INTRODUCTION
MISSION
Our Sacred Stories is dedicated to illuminating the rich tapestry of Afro-Creole Culture that pulsates through the streets of New Orleans through the art of storytelling. In our immersive experience, we dive into the very soul of New Orleans. Rooted in the fertile soul of West African ancestry, nurtured by the hands of the original enslaved population, this culture blossomed into a symphony of flavors, rhythms, and revolution.
“Ms. Denise was an amazing guide through the history of Congo Square and the music and culture of New Orleans. We danced in a second line and left offerings for our ancestors at a sacred tree in Congo Square. Ms. Denise tailored our tour to meet the needs and interests of our 15 & 18 year olds. I would highly recommend her tour to anyone visiting NOLA!” – Jill GÂ
“I had the honor of having a recent tour with Denise from Our Sacred Stories. The tour was an incredible experience, full of educational, cultural, and spiritual insights, Denise is a New Orleans treasure and her storytelling prowess is unmatched. She takes extra care and attention to go deep into the rich history and cultural milieu that is this very special city and share it with visitors in a way that is authentic and experiential. Thank you, Denise for making my trip extra wonderful đź’ś” – Lily C
TO YOU, FROM DENISE
For more than twenty years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Griot, sharing the stories and traditions that make New Orleans the city I love. My tours come from a lifetime spent in its culture—from my work within the local Voodoo community to my days out in the streets as a Black Masking Babydoll.
My love for storytelling started in my grandmother’s kitchen in a cozy Tremé shotgun house, where I learned how stories are carried, protected, and passed down. Those moments shaped who I am and sparked my commitment to keeping our history alive.
As a seventh-generation Creole storyteller, I share the tales given to me by my family along with the experiences I’ve lived myself. Every tour is personal. My hope is always that you walk away feeling connected to this city in a real and lasting way.
New Orleans is a place where African, Indigenous, French, Spanish, and so many other influences blend together to create something vibrant, flavorful, and full of spirit. I’d love to guide you through its many sides—its celebrations and its challenges, its everyday magic, its Gumbo and its Gris Gris. There are living histories in every corner of this city, and it would be my honor to share them with you.
~ Denise Augustine
