iamcreole The Creole/Cajun Publication
Samuel Cook and a “New” New Orleans Chicago’s Creole Family Reunion DJ Hot
Christmas in Louisiana
Lafayette’s Hottest DJ
Fall/Winter 2012-2013
Christian Hip Hop?
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Contents Our Stories: Cane River in Chicago...... 5-8 A Cajun Christmas Tradition... 9-12 Lafayette’s Hottest DJ........... 13-15 Faith with Jamie..................... 16-17 Samuel Cook III..................... 18-22 E5 Krew................................... 23-26 Les Creoles de Pointe Coupee..... 31
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Bonjour Readers,
I am excited to say we have finished this issue and the issues for 2012. So, how did we do? This issue was a very large project, but we felt it was worth it. I mean who else will tell these unique and fun stories? As we move into the holiday seasons, it is important to always give thanks and to reflect on the current year. I remember a time reading and subscribing to many different magazines. But, I also remember a time surfing the web and not finding much about “Louisiana Creoles nor Cajuns�. I and a team of wonderful writers, designers, and you the subscriber made all this a reality. We are now reflecting about different content ideas, stories, and layouts for 2013. We want to continue bringing this type of content to the homes of many across the nation. However, we are a small publication, a new publication, with a limited amount of funds available. There is a statistic that says most magazines will not last past 3 months. Well, here is our true test, we have just completed issue 3. We need to see if there will be a four and so forth, so please consider subscribing to this magazine for 2013. (www.iamcreole.bigcartel.com)
Editor Elroy Johnson IV
We are doing this to tell the story of the unique people who call Louisiana home, or the home of their ancestors. So, please join me in this opportunity to educate the masses about a unique culture, language, and heritage. Please tell your friends, family, and community members about this publication so we can continue forward, we have a mission. Merci Encore, Elroy Johnson IV Thank You and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to our staff/volunteers: Charlesha Anderson: Lead Graphic Designer (Sr. Graphic Design student at ORU. Career hopes are within the Church and a News Channel station. Relationship with God, family, friends, and laughing are top importance.) Writers: Jamie Mayes, Julia Dumas Wilkerson, Joshua Bonnet, Penelope McCarthy, Elroy Johnson IV, Samuel Cook III Photographers: Destiny Hagood Models: Destiny Hagood, Zach Higgins, Amy Castleberry
Lead Graphic Designer Charlesha Anderson
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“Zydeco Breakfast” a film by Tom Uhl COMING IN 2013 Breakfast was only the beginning.... “Zydeco Breakfast” dives deep into the world of Zydeco music; telling the stories of some of this cultures most influential musicians. We feature current Zydeco musicians, such as Wayne Singleton, Horace Trahan, Donna Angelle, Joe Hall, Dennis Paul Williams, Earl “Washboard” Sally, Cedric Watson, Corey Ledet, Chubby Carrier and Geno Delafose. Zydeco Breakfast
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http://www.zydecobreakfastfilm.com/
“A Community of Creoles connecting in the Windy City”
Culture
Cane River in Chicago
First of all let me just say, it was fun, friendly and very family oriented. Everyone was happy to see each other. Alot
of us were comparing family trees and also adding new members to our trees. I met a few elders that came up from the Cane River, that once lived in Chicago. I also met a few Creoles that livehere in Chicago and exchanged numbers. There were lots of hugs and kiss, and tons of Zydeco dancing. The food was nice. Over all, It was a great experience, I will be back next year for more.” • Andrea Dean an attendee
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Even as a family in itself begins with the planting of a seed, the idea for an intimate family fund-raiser is no different. It was the nonchalant topic of conversation that had sprung at a family gathering and once the idea was nourished, what sprouted was the event that will now be known as Cane River Chicago. I personally wanted to immortalize the closeness that we have between our family and friends and ultimately continue to celebrate the blessing that is life with them, and so it began. A place and a time had to be chosen and funds had to be raised.
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Having our event on the Cane River in Louisiana wasn’t an option because it had already been previously booked for the July 4th weekend, so it was obvious what had to be done. We followed in the spirit of the Olympic Games and slapped a bull’s eye on Chicago! The road to raising funds was cleverly tailored to the calendar year, and it began with a luncheon starring Santa. Soon after that holiday success we implemented a 12 week football pool that lead up to a Mardi Gras celebration that lead up to an Easter luncheon and Spring Fling dance.
We concluded our efforts with a Motown Sing along and finally we were on our way! I am pleased to say we were blessed to have over 500 people come out to the main dance that was on June 30th 2012, and over 600 come out to the picnic on July 1st 2012. It was so nice to share a great weekend with family and friends from all over. What began as a mere seed has flourished into an abundant garden of life, love, and laughter. See you in 2014! • Camille Roque
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A Cajun Christmas Tradition by:
Culture
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Pointe Coupee’s Penelope McCarthy•
For decades now, I have enjoyed the Christmas Season in God’s Country, the Island side of False River in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. My original nuclear family consisted of my parents, Ruth Guidroz and Edmond Major, Sr., my brother, Edmond Jr., my sister, Cynthia, and me. As the years passed, husbands, wives, and grandchildren were added. Christmas traditions in our family remained basically the same, however.
and I would go into the woods to locate oak trees with big clusters of mistletoe. He would shoot up into the tree and the mistletoe would rain down. My sister and I would gather the pieces, tie them together with red ribbon, and hang them over doorways.
rs received ristmas sock
family mem e l a
be
Ch
All the fem
Thus, the Christmas season began. We cut pieces of holly, laden with red berries, from the branches of a tree planted by my paternal grandmother years ago. These were arranged in a gray Wedgewood vase that was reserved for. This seasonal purpose. My husband, my sister,
My mama’s last Christmas with my brother, Edmond Jr., his wife, Jane, myself, and my mama.
s...
Christmas season officially started the day after Thanksgiving, when my mother, who adored everything to do with the holiday, started clamoring for my sister, my niece, and me to put up her tree. There was no peace until the tree was erected, decorated, and lit. Mind you, now, this tree was to remain up until January 6th, the Epiphany, which signals the start of Mardi Gras Season here in South Louisiana. Along with my mother’s determination to get the tree up, my father would awaken us the day after Thanksgiving with a very loud and extremely off-key rendition of “Joy to the World.” This concert would inevitably be met with groans and laughter.
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grocery bags filled with our explosives. After lighting our bonfire and shooting the last of the fireworks, it was time for the opening of gifts. All of the females in the family would receive a pair of Christmas socks. There was always a gift under the tree for each family pet.
There was always a gift under the tree for each family pet...
The arrival of Christmas Eve was always eagerly anticipated. Weeks previously, my father and I would make and freeze a batch of hogshead cheese. We would painstakingly place a piece of fresh parsley into the mold before it was filled with the hot meat mixture. After the cooled product was upended onto a plate, it glistened, with a beautiful piece of parsley imbedded fossil-like on the top. This was always served on saltine crackers as an appetizer on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. Most south Louisiana families serve gumbo on this special night. A huge pot of savory, steaming chicken, sausage, and okra gumbo simmered on the stove all day long. Baked sweet potatoes accompanied this traditional meal. Being greeted by this delicious aroma upon stepping into my mother’s house truly brought the realization that the holiday had arrived. Dessert was a pineapple upside down cake, made with Elliot pecans from our
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yard and brown sugar from Alma Plantation, the local sugar mill. After filling our bellies with the gumbo, sweet potatoes, and cake, we headed for the fireworks stand. No Cajun worth his salt would ever forgo fireworks on Christmas Eve! If we waited until then, we could get more bang for our buck as the fireworks always went on sale this day. We were all smiles as we headed homeward with brown paper
Our great love of the Christmas holiday and all its celebrations was instilled in us by our parents, both of whom have now passed on. Christmas is not quite the same without them. For years, my mother was a trustee on the parish library board. Each year, I put my mother’s Santa Claus hat on top of the library Christmas tree. I feel that her holiday spirit is still with us. This year brings a joyful new aspect to our family celebration as my niece and godchild, Liz, and her husband, Jim Jacobs, are expecting their first child. Trey will be the first great grandchild born into our clan. His birth represents for us both the circle of life and the continuance of our traditions!
A huge pot of Gumbo simmered on the stove all day long...
Jim Jacobs, with his wife ( my niece and godchild) Liz, are expecting their first child this December.
Jim and Liz Jacobs, my sister, Cindy and I at our bonfire after shooting the fireworks.
Pointe Coupee Library tree with my mama’s hat.
• About the Author: Penelope Major McCarthy is a 7th generation Pointe Coupee native. She is retired from the local school system and enjoys gardening, traveling, and cooking. She lives on the Island on the land that has been in the Major family since purchased by her grandfather in 1924.
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LAFAYETTE’S HOTTEST DJ
Entertainment
DJ HOT
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fluential air personalities on the radio today. Corey shows that he is indeed a modern man, in tuned with the R&B and rap-flavored zydeco of the new millennium. Yet he remains a proud Creole, showcasing the blues, French and gospel roots, while staying true to the history. Corey has also been performing as a disc jockey in local clubs and private parties for the past 10 years. At the present time Corey (DJ Hot) is drawing record breaking crowds at Mojo’s Sports Bar in the Evangeline Downs Casino in Opelousas La, where he is contracted to perform every Friday and Saturday night. He is adapted in all genere of music. A musician of talent, history and contemporary times, Corey Arceneaux is still a challenge to label. Your best bet is to just sit back and enjoy the results! • Learn the music and the history behind the music. • Always make your shows interstening and enjoyable for your audience. • Try to keep your show positive and upbeat, no matter how you are feeling that day. • Always give your 100% to your audience, and report on the facts.
Corey Arceneaux (AKA “DJ Hot”) is a challenge to fit into one category. The leader of Corey and the Zydeco Hot Peppers, Corey sports youthful looks and a boyish grin that suggests he’s just a few years removed from the senior prom. Yet in 2008, Corey released “20/20, 20 Years, 20 Tracks,” a CD that confirms that he’s not in the current class of zydeco newcomers and wannabes. His two decades behind the accordion started at age 10. He’s a member of one of zydeco’s first families, led by his late uncle Fernest, who performed and recorded worldwide as the New Prince of the Accordion for more than 50 years. Corey started in radio back in the mid 90’s when asked by Quinn Darterive (Aka “Dr. Boogie”) to join the KJCB staff. He did the Zydeco Show on Saturdays and Sundays for 2 years at KJCB before taking a break. It wasn’t until late 2008 when he was contacted by GL Haywood, then program director, to return to radio at KJCB to do the Zydeco Show. Corey then made a move to KFXZ 105.9 after being contacted by then program director, Carl T, about joining the Dream Team. He is one of the most in14
1.Tell us, why do you like being a radio personality? I like the conection with the audience. I have always been interested in being a DJ on the radio ever since I would pretend to be on the radio in my room as a kid. I would be remiss if I wouldn’t say I like the popularity that a air personality gets. In dealing with our culture and our music, we don’t get the proper representation on local media, so I try to do my part in represtating it right. 2.Why is it important for you to play top hits and zydeco on air? It is important to play the top hits inorder to keep the audience diverse, both young and old, and of different races. By playing the hits more people listen, and once you have their attention, we mix in the classics, and tell the history of our music. I personally like listening to radio shows with substance, not just playing music, I want to listing to music but also be informed. 3.Tell us about you and your family’s history involving the entertainment industry? My Uncle Russel Chaisson along with Joshua Jackson opened the first black radio station in Lafayette, LA and I would go to the station a lot as a kid. I am a member of one of zydeco’s first families, led by my late uncle Fernest Arceneaux, who performed and record recorded worldwide as the New Prince of the Accordion for
more than fifty years. My Uncle Rodney (Mr. Bernard )Bernard has played scrubboard and sang with many zydeco and blues bands. 4.Where would you like to go with your career in radio? I would love to see my show in syndication, so we can represent our culture in the right way around the world. I also like to play music from multiple geners on the radio. 5.What advice would you give others interested in a career in radio? Learn the music and the history behind the music. Always make your shows interstening and enjoyable for your audience. Try to keep your show positive and upbeat, no matter how you are feeling that day. Always give your 100% to your audience, and report on the facts. 6.Fun Question: who is your favorite radio personality and why? Tom Joyner, He is the best air personality in my eyes. Tom has an upbeat, positive show. He keeps his audience informed with both national news, current events and events improtant to our people. His show has the right mix of important information, music, and comedy. Tom has guest interviews with top celebritiesand national politicans. Tom also raises money for different schools and charitys.
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Faith
Participating in Ultimate Reciprocating Paths Of Success & Elation By: Jamie Mayes
I
t has to be one of the hottest of today- perhaps hotter than who’s dating who in Hollywood. Everyone is seeking to live in their PURPOSE! Living according to life’s purpose is a hot topic in magazines and in books. It is the basis of television shows and the focus of many individuals. While it is one of the better positive trends of current society, understanding the essence of purpose
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and living it out is still quite a problem for many. I admittedly have been one of the sufferers who was struggling to understand my purpose. My imperative press to discover where I should be in life and what I should be doing was stressed even more as I prepared to end one decade of life and geared up to enter another. I realized that I could not spend my 30’s living as I had in my 20’s, still trying to find out the purpose of my life. I waited, for I was sure that God would give me some crystal clear symbol that would define the essence of me. I read for it; perhaps, it was hidden in the pages of some enlightening book published by some author who was successful in a specialty field. I looked for it; maybe it was in a philosophical sign that would suddenly cross my path. I assumed that my purpose would arrive and I would walk in that with no problems, and certainly no second guesses. Per conversations with others and what I’d seen on television, my purpose would be profound and I would receive massive attention in my circles and acclaimed recognition from my colleagues. I had began to believe that when I walked in my purpose that I would have bountiful wealth and be the envy of all of my friends, solely because I have an exclusive relationship with my PURPOSE! Not only was this belief applicable to me, but it was the same for everyone who surrounded me. Yet, there were some things that perplexed me. If everyone in purpose is made to be a leader, then who are the followers? Who are the team members? Who is made simply to serve? Is everyone made to be great or great in their element? In order to understand my purpose, I had to gain a more universal understanding of purpose. In conversation with someone outside of my social circle (God) another revelation came to me. I considered the people who had crossed my path throughout my life- everyone ranging from fast food restaurant employees to college professors and bosses. Then, I considered the purpose they had played, whether it was providing a smile and a hot meal to ensure that I was satisfied as a customer, accepting me into a university or hiring me for a job. No matter the title or position, each of these people had a purpose and a role in my life, whether it was brief or long term. I recalled the times that a delicious meal, not prepared by myself, made me feel better after a long day. Perhaps the satisfaction of a hot meal made a difference in my attitude. Perhaps a better attitude on a particular day helped me to meet people who would benefit the rest of my life. Even more so, perhaps the grade earned in
my professors course in college provided me with the educational resources that lead to the financial means needed to purchase a meal from a fast food restaurant on a day when I was hungry, frustrated and in need of something refreshing, like a smile from an employee and a good hot meal. This epiphany helped me to understand that every person crossing my path has served a purpose in my life; whether the purpose is fulfilled and quality of the act is determined by the individual. It would be easy to assume that purpose is a life of fabulousness where everyone is glammed up and living lavishly. Yet, the truth is that purpose is about being aligned with the will of God, expressing desires to Him, and allowing Him to lead according to His plan. In discovering my true purpose, it is not the role that matters, but how the role is played. Hence, a person who understands and lives in purpose will perform any task to the best of their ability whatever the role may be. A janitor will ensure that their cleaning is superb. A teacher will provide the best educational experience possible. A president of a company will seek to make a business as successful as possible. None of the fulfillers will let the quality of work be determined by recognition or reward. For purpose is not about glory, is it about humility. Those who understand purpose are not fulfilled by financial gratification. They are fulfilled by giving and receiving positive energy. I discovered that purpose means Participating in Ultimate Reciprocating Paths Of Success & Elation. This is the essence of PURPOSE! While many people will go on to achieve acclaimed fame and notoriety, there are many who are pleasantly satisfied with living a life that is fulfilling and average. When purpose is clearly understood, then all needs are met and blessings exceed far more than individuals can ever imagine. Life is not about what is done; it is about the manner and quality of acts performed. Are you in line with your purpose?
About the Author
Jamie Mayes is a native of DeRidder, Lousiana and a high school English teacher in Northeast Louisiana. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. In 2012, she launched Motivational Inspirations, a company offering writing and speaking services. She is the author of several essays, short stories, and a collection of poetry called Tear Stained Dresses & Dusty Shoes. 17
Samuel Cook and the New, New Orleans 18
Interviewed by: Elroy Johnson
When Bob Stewart opened his first of many Red’s Furniture Store locations, he never thought he was creating a business legacy that would last for several generations. The tall, blue-eyed man with the fiery red hair and infectious, toothy grin had started several successful ventures before investing in an upscale nightclub for the city’s black college students, Angle’s Nightclub. Though he would later sell the club, it launched his career as an expert businessman. He went on to open a record store, Red’s Records, selling millions of albums for artists such as Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder. Today, he owns Robert Stewart Enterprises, a zamboni company in Grenada, Mississippi whose clients include WalMart and McDonalds. He also owns and operates an apartment complex and several other pieces of real estate in the small, rural town. “I worked all my life for myself; I never had to answer to anybody but myself. I was only doing what I had to do to provide for my wife and my kids,” says Stewart, known by most as ‘Red.’ “My dream was for my children to go into the professions: law, education, banking. I wanted them to stand on my shoulders and have greater than I did growing up in Mississippi in the 1920s and 1930s.” Stewart would get his wish. His daughter, Deidre, would go on to work as an executive with JP Morgan Chase’s Home Finance department. Still, she retired from Chase in 2004, attended culinary arts school and formed Pucci & Co. Catering in Shreveport, Louisiana in 2011. It would be his grandson, however, who would be most impacted by Stewart’s years of experience as an entrepreneur, and who would pick up the mantle of Stewart’s business empire. •“The 7th Ward Neighborhood Center”• Cook became executive director of the 7th Ward Neighborhood Center, a non-profit organization in New Orleans’ historic 7th Ward community, in 2010. Under his leadership, the 7th Ward Neighborhood Center has coordinated more than 25 public initiatives designed to improve quality of life conditions in the historic 7th Ward. He has recruited and engaged more than 866 total volunteers for a total of 3,012 total service hours and the organization has had a $346,634.87 total economic impact in the community. Founded in 2008, the Center initially served as an arts and culture hub for the 7th Ward community, host-
ing cultural economy initiatives such as story circles and lecture series by performing artists. That changed, however, under Cook’s leadership. “I was disappointed when I saw our local economy growing, but residents of the 7th Ward not growing along with it. There was a time when, particularly in the Creole Wards, you had a true, viable entrepreneurship culture. You had Circle Food Store, the Louisiana Life Insurance Company, Gertrude Geddes Willis and the Louisiana Funeral Home, Dejoie Flower Shop, United Bakery, Capital Theatre—all owned by Creoles,” Cook remarks. “The 7th Ward, 8th Ward, 9th Ward—all hubs for economic activity. My greatuncle owned a carpentry company located in the Upper 9th Ward. My generation, though, learned that success meant working a ‘good job’ like working for the city or taking a law degree. And those are fine professions, but we have to re-build the ownership class within our community, especially after the 2008 Recession.” In response, Cook launched the “Rebuild. Restore. Reinvest.” Initiative, a program which assists small business owners in accessing and utilizing tax incentives to jumpstart economic development in underserved New Orleans neighborhoods, particularly through purchasing and renovating blighted, abandoned and nuisance properties and returning them to commerce. The “Creole Canal Street” project aims to attract small businesses to the St. Bernard corridor, especially those minorityowned small businesses which fill a discernible void in the market and provide employment opportunities for 7th Ward residents. •“The Creole King of Clean”• Cook left the 7th Ward Neighborhood Center in 2011 to return to the private sector after being recruited to work as an executive with a private education management company. Though, according to Cook, he never intended to become a small business owner, it was the example his grandfather set that caused him venture into private business. “My Granddad is a mountain of a man in my eyes,” says Cook. “At 87, he still serves as president of his company, still collects his owns rents, and even still goes out and chops his own kindling for the fireplace. Business has literally kept him alive, kept him strong.” “I went to visit Granddad during Christmas, I believe, 19
and I was just sitting around listening to him talk about his life and I will never forget the look of pride on his face when he told me he’d been in business for himself all his adult life—he’d never had to call anyone else ‘boss.’ That resonated with me.” Still, Cook was hesitant to invest during a tough economy. When he was laid off after only 6 months and encountered difficulty finding a new job, he decided to take his last $500 and found Orleans Cleaning Services, a full-scale estate, residential and commercial janitorial and housekeeping company. Leaving the security of a steady salary wasn’t easy. “Murphy’s Law states that whatever can go wrong will, and that’s exactly what happened,” says Cook. “One of my cars broke down, the other was involved in an accident, my business laptop died. I began to wonder if I’d made the right decision. I had to fight to stay optimistic and had to learn to rely on that small, still voice within us all that says ‘press forward.’” Amid the uncertainty, Orleans Cleaning Services is the fastest growing, independently-owned housekeeping and janitorial company in Southeast Louisiana. The company has over 300 loyal clients to support it, employs three New Orleans residents and is looking to open Orleans Cleaning Services-Northshore in the near future.. Around the city, Cook is known as “The Creole King of Clean,” a title he wears proudly. “Being an entrepreneur is among the most difficult undertakings of my life. It’s early mornings, it’s last nights, it’s being told ‘no’ more times than you’re told ‘yes;’ it isn’t for the faint of heart or people who are looking to get rich quick. The moniker ‘Creole King of Clean’ means that my customers value my company and my work. That’s what is most important to me.” Cook carries a copy of Booker T. Washington’s The Negro in Business to remember his commitment to business and education. As father to an adoptive son, Lance, Cook hopes that someday Orleans Cleaning Services can be passed down to him.
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•Politics• One area where Cook has made inroads outside of his family has been in the area of politics. Though he insists he isn’t interested in running for elected office, Cook has held several leadership positions within the Democratic Party. He has served as chairman of the Young Democrats of New Orleans, and state fundraising chairman for Young Democrats of Louisiana, and as Generation 44 coordinator for President Obama’s re-election effort in the state. He was inspired to become involved in local politics, he says, because of what he viewed as government’s unwillingness to act on behalf of its citizens at the height of the jobs crisis. As Generation 44 coordinator, Cook is responsible for recruiting, training and engaging young professionals for the Obama campaign. In addition, he assists with fundraising events for the President. Most recently, he helped coordinate President Obama’s visit to New Orleans during the National Urban League Conference. With such an accomplished career in Democratic Party politics, Cook caused a small uproar when he abruptly changed his Party affiliation to the GOP in August of this year. He caused an even greater uproar when he announced that he was spearheading “Republicans for Obama” in the deeply red state. “There are very few people who don’t agree with low taxes, policies that favor small businesses, relief for the middle class and charity for the poor,” says Cook. “No one disagrees with individual liberties and personal responsibility. Where my Party errs is trying to use government to regulate folks’ sex lives, their ability to marry, whether or not they can vote. We’re the Party of freedom; we have to act like it.” The Republican Party, Cook says, has done a terrible job of conducting outreach to minorities, and has allowed an element that is hostile to control the policy-making, something he hopes to change. “I believe the core message of the Republican Party is consistent with how the majority of black America and Latino America feels—that, as Abraham Lincoln said, ‘the legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to
have done, but cannot do, at all, or cannot, so well do, for themselves…In all that the people can individually do as well for themselves, government ought not to interfere.’” •Questions• 1. Who has been your biggest influence in becoming an entrepreneur, social advocate, and involved in community politics? Wow! I have to be honest, the weight of family legacy isn’t lost on me. My grandparents definitely set the example for me, and I’m grateful for the lessons they gave me as a youngster. My Granddad has a Midas touch when it comes to business, so I learned some things at his knee. Conversely, my grandmother, the Rev. Cassandra CookButler, lived a life such that social justice was its axiom. It was her example as a social worker, educator and pastor of my childhood church, Wesley United Methodist, that truly showed me how important working in the community was and how it was not only good, but an obligation. That’s remained with me. 2. Why are you so passionate about the present state of small businesses in New Orleans? People are hurting. We’re beginning to see signs of recovery in our economy, but small businesses are really the engines of economic growth, and are vital to building an economy that’s ‘built to last,’ so to speak. So, my passion for small business growth stems from that. The majority of jobs that are created in the nation are created by small business. 3. What do you think the future holds for New Orleans’ local economy? I’m concerned, but optimistic. New Orleans is hemorrhaging young talent because of a paucity of good-paying jobs. I appreciate economic development in any form, but we need to work to bring manufacturing jobs to New Orleans, to bring Fortune 500 companies to the city, to support small business owners. Our economy functions best when the middle class is thriving. When they have disposable income, they spend it and support our local economy. When we support them, we not only do our city a service, but our nation. I’m very concerned about issues like wage stagnation and low net worth for New Orleanians. These are all economic issues.
Still, I applaud Mayor Landrieu and our City Council because I believe they are pro-growth leaders for our city. 4. What are the biggest issues for the 7th and 9th Wards, 7 years after Hurricane Katrina? Infrastructure. Job creation. Access to services. We still struggle with those things. It’s very frustrating, but in some ways missed opportunities for enterprising personalities. We’re waiting on the Waltons and the David Dillon to come into our communities and open grocery stores—I’d prefer [Circle Food Store owner] Dwayne Boudreaux or the amazing work Troy Henry and Wendell Pierce are doing with Sterling Farms. They’re local, they’re invested in the community; its citizens aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. That’s what we need here. But government also has a role to play. Sterling Farms is great, but if the roads are so bad delivery trucks can’t get there, that’s an economic issue—and infrastructure in those communities is terrible. Case and point, my crew nearly lost out on a major contract in the 9th Ward because there are no street signs in many communities. They drove around the vicinity of the project site for 30 minutes before they found the place. So, when we talk about government creating an environment where businesses can thrive, it’s not just the tax code. 5. As of right now, do you see your future more involved in business or politics? I have honestly never given thought to making a bid for elected office, primarily because I relish my independence. I don’t want to have to wait in line or genuflect to some ‘master plan’ in order to work to effect change. That said, I have at times been deeply disappointed in our city’s leadership and their seeming indifference to the issues that real New Orleanians care about. So, the question is, I have no idea! 6. What advice do you have for the youth interested in becoming entrepreneurs and social advocates? My advice to both is the same: always put people before profits. People are our most valuable resource, and we have to invest our time and energy into them. The reward will come later.
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Cook with his grandfather, businessman Bob Stewart
Cook and Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Barack Obama
Cook and his son, Lance, at the 7th Ward Neighborhood Center in New Orleans’ historic 7th Ward 22
Cook and New Orleans Mayor, Mitch Landrieu
Entertainment
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E5 Krew is a group of five young men with passion-
ate hearts about communicating the heart of God through their music. The “E5” stands for Ephesians, chapter five, a passage in the Bible that describes the characteristics and values of men and women following Christ. All five of these men met in college, at Abilene Christian University, in West Texas. Two of the members, Vinc and Demarco recently graduated, and the other three, Brandon, Joshua, and Brady will all be graduating within the next year. For E5 Krew, forming at music group in college was not something that either of them had planned. They are convinced that God had brought them together to build a strong brotherhood, and to use them in their gifts and talents to glorify Him. E5 Krew officially started in the fall of 2009, during Brady, Brandon, and Vinc’s sophomore year, and Joshua’s freshman year. Brady, Brandon and Vinc already had a connection to each other because they were a year older, but that did not stop Joshua from pursuing friendship with them. He was introduced to the three in a meeting for an on campus organization, and began to immediately connect with each of them. Soon, the four of them started hanging out together all regularly. A natural and authentic unity had been formed between them. One day, after a meeting, Brandon let Joshua hear a few songs he had written, produced, and recorded. Upon hearing these songs, Joshua got really excited because he had been hoping to meet and befriend other musicians like himself, when he got to college. He also discovered that Vinc was a really good poet and had written songs in the past, but never really did anything with them. One Friday night, the three of them were hanging out and decided to collaborate on an instrumental, just for fun. However, after making the instrumental, they wrote a song to it and recorded it in the same week. This is where it all began. The title of their very first song was called We at War, which is featured on their first album, Here to Stay (2011). Brady was not a part of this song because he had not officially joined the group yet. Brandon, Vinc, and Joshua offered Brady to be a part of the group, but his excuse was that he wasn’t really a good rapper, and he didn’t want to intrude on what the three of them had already formed. The other three would not accept no for an answer. They were persistent with him for three days, assuring him that he did have the 24
talent and skill to make good music, and that he would not be intruding, but rather enhancing the group. When he realized that they were serious about making music, and really wanted him to join, Brady finally accepted the invitation. Because they were a new group, and still had school and other commitments, it took them a while to complete their first project. They began working on Here to Stay at the beginning of 2010, and finally completed it in February of 2011. After being together for about two years, E5 Krew realized that they had been missing a member. DeMarco had been a good friend, fan and supporter of the group since they first started, and had expressed interest in joining. The other four new that he was gifted in music, and producing, and said that they would pray and discuss about adding DeMarco to the group, but were never intentional about it. After a year or so of sitting on the idea, and being highly convicted for leaving DeMarco hanging, they began to get serious about it. They started intentionally praying and discussing about bringing him into the group. They all felt strongly about him joining, and at the beginning of 2012, DeMarco became the fifth member of E5 Krew. Shortly after DeMarco joined the group, the group released their second album, H.O.P.P.E, in April of 2012. This album received a lot of positive feedback from people in the ACU community and other fans of the group. H.O.P.P.E is available on iTunes, amazon, and other online music stores. Currently, E5 Krew is working on their third project, which will be titled Unknown. They are aiming to release the album early next year. They are also working on a few individual projects as well; Brady (aka Phoenix) will be putting out a free mixtape in December, Vinc and Josh (aka Poetic Art and Jai-Rise) are working on a free album that will also be out in December, and Brandon and DeMarco (aka Conviction and B.U.G.S) are thinking about releasing their own project as well. God has given all five of these young men musical and artistic talent and ability, but they are not defined by these things. More importantly than the nice beats, good lyrics and vocals, these young men are catalysts for making Christ’s name known to the people who listen. Not in a condemning or judgmental way, but in a genuine and transparent way in which others can relate to.
Joshua Bonnett: I go by the name of Jai-Rise, but my real name is Joshua Bonnett. I was born on January 19th, 1991, in Phoenix, Arizona. I have two older brothers, a younger brother, and a younger sister who I just met two years ago. I was raised in Phoenix by a single mother, until I was about nine years old, then my mother got married to my step-dad, who was in the military. We moved to California, then Hawaii, and back to Phoenix. In 2006, my dad retired, and we moved to San Antonio, Texas. I am currently a senior at Abilene Christian University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English. I would not be the man I am today if it wasn’t for the grace of God. I grew up not knowing who my biological father was, I had serious anger problems, and I struggled with identity, trying to do things just to gain acceptance please everyone else. I even contemplated suicide on multiple occasions. I have had to overcome many obstacles, but the Lord has been faithful. I have been doing music since I was about six, and it has always been a passion of mine. As recent as a few years ago, I decided to start using my gifts to glorify God. I plan to continue using my musical abilities to honor God, build up the believers, and to offer hope and truth to people who don’t know how much God loves and cares for them.
Brady Robinson aka Phoenix: I love music. I always have. My mom tells me stories from my childhood of me screaming out “You are my sunshine” because music has always been a joy to me. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio I have been exposed to many different types of music. But in middle school I realized I had this love of smooth lyrics that were not sang, but rapped. I loved the beats and the creativity of the different flows. So I fell in love with Eminem, Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye West. Through high school my knowledge of this music grew a great deal. But when I got to college I grew close to the Lord. As this process took place, I started to have a passion for Rap but in the Christian arena. And I started to fall in love with guys like Flame, Sho Baraka, and Yaves. When I started writing my own lyrics, my biggest thing was how I have died to myself and rose again as a beautiful creature in Christ; thus my stage name, Phoenix, portraying that death to life experience. To explain that concept even further, I am releasing my first project, “The Rising” this December. For more information you can find me at either of these two places: facebook.com/iamfromthedust or twitter.com/PhoenixG220. Singles and videos will be available leading up to the album as well. And the best part, it will all be free! 25
Brandon Holmes I was born January 17, 1990 in St. Louis, MO. My family was full of brokeness: alcoholics, drug abusers, thieves, gang-bangers; you name the struggle, my family struggled with it. Choosing to abstain from that way of living proved difficult growing up, since I was constantly surrounded by it. It got to a point where I would isolate myself and never speak my thoughts (doing so would result in a barrage of personal attacks from every member of my family). Yet even though I was engulfed by temptation, darkness, guilt, ridicule, and even abandonment, God still had a plan for my life. This plan became evident as I was introduced to God’s love to me through his Son and decided to give my life to Christ at age 11. I gained a new identity, a new family, and a new calling; God opened my eyes to the numerous blessings he had for me. Now I choose to live bold and unashamed for Christ because he is the renewer of my strength (Isaiah 40:31).
Vince I might be known behind the microphone as Poetic Art, but since August 17th, 1990 I’ve gone by Vincson Tyrone Green II. I was born in Riverside, CA to my loving parents Vincson and Linda Green. I’ve lived in Portland, OR and Las Vegas, NV, but I grew up in Vancouver, WA, so that’s my hometown. I’m twenty-two years old now and I just graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Theater from Abilene Christian University this past May. One of my greatest struggles has been balancing my passions for theater and for hip hop. My dream, since I was freshman in college, was to go to graduate school for Theater, but when my senior year came, God began closing doors and speaking to me that He had different plans for me. Those plans included passing up an offer from an agent to partner with her seeking acting work in New York, and instead staying in Abilene to help build E5. It’s been difficult to submit to Him and choose Him over myself, but it is the cross that He’s called and asked me to take up. I want my life to make much of who He is, rather than me making much of myself. In the long run, my hope is to continue making music and using theater that will train up the youth in the way they should go.
Demarco Howard ost people know my love for Bugs Bunny in which the name B.U.G.S came from but me parents have known me M as DeMarco Howard. I was born on March 22,1899 in Houston, Texas. Currently twenty-four years old now and a graduate with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree from Abilene Christian University. When it come to who I am, I guess you can say that I’m an artist, dancer,rapper,stepper,designer all rapped in to one and much more. After I completed my degree, I stayed in Abilene, Texas for an extra year to get some work experience as well as to join E5. Holding up to 5 jobs at once, leading 2 campus organization and writing lyrics really kept me busy. Although I would have loved to continue my stay in Abilene, I was lead to move back home to blessing that were to be shown a few months after. God told me to do what he asked and although it wasn’t my first choice, it was his choice. I currently work for a major airline under data entry, a local dance academy, and created a new hip hop and step ministry at my home church. My goal is to take the talents God has given me and share them with others to glorify our Heavenly Father. 26
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Family
Home is... where Creole is...
By Julia Dumas Wilks of OnBeingJulia.Blogspot.com
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I
believe I’ve caught a case of Creole-itis. It is a disease you catch when you miss your Creole roots. I grew up in Southern Louisiana, but ironically I was uncomfortable claiming my Creole heritage. It was never appropriate to identify as Creole in Louisiana. It was deemed unnecessary, even arrogant. It is like walking down the street in America proclaiming to be an American. Big whop, everyone else is too! Others took offense because they perceived our Creole claim was an escape route from blackness. In an effort not to separate ourselves from our black brothers and sisters, we silenced ourselves of our birthright. It was not until I left the great land of Louisiana that I realized how blessed I am culturally to be a Louisiana Creole. I missed the loud conversations in both English and French Creole and the weird hybrid of the two. Aunts and uncles bouncing back and forth as they sought fit. I never knew my grandfather even spoke English for many years. He always spoke Creole. My grandmother would often translate. Looking back, I think he did that just so we children would not bother him. I miss the crawfish boils in the summer. I miss wearing shorts at Christmas. I miss running around in sugar cane fields and catching bugs of all sorts. I miss shucking corn and peeling shrimp and doing anything else my elders had me to do before a family fest. I even miss the beauty of the Catholic Church, though I am not Catholic. This was normal. This was home. This was my Creole life. Pause.
Now imagine moving over 1,000 miles away to the East Coast. It is beautiful but bland. I felt the need to tone down my Louisiana spiciness. I tried hard to change my accent which brought many stares. All I wanted to do was blend in; however, I was bombarded with questions. “Where are you from?” Many thought I was Jamaican or Puerto Rican. I didn’t even know what a Puerto Rican was! Though neither is true, I felt like I was an immigrant from a strange land. The food, music, and people were different. People are more direct and assertive. A fast paced was encouraged. This was opposite to the polite, relaxed culture of the South. “What are you?” Ah, the ever present question of race. I learned from a young age that I was a strong black woman. Don’t discuss your mixed heritage. I always answered, “I’m black”. Since the East Coast is so diverse, my claim to being solely black was challenged because I didn’t look like the blacks in this area. So, when people would see my mother or my grandmother they were convinced I was mixed, the next question was with what?
I no longer beat around the bushwhen informing people I am originally from Louisiana. Most people now are intrigued by the culture. I am often designated to make Jambalaya for my company pot luck. Many assume (correctly) that I am of Creole heritage. It has given me an opportunity to explain how wonderful our food, music and people are. Though I no longer live in Louisiana, I find ways to take my Creole with me. My home is filled with art purchased in New Orleans, the sounds of my father’s favorite jazz musicians, and a pot of a Creole family recipe. This allows me to be Creole right where I stand. Honoring my Creoleness allows me to acknowledge every part of my heritage. It allows me to be whole. It allows me to be free.Home is where the Creole is.
I would then have to reveal my French, German, Spanish and Native roots. Then they would tell me, “You’re not black!” I always thought it was funny how a complete stranger thought they had more of an accurate description of who I am than I did. Yes, I am black racially. That is how I chose to identify, but ethnically I am Creole. Let’s not forget my nationality is American. Being one does not negate the other. 29
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Les Creoles de Pointe Coupee Preserving the Louisiana Créole Language
One of the many treasures of Louisiana’s culture is the Créole heritage—the language, traditions and history. The foundation of every culture is its language. Louisiana’s Créole language originated during the early 18th century colonial period as a blend of the languages spoken by the Native Americans, Africans, French and Europeans. It became a common thread of oral communication for all the people in the Louisiana colony. Créole simply means “native born”. Various Créole languages developed in colonial regions throughout the world—each distinct to that region. Pointe Coupée Parish’s colonial history dates back to the early 1700s. Upriver from New Orleans, Pointe Coupée was a pivotal part of the economic development of the colony with its rich alluvial soil for agriculture. Together with other longstanding traditions, the Créole oral tradition in Pointe Coupée continues to this day through a small number of community members who can speak and/or understand the language of their ancestors. Remarkably, one remaining member of the community speaks only Créole to this day. Language is the root of all cultures. It is important to keep Louisiana’s Créole language and culture alive. Over the centuries, Louisiana Créole has become a dying language. In Pointe Coupée Parish there is an effort to preserve the language of the ancestors by those who still speak it. Créole was the only language spoken in many families at one time. However, as the centuries passed, Créole was spoken less and less causing the language to become almost extinct.
Many people can understand the language because they grew up with parents and grandparents speaking it in their homes. The fact that in the early 20th century it was not allowed to be spoken in school caused the language to begin to die out. Les Créoles de Pointe Coupée—organized as a non-profit organization in December
2000—celebrates its 12th year preserving the Créole language of Pointe Coupée. They are the only ongoing organization
in Louisiana whose members are native speakers of the region’s nearly 300 yearold oral tradition. They learned the language by listening to and/or speaking with their elders, some of whom spoke only Creole. The members of Les Créoles de Pointe Coupée are dedicated to preserving the oral tradition of their ancestors—a people of gentility and grace who loved to entertain with music and food (la miszik avec manje). Every Monday night members meet at the Father Joseph Conway Rodney Center on the grounds of St. Augustine Catholic Church in New Roads to continue the tradition by speaking the language. Complimentary lessons for all ages are provided using words, phrases, sayings, prayers, songs and common dialogue in Créole. The members also interpret one another’s stories in Créole. Each meeting opens with Créole versions of the Our Father and Hail Mary prayers followed by their theme song Kamon Sa Va (How’s it going?). Since Louisiana Créole is an oral language, any written translations are phonetic. Therefore spelling of words will vary. The oral tradition is about unique pronunciation and sentence structure. People in different areas of Louisiana speak Créole with a different twist or rhythm. Louisiana Créole is sometimes spoken with an accent at the end of a sen-
tence, while in Pointe Coupée it is spoken more poetically with a flowing rhythm. The Creole speaking people want to keep the language and the tradition going. So in order to further spread awareness of the language (outside of the Monday night classes), members of Les Créoles de Pointe Coupée visit schools and perform at conferences, community affairs and festivals. They often take with them a display of artifacts of the Créole culture— washboards, cast iron cookware, kettles, sample bales of cotton, and old documents. The members sing at funerals and in churches, whenever they are invited. Currently, they are working on various projects including an audio book of their stories and songs. Most popular to the public are their performances of familiar songs, especially old slave songs. One of their favorite songs includes: Vole laba, vole laba Vole laba kote Jezi Vole laba, vole laba paradi Mo pa gen tan pou reste i cit. Steal away, steal away Steal away to Jesus Steal away, steal away home I ain’t got time to stay here.
In the true spirit of Créole and continuing the language spoken by those before them, Les Créoles de Pointe Coupée continues to thrive, making every effort to ensure that the language remains alive for the next generation. Julie E. Lee Mary V. Jackson The photo: Members of Les Créoles de Pointe Coupée after a performance at Little Zion Baptist Church in Maringouin, LA (Front Row, L to R: Mildred V. Duhe, Mary G. Croom; Back Row, L to R: Mary V. Jackson, Alma Ashford, Mary B. Derosin)
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Jackie Simien grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, but spent part of many childhood summers in Beaumont. She attended Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge on a full academic scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications with minors in English and history in 1993. Following her college graduation, Jackie interned at WFTV Channel 9, the ABC affiliate in Orlando, Florida. The internship was the result of a National Association of Black Journalists competition Jackie won in her senior year at LSU. She began her professional career in her hometown at the NBC affiliate, KPLC-TV, as a reporter and host of a monthly public affairs program. Jackie has been working as a journalist in Southeast Texas since 1994. Her achievements include a first place Press Club Award for “A Burglar’s Trade Secrets,” a series in which she spoke with burglars about how they commit their crimes and offered information to viewers on how to avoid becoming a victim; interviews with President George W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle, as well as entertainers Merv Griffin, Burt Reynolds and Beyonce’.
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