Please join us for "Queens Rule X: It's a Family Affair"

Please join us as we celebrate The Year of the Spy Boy at our Second Annual Blue Linen Monday

2013 Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Honorees

2013 Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Honorees


Crystal Feather

Big Chief Alfred Womble, Jr.

Cheyenne Hunters


Queens' Choice

Big Queen Patrice Gordon

Golden Blade


Peace Queen Award

Big Wild Queen Patrina Peters

Red Hawk Hunters



Community Supporter Award

Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation



Cultural Preservationist Award

Freddi Williams Evans



Capturing the Spirit

Bishop Ezelda Booker Coleman



Outstanding Volunteer

Wild Man Quintrell Johnson



Music Heritage Award

Big Chief Donald Claude, Sr.



Capturing the Flash Photographers' Award

George LeBeaud AKA Sekou Fela



Scribe Award

Asali DeVan Ecclesiastes 

Daniel Wolff



It's a Family Affair Award

Harris (Fi-Yi-Yi ~ Victor ~ Mandingo Warriors), Montana (Allison and Edward – Yellow Pocahontas), and Watson (Kentrell and Zenda ~ Wild Mohicans) Families 



Congratulations to our honorees!


Please plan to join us for the 15th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Memorial, Awards and Induction Ceremony
 
Sunday, August 11, 2013
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Ashe Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

There is no charge for admission and the public is welcome. For additional information, please call 504-214-6630.


The 15th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame celebration runs through a variety of events happening August 1-11, 2013. Access the full schedule here.

The social media tag for the week's events is #mgihof2013

Young Guardians of the Flame Spy Boy Dondrell Cage, Jr Has Become an Ancestor

Dondrell Cage, Junior (1996-2013)

Photo copyright Jeffrey Ehrenreich

Young Guardians of the Flame Spy Boy Dondrell Cage, Jr. became an ancestor on July 3, 2013. He was sixteen years old.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Thursday, July 11th

8:30 am Visitation
10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial
Traditional Mardi Gras Indian Funeral

St. Paul Catholic Church
6828 Chef Menteur Highway
New Orleans, LA 70126

Dondrell Cage, Jr.

Photo copyright Jeffrey Ehrenreich

Dondrell was a good child who took a misstep, got lost, and it cost him his young life. Please lift his family and the Bruer family up in prayers during this difficult time.

He was our Spy Boy!

Rest in peace, Drell.

Cherice Harrison-Nelson
Maroon Queen, Guardians of the Flame

15th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week Schedule of Events

15th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week

Please join us as we gather in recognition and celebration of the artistry and leadership of the individuals and groups who make and hold the culture. All events listed below are free and open to the public.

The social media tag for the week of events is #mgihof2013

Sunday, August 4
Curator’s Kickoff in Historic Congo Square
3:00 – 4:00 pm

Monday, August 5
Blue Linen Monday @ New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation Gallery
Co-Hosted by the African-American Museum and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation
Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation Gallery
1205 N. Rampart St.
6 - 7:30 pm

Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Spy Boy Year Book Signing
Community Book Center
2523 Bayou Road
6:00 – 7:30 pm

Thursday, August 8
2013 Honorees’ City Council Recognition
City Council Chambers
1300 Perdido St.
9:00 am – 10:00 am

Thursday, August 8, 2013
Queens Rule! Panel Discussion and Reception
Joan Mitchell Center ~ Indigo Building
 2285 Bayou Road
6:00 – 7:30 pm

Sunday, August11
15th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Memorial, Awards, and Induction Ceremony
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
3:00 – 4:30 pm

Questions? Please contact Cherice Harrison-Nelson at (504) 214-6630.

Black Seminoles Big Chief Cyril "Iron Horse" Green has become an ancestor

Big Chief Cyril "Iron Horse" Green, 2004. Photo by Eric Waters.

Big Chief Cyril “Iron Horse” Green of the Black Seminoles died unexpectedly of natural causes on March 20, 2013 hours after celebrating St. Joseph Night by visiting and singing with his friends and fellow Big Chiefs.

Cyril was born to Joanne (Williams) Goodman and the late Dominick (Jesse) A. Goodman August 26, 1966, the sixth child and fifth son of nine children. 

Cyril was educated in the New Orleans Public School System at Valena C. Jones Elementary, Andrew J. Bell Junior High, and Nicholls Senior High Schools. He went on to earn a Associate Degree in Computer Science from Delgado Community College.

An active member of his community, Cyril dedicated his time with various organizations including the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians as ‘Big Chief Iron Horse’ of the Black Seminoles Indian Tribe. His journey began as Second Chief of the Flaming Arrows in 1992. The following year, he joined the Young Cheyenne Indian Tribe as their Second Chief. Cyril later formed his own tribe, the Black Seminoles. As part of his service within the community Cyril performed several years at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and visited area schools were he shared his knowledge and cultural teachings with our youth. He was the first Big Chief to mask in a wheelchair.           
   

Big Chief Cyril "Iron Horse" Green (on right with tamborine) at the 2008 Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame
reception at Basin Street Station. Photo by Eric Waters

Cyril was inducted into the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame in 1999. He is the 2006 recipient of the Crystal Feather, our highest honor. He served the Nation as Vice President of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Circle of Chiefs.

He is preceded in death by his father Dominick ‘Jesse’ Goodman, and two brothers, Wendell and Toby Goodman. He is survived by his mother, Joanne Goodman, a sister Troylynn (James) Morse, Deangello Goodman, Michael (Tara) Williams, Nathaniel Green, Terrel (Evelyn) Goodman, Ryan (Crystal) Goodman, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Relatives, friends, priest and parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, members of Black Seminole Tribe and all Mardi Gras Indian Tribes are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1835 St. Roch Ave beginning 11 am. Rev. Anthony A. Anala, S.V.D. celebrant. Church visitation 10 am until service time. 

The family of Cyril Green has requested that there be no photography in the church during the services. Please honor this request and be respectful of Mardi Gras Indian grieving and funeral rituals outside of the church. Videographers and photographers are requested to remain mindful and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Please do not interfere in ritual space while seeking "the perfect shot."

You may make a secure and tax-deductible donation Big Chief Cyril Green's burial fund through the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame fiduciary agent, National Performance Network. You must select Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame from the drop down menu and include "burial fund" in note section.


For more information about going home ceremonies honoring the life of Big Chief Cyril Green, contact family member, Michael Goodman at (404) 951-1870 or Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Curator, Cherice Harrison-Nelson at (504) 214-6630.


Links:

RIP Cyril "Big Chief Iron Horse" Green of Black Seminoles
by Brett Milano, Offbeat Magazine | Monday, March 25, 2013

Big Chief Cyril 'Iron Horse' Green Becomes Ancestor
NOLA Defender | Tuesday, March 26, 2013 

SOUNDCLOUD: In-Studio Tribute to Big Chief Cyril Green during the WWOZ New Orleans Music Show
Hosted by Danielle Smalls | WWOZ New Orleans, Tuesday, March 26, 2013 

Cyril 'Big Chief Ironhorse' Green, leader of the Black Seminoles, dies at 46
by John Pope, NOLA.com | Times-Picayune, Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Please Consider Making a Year-End Donation to the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame

Big Chief Donald Harrison, Senior

Dear Mardi Gras Indian Community Enthusiast,

I am going to keep my end-of-year request for support real! The idea for Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame was conceived in December of 1998 a few weeks after my daddy, Donald Harrison, Sr., became an ancestor. My soul was deeply pained by his death and I could not imagine how I would go on participating in the tradition without him. I also learned that he made an indelible impression on many people. Someone called my workplace to inquire about a donation of some of his clothes to make a memory quilt. Hurt at what I perceived as their inconsideration, I walked out of the office and cried silently in the hallway. Then Oretha Castle Haley principal, Dr. Roslyn J. Smith, gently inquired to determine the source of the tears. After our conversation, she reflectively said, “We’re going to establish a Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame, a place where Mardi Gras Indians can be honored and remembered by our students, tradition enthusiasts, and the general public.” The first ceremony was held on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19, 1999.

For me, being a Mardi Gras Indian is a calling. It is a spiritual experience that consumes my being; it is in fact, a way of existing. Being the Co-Founder and Curator of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame is my current life’s work. I devote an immeasurable amount of my time and energy to its programs and projects. When I’m not doing the work, I’m thinking about the work. Over the past 15 years, the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame has worked tirelessly to authentically support tradition bearers and enhance understanding and awareness of Mardi Gras Indian culture.

Through direct community engagement activities, educational efforts and activities honoring historical significance, the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame reaches over 4,700 community members annually. These include elementary school students, elders, Mardi Gras Indians, and the general community. Programs include youth masking, performances from the Indigenous Fine Arts Series, direct services for elders, the Hall of Fame week including an induction ceremony, St. Joseph’s Day celebrations, panels, forums, exhibitions and other community events.

The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame conducts its programs and projects with authenticity and understanding of the many nuances of Mardi Gras Indian culture. Our events are rooted in the practices that resonate back to the Mardi Gras Indian community in a meaningful manner.

It is not too late for you to make a 2012 tax deductible donation through our fiscal partner National Performance Network. It is very easy to do. Be SURE to select Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame from the drop-down menu on the donation page.

Should you choose to make a donation via check, please mail it to the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame, PO Box 3762, New Orleans, LA 70177.

Thank you for your support,

Cherice "Queen Reesie" Harrison-Nelson

READ: "Home-grown and Spirit-Raised"

"Home-grown and Spirit-raised: An exuberant New Orleans ritual commemorates the friendship of escaped slaves and Native Americans"

by John Fasman
The Economist | Dec 22nd 2012 | NEW ORLEANS | from the print edition

2013: Year of the Spy Boy

Calling All Spy Boys and Photographers!  

Chiefs and Queens are among the most publicly celebrated positions in the Mardi Gras Indian Nation, but the real story is much more complicated. The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame will celebrate a different gang position each year beginning with Spy Boys in 2013.

Our August 2013 "Blue Linen Monday" exhibition during Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week will focus on photographs of Spy Boys.

Preference will be given to photos submitted by Spy Boys by photographers working in the area of cultural documentation. Photographs may be from any era. As always absolutely no photographs accepted by photographers who cannot identify the subject of her/his photograph(s). 

Please begin to submit names and contact info of Spy Boys who have masked at least three times to Cherice Harrison-Nelson via Facebook message or via email to queenreesie@aol.com.

It promises to be an exciting year!

FOX 8 NEW ORLEANS: Mardi Gras Indians honor and challenge their own

New Orleans Local News, Weather, Sports, Investigations

FOX 8 Reporter Jessica Holly's story about the 14th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Ceremony. The piece aired on the 10 pm newscast on Sunday, July 29, 2012.

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: Cherice Harrison-Nelson and Patrina Peters talk with Action Jackson on WWOZ-FM (26 July 2012)

July 26: Listen in as Action Jackson speaks with Cherice Harrison Nelson, Curator and Co-Founder of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame, and Wild Queen Patrina Peters of the Red Hawk Hunter Tribe on WWOZ-FM. The interview includes discussion of this weekend's Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame events, as well as the importance of Queens in the Mardi Gras Indian tribes. "Behind all them feathers," says Cherice Harrison-Nelson, "there's usually a woman standing, holding that man up."

Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame 2012 Honorees

Interview with Big Chief Darryl Montana & Joyce Montana
Tremé 200: Bicentennial 1812 - 2012
www.treme2012.com


Crystal Feather: Big Chief Darryl Montana, Yellow Pocahontas

Queens' Choice: Big Queen Pauline "Ree" Johnson, Creole Wild West

Community Supporter Award: Luther Gray, Side-by-Side

Cultural Preservationist Award:  Divine Prince Ty Enmecca

Legal Eagle Award: National Lawyers Guild Legal Observers

Capturing the Spirit Award: New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival,
Curation and production of the Mardi Gras Indian Pavilion at the 2012 Jazzfest

Capturing the Flash Award:  Kichea Burt

Scribe Award: Vincent Sylvain, New Orleans Agenda

Cultural Documentation Award: John McCusker and Katy Reckdahl, New Orleans Times-Picayune

Drumbeat Award: Wesley Phillips, Spirit of Fi-Yi-Yi, Mandingo Warriors

It's A Family Affair Award: This year we recognize and celebrate the contributions of the McFadden, Dollis, Casby, and Banister families

Lifetime Achievement Award for Music: Lionel Paul "Uncle Lionel" Batiste
(awarded prior to his death in July 2012)


Congratulations to our 2012 Honorees!

Please join us 3:00 - 4:30 pm on Sunday 29 July at Ashe Cultural Arts Center (1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard) for the 14th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Memorial, Awards, and Induction Ceremony.

Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week 2012 Events

Sunday, July 22
Curator’s Kickoff in Historic Congo Square
Blessing of 2012 Honorees
and Black Hawk Service conducted by Bishop Efzelda Coleman
3:00 – 4:00 pm

Congo Square in Armstong Park

Guests:  Honorees and general public

Cost: Free and open to the public
 



Monday, July 23rd
Blue Linen Monday and Indian Blues Photo Exhibition at the Joan Mitchell Foundation
6-8 pm
Indigo - 2855 Bayou Road

Guests: Featured photographers, Mardi Gras Indians, and general public

Cost: Free and open to the public
 



Thursday, July 26th
2012 Hall of Fame Honorees’ City Council Recognition
9:00 am – 10:00 am

New Orleans City Council Chambers - 1300 Perdido St.

Guests: Honorees, friends, and interested citizens
 


Thursday, July 26th
Third Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Film Fest
 and Discussion
University of New Orleans – Kirschman Hall Room 122
6:00 – 8:00 pm

Screening of 2012 Queens Rule! Profiles of Queens Gaynell Gibson Sorina, Ausettua AmorAmenkum, Patrina Peters, and Laurita B. Dollis

Hosted by University of New Orleans Department of Anthropology

Guests: Mardi Gras Indians, UNO Students, Faculty, Alumni, and general public

Cost: Free and open to the public
 



Friday, July 29th
Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Community Breakfast
9-10:30 am
Presented and hosted by Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
Guests: All Mardi Gras Indians and all 2012 Hall of Fame Honorees


Saturday, July 28th
7th Annual Crystal Feather Honorees’ Reception

Hosted by Basin St. Station - 501 Basin St. (Basin at St. Louis St.)

6:00 – 8:00 pm
Invitation and RSVP only
 



Sunday, July 29th
14th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Memorial, Awards and Induction Ceremony
3:00 – 4:30 pm

Ashé Cultural Arts Center - 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
Guests: All Distinguished Honorees, Mardi Gras Indians, supporters, friends, the public

Dress: New Orleans Sunday afternoon cultural casual
Cost: Free and open to the public
The afternoon's ceremonies will conclude with a distribution of school supplies to children, with blessings for the academic year.

Back to School! New Orleans VooDoo and Mardi Gras Indians team up July 21 for School Supply Drive and Contest

The New Orleans VooDoo and the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame have teamed up for the team’s home finale against the Georgia Force on Saturday, July 21 to assist New Orleans Metro Area children with school supplies.

VooDoo fans are asked to bring school supplies to the game. For every item donated, a fan will be entered in a raffle to win a VooDoo gift basket.  The VooDoo gift basket will consist of a signed football and replica jersey by the VooDoo team, two ArenaBowl XXV tickets, along with other items that are must haves!

“We are excited about partnering with the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame and the Guardians Institute for this noble cause.  With many of our players and staff from the local area, we know the challenges that we face, which is why we have decided to partner up to help get our future leaders what they need to succeed in school,” said Brandon Rizzuto, New Orleans VooDoo Vice President.

There will be Mardi Gras Indians to collect your donation of school supplies during the Fan Fest and the game. If you forget to bring school supplies, you can still give a cash donation. For every school supply item donated, fans will have to fill out a small form with their name, phone number and email address to be eligible for the VooDoo gift basket.  The winner will be announced on the VooDoo Facebook page: www.facebook.com/aflvoodoo on Monday at 10 a.m.  If that winner does not contact the VooDoo front office by 11 a.m., another winner will be selected.

The Guardians Institute and Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame are excited to partner with the VooDoo team to continue with investing in our city’s youth. “Knowledge, once acquired, is something that can never be taken away,” as Big Chief Donald Harrison, Senior always said.





HOW TO PLAY

To enter the contest, bring new school supplies (notebooks, pens, paper, folders, et cetera) to the game at the New Orleans Arena on July 21, 2012 and give them to a Mardi Gras Indian. For every item donated, a contestant gets additional entry into the drawing.

The winner will receive a VooDoo gift basket that includes a signed football and jersey by the team, along with two ArenaBowl XXV tickets.  The winner will be announced on Monday, July 23 at 10 a.m. via the VooDoo Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/aflvoodoo



------------------------------------------


About the New Orleans VooDoo

The New Orleans VooDoo will play in the New Orleans Arena, an SMG managed facility directly across the street from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.  Single game tickets for VooDoo regular season home games are on sale now by calling 504-875-3900.  For more information call (888) 277-5526 for Vice President and Director of Operations, Jason Coffel.  To shop all things VooDoo, visit http://www.voodoostuff.com and get your gear today.



About the AFL

Since its inception in 1987, the AFL has afforded the fast-paced and exciting game of Arena Football to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country.  The NFL Network will once again broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week for the entire regular and post season on Friday nights at 8:00 pm EST, culminating with the ArenaBowl Championship Game in August.



About the Guardians Institute   

Guardians Institute is dedicated to the development of our youth through literacy, physical fitness and New Orleans’ indigenous cultural arts. Children, K-12, participating in programs attend free classes where they are instructed by community elders and leaders in various aspects or art, music, movement, history, literacy and finance. The literacy classes are developed to compliment the Louisiana Department of Education’s curriculum. Through these programs, the community’s underserved children are able to hone their reading and writing skills, develop positive self images, learn the value of teamwork, increase their knowledge of fiscal matters, live a more active and healthier life among many other positive lessons. To learn more about the Guardians Institute go to http://www.guardiansinstitute.org 



About the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame

Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame works year-round to create community among, honor, and educate about the individuals and groups who create and uphold the arts and culture of the Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans.

Blue Linen Monday and Indian Blues exhibit kick off Hall of Fame Week 2012

Members of the Nation, supporters, and friends are invited to gather at Indigo at the Joan Mitchell Center on Bayou Road on the evening of July 23 for Blue Linen Monday and the kick-off of Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Week 2012.

Photographers among us are invited to share their work as part of Indian Blues, a one-night exhibition of images of Mardi Gras Indians masking in blue suits.

6-8 pm
Monday, July 23, 2012
Indigo at the Joan Mitchell Center
2275 Bayou Road
New Orleans

Guests will enjoy a traditional Monday dish of red beans and rice, along with a blue "mocktail" (non-alcoholic) created for the event.  

Blue Linen Monday is presented in collaboration with the Joan Mitchell Center. 

There is no charge for admission.

Dress is business casual or cocktail casual.


FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO WISH TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE INDIAN BLUES EXHIBITION:

Please submit only photographs of Mardi Gras Indians masking in blue suits.

Send digital file(s) of photo(s) to queenreesie@aol.com by 11:59 pm on Friday, July 13. A 300 dpi JPG that will print at least 3 x 5"  is preferred.

In your email, please include photographer contact information, name and gang/tribe affiliation of subject(s) of photo(s) (if known – if not, we will help you), date of photo(s), copyright information, and availability and price of prints. This information will be included in the exhibition catalog. Please indicate whether the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame may share your work via the Internet.

The photographer is responsible for printing, framing, or foam core backing photo(s). Prints of 11 x 14" or larger are preferred.

Please plan to drop off images Friday, July 20, 9 am - Noon at Indigo (the exhibition venue).

Please plan to pick-up photographs at the conclusion of the Blue Linen Monday event, or make other arrangements with the organizers.

Please call 504-214-6630 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your art as part of this inaugural Hall of Fame event connecting our greater community.

Chief Joe Allen has become an ancestor

Chief Joe Allen, still from the documentary Land of Opportunity

Joseph Allen, Chief of the Red, White, and Blue Mardi Gras Indians, became an ancestor on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

He will be buried in a Mardi Gras Indian funeral on Saturday, April 27 at St Paul's Lutheran Church, 1625 Annette Street, New Orleans, 70116.

Visitation is from 9:00 am - 10:00 am. The service will begin at 10:00 am. Mardi Gras Indians should gather at the church by 9:30 am.

Repast will be in the church hall following the Mardi Gras Indian procession and cutting loose of the remains.

"Chief Joe" is the uncle of Otto "Chief Fiyo" Dejean, Senior of the Hard Head Hunters. You may extend your condolences and support to Chief Fiyo and his family via email at chieffiyo@yahoo.com

Chief Jack Green will lead the Red, White and Blue tribe in a special tribute to Chief Joe at Jazzfest at 1:30 pm at the Mardi Gras Indian Pavilion facing the Congo Square stage.

Creole Wild West Gang Flag Honey Bannister (l) and Red, White, and Blue Big Chief Joe Allen (r) share the culture with children at McDonogh 42 Charter School during a Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame educational program, December 2010. We thank Chief Joe for his generous and rich contributions to Hall of Fame activities over the years.

Newsflash and Events Update

Dear Nation,

I hope this post finds you all in good health and spirits.

First of all, thanks to all Members who participated in the services for Queen Destiny McCloud of the Creole Osceolas.

On Friday, March 30, 2012 at 9:45 am, a special memorial for the Treme series producer David Mills will be held at City Park. All Hall of Fame Members who are fans or have worked on the show are encouraged to participate in a special Mardi Gras Indian tribute. Mr. Mills is an posthumous honoree of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame.

The First Annual Indian Cha Wa parade scheduled for Sunday, April 1 has been postponed due to the Final 4. The parade will roll on Sunday, April 15th. It will begin at Bayou St. John and Orleans Avenue, proceed up Moss St. to Esplanade, and end at Bullet's on A. P. Tureaud Avenue.

Cherice Harrison-Nelson

Creole Osceola celebrate the life of young Queen Destiny McCloud

Destiny Bria McCloud, a young Queen of the Creole Osceola, has become an ancestor. 

Destiny Bria McCloud entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the age of 18. Beloved daughter of Byron J. and Dana D. McCloud. Granddaughter of Clarence A. & Sandra P. Dalcour, David Smith and the late Elaine M. Smith. Great-granddaughter of Elouise Bienemy and the late Ollie Bienemy. Niece of Clarence A. Dalcour III, Tina McCloud-Harambe and Donya Dalcour-Ralph. Cousin of Devin Smith, Bycha Buxton, Njeri & Osandu Harambe and Taylah and Caiden Dalcour. Also survived by a host of other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also Dept. of the Navy, Community Bank-Coast, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Childrens Hospital, Creole Osceola Mardi Gras Indians, and Keesler Medical Center are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at St. Raymond and St. Leo the Great Catholic Church 2916 Paris Avenue. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Link to obituary and book of condolence

All members of the Mardi Gras Indian Nation are invited to participate in the Indian Red tribute to Queen Destiny at the conclusion of her funeral service. No Indian suits, please.

Love and peace to Big Chief Clarence Dalcour, his family, and the Creole Osceola.

"Peace reigns between cops, Indians"

READ THE STORY

Congratulations to everyone on a successful Uptown Super Sunday and St Joseph's 2012!

Queens Rule VIII: I Married a Big Chief! A panel conversation among Mardi Gras Indian wives

Please join us for Queens Rule VIII, the Spring 2012 installment of an ongoing conversation about the arts, roles, and practices of women and girls in the Mardi Gras Indian culture of New Orleans

I MARRIED A BIG CHIEF!
A panel conversation among Mardi Gras Indian wives

with

Mrs. Gaynell Gibson-Sorina
Wife of Flag Boy Adolph Sorina
Black Feather

Mrs. Agnes Harris
Wife of Big Chief James “Yam” Harris
Semolian Warriors

Mrs. Herreast Harrison
Wife of late Big Chief Donald Harrison, Senior
Guardians of the Flame

Mrs. Sabrina Mays-Montana
Wife of Big Chief Darryl Montana
Yellow Pocahontas

Mrs. Joyce Montana
Wife of late Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana
Yellow Pocahontas

Moderated by Karen Celestan

Our evening together will conclude with a special Mardi Gras Indian tribute performance

5:00pm until 7:00pm
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 
Anna E. Many Lounge
Caroline Richardson Building
Tulane University
 
There is no charge to participate in the event, but seating is limited. To guarantee seating, please RSVP Karen@mosaicliterary.com by Friday, March 16. You may also join and share the event via our Facebook page.

The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame is pleased to present Queens Rule VIII in coordination with the Spring 2012 Feminist Documentary class taught by Instructor Betsy Weiss in the Tulane Department of Communication in association with the Tulane Center for Public Service.
 
Caroline Richardson Building is the second building on the Uptown side of Newcomb Place just off Willow Street on the Newcomb College campus of the Uptown New Orleans campus of Tulane University. The Caroline Richardson Building is a 1950s brick and glass building. The Anna E. Many Lounge is on the second floor at the end of the hall. Please do not confuse the Caroline Richardson Building with either of the "Richardson Buildings" that are located on the Tulane campus near St Charles Avenue.