Meet Gaynell Brady

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gaynell Brady a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gaynell, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from the strength and perseverance of my ancestors. Their stories of survival, hard work, and determination—whether as laundresses, laborers, or builders—have shaped my life and mission. After spending years researching their stories and listening to my elders, I quickly realized there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. Their resilience fuels my passion, giving me the courage to keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges. With every story I uncover about their lives, I find inspiration and motivation to keep going. Through some of life’s most difficult decisions, I use my ancestors’ experiences as motivation to persevere. I honor them by sharing their life lessons and preserving their legacy.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Our Mammy’s was founded in 2013 as a dedication to Louisiana’s African American laundresses, laborers, domestic servants, and trailblazers—everyday people who shaped our history but were often left out of the narrative. Our Mammy’s was created to honor individuals like Bell Jefferson, my second great-grandmother, who worked as a domestic servant in New Orleans. Through hands-on workshops, engaging presentations, and storytelling, I help families and organizations connect with their family history and celebrate their legacies.

At Our Mammy’s, we believe history isn’t just something to be read—it’s something to be experienced. Whether you’re diving into genealogy for the first time, looking for a dynamic historical presentation, or seeking a deeper connection to your heritage, we are here to guide and inspire you. Our work ensures that the voices of our ancestors are not forgotten but honored, shared, and passed down for generations to come.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three key qualities and areas of knowledge have been most impactful in my journey:
1. Interpretation & Education – My experience as a former National Park Service Park Ranger and Museum Educator has been invaluable in interpreting and teaching Louisiana African American history. These skills allow me to research complex topics and make them relevant and engaging for participants, ensuring that history is both accessible and meaningful.
2. Museum Studies & Preservation – My museum studies degree provided me with the expertise to select and preserve a collection of items that aid in documenting and sharing family history. This knowledge ensures that artifacts and stories are not only protected but also used as powerful tools to educate and inspire.
3. Love of Family History & Lifelong Learning – My passion for learning about my ancestors and elders has shaped my entire life. The knowledge I’ve gained through researching their lives has given me a deeper appreciation for their struggles and triumphs, fueling my dedication to sharing these untold stories with others.
These three areas have allowed me to build Our Mammy’s into a platform that connects people to their past, preserves history, and empowers future generations to honor their ancestors.

My advice for those people who are just getting started is to listen to your heart and follow your passion. Your passion is the thing you would do even if you were not getting paid. It’s the thing you do well without trying. It’s the thing that makes your heart smile. Your passion is the thing that will keep you going when you feel like giving up.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am looking to collaborate with folks and organizations who are interested in preserving our collective history.
Historical Societies, Libraries & Museums – Partnering with institutions that focus on African American history, Louisiana history, or cultural preservation can provide a broader platform for storytelling, educational events, and exhibits. Local history museums or historical societies can help deepen the community engagement around Our Mammy’s programs. I love to work with staff and volunteers to create joint programming to educate others.
Community Organizations, Schools, – Partnering with educational institutions, particularly those offering history, African American studies, or cultural programs, could provide opportunities for academic collaboration, guest lectures, and workshops. I love talking with adult learners who are interested in learning more about the lives of Louisiana’s African Americans.
Individuals- Partnering with local journalists, bloggers, or individuals who focus on culture, history, or African American heritage to help us expand our reach audience and promote your mission and services.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photos: Our Mammy’s LLC

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