The Communicator
Mass Communication
Department of Communications
Xavier University of Louisiana
Champions Playground
Laissez bon temps rouler in Downtown New Orleans for the home team
By Cierra Stovall
I
t was a partly cloudy Halloween Sunday the people dressed up, having a good time, and
in the Crescent City. This Halloween was anticipating a win is what keeps us coming back.
different from previous years. The Who It’s a great sense of community and fellowship.”
Rigsby said that the Square was a
Dat Nation was casting a spell of black and gold dominance on the boys from Pittsburgh. needed addition to the Saints experience.
“Champions Square is a big hit for the city,
So what made this day more haunting boosts
the
spirit of the city. Everybody talks to each
than others? Sunday Night Football. Kicking
off at 7 p.m., the 4-3 New Orleans Saints other and everyone is polite. It’s like being at a
Besides
being
a
took on the 5-1 Pittsburgh Steelers in the big party,” said Rigsby. Louisiana Superdome. Long before the game big party, there is something for the entire family.
started, fans of both teams gathered to tailgate Kids can go and participate in a Saints themed
outside the newly created Champions Square. spacewalk and practice their football throws.
Joseph Koonce and Thomas Rhodeman Sr.,
For 43 years, Saints fans have never had an official place to gather and tailgate before natives of Biloxi, MS have been Saints fans since
the franchise began in 1967, and have been season
games. After the Saints
ticket
holders
since
won their first Super
1978. Every game,
Bowl Championship in
the duo travels from
2009, the organization
Biloxi to New Orleans
built
something
to
to cheer on the black
commemorate its historic
and gold. Now they
achievement and thank
have added Champions
the fans for their support.
Square to their tradition.
Champions
Square,
“Being
out here
a
60,000-square-foot
during this time is
outdoor
gathering
amazing,” said Koonce.
place, sits where the
It gives us
New Orleans Centre
fans something to do
once stood. the
game.”
The
$13.5
PHOTO BY DUDLEY C. GRADY, JR before
on
the
Thousands of fans cheer before the Saints vs. Steelers game Rhodeman,
million Square gives
other
hand,
disagrees.
fans
and
foes
a
“I wish they would have rebuilt the mall
place to assemble and enjoy the game-day atmosphere. The ramp that once connected the because you had an enclosed place where you could
now defunct mall and the Superdome is now eat and be comfortable or maybe that’s just for old
a stairway going to the Superdome’s Gate C. people like me,” he said. “I hope when the city gets the
The Square opened for the Saints preseason building renovated they’d change it back to the mall.”
Verizon, which is also the official wireless
game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 21 and company
of the Saints and NFL, has an agreement
has been a hub of activity since. For now, officials
said the square will be open for Saints games, with in place to be the title supporter of the Square
the opportunity to host other events such as beach until 2012 according to Sheloon Smith, a Verizon
volleyball, concerts and conventions in the future. representative who was working at a booth in
The ultimate plan is for the Square to the Square, allowing fans to sign up for raffles.
“I’ve been a Saints fan for about 20 years,
be the start of an entertainment district and remain open throughout the year, according to but this is my first time coming to Champions
Nakia Hogan, writer for the Times Picayune. Square,” Smith said. “To see the Square bring
There is no admission fee and anyone can people together makes me smile. It shows me that
attend whether they’re a ticket holder or not. we are a city of resiliency and at the same time the
With more than a thousand people, Square is bringing in revenue for the city.” For more
live entertainment, street merchants, and the infromation, visit www.neworleanssaints.com.
aroma of some of the best foods New Orleans
has to offer, the experience of it all is priceless
“We come here every game,” said Katie
Rigsby, once a Texas resident and now a New
Orleans resident for the past 11 years. “Seeing
Covering Communities in New Orleans
GARB is the
new BRAG
Reviving Central City Through the Arts
The Ashé Cultural Arts Center provides inspiration to an area starved for good news
By Rabiat Saraki
By Dudley C. Grady, Jr.
H
undreds of people gathered on Oretha
Castle Haley Boulevard, wrapped in
warm sweaters and caps, clapping and
rejoicing to the sounds of local high school
gospel choirs. The streets were lined with
vendors and artists, and a spirit of community
filled this historic neighborhood. From
Felicity
to
Terpsichore
streets,
a
celebration
was
happening
in
the
heart
of
New
Orleans.
On November 6, Ashé Cultural
Arts Center partnered with Café Reconcile
to present the Fourth Annual Gospel and
Arts Festival & Main Street Marketplace.
This year’s theme: Make a Joyful Noise. The event was part of a statewide
initiative, “Main to Main,” which features
the culture of every main street in Louisiana.
The event covered two blocks, replacing
open sidewalks and well-traveled streets with
stages and musical performers. Food was served
by local chefs, along with a variety of books and
souvenirs on display for participants to peruse.
The festival’s executive director,
Lynnette
Colin,
looked
on
taking
pictures and welcoming participants. “We chose to do a gospel concert because
religion is a big part of Central City. It was a way for
us to connect to the community,” she said. “I want
to make sure people know that the businesses are
open, and the opportunities are here for our people.”
Colin has been involved with the
festival since its inception in 2006. This event
is one of many hosted by Ashé to continue
the resurgence of culture in Central City.
Before integration, Central City was a hub of
commerce for African Americans in New Orleans.
Dozens of businesses offered services to residents
from all racial and ethnic groups. However, since
the 70’s, the community has been neglected, and
become over run with blighted property and crime.
The reoccurring negative themes sparked
a desire in two leaders to redefine the area. In
1998, Carol Bebelle and Douglas Redd had
a vision to revive the culture of Central City.
Ashé was founded to promote
values of collaboration, community-based
connections, advocacy, and dialogue, along
with cultural reciprocity and justice, and
economic and community development.
Ashé has since become the sponsor
of workshops, community functions and
programs, meetings, and a place of fellowship.
Luther “Baba Luther” Gray, local drummer
and one of the original planners of “Make a Joyful
Noise,” said the area deserves a center like Ashe.
“Ashé has been the anchor of
PHOTO BY RABIAT SARAKI
PHOTO BY DUDLEY C. GRADY, JR.
revitalization of OC Haley and has grown to be
one of the largest cultural institutions in the state
of Louisiana,” said Gray, who has been involved
with Ashé for 12 years. “I want [Central City] to be
brought back as the black culture corridor.” O. Perry Walker High School’s gospel choir
took the stage in front of a cheering crowd of festival
participants, Walker staffers and students. Directed
by Joseph Knox, the choir sang contemporary gospel
songs and encouraged participation from the crowd.
Knox is serving his fourth year as the director
of Walker’s gospel choir. This was his second
appearance at the “Make a Joyful Noise” festival.
“Anything
[to
give back] to the
neighborhood,” Knox said. “This is an
opportunity to expose kids to culture that they
may not be aware is in their own backyard.”
Ashé’s
Kuumba
instructor,
Keisha
“Peaches” Caldwell, also attended the festival.
Caldwell teaches black Greek step-routines, spoken
word, and helps with the development of children
who attend the Kuumba classes held at Ashé.
The program started years ago, but recently
resurfaced in the summer of 2008. When asked
what Ashé meant to the community, Caldwell
couldn’t help but recall the origins of the word.
“Ashé
means
community,”
she
said. “It means black empowerment. It
means honoring cultural arts and ancestry.”
As New Orleans moves forward, many are
encouraged to see Ashé serve as a beacon of promise
in a community that has withered because of the
negative influence of crime and neglect.The volunteers
at Ashé and events like “Make a Joyful Noise,”
show a dedication to Central City and preserving
the legacy and richness of New Orleans culture.
S
ince coming out of the shadow of exhusband and New Orleans rapper, Lil
Wayne, Antonia “Toya” Carter has made
a name for herself as a reality show star,
author and most recently, business owner.
On October 23, Carter opened a women’s
clothing boutique on one of New Orleans’ popular
shopping destinations: Magazine Street. The
boutique is named Garb, which translates to “a
distinctive style or form of clothing.” Garb is the
newest addition to a lineup of unique and affordable
priced boutiques already located on Magazine Street.
“When a new business opens on
Magazine Street, we are really excited,” said
Sam Farnet, the current vice president of
the Magazine Street Merchants Association.
The association works on a day-to-day basis
to enhance and maintain the cleanliness and
overall appeal of the vibrant and busy street.
Farnet was impressed by Carter’s
preparation and store offerings. “Unbeknownst to
me, it [the grand opening] was part of a reality show,
so it was a bit staged, but overall it was nice,” said
Farnet .“You could tell she put a lot of effort into it.”
A lot of effort indeed. When you first walk
through the door of the boutique, the subtle but
apparent elegance of the store is underscored
by the chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
The main décor of the room is
done in a turquoise color that gives the
boutique its appeal and feminity. The walls are covered with several
racks of clothing that mirror the owner’s taste
in fashion. They reflect her personal style so
much that she has a special area roped off in the
boutique called “Toya’s Closet.” In that area are
personal items that Carter previously purchased
for her personal collection, but are now for sale.
“The store is really pretty, really upscale,
and the prices are surprisingly affordable,”
said Brooke Adams, one of the shoppers
in the boutique. Based on the ambiance,
Adams said she felt as if she were in a store
on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. The prices range from $49 for a pair of
jeans to $500 for a Gucci purse that Carter initially
purchased for $1,300. Along with clothing, the
“When a new business opens
on Magazine Street,
we are really excited.”
Sam Farnet, current vice president of the
Magazine Street Merchants Association
boutique also offers a diverse selection of shoes,
jewelry and handbags at a similar price point.
Overall, Garb Boutique adds a stylish and
fashionable flair to an already eclectic mix of
shops on Magazine Street. The boutique currently
carries only clothes in junior and misses sizes,
but it may eventually carry plus sizes as well.
Carter has proven her strong work ethic
by her quick rise to fame according to many in
the entertainment industry. With a new reality
show in progress, a book release date scheduled
for February 2011 and this new business venture,
Carter is defining herself as a business woman.
Garb Boutique
2108 Magazine St.
Monday through Friday
11a.m. - 6p.m.
Sundays
Noon-5p.m
(504) 301-9174
Voodoo casts its annual
spell on New Orleans
Live entertainment and food help create
another successful experience
An Artistic
Walk Through
New Orleans History
By Amber McGowan
M
usic, food and fun
are only part of what
attracts participants
to The Voodoo Experience. This
once intimate bohemian musical
gathering has morphed into one
of the country’s most anticipated
live annual musical festivals.
Celebrating its 11th
year, Voodoo Fest embodies
the artful spirit of New
Orleans. But aside from the
local richness that helps define
the festival, the international
flare is expanding the event’s
appeal as well. This year’s acts
included Ozzy Osborne, Muse,
My Morning Jacket and Drake.
“I love it,” said Katie
Hughes, 38, who dressed as a
ballerina to enjoy the festivities.
“I come every year with my
family and friends. There is
nothing like it. The food is
outstanding and I love to dress up
and listen to all the performers.”
For
others,
like
18-year-old Tangy Morgan,
this is her first-time being
under
Voodoo’s
spell.
Local museum provides glimpse
into African American heritage
By Keenon Smith
W
hen Dr. Dwight McKenna purchased an
almost two-century-old blighted house in
1993, he knew the building had a story to tell.
McKenna purchased the abandoned house
to showcase his emerging art collection, but also
to give people a glimpse into the twists and turns
of life for African Americans in New Orleans.
So when the George and Leah McKenna
Museum of African American Art opened its doors
in 2003, the forgotten house was transformed into a
place where locals and tourists alike could discover
a sometimes forgotten slice of New Orleans.
The museum is located in the heart
of the city that his parents – the museum’s
namesake - loved with a passion.
It is
open Thursday through Saturday from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5. Tucked away in the 2000 block of Carondelet
Street, the museum does not standout, but blends
into the central Garden District neighborhood.
“It’s another layer that makes our
neighborhood more interesting,” said Pamela
Williams, a local resident. “I can’t even picture
this building being a blighted property.”
In each of the 10 rooms, there are about
six to eight paintings. From life-like paintings of
a high school during the Mardi Gras season to
a picture of a boy giving another one a haircut
on the porch, the pictures within the McKenna
Museum capture life both present and past.
“I usually come once a month on
Fridays, and see something new every time,”
Kelsep Winthrop said. “Before I go downtown
for happy hour...the art just seems to put me
in the mood to experience New Orleans.”
PHOTO BY RABIAT SARAKI
“I have enjoyed everything,”
Morgan said. “The people are so
nice and friendly. I am looking
forward to Ozzy’s performance.”
Many believe the Voodoo
Experience
is
more
than
a festival, but a tradition.
“My mother brought us here
when I was younger,” said Charles
Johnson. “She painted at one of the
booths. So it is almost a must for
us to come every year.” The Voodoo Experience,
also commonly referred to
as Voodoo Fest, is a three
day music and arts festival.
It originally started in
1999 at Tad Gormley Stadium in
City Park, as a one day festival
held
Halloween
weekend.
The
Voodoo
Festival
started with the humble beginnings.
The attendance was about 8,000
people, and the headlining artists
were Wyclef Jean and The Fugees.
The
following
year,
the festival expanded to two
days and drew attention with a
performance by Eminem whose
fame had exploded, bringing
Voodoo to the attention of music
fans from around the world.
The Voodoo Experience
has hosted more than 450 artists
and close to a million fans over
its 11 year tenure has been
nominated twice for Pollstar’s
Music Festival of the Year. Some
past performers include Red Hot
Chili Peppers, Kiss, Duran Duran,
Flaming Lips, Black Keys, 50
Cent and The Original Meters.
Mariah
Janay,
42,
remembers
the
first
Voodoo
Festival.
“I was here when Wyclef
performed and I have come every
year since,” she said. “Now, I bring
my kids and husband. Voodoo
is something we all enjoy.”
Xavier Gold Rush on the Move
Basketball team pulls off a season opener victory
By Jeremy Pierre
X
PICTURES WERE TAKEN BY
KEENON SMITH WITH PERMISSION
FROM THE MUSEUM
avier
University
of
Louisiana Gold Rush
opened their season
with a win over Webber
International University in
the Barn on Saturday Oct. 30.
The final score was 71 - 58.
The Gold Rush almost
looked out of it early in the
second half. Webber’s Preston
Adams made a three-point
shot with about 16 minutes
remaining on the clock.
Adams’ shot gave Webber
its biggest lead of 29-22.
However, the Gold Rush
went on an 18-2 run giving
Xavier a 51-39 advantage with five
minutes remaining in the game.
Xavier’s Anthony Simmons and
Devin Andrew were responsible
for this scoring streak. The pair
scored a total of 12 points. The
Gold Rush maintained a doubledigit lead the rest of the game.
The Gold Rush started
the game against Webber with
inconsistent shooting. However, the
team went on to out shoot Webber
in the second half 67 to 44 percent.
“They looked hyper,” said
Emanuel Spence, a Gold Rush
fan. “After a while, they started
to calm down and let plays form.
While it was a tough win
for Xavier, they played disciplined
basketball in the second half.
“We still have a lot of
chemistry to build,” said Gold
Rush guard Devin Andrew.
“There are only five players
on the team from last year. We
took this game as a test drive.”
Andrew wasn’t the only
one that realized that the Gold
Rush have even more work ahead.
“They need to play
smarter and just get over
nervousness and make more
exciting plays,” said Ashley
Bonhart, a Xavier freshman.
The Fight for Control
Midterm elections prove to be critical for the two major political parties
Midterm Election Talk
From a Different Perspective
By Amber Domino
M
illions of Americans voted in the
November midterm election to bring
about change that may restart a
struggling economy, increase dwindling job
opportunities and send a message to politicians.
Whether a Democrat, Republican or a
self-professed member of the emergent Tea Party,
a grassroots organization that believes in less
government, many New Orleanians had strong
and plentiful opinions about the consequences
of this election for the major political parties,
local politicians and President Barack Obama.
“I’m usually against midterm elections
because I don’t think it’s fair to the president.
that changes may occur,” said Gary Davis, 21,
a junior at Louisiana State University in Baton
Rouge. “(but) Voting is a privilege that everyone
should practice and use to express their views.”
However, Davis said that if the
Republicans gained control of the U.S. House
of Representatives, President Obama’s job will
become harder because he lacks the support to
run the country without increased opposition.
Davis agrees with political pundits
who said that the president’s re-election
chances may vanish with this shift in power.
“President Obama can look forward
to re-election if he takes the proper steps
to help us get out of the recession,” Davis
said. “If he fails to do that, then I do not
think he can look forward to re-election.”
After a loss to Republican incumbent
David Vitter, Democrat Charlie Melancon will
not have a seat in the U.S. Senate or the House
of Representatives – another blow for the
Demcratic party. Melancon’s house seat, which
he vacated to run against Vitter, was won by
political newcomer and Republican Jeff Landry.
While things didn’t go the Democrats
way in District 1, District 2 was a different story.
Cedric Richmond defeated incumbent Joseph
Cao to gain the 2nd District seat, which was
once held by William Jefferson. But while Tuesday’s results gave Republicans
and the Tea Party a reason to celebrate, it
also shed light on how African Americans
played a role in the outcome of the election.
Campaign volunteers share why they love this time of year
“I pray that both
parties can work
together for the
betterment of
the people.”
Across the country, the turnout rate for African
Americans was 10 percent according to
Newsone.com. This number declined from
13 percent in the 2008 Presidential election.
Like many Americans, Areyelle
Nicholas prefers to remain positive about the
midterm elections outcome, but considers
the reality of changes in government.
“I fear that they will not support many
items on President Obama’s agenda, even if it’s in
the best interest of the people,” said Nicholas, 20,
a junior at Southeastern University in Louisiana.
She said people do not take advantage of the
midterm elections, and they do not realize that it can
harm President Obama’s chances for re-election.
“A lot of African Americans felt that it was
not important, but they must realize that if they want
change, it is very important to vote.” Nicholas said.
Zedra Thomas, a 60-year-old cafeteria
cook for Lutcher High School in Lutcher,
LA, fears that the country will be in an uproar
now that the Republicans have taken control
of the House. “President Obama will now
have more problems than he started with,”
she said. “I pray that both parties can work
together for the betterment of the people.”
By Ashley Brewer
N
ovember 2 was Midterm Elections
day. Political commercials were
shown nationwide to encourage
Americans to vote and make their voices count.
Hundreds of local voters poured
into the University Center at Xavier
University of Louisiana to cast their votes.
Jazzma Reese, a sophomore Mass
Communication
student,
shared
her
reason for answering the call to campaign.
“I passed out flyers for Democrat Cedric
Richmond,” Reese said. “Also, I wanted people
my age to vote because I felt like if they saw
someone else their age helping to campaign
then it would inspire them to vote. It also
inspires me to not only get younger people
to vote, but everyone in the community.”
Leah Verdin, another election
day
volunteer,
shared
Reese’s
commitment to getting out the vote.
“I had a drive to let my voice be
heard,” said Verdin, a biology student
at Xavier. “As a Democrat, I wanted
to let the Democratic voice be heard.”
Javonnah Williams said that she values
public service and community involvement.
“What inspired me to campaign in
today’s election was the right to get out in
the public and help with the right to vote,”
Williams said. “It didn’t matter who would
have won, it just mattered that it got people to
go out and cast their vote. Every vote counts.”
New Orleans Libraries
Turn Page after Katrina
Library systems making progress to
replace trailers with permanent buildings
By Kyana Lance
multi-million dollar project is underway to
rebuild all 13 branches of the New Orleans
Public Library System that were destroyed
in 2005 by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
While Katrina was a devastating
chapter in the city’s history, it has opened the
door for a 20-year master plan to produce an
expanded technology savvy library system for a
community eager for better access to literature.
“Once our master plan is said and done,
I think it will be representative of the needs
throughout the city,” said the library system’s chief
operating officer Rica Trigs. “We hope to have a
comprehensive system that meets the needs of
not only New Orleans, but our tourists as well.”
Six libraries are under construction, and
work will begin on five more within the next
two years. Currently, there are many temporary
library branches throughout the city. Some are in
trailers or in strip shopping centers, but space is
limited for patrons to read and select literature.
The city’s economic woes have impacted the
library system. The branches have reduced
hours and open fewer days of the week.
A
PHOTO BY KYANA LANCE
But officials hope this will change soon.
The first library, the Central City location,
is scheduled to open soon, according to library
officials. The new libraries will be built on their
previous sites throughout the city and symbolize
progress for the once shuttered branches.
“We have a new Central City Library
that will be opening this month and also a new
Mid-City location that was non-existing before
Katrina,” Trigs said. “That’s going to be the
difference in our system because those two
libraries were not in place before the storm.”
“Of the 13 locations, the main library
gets the most foot traffic from people in
the Central Business District,” Trigs said.
A Treat for Your Taste Buds
Sweet sounding jazz and tasty burgers at Snug Harbor
Lending an Ear to Listen and a Shoulder to Lean On
By Meagan Walker
Mentors dedicate time to serve students at local schools through
youth outreach program program
I
f you’re looking for a way to make a
difference in a child’s life, Each One
Save One may provide that opportunity.
The non-profit organization is dedicated
to helping youth throughout New Orleans live
more productive lives. by offering positive
alternatives and encouraging better decisionmaking, according to program officials.
“Mentoring a child offers someone the
opportunity to grow personally, professionally,
and spiritually,” said Leslie Lange, program
coordinator and the newly appointed executive
director. “Every child deserves a mentor.”
Each One Save One specializes in
recruiting, training, and supporting mentors.
The mentors take a holistic approach. They
help participants who are in grades kindergarten
through 12th with conflict resolution, problemsolving, career choices and academics.
“We not only could help individuals become
mentors, but we also have partnerships with
other organizations,” said Lindsey Dubin,
the program’s mentor placement coordinator.
“We are open to helping sororities,
fraternities, alumni, and other clubs in
universities become mentors to the youth.”
Each One Save One’s slogan is Making
a Difference...One Child at a Time, and it is used
to inspire participants to live their best life. The
program was co-founded in 1994 by Sally Ann
Roberts, anchor of WWL-TV Channel 4 Morning
Show, and Cathy Harris, of C. Harris Companies Inc.
Prior to Hurricane Katrina, there were 300
Each One Save One mentors in 110 schools around
New Orleans. Currently, Each One Save One has
60 mentors and is mentoring at eight different
schools: Walter C. Cohen, Warren Easton, Sarah
T. Reed and Miller McCoy Academy high schools
along with McDonogh 15, Langston Hughes
Academy, John Dibert elementary schools, and the
Success Preparatory Academy elementary schools.
The mentoring program is open to
anyone age 18 and older and requires the
completion of a
six-hour training course.
Mentors must pass a background check and
provide three references to enter the program.
Mentors are expected to spend an
hour each week for the entire academic
year with the child they have been assigned.
For more information on Each One
Save One, visit the program’s website at www.
EachOneSaveOne.org or contact executive
director and project coordinator Leslie Lange at
504-896-9979 or lange@EachOneSaveOne.org.
By Alexis Parker
I
f you’re looking for mouth-watering
on the night, you can listen to New Orleans or
burgers, soothing jazz music and classic
nationally recognized musicians play jazz. Snug
cocktails that please your taste buds,
Harbor is a casual dinning spot and the people
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro is worth a visit.
are serious about their allegiance to this eatery.
Snug harbor is a local eatery on the
“It has awesome food and top notch
fringes of the French Quarter that sells regional
service,” said Melanie Kaufman, a Xavier
cuisine and has been around
University of Louisiana student and
for 30 years, according to
faithful diner at Snug Harbor for
the bistro’s management.
three years. “The employees really
Their specialty includes
want you to enjoy your experience.
burgers and steaks. The
The customers are excited to be here.
burgers are packed with
It all makes for such a great time.”
melted cheddar cheese,
Jazz is played every night
meat cooked to the diner’s
at Snug Harbor and there is also a
specifications, fresh crisp
balcony with extra seating where
lettuce, grilled onions, sweet
guests can hear and see New
PHOTO BY ALEXIS PARKER
tomatoes and tangy pickles.
Orleans. Menu pricing at Snug
Tourists and locals travel to this modest
Harbor is affordable with appetizers starting at
building to satisfy their carving for dishes that have
$3.50 to hamburger platters priced at $19.75.
grown legendary through word-of-mouth buzz.
While the restaurant may have less foot
traffic on a weekday, during the weekend it’s
standing room only. In fact, on any weekend,
there is usually a one to three hour waiting list.
For a $10 to $30 admission fee, depending
Traveling on the trollEy
By Brittney Rhea
PHOTO BY BRITTANY RHEA
Never too old to
play dress up
By Kirstyn Taylor
S
pending Halloween in New
Orleans is the perfect mix
of fright and fun. The tails
of ghosts walking the streets of
the historic French Quarter and
the haunted houses that occupy
several neighborhood blocks,
New Orleanians to embrace the
magic and memories that come
with celebrating Halloween
in a city that loves to party.
For Ebony Powell, a
junior at Xavier University
of Louisiana, dressing up and
going trick-or-treating is not the
only activity on her to-do list.
“Halloween is just what you do
as a kid, dress-up, getting candy,
classroom Halloween parties,
and occasional pranks on
friends,” Powell said. “It was
almost better than Christmas.”
“My all time favorite
Halloween memory was
when my mom made my
fairy princess costume, and
took me trick-or-treating. I
couldn’t decide between a
fairy or princess costume,
so she made me both.”
But
now
that
Powell is older, she has
entered a new world of
Halloween
celebrating.
“Halloween
isn’t
any less exciting,” she said.
“If anything, I probably
get
more
anxious.”
Powell said that now she takes
her younger brother trick -or-
treating, and classroom parties
are replaced with house parties
and visits to haunted houses. But
one thing that has yet to change:
her costume requirement.
“Halloween
isn’t
Halloween
without
some
sort of costume,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter what,
but a costume is a must.”
Powell admits that her
costumes over the years have
lost some material, but she
feels it is a part of adapting to
the older Halloween scene.
“I’m still the princess,
the witch, and the vampire. I’m
just a 2.0 improved edition,
with less clothing,” she said.
So what is Powell going to
be for Halloween this year?
“Well, I think I’m going to go
as Minnie Mouse, innocent,
cute, but of course with
some adult appeal,” she said.
F
or $1.25, residents and
tourists can ride on one
of New Orleans historic
streetcar lines that run down
St. Charles and Carrollton
avenues and Canal Street.
The ride begins with the
churning of gears as the wheels
grind along the track at a steady
8 mph. The city’s streetcar line
was restored a couple of years
ago following an absence due
to Hurricane Katrina. While
the streetcars may be new, the
ride is vintage New Orleans.
“I like the streetcar,” said
John Banse, who was visiting
from Iowa. “It is an opportunity
to see New Orleans’s architecture,
historical features and flavorful
culture. It is history without driving
or paying for an expensive tour.”
Tourists are not the only
people charmed by a ride on the
streetcar. Students load the car
and get off as quickly as they
sit. All groups take advantage
of one of the areas cheapest
ways to travel the city. There
are students, business people
and tourists vying for a seat on
the storied streetcar line that’s
been in existence since 1923.
“The street cars are a
symbol of New Orleans, they are
really neat,” said LeHane Nunez,
a Tulane University senior. “I live
right along the line, the ride relaxes
me from my school day. It is like
this every day, a smooth ride.”
Through the residential
Garden District, many joggers
scurry along, while the streetcar
passes cafes, retail shops and
hotels. Looking up, there are
advertisements of local venues
from day spas, restaurants,
fairground entertainment and
tattoo shops.
Signs of no
eating, drinking, smoking or
radio use are posted just behind
the cameras that boarder the
entry and exit doors of the car.
After 40 minutes, riders
have reached the end of the line.
The St. Charles Streetcar service
begins at the intersection of South
Claiborne and South Carrollton
avenues and runs through the
Carrollton neighborhood towards
the Mississippi River, then
along the Riverbend, turning
onto Saint Charles Avenue.
It passes the entrances of
Audubon Park, Tulane University
and Loyola University, continuing
through the Garden District and
ending at Canal Street in the
busy Central Business District at
the edge of the French Quarter.
“I do not know much
about the history of New Orleans
or the connection of the street
car, but it is brilliant,” said Sandy
Berry of Canada, who was in
New Orleans for a Real Estate
Convention. “The people are
amazing, it is beautiful. I can spend
all day going back and forth.”
developing today’s youth
Gert Town Center provides a safe outlet for the entire neighborhood
By Brittany Martin
PHOTO COURTESY OF www.gerttowncdc.org
D
riving down Audubon Court, you
may not notice the Gert Town
Community Development Center. The small building that the Gert Town
Center calls home looks just like a house.
However, its niche in the community can’t
be measured by the size of its facility.
The Center is a place where the
children of the community can come
after school and work on their homework
assignments, take music lessons and even
help out in the neighborhood. Inspired by it’s
mission statement, the Center is dedicated to
improving social, economic and the physical
environment in and around Gert Town.
“We focus on making a difference in this
community,”said Kaseem N. Short, the Center’s
executive director. The Center focuses on
advocacy and leadership development, crime,
education, environmental concerns, housing,
infrastructure development and recreational
alternatives for youth and senior citizens.
It offers several activities for youth
as well as senior citizens. The After-School
Tutoring and Enrichment Program is Monday
through Thursday, 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. This
program allows students, grades first to 12th
to come after school and work on homework
and other projects at no cost to the participants.
“At 6 p.m., most of the kids just walk
home because they live in the neighborhood,”
Short said. Once a month, the center also
offers an outing for the kids.The Center
also has a Mentoring Children of Promise
Program where children with a parent in
prison can be matched with a mentor who
can be a positive role model in their life.
The Center also offers the Gert Town
Summer Enrichment Camp, which is a six
week program for students in fourth through
10th grade.The program is designed to keep
them engaged both physically and mentally
during the traditional lazy days of summer.
The students are introduced to activities that
will help them in school and with the LEAP
test, an exit exam that every student in the
state must take to graduate from high school.
The youth aren’t the only ones
benefiting from the Center. Seniors also
have fun things to do. “They play a new
game called Chicken Foot, it’s kind of
similar to bingo and I told them I will never
play with them,” Short said. “They’re
really good and the games get intense.”
In addition, the Center has a
beautification program. They have committed
to planting a hundred trees in Gert Town and
the surrounding areas by the end of the year.
Community clean-ups take place to help make
Gert Town a better place to live and visit. Short
also spoke about ‘National Night out against
Crime,’ which brings the community together
to help bring down and eventually stop the
crime that goes on in the neighborhood.
The Communicator
Editors & Designers
Publisher Sheryl Kennedy Haydel