Joyce Marie Jackson

Joyce Marie Jackson is the James J. Parsons Endowed Professor in the Department of Geography & Anthropology at Louisiana State University (LSU), part of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University and additional studies from Atlanta University and LSU. Her research focuses on African American folklore, music traditions, and cultural identity in the U.S. South. Jackson explores topics such as spirituals, blues, gospel quartets, Mardi Gras Indian rituals, and diasporic religious practices.

Her work bridges anthropology, musicology, and cultural studies, often examining how African cultural heritage manifests in Southern U.S. communities. Notable contributions include studies on the Fazendeville community displacement, Easter Rock rituals, and the cultural significance of New Orleans second-line traditions. Jackson teaches courses on urban ethnography, African American folklore, and ritual theory.

Jackson’s publications span academic journals, encyclopedias, and music documentation projects. She has contributed to Smithsonian Folkways recordings and Louisiana state cultural initiatives. Her research frequently highlights marginalized voices and historical preservation efforts in Louisiana and the broader South.