture and traditions. When Harriet Tubman died a tree was planted by her grave and it's still there, very big tree. As a people we need to take care of our burial sites more and keep up the tradition so we never forget our roots.

[@lindawilliams6841]

Where is it

[@c.t.murray3632]

Thank you for great history of Louisiana. The African-American strength is always been needed, never should have been exploited.

[@laylawilliams2379]

The fact that this only has 16 likes is crazy

[@SoundFieldPBS]

This first episode is already so awesome, can't wait for more Ritual. Also Tank is the coolest

[@brookesmith6998]

Came from Soundfield's Community post! Thank you for informing me of this interesting new series. And Tank is the host!?

[@robertdemitro1520]

This video was a bitter , sweet thing to watch . The cruelty that black slaves experienced , their right to a dignified funeral and traditions banned was hurtful to watch . But they were able to rise and through a community spirit and the church they had worth in death . The cemetary is so well looked after and I hope that future generations continue to care for their dead with Pride and tradition . Ms. Ball did an excellent job of educating anyone watching her video of the struggles and victories people of colour have had in the South .

[@madamesativa1319]

So I was completely unaware of the tradition of planting a tree, but my burial plans are always been to be taken to New Orleans and be buried under ginkgo biloba tree, and I think that my ancestors have placed that want on my soul.

[@masonboy101]

The young lady conducting this is so warm so beautiful her spirit is amazing i noticed how the gentleman held her hand when they walked off her spirit would of made me feel that comfortable as well in all respect. May she continue to flourish. Good Job PBS.

[@carlasmith5165]

Southern black folk and funerals is an event. My family is from Louisiana so our funerals are like a party. A true homecoming. The benevolence committee in my youth was serious. Now no so much with all these young folk passing. When anyone over 60 passes it’s something.

[@gogoldiego]

Yeeesssssss

[@dsims9346]

Growing up, my grandmother was the Head of Benevolence and when some one died, my grandmother gave me and my cousins the notebook and the bag (it was a Northwestern Bank Bag🤔🤔👀), and we went door to door in our neighborhood taking up money for flowers for the funeral and if we collected a lot of money, say $40.00 (which was a lot back then), the remaining money after flowers were paid for, was given to the head of the deceased's family. On top of that, my grandmother called certain people to tell them how much of a certain dish to cook for the repast. (Only 4/5 people cooked all that food and she was one of them!!.... that's where

[@jazmynbrown6820]

If you think about it, it really is a homecoming. You’re going home to God, which is better than this life here on earth.

[@lilnarm_smoothblaze]

I know that’s right

[@badazz632]

I LOOOVVVVEEEE my black people!!! ✊🏾✊🏿✊🏽🖤💚❤️

[@jasont.333]

Mourning customs and burial rites of different cultures and peoples have always captivated me. You can learn a lot about a group of people by the way that they care for their dead. Honoring your ancestors is one of the most beautiful and sacred aspects of human history. Such a beautifully, diverse and vibrant time we live in. Thank you for this fascinating video.

[@AboveTheNoise]

This is beautifully produced, written, filmed, and edited. Love to see the light shine on these stories and the ancestors. SO excited to see more from Ritual!

[@wanir]

Magnificent, absolutely marvelous 🙏🏽 I'm from New Orleans, and I've tried to research my own family history. I do know that my paternal grandmother's family is from Vacherie, La. But I only know my grandfather's name ( LeBant) sir name. What you are doing is phenomenal ✨️ giving the knowledge of our ancestors is so powerful. Thank you Queen

[@realniqqa101]

Thank you Tank for taking the time to highlight rituals African Americans do. It makes me proud of my heritage and hopefully more informed.

[@domojackson-grant]

This was sooo good! Please continue. When the pastor sung, "I am on the battlefield for my Lord " that is a staple in black churches ....that brought chills over my body and tears to my eyes because we used to sing that song as well and understanding is everything! This is also relevant to the times we are currently in....

[@tynee2310]

This was everything. You took me to the burial grounds to visit the ancestors, gave me a nice history lesson, and you took me to church!!! Not to mention the fabulous hairstyle. Thanks so much for sharing this!!!

[@gurlwhowants2dj]

She was so perfect for this. She made my spirit happy ❤️

[@shonah7445]

Hymns help regardless off the situation. Sometimes my mom and I just sing them just cause. they bring comfort to us.

[@lorinealy9614]

Thank you for this delightful story. Members of the diaspora must control our own narratives. Tank, well done! As an aside, I no longer refer to the places where my ancestors were held as plantations. They were forced labor camps. The fact that some are being used to hold parties and weddings is a disgrace.

[@keivajones1865]

And we were human transported or human trafficked

[@monember2722]

Time has to move on and things and places repurposed.

[@jinx526]

​@@monember2722 🤡🤡🤡

[@Naenatify]

​​@Mon Ember spoken like a true whyte

[@cinemeleon2808]

@@monember2722 Good thing those confederate civil war statues are being snatched down for the sake of repurposing, in that case.

[@gromit0299]

I love her! Her voice is simply amazing and she has this beautiful vibe. ❤ Tank and the Bangas are one of my favorites.

[@Renould2010]

Gorgeous words, 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👑❤️😍., Beautiful Tradition, I Am Haitian and, Love the History of New Orleans.

[@averylwhite]

Our next episode is about Soup Joumou and the Haitian revolution. It comes out Tuesday 3/14!

[@lindac6416]

This is horrible you guys couldn’t even bury your dead without being punished ! I’m surprised you are so kind 2 us after this ! We don’t deserve you .

[@nevamontford4914]

Wait til eyes are opened to the realization of who is the apple of The Most High's eyes. This is why He said vengeance belongs to Him because there will be a lot to answer for.

[@CMJames]

The day is coming Linda.

[@Naenatify]

Some of us aren't that nice...be sure to tell a Karen 🤎🖤

[@katrinawall7566]

Being denied rights period. Still trying to get rights until this day. This is so nice to respect the dead. To commemorate the history of the dead .

[@rubylioness727]

Heyyy Tarriona “Tank” Ball! Big fan! I really appreciate seeing you teach and share Black Louisiana history and traditions 🙏🏽

[@gloriaellis4360]

This is so educational and inspirational!Well done Tank!!!

[@tiaford1796]

When you know who you are, blessed is your light.

[@tankandthebangas]

So proud of Tank!!

[@kaamya921]

Preachers go back in my family to the 1900. And I can remember in my grandfathers church which had a outhouse behind the church, there was a old man that had what I describe as a gravelly voice. And I've never forgotten him because his voice ushered in something I was too young to even know what it was. But as I watched this it came to me that his voice along with the call and answer songs that were sung connected us to how my ancestors praised. There was no drums or piano. Just us stomping on the wooden floor and singing

[@mdhbh]

I have always said the Blacks in the South always knew their African roots and traditions. However, when Blacks started migrating up North a lot of them lost their roots and became Northerns.

[@zeeqq105]

I’m a first generation NYer. What you’re saying is true. Southern culture is true African American culture. My family on both sides is from rural NC. When I was a child you can see the culture but as I got older it all kind of assimilated in. Till this day you can’t find a decent soulfood restaurant. There are many but you can tell the difference. Too obvious. I stopped going to any of them.

[@mdhbh]

@@zeeqq105 I can relate because I'm a native from NYC as well with family from North Carolina. I miss REAL Southern cuisine. Real Soul food takes all day to cook, everything is made from scratch, and all the ingredients are organic. The traditions in rural areas and totally different than big cities. Down South folks kept their African roots while up North they lost theirs. I remembering being taught who we were, where our ancestors came from, and even took African dance when I was 12yrs old.

[@anna-mariadavis5914]

Exactly I’m black from Mississippi we definitely are much closer to our African roots. Black folks from the south are totally different

[@NoDiddyDidntDoitOrDiddy]

I so agree with this. I gullah roots, but I don't have the accent and my grandparents kinda lost the accent too and traditions.

[@mdhbh]

@@NoDiddyDidntDoitOrDiddy It angers me when Africans say we have no culture and we don't know who we are although the African presence was always in America up to the early 2000s. It manifested in our clothes, traditions, dancing, movies, and TV shows.

[@Readera]

This video was lovely. It brought both tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. I look forward to the rest in the series. 💙❤️

[@pinkoctober4113]

Wow, I'm pleasantly surprised to see her! She is with a group called TANK AND THE BANGAS!! Yall need to check them out! Awesome group!! ❤

[@Luciano19309]

I love tank they picked the right lady to do this. Ahhh we are so beautiful &’ the stories &’ history is amazing.

[@ashleybcookin]

Tank there is nothing you can’t do! My sis is multi talented . Awesome Job! 💜👏🏽

[@ivyteacherwilson]

Beautifully represented lesson about the dignity we maintained as a People, during the harshest of times in our country, in my home-state of Louisiana ❤️⚜️😊 Great vid! Thank you💯

[@LianneHutcheson]

I love this series! The discussion about the planting of trees instead of headstones…I am a weepy mess. Thank you PBS and Tank and the crew ❤️

[@celestialchaoscustomsoaps2653]

A very wonderful human named Hollise Murphy passed not long ago and he was given a amazing send off in his hometown of NOLA. The crowd was huge and full of music. I know he was right there in appreciation in everyone celebrating his life. I know he's with the jazz greats in the afterlife making amazing music. Much🖤from tx🤘🏻🤘🏾🤘🏼🤘🏿.

[@devenchambers8003]

This was great. Thank you Tank and PBS.

[@user-zv2ll3ds6r]

Man, Tank is singing even when she's speaking. Love that voice. And thank you, PBS, for this lesson🙌🏾

[@ladtmafanikio5391]

This is beautiful, and I cannot think of a better person to narrate than Ms Tank. She is gorgeous and has an amazing singing and speaking voice. Powerful!

[@e.q.k.vision294]

This is so deep.i don't even know what to say.

[@lidetb8125]

I found this video with perfect timing- a history that I have been actively researching in my studies, told by an artist that I truly respect. Great story- looking forward to more from this series

[@morganboutwell8231]

Couldn’t have picked a better mc than Tank! Thank you for putting this out. We need more

[@livinhiswill525]

This blessed me so much! Thank you for creating and producing this amazing show

[@jenethompsonart]

I love everything about this! A very well put together presentation!

[@diamunique]

Ms. Tank's voice is so calming and soothing. I could listen to her voice all day, not to mention her amazing beauty ❤.

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

This was lovely. Thank you. ❤

[@wildcatste]

Thank you PBS for this - I learned a lot about these beautiful traditions and I’m looking forward to more

[@impishcreations7900]

This was so moving and beautiful. My soul has been touched. Thank you.

[@LauraVogel731]

This is beautiful - thank you for your work!

[@TheJoaniejoancansew]

A great documentary. I learned so much. Thank you PBS

[@kategaringer789]

I'm a simple woman: I see Tank and I click! Thank you for sharing this history with us

[@exquisitecaribbeanqueen7198]

Honestly I could not be born here. Because honestly I would be dead 100 times over. I applaud you guys.

[@zeeqq105]

Where are you from?

[@sistacbell]

So encouraging. I love history.

[@pholland9776]

OMG I loved this! I recognized almost each spot you went to. I'm surprised Pastor Davis didn't sing, I come from a po' family. Didn't have much, but the Lod's been good to me!! I am now a subscriber!! Love, love, love it!!

[@lovelee8260]

This is so Powerful...... thank you

[@anthonydixon8602]

Enjoyed everything about this. Even your voice is so soothing!

[@mlandry491]

this was a very interesting and inspiring video. tank is such a warm& lovely local treasure♡ thank you for making a point to teach about the culture that has been hidden from me and mine. i appreciate these lessons especially at a time when so many are trying to rewrite history. its good to have someone keeping it real for us. much love; )

[@jasalex18]

This is exactly what I needed this good Sunday morning!!! I sure miss my grandmother!!!

[@Njoofene]

Jeremy is absolutely amazing. I really enjoy this.

[@smileygates7315]

I think Tank Ball has one of the most Beautifulest voices I have ever heard ❤️

[@pecanthickness8785]

This was needed. I definitely feel a little lost as far as my family ancestors burial resting places. I know most but something still feel missing

[@lucky1365]

Love this! You are a natural Tank! Been following you since the Tiny Desk. Great to see your other work! I’ve always been fascinated with cemeteries. There is so much history there. The cemeteries here in DC are definitely no exception, especially for our folks.

[@queenmama9229]

Amazing!!!! Thank uuuuu for sharing my sis❤

[@The_Preauxteauxtype]

Excellent job Tank!!

[@tanzoniaflakes5068]

This is so beautiful. I grew up down the street from the Black cemetery in Westlake Louisiana. This show just hits so different to me. Especially the planting the tree for the marker. It just brings tears to my eyes.

[@movingear23]

Tank, Holly Devon & the entire crew. This was wholesome. I felt the positivity in my soul. You touched my spirit. Thank you. God bless you.

[@_amayamonae]

I absolutely love this series, bless y'all for this

[@TheLeastOfficialOfBros]

This was really informative and thought provoking!

[@pinkofperfection456]

More Tank Ball content, please!

[@pbsvoices]

You got it!

[@thaphoenix8433]

Omg I love this series wish each episode was a little longer, but still amazing and powerful

[@BronxRisen]

The tambourine is life! Southern death is a celebration of transitioning to further life. You elaborated greatly, thank u❤

[@commondude9881]

Absolutely Awesome!!! 💎💎💎💎💎

[@HiNinqi]

I clicked to sprear appreciation for her beautiful hairstyles! But this documentary is also exemplary of quality storytelling and history preservation.

[@juju1896]

What a beautiful and moving video. Thank you for this insight.

[@dshep7850]

Beautiful and inspiring video. Thank you for a work well done. May God bless you greatly.

[@lOwlEyesl]

Ms. Ball is amazing. Love her passion! This series is wonderful!

[@ElementalWildfire]

Great episode, great look. Tank is awesome! Also the history of Benevolent Societies as mutual aid organizations is so interesting.

[@Insertusernamehere2248]

Oh my gosh. That hair is a work of art. Stunning

[@harrisonholmes905]

Aahhhh!! I love you Tank ❤❤❤ So glad to see you on PBS 😊

[@candygirl20048]

Love to see Tank! Amazing series.

[@gerrihobdy6546]

So good to see Joy’s interview with Tank. Hope we continue to receive this gift.

[@nesienayy1987]

Thank you for this Such a blessing

[@Jon_East]

This is such a lovely video. Extremely excited to see more of this series!!

[@zowsah2779]

Beautifully narrated

[@nadirahcroom1938]

I love Tank and the Bangaz!!!! Thanks for this.

[@afrolofi]

Thank you PBS!

[@septemberknits4894]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us ❤

[@bukolaoyakunle8343]

That dancing is a must,in Nigeria when we were burying my grandma in my village and as Yoruba that I am we took her casket round from her father's house her mother's, then lastly her husband's omo the gangan was lit with different people welcoming the casket as if she was still alive.

[@katienumiusher]

Wow! This is powerful. Thanks for sharing❤

[@colinleat8309]

Beautiful ❤️. Thanks for your channel 🤘😎🖖🇨🇦🕊️

[@latashaspivey1152]

This is Absolutely needed! Like when he said we care for the sick and bury the dead and celebrate. Let's uplift that more. Not, killing the living and their sorrowed families have to bury them.

[@ieattofu68]

THIS.

[@conniehanses]

At 59, I'm Still Learning! Thank for this video. You're right Roz...