As New Orleans began rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, the black population started dwindling. One photographer is documenting what’s left of black New Orleans and the photos couldn’t be more beautiful.

via Vice

Melon’s work isn’t just unique for his daredevil climbing or his intense intimacy with his subjects. He’s become a documentarian of black culture in a city where that culture is simultaneously being celebrated and destroyed. “I’m just trying to record the last remaining vestiges of old New Orleans,” Melon said.

Hurricane Katrina caused the black population of New Orleans to drop significantly. In 2014, New Orleans had 10,000 fewer white residents, compared with 100,000 fewer blacks. The city’s black population has grown since, but the black community isn’t returning home to historically black neighborhoods. Instead, white transplants are moving into those areas in disproportionate numbers.

See more and check out Patrick Melon’s instagram for more photos.

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