New Orleans, LA – When I first heard about the NOLA Black Tattoo Expo, I thought, “About time, this is just what we needed here!”

I’m no tattoo expert, but I have admired the art form for long enough to know the sentiment “Black skin is harder to tattoo, color doesn’t show up well,” is unfortunately all too common. This event was a well-deserved middle finger to that misconception. 

Described on Eventbrite as “A first of its kind event bringing together black people to celebrate all things Tattoo Related!” the two-day event brings together incredible tattoo artists, piercers, vendors, and more at the beautiful Ashe Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans. 

Some of the vendors included Free Quency, Bodi Buzz Urban Farm, New Orleans Tattoo Supplies, Synsual Healing, and more.

Malliroen Hodge, one of the event sponsors helping with operations and logistics, said, “We’re showcasing Black tattoo artists or artists that are tattooing on Black skin. We’re celebrating the diversity of artistry…the creative pieces that are on Black skin.” 

Two of the artists in attendance included Manny Da tatsavage and award-winning piercer, Mama Redd of X Rated Ink Tattoos and Piercings in Baton Rouge,LA. 

Manny Da tatsavage said he found out about the event because it popped up on his Instagram. He brought a wonderful display of his work and a table ready to take on clients. His work is inspired by realism, and in my opinion, he has several stunning floral tattoos in his portfolio on the table. 

Mama Redd, “the best piercer in Baton Rouge,” gave a warm and inviting energy that radiated through her work. “ Everybody who comes to me,” she said, “if they’re scared to get a piercing, we talk so much, by the time we finish talking, you’ll be stuck.”

The NOLA Black Tattoo Expo is the brainchild of Malika Burke, who, through this event, inspires me.

 “I was in  DC for a tattoo convention put on by the Black Tattoo Anthology,” said Burke. “It was a really fun event and the vibes were so great, I was like, ‘oh my God, I wish something like that was down here!’. 

When asked if this was through an organization she had, she said no, she “just had an idea.” How cool is that? How many people have ideas and they just stay that way, never coming to fruition? 

“I talked enough shit, so I had to do it,” said Burke. 

I asked Burke what she was most proud of in putting the event together, and she left me with a profound response: “just doing it.”

The NOLA Black Tattoo Expo brought together wildly talented Black artists and those working on Black skin, serving as a testament to “just doing the damn thing.”

Normally, I end these articles admonishing the reader for not going, but luckily, you have one day left. Sunday, November 9, 2025, is the last day to experience this incredible event. It’s from 12 pm-8 pm at 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard–don’t make me mad you missed it.