Preserving the Legacy of Sylvester “Hawk” Francis: A Film Collection That Captures the Soul of New Orleans Help us save History.

For more than four decades, Sylvester “Hawk” Francis devoted his life to documenting the living traditions of New Orleans’ African American culture. From the 1970s through 2016, his camera became a witness to history, preserving moments that might otherwise have been lost forever. His extraordinary film collection chronicles Black Masking Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, jazz funerals, brass bands, Baby Dolls, Skull and Bone gangs, neighborhood celebrations, family memories, and countless cultural events that define the spirit of New Orleans. Today, the Backstreet Cultural Museum holds one of the world’s most comprehensive archives documenting these traditions. (BACKSTREET CULTURAL MUSEUM⁠)

This collection is far more than a series of videos. It is a living record of the people who built and sustained New Orleans’ unique cultural traditions. Every frame tells the story of generations of culture bearers who expressed resilience, creativity, community, and pride through music, procession, masking, and celebration. Sylvester Francis understood that these traditions deserved to be preserved—not just for today, but for future generations. Through thousands of hours of filming and photography, he created an irreplaceable archive that continues to educate scholars, students, visitors, and families from around the world. (BACKSTREET CULTURAL MUSEUM⁠)

Today, that responsibility has been entrusted to his daughter, Dominique Dilling Francis, Executive Director of the Backstreet Cultural Museum. She is committed to continuing her father’s life’s work by protecting, preserving, and sharing this remarkable collection. Every film represents not only New Orleans history but also her father’s unwavering dedication, countless hours behind the camera, and deep love for his community.

While a portion of the archive has already been preserved, a significant number of films and videotapes still require professional digitization. Many of these aging media formats are at risk of deterioration, placing decades of priceless cultural history in danger of being permanently lost.

The Backstreet Cultural Museum is seeking funding to digitize the remaining portion of Sylvester Francis’ film collection. This effort will ensure that these historic recordings are professionally preserved, cataloged, and made accessible for educational programming, exhibitions, researchers, filmmakers, schools, and future generations. By safeguarding these films, we are protecting an invaluable record of New Orleans’ Black cultural heritage and ensuring that the voices, traditions, and stories captured by Sylvester Francis continue to inspire the world.

Supporting this project is an investment in the preservation of America’s cultural history. It honors the extraordinary legacy of Sylvester “Hawk” Francis while empowering his daughter, Dominique Dilling Francis, to continue his mission through the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Together, we can ensure that this priceless collection remains a lasting gift to the City of New Orleans and to generations yet to come.

Sincerely,

Executive Director / Owner

Dominique Dilling Francis

Thank you .