The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame is celebrating its 16th anniversary with a series of events culminating with the induction ceremony on Sunday at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center at 3 PM. Here’s a look at what else is happening.
Tonight, 8/13, is the book release and signing for the Flag Boy and Gang Flag Yearbook at the Community Book Center from 5-7 PM. I am particularly excited about the release of the yearbook, which follows last year’s Spy Boy Yearbook, because I profiled two of the Mardi Gras Indians who are featured in the full-color volume. Last year, I profiled Kiwi Richard of the Black Feather tribe for the Spy Boy Yearbook.
These books provide a detailed look at members of dozens of tribes that dot the cultural landscape of New Orleans.
They also allow followers of the Mardi Gras Indians a chance to put a name on the faces and suits they see each year.
Saturday, August 16 is the Crystal Feather Honorees’ Reception at Basin St. Station.
This event, from 6 -8 PM, is by admission. Everything else during the rest of the week is free and open to the public.
The big day on Sunday begins at 2 PM with a “Conversation with the Elders” facilitated by Roslyn J. Smith, Ph.D. Smith is a co-founder of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame from back in the day.
Expect to hear about the history of the tradition from Mardi Gras Indians Herbert Gettridge (93 years old), Flag Boy Isaac Edwards (91 years old), Joseph Jenkins (83 years old), and Alvin Mutin, Sr. (81 years old).
The 16th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Awards and Memorial Ceremony kicks off at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center at 3 PM.
The 2014 honorees include the Donald Harrison, Sr. Crystal Feather Honoree – Big Chief Carl Reed; the Curator’s Choice Elder Statesman Award – Alvin “Cream” Mutin, Sr.; the Peace Chief’s Choice Elder Statesman Award – Herbert Gettridge; the Queens’ Choice Crystal Feather Honoree – Queen Wanda Womble; the Guardian of the Culture and Literary Arts – Mama Jennifer Turner (Community Book Center); Legal Eagle- Spy Boy Dow Edwards; Music Heritage – Al “Carnival Time” Johnson; Scribe Award – Geraldine Wyckoff (Louisiana Weekly and OffBeat magazine); Freedom Fighter Award – Dodie Smith-Simmons; Nurse of the Nation – Jamilah Y. Peters-Muhammad; Outstanding Supporter – Evelyn Rodos and Boogie Rodos; Capturing the Flash – Norman Smith; and Capturing the Spirit – Gus Bennett.
