HNOC to publish new book showing the historic link between slavery and mass incarceration

Written By Alicia Vial

"Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration" now available for preorder

NEW ORLEANS — The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is set to release "Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration," a new book that builds on the success of its groundbreaking exhibition of the same name. Authored by exhibition curators Eric Seiferth, Katherine Jolliff Dunn, and Kevin T. Harrell and edited by Nick Weldon, the publication explores the deep historical roots of Louisiana’s status as a world leader in incarceration.

For decades, Louisiana has had the highest incarceration rate in the United States, and only ranks behind El Salvador globally. “Captive State" reveals that this is not a modern phenomenon but is rooted in more than three centuries of history, with its origins extending from New Orleans, once the epicenter of the American slave trade. Through its examination of the state's long march toward this ignominious distinction, the book arrives at an irrefutable truth: the institutions of slavery and mass incarceration are historically linked.

The book connects Louisiana’s past and present through profiles of people impacted by the carceral system, examinations of key historical objects and insightful data visualizations. It challenges conventional narratives by focusing on the lived experiences of incarcerated people and asks a crucial question: is Louisiana destined to remain captive to its own history?

In the foreword by Andrea Armstrong, Dr. Norman C. Francis Distinguished Professor of Law at Loyola University New Orleans and a leading national expert on prison and jail conditions, she writes, "We cripple ourselves . . . by refusing to recognize the humanity of people behind bars. 'Captive State' makes these costs visible, defying conventional accounts that ignore the lived experiences of incarcerated people."

Adapted from the critically acclaimed exhibition that ran from July 2024 to Feb. 2025, the book was made possible by the generous support of the Spark Justice Fund at Borealis Philanthropy. The exhibition drew high-profile visitors like John Legend and Sister Helen Prejean and was the first full historical account of incarceration in Louisiana.

“’Captive State’ tells the story of Louisiana’s history of incarceration and its roots in slavery with honesty and power. . . . It’s a reminder of how art and history can help us see the truth and imagine something better.” —John Legend  

"'Captive State' lays bare what so many of us lived through but few outside ever saw. It shows how Louisiana built a system on the back of slavery and locked away generations. I don’t know of a more powerful depiction or a stronger indictment." –  Calvin Duncan, author of “The Jailhouse Lawyer”

"The success of the 'Captive State' exhibition was an extraordinary validation of our institution's vision," said Daniel Hammer, HNOC President and CEO. "This publication extends the exhibition's reach and ensures its powerful message is accessible to advocates and everyone on a quest to build a more equitable and enlightened future."

For more than 30 years, HNOC has been publishing award-winning books about New Orleans and the Gulf South as part of its mission to promote the study and preservation of the region’s history and culture. The organization’s publications span a wide range of nonfiction titles, from high-quality research and scholarship to richly illustrated art volumes and exhibition catalogs.

"Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration" is now available for preorder at www.shophnoc.com and will be on sale to the public Oct. 1.

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About the Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 15 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit www.hnoc.org.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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