Reports and Articles of Interest
The most widely read publication among U.S. metropolitan area business journals according to a Media Audit survey.
RACE : The start of a series examining how New Orleans businesses and neighborhoods struggle to understand and overcome racial issues.
Coliseum Conflict
http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/viewFeature.cfm?recid=1397
Talking Black
http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/viewStory.cfm?recID=33442
Race and Responsibility
http://bestofneworleans.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A51805
Former Saints player Joe Johnson- makes a difference in youth communities
http://bestofneworleans.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A49424
Where New Orleans Shopped – Crescent City shoppers remember the retailers of the recent past. Makin’ Groceries Schwegmann style; K&B purple, meeting under the D.H. Holmes clock; Godchaux’s; Gus Mayer; Kreeger’s and more. Produced and narrated by Peggy Scott Laborde. Saturday July 4th 2pm, Sunday July 5th Noon,
The Uptown That Was – Look back at the history of one of New Orleans’ most colorful neighborhoods over the last 75 years, including Tulane Stadium, the Lee Circle main branch of the New Orleans Public Library, and the neighborhood movie theatres, such as the Prytania and the Napoleon. Also remembered will be Audubon Park (Swanboat ride & “flying horses”), Dryades Street shopping area, and Valencia, a popular recreation center for some Uptown teenagers. Produced and narrated by Peggy Scott Laborde. Saturday July 4th 4pm, Sunday July 19th Noon,
Lost Restaurants of New Orleans – A look back at some of the most notable restaurants from the Crescent City’s more recent past. Produced and narrated by Peggy Scott Laborde. Saturday July 4th 11pm, Saturday July 11th 4pm, Sunday July 5th 8pm
UNO Memories – The University of New Orleans celebrates 50 years of academic excellence. Saturday July 11th 2pm
Irish New Orleans – A look beyond the shamrocks and green beer stereotypes to a culturally authentic portrait of the Irish in the Crescent City and their impact on local life. Sunday July 5th 10:30pm
The French Quarter That Was – Chronicles the people and places that have made the historic French Quarter New Orleans’ most beloved neighborhood. Includes the heyday of Bourbon Street nightlife, the history of the muffuletta sandwich and French Market hot spots such as Morning call. Pete Fountain, Dr. John & more reminisce about entertainment in the French Quarter in the 50s. Also the Quarter’s wonderful characters, such as Ruthie the Duck Girl and “Diamond Jim” Moran. Produced and narrated by Peggy Scott Laborde. Saturday July 11th 11pm
Jefferson Parish Stories – Revisit the recent past of this still-growing area. Moisant Airport; Lake Pontchartrain Causeway; Lakeside Shopping Center; Westbank Expressway; illegal gambling; birth of suburban Mardi Gras; memories of favorite hangouts and leisure activities; Seven Oaks Plantation; Hope Haven & Madonna Manor…and more! Narrated by Ronnie Virgets. Sunday July 12th 8pm, Saturday July 25th 2pm
Italian New Orleans – Documents the history of the Italians who came to New Orleans as laborers, cobblers and fruit vendors. They have added yet another unique multi-cultural stratum to the ethnic riches of the Crescent. Narrated by Bob Del Giorno. Sunday July 12th 10:30pm
We Live To Eat – New Orleans is defined by its fascination with food. Kevin McCaffrey's documentary explores the city's culinary love affair. We Live to Eat weaves together interviews with area chefs and food experts, vintage stills and film excerpts, and a lively musical soundtrack to set the table for understanding the cultural, economic, and social factors that shaped Creole cuisine. Regarded as one of the country's first regional cuisines, Creole cuisine is one component of New Orleans culture that contributes to the city's characterization as "America's most interesting city." Sunday July 12th 11:30pm
Northshore Stories – A loving portrait of the history and people who live and work “across the lake.” Narrated by Garland Robinette. Saturday July 25th 4pm
New Orleans That Was – Pontchartrain Beach amusement park, ride on the Canal Street streetcar, journey along the New Basin Canal, exploring Lincoln Beach; watching the N.O. Pelicans play ball; Mardi Gras Indians on North Claiborne Avenue and neighborhood movie theatres. Produced and narrated by Peggy Scott Laborde. Sunday July 19th 8pm.
More New Orleans That Was – Wonderwall and Gondola from the 1984 World’s Fair; 1987 visit of Pope John Paul II; a look back at the stars who performed at the Blue Room, memories of early N.O. television including the “Midday” show and more. Produced and narrated by Peggy Scott Laborde. Sunday July 26th 8pm.
German New Orleans – Documents the history and contributions of Germans in New Orleans. “It takes a German to do it” was a 19th century local adage for accomplishing the near impossible. From the Garden District’s stately homes to the quintessential French bread, the city owes much to its German ancestors. Narrated by Eric Paulsen of WWL- TV. Sunday July 19th 11pm.
Jewish New Orleans – From its pre-Louisiana Purchase beginning to its post-Katrina effort to re-populate and re-build, this program tracks the exuberant undercurrent of Jewish life in the multi-cultural history of the Crescent City. Narrated by Lee Zurik. Sunday July 26th 10:30pm.
St. Charles Avenue: Of Mansions & Monarchs – History of one of America’s most elegant boulevards and the architects who were responsible fore “reminders” of its glorious past. Produced by Peggy Scott Laborde. Narrated by Angela Hill. Sunday July 26th 11:30pm.
Clear Channel
Zulu 100 Year Celebration
On Saturday, January 10, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club paraded from Canal St. down Bourbon St. and ending at The Presbytere at Jackson Square. Both Club Members and onlookers alike disregarded the threat of rain in order to gain a glimpse of the members in costumes. The parade hails the public opening of the Louisiana State Museum's exhibit "From Tramps to Kings: Zulu 100 Years".
Click Here to see The 100 Years of Zulu parade photos 1
Click Here to see The 100 Years of Zulu parade photos 2
Mahalia Jackson Theatre Grand Opening
The theatre returns to deliver a week long celebration of culture and entertainment! The Grand Re-Opening of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre was held on Thursday, January 8, with Mayor C. Ray Nagin flipping the switch to light the newly restored Armstrong Park and Congo Square. Afterward, all participated in a second line led by The Pin Stripe Brass Band to the entrance of the recently completed theatre which has been closed since Hurricane Katrina. All seats were taken at the free New Orleans All Star Review featuring The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, Irma Thomas, Marva Wright, Philip Manuel, Michael Ward, Ingrid Lucia, Freddy Omar and Jeremy Davenport. The artists ended the show with a second line around the theatre which invited all guests to dance, sing and participate which left no one in their seats!
See the photos of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre Grand Opening
The Annual Toy Giveaway
The Mayor's Annual Toy Giveaway at the YMCA on Dryades St. is a highly anticipated event. Trucks continuously arrive as marines, city workers, YMCA staff and many other volunteers unload and sort new toys donated from many sources throughout the year. Families, along with their children, listen to music provided by DJ Capt. Charles as they wait in line until it is their turn to choose a toy. The Mayor and his wife, Seletha, greet each family as they enter the gymnasium of the YMCA. the children are then escorted to an age appropriate section where they may choose a toy. No one leaves until each child in line receives their special gift. Often this process is hours after the posted end time but at the end of the day, all the families and even the tired workers have satisfied, smiling faces.
Click here to see the smiling faces at the Mayor's Toy Giveaway
The Urban League of GNO Young Professional's Holiday Benefit
"SPIRIT OF THE SEASON - SPIRIT OF THE MOVEMENT" is the theme of the benefit which took place at Harrah's Casino Theatre on Thursday, December 18, 2008 from 7 to 11 p.m. A portion of the proceeds supported families from the Children's Defense Fund and the Urban League of Greater New Orleans during the holiday season. Entertainment was provided by DJ Raj Smoov, Big Sam's Funky Nation, and the Free Agents Brass Band. The Urban League of Greater New Orleans announced the formation of I AM THE MOVEMENT, an organization aimed at uniting young professionals between the ages of 21 and 44 in February, 2008. The program also includes visits to college campuses and courses on career development, social enhancement and character, financial responsibility, and interviewing skills. "The purpose of the organization is not only to enhance the lives of young professionals, but also to reach out and create, make other young professionals live a meaning life." - Gary C. Watson, I AM THE MOVEMENT Co-Founder, Urban League of GNO Board Member and Clear Channel Market Consultant.
Click here to see the photos from the Holiday Benefit
The Launch
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Pictures from the launch of the New Orleans area Media Race Relations Project, the ONE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE, on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 10:30am in Room 256 of the Lindy Boggs International Conference Center in the University of New Orleans Research Park on the Lakefront. The results of a New Orleans area Racial Attitudes Survey conducted by the University of New Orleans Survey Research Center was also released at that time.
*Click an image for a larger version and full description.
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