True Friends Benevolent Society

True Friends Benevolent Society Hall

The True Friends Benevolent Society (1883-1973) was started five newly freed African American men as a mutual aid society. White owned insurance companies would not insure blacks after emancipation. Benevolent societies were formed to provide burial insurance, medical insurance, aid to fire victims, orphans and college students. 

The hall was the center of civic and social activities providing a meeting place for members. It was the center for plays, carnival balls, concerts and dances. Local and nationally renowned musicians such as Claiborne Williams, Plas Johnson, Reynalds Richard, Fats Domino, Joe Tex, James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner performed on its stage.

Donaldsonville quickly turned into a “cultural mecca," for the river parish communities. The River Road African American Museum plans to use the building for an exhibit on the rural roots of jazz. It will also serve as a center for music and dance lessons, tutoring programs and meetings.

True Friends Hall " Easter Monday"

April  1955

True Friends Hall is one of the oldest existing society building in Louisiana.  The building is located at 711 Lessard Street in Donaldsonville, LA.