The
Jambalaya Magazine
The Creole/Cajun Publication
Summer in South Louisiana
Summer Destinations in Louisiana ◆ Charles Jolivette- the Creole Entrepreneur ◆ Louisiana's Educational Issues ◆ Recipes & Fashion Summer 2013
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contents Our Stories: Contents..................................... 4 Editors Letter.............................. 5 The Voyages of Von Nola.........6-7 Zydeco Extravaganza...............8-9 Gospel zydeco............................11 Fashion.................................12-13 The Creole Entrepreneur.....14-15 Summer Spots..................... 16-19 Faith.....................................20-21 Recipies................................22-23 Education in Louisiana........24-25
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Y’all,
the summer issue of The Jambalaya Magazine is in your hands. We worked hard and around the clock for this issue. We did something a little different, we did a nature shot for the cover. We wanted to showcase some natural beauty of Louisiana. I must say I have been to almost half of the states in the U.S., and Louisiana has some unparalleled natural beauty. In saying this, our cover story highlights several areas to visit in Louisiana. I think you will enjoy the fact that these are less known places in Louisiana. We are encouraging you to get off the beaten path a little bit and explore the bayou! We had fun with this issue. We attended the Zydeco Extravaganza in Opelousas in May, thanks to the Cravins for hosting us. We have included some images of the event and hope you will attend in 2014. We also have some great summer seafood recipes, faith content, and special interest stories- including a Baton Rouge resident’s view point of the Jindal administration in the likes of the education environment in Louisiana.
Jambalaya, and visit us online for everything Jambalaya at www.jambalayamagazine.com Blessings in God, culture, and family, Elroy Johnson IV Editor & Founder Thanks to our staff and volunteers Charlesha Anderson, Lead Graphics Designer Joleen Llorence, Summer Intern Whitney Dabney, Fashion Producer Jamie Mayes, Faith/Spiritual Content Writer Shemica Johnson & DJ Lopez, Models —— Special Guests Writers —— Rogers Cooper - Education in Louisiana Charles Jolivette - Creole Entrepreneur Jason Holmes - Voyages of Von Nola Dana Rodrigue - Food/Recipes Beatrice Ward - Gospel zydeco Maya Washington - Grand Family Reunion
I hope you enjoy this issue and it makes you think. Please note that some of the viewpoints expressed by our writers does not necessarily reflect The Jambalaya’s viewpoint. We hope to start conversation around issues such as education in Louisiana, after all Louisiana ranks 49th in education. This ranking is solidified by the fact that the majority of our readers live outside of Louisiana, and a lack of a good education is one of those reasons. With that being said, enjoy this issue of the magazine. Also, you will notice our brand, The Jambalaya Magazine, has branched into an online apparel store. We want to bring some bayou fashion to you. So, check out the shirts, jewelry and even photographs of Louisiana for sale online at www.jambalayamagazine.com. Please note we do use a portion of all sales for donations to inner-city middle schools in Baton Rouge, LA. Please do not forget to subscribe to our magazine, Shop 5
The Voyages of Von Nola
Culture
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Von comes from New Orleans and gives credit for his creativity to his city. He is a international YouTuber and photographer. He has been to Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Portugal, Germany and Italy for his work. He does all of this, while serving in the United States Air Force.
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Curley Taylor
Zydeco Extravaganza 2013 Photography by Elroy Johnson
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Zydeco Extravaganza was started in May of 1987 by the Cravins Family as a way to revive the Creole culture in St. Landry Parish and surrounding areas. It was a natural extension of The Cravins Brothers Zydeco & Info Show, a local Zydeco radio show hosted by Donald and Charles Cravins. The event, which started at the Blackham Coliseum, has since been moved to Evangeline Downs Racino in Opelousas, La, allowing for an outdoor stage as well as an indoor stage in the recently built Event Center at Evangelin Downs.
Zydeco Extravaganza draws Zydeco fans from all over the country and world each Memorial Day weekend. Every year it features the ever popular amateur accordion contest, which is always a crowd favorite. It is the largest one day Zydeco festival in the world, with crowds numbering in the thousands. Zydeco's biggest names such as: Beau Jocque, Boozoo Chavis, Keith Frank, Terrance Simien, Curley Taylor, Geno Delafose, Zydeco Force, and Chris Ardoin have graced the stages of Zydeco Extravaganza. Its continued growth has been a tremendous asset to the revitalization of Creole culture.
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www.RonaldGreen.com
Culture
Gospel Zydeco
Lady Beatrice Ward & Angelic Voices
A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Lady Beatrice Ardoin Ward lead one of the hottest Gospel Groups out of Houston, Texas today. Backed by her Angelic Voices and a 4-piece rhythm section, they put on a very powerful show. They are also known for their smooth a cappella singing. As of March 2010, Lady Bea is also known for singing Cajun/Zydeco music which includes the accordion, drums, & scrub board. Established since March 1982, Lady Bea has shared the stage with national artists such as Shirley Caesar, The Canton Spirituals, The William Brothers, Lee Williams & Spiritual QC's, Donald Lawrence, The Keynotes, The Bolton Brothers, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Yolanda Adams, and has previously appeared on Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Show (BET) as well.
Lady Bea & Angelic Voices are active members of the Houston Gospel Announcers Guild. Lone Star Association awarded Lady Bea as Female Vocalist of the Year 1999. They have received many Proclamations from the Mayor of Houston. National Register Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals has also included Lady Beatrice Ward & Angelic Voices in their 2000 edition. In August 2002, Lady Beatrice Ward & Angelic Voices attended International Business Conference & Showcase. Their performance was so fabulous that they were selected to participate in a 13-City tour in Italy during that year. One year later, December 2003, this phenomenal group returned to Italy. Then, October 2008, Lady Bea & Angelic Voices had an opportunity to sing in France. They now have 6 recordings to their credit. On March 28, 2010 Lady Beatrice Ward & Angelic Voices released a new CD entitled Gospel Experience. This CD includes a Zydeco Gospel remix Running for Jesus featuring J. Paul Jr. & the Zydeco Nubreeds. In 2010, the single Running for Jesus-Zydeco remix hit the Top 5
Chart consecutively for 4 weeks in Houston, Texas; this song has hit #1 on chart three times as well. Also, Gloryland Gospel has rated the single One Blessing in the Top 20. The Musbo Company has rated this Gospel Experience CD #8 on the Top 10. List of Awards: ◆ August 2010, En Sound Entertainment / En Sound Music Award and Conference, nominated Lady Beatrice Ward & Angelic Voices for Best Traditional Gospel Album-Gospel Experience and Best Traditional Gospel Performance for the single One Blessing. ◆ November 27, 2010, Texas Gospel Announcers Guild awarded Lady Beatrice Ward & Angelic Voices as Artist of the Year. ◆ December 18, 2010, Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards presented this dynamic group with the Up & Coming Artist Award. ◆ February 17, 2011, Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards presented Lady Bea with the Legend Award. ◆ February 18, 2011, Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards presented Lady Bea & Angelic Voices the Gospel Group Category winner. ◆ February 17, 2012, (2nd Term) TGMEA presents Lady B & AV (same as above) ◆ February 8, 2013 (2nd Term) Gospel Group of the Year. www.ladybeaangelicvoices.com BOOKINGS CONTACT: Lady Bea @ (832) 283-2087
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Fashion
Fashion For Now:
Featuring Whitney Dabney
Summer 2013 is here! That means it's time for pool parties, back yard barbecues, and family vacations! You can be fashionable and still have fun in the sun! As the seasons change, so do the trends with our hair, makeup, and clothing. So to keep up with the current styles and see how to look good for this year's summer season keep reading.
≈≈Neon Makeup! "Girls just wanna have fun!" Be adventurous this season with bold and bright neon colors on your face! Just make sure to blend. Model Cherae Leri is wearing multiple neon colored eyeshadows to bring attention to the eyes. To add some depth, we added a pop of color on the lower lash line. Then placed a black eyeliner on the top and bottom lash line and winged out the ends. This is sure to grab some positive attention. On the cheeks for a rosey look use a pink blush with hints of red. Lastly, add a fuchsia colored lip stain, this color looks great on all skin tones.
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≈≈What do I do with my hair? Summertime is all about fun in the sun, so why not go lighter and brighter with your hair? We've all seen the ombre hair trend, where the hair is darker at the roots and has a gradient effect to lighter tones toward the ends. Here, the model is rocking multi dimensional blondes that will reflect beautiful golden tones in the sun. She also has a angled bob hair cut that frames the face. With this type of cut it is easy to just get up and go! It also prevents having to deal with dense, heavy hair in the summer that will just add to the heat from those sun rays! This is a great style for anyone!
≈≈Golden Summer Makeup If you like a more simple look when it comes to makeup this is the look for you. In the summer you want to wear colors that will reflect nicely on your skin tone and give you a gorgeous glow. Here, model Jessica Ashley is wearing a baked, shimmery gold eyeshadow on the lids, and a deep brown in the crease for blending purposes. On the cheeks she has a rose toned blush, with gold undertones to work as a natural looking bronzer. For her lips she's wearing a soft pink lipstick with a clear gloss to add a pop of color to the face.
≈≈What to wear! As a fashionista who loves to save, I've always loved DiY's. This outfit is almost a complete DiY or (do it yourself.) I'm pretty sure you have an old t-shirt that you only wear around the house and a pair of jeans that you've had for years. Well it's time to reuse & recycle! In the summer no one wants to wear a lot of clothes and be more hot than what we already are, so get your scissors out! For the top, this can be made by simply folding your t-shirt in half long ways. Next, cut the sleeves off from under neath the arm and upward toward the collar, make the sleeves as narrow as you choose. Then, cut the bottom straight across to make the shirt a crop-top. There you have your own summer tank top! Simple right? For the shorts you'll need to cut the legs to your desired length. On the front add a few slits to give a worn-vintage look. Around the back part of the legs cut strips along the bottom ridges. Now start your wear and tear. You can do this by hand or with any sharp tool you choose. Pull the loose threads around the parts that you cut until you start to see the cotton become stringy. Lastly, wash your shorts and put them in the dryer. They should end up looking like this. For the accessories keep it simple. The model is wearing a pair of diamond studs, a choker style gold chain & a big face gold watch. This will add some glam to your casual summer outfit. For the shoes, just add your favorite pair of tennis shoes. If you're not willing to color or go short with your hair, you can keep your long locks and just pull them into a simple pony tail. This messy fish tail style was created by making a two-strand side braid with thin pieces of hair.
≈≈About The Author
Whitney D. is a professional makeup artist, hair stylist, and photographer located in Houston, TX. She is also a YouTube beauty & fashion blogger. You can follow her in more ways than one! Follow her on Twitter @CreoleBeauty904 and on YouTube and Facebook by searching CreoleBeauty904. For further information please visit www.WhitneyD.com. 13
Heritage
The Creole Entrepreneur Charles Jolivette
handsome, supremely charismatic man would go on to become the most outstanding rap star to ever exist. I tell people, after listening to him speak in public and seeing rare interviews, he was born to be a politician, not a rapper. But I guess that was his was of telling what was on his heart. Early experiences like these really helped shape me. Also, having teachers like Joanne Bartolotti and a mother who always pushed me and believed in me, helped.
Charles Jolivette
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et's see. I know I've done a lot of things in the entertainment business--but it all started back in the 3rd grade. I knew I had potential as a writer because outside of playing basketball, it's all I wanted to do. I remember writing a letter to Maya Angelou, who at the time was my favorite poet and a professor at Wake Forest University. A month or so later I received a reply letter in the mail. BOY, was I excited. She encourages me to keep writing, thats pretty much what I remember from that. Two years later I met Tupac Shakur at the Festival LAke Merrit in Oakland California. I didn't know it at the time, but this suave, 14
I grew up in San Francisco California. But likely, not the one you imagine. There weren't golden gates in my section. I grew up around the corner from a placed called Kill Zone. In the 90's it was the murder capital of the world, per capita. Amazing, right? You think San Francisco, you think big money. And its accurate. But there are some rough sections in SFC. My mother was the catalyst for keeping all her boys and her lone baby girl out of trouble and producing positive things in and out of the classroom. Instead of hanging out outside, getting into trouble and/ or joining gangs we were active in Boys & Girls clubs, all sports, altar boys in church, the whole 9. She kept us busy. I was often eager to write about what I saw in the streets of San Francisco. And thats where my love of writing began. At 17 I wrote my first album, Dream Returned. Using money I made from two part time jobs, I recorded it at 18 and released 100 copies, mostly handing them out to
friends and selling a few here and there. I had samples from Malcolm X speeches on there. I was real political and wanted to share my views with the world. 12 years and many projects later, I'm still at it. Many people ask me since I've moved to New Orleans, where and why I love it so much. Well, my roots are here. In those small towns like Lawtell and MAllet and Opelousas. My grandmother's from Chatagnier. Creole is in me and I grew up hearing her speak to relatives in that "broken French" as I heard some people call it. I later learned it was Creole. I was always intrigued and engaged by our culture, even in California where I didn't know many Creoles outside my family. In 2008 I began working on a screenplay entitled Etouffee. It took me nearly 3 years to rewrite the script into book format and release it to the world. Since then I've released CREOLE the perfume, a novel Le Midnight Roux, a poetry book While the Gumbo Cools and a childrens book Bayou Babies Really Cookin'. The truth is--the world is what you make it. And as my mom always told her babies--Sky is the limit. You can do anything you set your mind to. Well, I can't wait to show you all what else I have cookin'.....
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Heritage
Summer Spots To Visit: Do you have roots in Louisiana? Do you just love Louisiana? Well, it is summertime down here in the bayou. If you don’t have summer plans it is time to make them. There is no better time to explore Louisiana, then now in the summer. The heat and humidity should not keep you from exploring arguably the most unique state in the country this summer. I have a guided map to ensure your visit through this Bayou state is a Creole-good time. So, are you ready to ‘pass a good time?
Isle Brevelle, Louisiana The life, history, and scenery of central Louisiana is something to be noted. Often time, things north of Alexandria can be forgotten or gone unnoticed by tourists and non-Louisiana natives. The culture of Louisiana is often noted for large Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, zydeco music in Lafayette, and yelling at LSU football games in Baton Rouge. But, north of Alexandria lies Natchitoches parish and the town of Natchitoches, the first French settlement in Louisiana. In fact it will celebrate its 300 year existence in a matter of months, the city was founded in 1714. In addition to this, in the parish of Natchitoches lies the small rural, mainly Creole settlement of Isle Brevelle. This area is located of the scenic Cane River near the areas historic plantations such as Melrose Plantation. This parish was also the filming location for the film, Steel Magnolias. If you want a true southern feel, scenery, while enjoying an old Creole heritage and history, Natchitoches is for you. ◆ St. Augustine Church the first Catholic church founded by people of color, the local Cane River Creole community. The church is open for visitors as part of the Cane River Creole National Historical Park (plantations, churches, and homes are apart of this historic area, hours maybe visible online for more information: www.nps.gov/cari/). 16
Baton Rouge, Louisiana This south Louisiana city is a gem for Louisiana natives, often overlooked for its neighbor to the south, New Orleans. This capital city isn’t all work and no-play. The city is home to LSU (geaux Tigers), 3rd Street nightlife, the upscale Mall of Louisiana and Perkins Rowe. I can truly say it is becoming a
world-class city, with a southern flare in the mist of Louisiana’s plantation country off of the Mighty Mississippi River. The city is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and the population of the parish is now sitting at 440,000. So, whether it is history your looking for in the old governor’s mansion or plantations or nightlife off of 3rd street near the river, or world class shopping, this South Louisiana metro will provide it. ◆ Baton Rouge, I-10 Bridge view from downtown, looking over the Mississippi River and the USS Kidd.
Opelousas, Louisiana I must say Southwest Louisiana has just as much nature, culture, and heritage to explore as Southeast Louisiana, being that I live in Baton Rouge, I have access to both worlds. In saying this, Opelousas, Louisiana is a town of much heritage and history. This small city north of Lafayette in St. Landry parish was established in 1720. This is the third oldest settlement in Louisiana (After Natchitoches and New Orleans). This town takes pride in it’s 293 year history. This town also has been nicknamed “zydeco capital of the world”. There is no better place to hear authentic Louisiana Creole music than in Opelousas. The town is a great place to view historic Acadian & Creole churches, and even the historic Le Vieux Village (Old Village) downtown. The Vieux Village is a collection of buildings from the 1700s-early 1900s to showcase the local architecture of Southwest Louisiana. ◆ An old outhouse at the Vieux Village in Opelousas, showcasing true local architecture unique to South Louisiana. The Vieux Village hours and visitation information can be found online at cityofopelousas.com
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Springfield, Louisiana I am a little bias- I think Southeast Louisiana is my favorite part of the state. So, it comes to no surprise I had to make a stop by Springfield, Louisiana, a place about 45 minutes from Baton Rouge and about 40-45 from New Orleans. So, if your staying in a larger city, it is a short drive away into bayou and rural country. This small town is nestled in Livingston Parish. The best attraction here is Tickfaw State Park. A place where you can rent a cabin, go hiking in a forest, or go hiking around a swamp, yes both ecosystems in the same park. This is a perfect way to get to explore Louisiana’s nature. After all, Louisiana is a “Sportsman Paradise”. ◆ This is an image of a canoe in the bayou at Tickfaw State Park, for $20 you can rent a canoe and go through the bayous of Louisiana, please note this is for the true adventurers!
Morgan City, Louisiana The small city of Morgan City sits right on the Gulf Coast, a unique place to see the coast and still be in the comforts of a city. This small city feels like a Louisiana version of “Mayberry”, it is small community, quite, and a lazy kind-oftown. In saying this, stroll down the docs near the bridge, or view the unique architecture in the historic downtown. The city will make you forget the business of the 21st century, and invite you to enjoy the peaceful life of south Louisiana. ◆ Morgan City bridges are a unique thing to view and cross, one of the dozens of bridges in the state. 18
Dulac, Louisiana The small village of Dulac, Louisiana is located on the Gulf Coast in Terrbonne Parish. The population mainly self identifies as French-Canadian (Cajun) and Houma Indian descendants. The community is a shrimping village; this is the main source of income. The population sits at around 2,450 residents. The best thing to do here is simply drive. It is a unique place where time hasn’t changed the way of life…the ends of Hwy 57 will take you breathe away, as you arrive to “The ends of the Earth” on the Gulf coast. ◆ A shrimp boat along a bayou-canal in Dulac village. For more photos of Louisiana and print photos of Louisiana scenery follow @instabayoustate on Instagram and visit www. jambalayamagazine.com online, photos by E. Johnson Photography 19
Faith
A Commitment to Humility By Jamie Mayes
Yet, I discovered even more about His compassionate doings and lifestyle which made me adore Him even more. My admiration for Jesus had very little to do with his willingness to die on the cross; it was more by the way in which he executed his mission to bring salvation to the world by blessing, healing, and anointing others. At last, I had to do something to show Jesus how much I truly appreciated His life and sacrifice not only for me, but for so many others who had been fortunate enough to cross His path. I made a verbal commitment to become affiliated with missions to serve mankind. I prayed for God to give me a free will spirit. Despite an increase in my actions, I still felt that I was not truly reflecting the love of Jesus. There was something missing. A few months would go by before I would discover the root of demonstrating love for Jesus in the purest form. Upon studying John 13 with a bible study class one night, the most loving way to show my passion for Jesus was clarified- commit to humility. On the evening prior to the Passover, Jesus performed an act so selfless that His most loving servant Simon Peter is nearly lost for words. Jesus performed an act of servitude when he washed and dried his disciples’ feet. Simon Peter was so taken aback that he initially declined Jesus’ request for his feet, for he had never imagined himself worthy enough to have his feet washed by Jesus, the man whom he served. Yet, Jesus was insistent; nearly demanding that he perform what was often identified as the act of a servant for Simon Peter. Colossians 3:12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; A few months ago I fell in love with Jesus, not God, not the Holy Bible nor the church; I fell head over heels in love with Jesus. I cannot recall exactly what brought about this sudden obsession, but once I fell in love with Him I entered a voyage to learn more about Him and His works. For months I tried to justify why Jesus loved mankind so much that He gave his life for us. I tried to understand why He traveled about performing actions of love for many who did not love Him first. However, none of my calculations seemed to determine why Jesus so passionately loved a people who cursed and abused Him. 20
Jesus insisted on performing an act of humility despite knowing Simon Peter would betray Him. While there are many elements before and after this section of John 13, I could not stop reading verses 3 through 10. For a while I was a bit dumbfounded about why Jesus would wash the filthiest part of an individual’s body. Like Simon Peter, I was confused about why Jesus, the man who possessed more power than any man that has ever existed, would wash His disciples’ feet. I thought about how I cringed at the idea of touching my own feet. I had painted my mother’s fingers many times, but when she requested the same treatment to her toes I quickly turned up my nose. I could not imagine kneeling to paint or touch the things which she walked upon. How, then, could Jesus kneel to wash and dry the feet of men
who had walked miles on dirty roads? There was a huge difference between Jesus and me- humility. The one concept that separates so many from the true love of Jesus is humility. Throughout the bible Jesus is the perfect demonstration of humility. Because of his humility Jesus said very little while ministering to the public, but He did a lot. Jesus hardly reprimanded those He met along His journey, but He performed miraculous acts that made many nonbelievers become believers. Even when being hung on the cross, Jesus did not utter a complaint. Instead, he spoke only a few words to beg God’s mercy on our behalf. The essence of Jesus’ work was not the act performed, but the humility he possessed while serving and saving others. While Jesus was aware that man was not capable of returning the favors He would grant them, He selflessly performed acts in humility throughout the bible until his very death. Guilt fell upon my shoulders. I had declared a personal, intimate love for Jesus, but I was hardly reflecting my appreciation through my actions. I had donated to countless people and organizations; I helped others who were in need, but there was very little sanctity behind many of my actions. There were times when I would volunteer my services, but afterwards complain about being tired or feeling unappreciated. I was guilty of seeing others in need and not humbling myself to offer assistance; rather, I would wait for them to ask. I would even decide who to help based on whether I felt that they met my personal criteria. Still, I declared a deep love of Jesus while still feeling that I was not truly reciprocating the love he’d given for and to me. At last, I had discovered why!
learning to see the positive in all aspects of life has helped to break a mold that had a hold on me and my spiritual growth. My commitment, thus, has transitioned from playing the role of a Christian to being more like Jesus and demonstrating true acts of love through humility! 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 two collections of poetry: Tear Stained Dresses & Dusty Shoe (2011) s and Pennies In My Pocket (2013)
I was not making a true attempt to imitate the love of Jesus through my actions; I was only replicating the actions of a giving based on whom I thought deserved. However, the most Jesus asked of those he ministered to was simply to believe. While I was relieved to discover how to let my actions reflect the love of Jesus, I was disappointed with my actions. I had spent years believing that simply because I gave to or did for others I was doing what Jesus would have done. After recalling how the word of God states that He judges based on the heart not solely on the actions, I knew I had to reconsider my lifestyle. Complaining and being picky about who I helped had become as natural as inhaling and exhaling. Therefore, it has been quite a task to adjust my lifestyle. Nonetheless, continually studying the lifestyle of Jesus closely and
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Culture
Summer Seafood Recipies by Dana H. Rodrigue
Deviled Crab 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 small creole onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped 1/4 cup sweet bell pepper, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped 1/4 cup shallots, finely chopped 1 pint of lump crab meat 1/4 tsp. crab boil 1 Tbsp. butter 1/4 tsp. Creole/Cajun seasoning of choice 22
In a 2 quart saucepan, saute olive oil, onion, celery and bell pepper over low to medium heat until onions are clear. Add garlic, parsley and shallots, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes. Add crab meat and crab boil, folding in gently to avoid breaking the lumps of crabmeat. Add butter and creole seasoning of choice, mixing all well until butter is melted and dish is very warm. Serve in a casserole dish and garnish with a generous sprinkling of creole seasoning. Serves 4 to 6 generous portions.
Poached Fish and Vegetables 4 fish fillets (may use tilapia, flounder, trout, or catfish) Creole seasoning of choice 1 sweet creole onion 1 carrot, sliced thin 1 stick of celery, sliced thinly 1 small potato, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips 1 yellow pepper, cut into strips 1 red pepper, cut into strips 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped 1/4 cup shallots, chopped 1/4 cup parsley, chopped 1 capful crab boil 1 teaspoon creole seasoning 1 cup water (more or less)
Season fish fillets with Creole seasoning, according to taste. Set fish aside. In a 4 to 5 quart pot, combine all vegetables, crab boil, and Creole seasoning according to taste. Add enough water to allow vegetables to simmer in, careful not to make a soup because vegetables do produce water as they simmer. Have only enough water to make a stock from the vegetables. Simmer until potatoes are fork tender. Move vegetables to sides of pot, and carefully place fish fillets in pot, making sure stock barely covers fish. Cover pot and simmer fish on low flame, checking often. When fish is flaky, carefully place fillets on a serving plate or platter and arrange vegetables around fish. May be eaten as is or over rice. Ca c'est bon, mes amis!!! Serves 4
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Education in Louisiana The Jindal Administration from a Baton Rouge resident's POV
Education
If we are not careful, our educational institutions will produce a group of close-minded, unscientific, illogical propagandists, consumed with immoral acts. Be careful, "brethren!" Be careful, teachers!” – (stated by Dr. Martin L. King). A society needs education to survive and to thrive - to keep itself intact, and to keep it growing toward conditions that support the full human development of all its members. If we are not careful, however, the Louisiana Education System will be put to silent rest by Governor Jindal’s education agenda. Therefore, if Governor Jindal and his Cabinet do not stop patronizing the people of Louisiana with these disastrous plans for Louisiana students and with the monetary structure of the education and state’s economic systems, we will find ourselves riding down the slippery slope of death. As I engage in these so-called “bull sessions” around Baton Rouge, I too often find myself faced with the ugly monsters of habitual liars, incompetent leadership, counterfeit Samaritans and false leaders whose only goal is to gain profit and political power for themselves. The Jindal Administration is not about poor people, no matter the race, but about the rich and powerful. To HELL with the weak and the poor that they are here to serve. When I first engaged in the sessions, I found myself debating and getting 24
extremely heated by playing a game of politics for the so-called “big dogs.” The Bible teaches us that when lions and lambs lie down together there will be peace in the valley. This sounds impossible because lions eat lambs and lambs sensibly flee from the lions. Sometimes, however, lions and lambs find common ground. Why? Because neither lion nor lamb want their free land to be taken over by fire. As a result, if the two can find common ground I know for a fact that we, as Louisianan’s, can also do this. There is common good in finding solutions to problematic issues we are facing instead of getting in heated debates, day in and day out. The State of Louisiana can share a commitment to a strategic involvement at every level, not just allocating the funds to schools that are performing at or above the standard performance level. I do recall at one point in time, not long ago, that the system was divided. The senators, congressmen, state representatives and state administration wanted the state to allocate funds toward private schools. As a result, all students were given a lottery number to qualify for a free private education, meaning that the state of Louisiana had a piss poor public education system. Funny as it may seem, the excuse used was that the failing schools have or have had poor test scores. Jindal believes we should “[make] the teachers more accountable” for
the low performance; however, he has never taken into account that the behavior or socioeconomic status of the students may be a factor. The multi-million dollar question today isn’t “Is Governor Jindal running for President?” but is “What measures are our neighbors taking to improve their education system, vs. making the system harder for 10,000 students that are being left behind year by year. Why, would one want to allocate the state funds to private schools, which will result in an economic burden on the state and educators who may lose their job. The people of Louisiana are weary and agitated. Common ground, that is the challenge now – whether we are on the left or right side of the debate table. Common ground? HA, it is easier said than done. Where do we find it at this point? At the point of challenge, the Jindal Administration and its backers have revealed that the foundation they are standing on is cracked. Their excuse is that their giving is not working anymore, so all we can continue to ask is “Why tamper with the education funds?” Anyone can find common ground at the corridors of every building on campuses, where administrators, faculty and staff have to deal with equipping students with every necessity of academics to compete on a global level in rundown buildings at the
recognized performing schools. We find common ground in the classrooms of various building where the teachers take on a heavier load than they can handle to help and uplift their students, while various groups ride their backs. Yes, we find a common ground down in the corridors of the classrooms where the blacks try to deal with the status quo while their counterparts are trying to shift the status quo to where they can benefit and hinder everyone else. So today I, along with citizens of Louisiana, state representatives and students of Louisiana have decided to stop bending over backward and demand justice and equality from the Jindal Administration because “no man can ride your back unless it is bent” -Dr. Martin Luther King. Wake up people! We cannot afford to stand any longer for injustices; we’re at the point of no return. ........................................ ........................................ Author: Rogers Cooper, a native of Beaumont, TX, he currently lives in Baton Rouge with his family and is working in the education field. 25
The Grand Family Reunion Founding Families of the Cane River
Dupre-Goudeau-Lacour-Metoyer-Ray Grand Family Reunion Comes to Dallas By Maya Washington Our family reunions have evolved over time just like all the great line dances and fashion trends. In the 80s we were doing the Harlem Shuffle, in the 90s the Electric Slide, now we’ve got the Cupid Shuffle, and the Wobble. Let’s not forget that good old Zydeco music, emblematic of our strong Creole roots in Louisiana. Every other summer, our “Grand Family Reunion” celebrates the kinships between the Dupre, Goudeau, Lacour, Metoyer, and Ray families. In 2011 over 500 of our descendants gathered in Cane River, LA. Our family has grown so much that I meet new relatives at every reunion. My “Big Fat Creole Family” means the world to me. I enjoy representing the younger generation of Goudeaus in hopes that we can preserve family stories and our cultural legacy for years to come. The Grand Family gatherings began over 30 years ago in Alexandria, Louisiana after three matriarchs, Marilyn Guidry, Clara Dell Jones and Neola Ray Joe, met in Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas to plan the first event. Marriages between the five families, dating back to the 1800s, provide a foundation for our lush family tree. Our greatest claim to fame is our connection to Cane River royalty (as crowned by numerous historical books and regional folklore), Marie Thérèse Coincoin and Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer. Their story and those of many Creoles of color, are chronicled in books like Elizabeth Shown Mills’ Isle of Canes, as well as Gary B. Mills’ The Forgotten People: Cane River’s Creoles of Color. 26
Although our lineage began in Louisiana, today our Grand Family boasts hundreds of descendants now living throughout the United States. Reunions have taken place everywhere from Oklahoma to Texas and Louisiana, as well as California,Washington, Minnesota, and Illinois. The 2013 Grand Family Reunion will take place in Dallas, TX July 4th weekend. As with every Grand Family Reunion event, guests will enjoy live entertainment, local attractions, and genealogy presentations.
Bio: Maya Washington is a Writer, Filmmaker, and
Actress raised in Minneapolis, MN. She holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Southern California and an MFA in Writing from Hamline University. She is passionate about making a difference in the world through the arts. Her favorite things about her Creole heritage are the food, the music, her strong faith in God, and (of course) the people. If you'd like to learn more about the Grand Family Reunions you can visit www.grandfamily.org
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