He was known to everyone as “Coach.” But that nickname belied a lifetime of commitment to the people and neighborhood of Tremé. He was an active member of the community organization Tambourine and Fan since he was in his early twenties. He got his nickname while working with the group’s youth football team.
For me, “Coach” was the go-to guy when it came to the Mardi Gras Indians. He was always a font of information about songs, sewing and the other traditions and he shared his knowledge freely.
He was soft spoken and had a keen wit when it came to the foibles of other people and the misguided attempts by other writers to explain the traditions of Tremé and the Mardi Gras Indians. He always reminded me in a kind-hearted way that the culture is ancient and goes back further than most can even imagine.
His involvement with Spirit of the Fi-Yi-Yi and the Mandingo Warriors, the most afro-centric of the Mardi Gras Indian tribes, dates back to its very beginning. In 1984, Victor Harris broke off from the Yellow Pocahontas, the venerable tribe led by Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana, to form his own tribe. Montana, who was eventually honored as the Chief of Chiefs, gave Harris his blessing.
“Coach” was the “Commissioner of Sewing” for the tribe. Some of my fondest memories are of seeking him out at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and watching him work his magic with the needle and thread. It always seemed that amid the hubbub of the Jazz Fest, “Coach” was always at peace sitting at his table with his sewing in his lap.
He was also a percussionist and singer in the tribe. His voice was never overpowering, but it contained the spirit of the ancestors.
The entire Mardi Gras Indian community and the elders of Tremé will celebrate the life of Collins “Coach” Lewis on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at the Charbonnet-Labat-Glapion Funeral Home, which is located at 1615 St. Philip Street on the corner of N. Claiborne Avenue.
The schedule is as follows:
Viewing at 8 AM
A cultural program at 9 AM
Funeral service at 10 AM followed by a traditional Mardi Gras Indian procession
The repast will be held at the Tremé Community Center
(photo credit- Queen Nzinga)
