January 6, 2011

Today I worked both at the Times Picayune and at New Orleans Outreach. I met Jeff Duncan, Times Picayune Sports writer for the Saints and author of Tales from the Saints Sideline. Mr. Duncan was generous to meet with me in his busy day, as he had planned a book signing in Baton Rouge and was preparing for the Saints' game in Seattle on Saturday. We conversed about his early career in journalism and how he had begun writing about high school sports in Monroe, Louisiana for about six years before "working his way up" and finally becoming a part of the Times Picayune team. He expressed his opinion that in order to be successful in the journalism field, one must be willing to make sacrifices, be flexible, learn new things, and be open to taking difficult jobs first to be the "gateway" into more fulfilling opportunities. For example, the student editor of the paper at  Loyola University in New Orleans was interested in a job at the Times Picayune. However, the newspaper's availability was limited, so in order to prove himself, the student undertook a job from 1 AM - 6 AM seven days a week and worked tirelessly in the newsroom updating the web and gathering information for stories. Mr. Duncan explained that this work ethic and desire for success is vital to furthering oneself in journalism. Mr. Duncan admitted that a down-side to journalism is a lack of a structured schedule or consistent hours, but he enjoys the traveling that comes along with his profession. Mr. Duncan is passionate about both his career and the Saints, the New Orleans football team that won the Superbowl last year. He explained that the victory was a tremendous boost for the city as a whole, and the connection between the Saints team and the spirit of the community is truly unique. Having once lived in Nashville, he honestly compared the Times Picayune to the Tennessean, saying that the Saints' relationship to the paper is much stronger and more meaningful than that of the Titans.' In order to understand the incredible sentiments of the city towards the football team, one has to experience the public's gratitude towards the Saints.

After meeting with Mr. Duncan, I attended a meeting/party at Gallier Hall with Michelle Krupa, a Times Picayune reporter. At the meeting, the mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu, cut the first king cake of the Mardi Gras season. The party was the official "launch-off" of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is an annual festival in New Orleans that proceeds Lent. Originally a religiously-affiliated celebration, Mardi Gras is an integral part of the city's cultural heritage and traditions. In addition to the Saints and the Times Picayune, Mardi Gras is an aspect of New Orleans culture that binds the people together. It is a celebration of something that is unique to the people of New Orleans and is watched by the world. The mayor noted that Mardi Gras is something so special that it cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. In addition to the mayor making an address, Zulu officials spoke. Zulu is one of the most renowned krewes of Mardi Gras, and the annual poster for the krewe was unveiled. Designed by LSU graduate Jon Guillaume, the poster features a coconut, one of the central elements to the Zulu parade and historical heritage. To learn more about the history of Zulu, click here:
http://www.kreweofzulu.com/history/
Also at the meeting, the Captain of Rex delivered a speech thanking the mayor for recognizing the importance of Mardi Gras. Rex is also one of the most important parades of the Mardi Gras festivities. Rex has helped define Mardi Gras as a whole, and founded in 1872, it is one of the oldest Mardi Gras organizations in New Orleans. To learn more about the history of Rex, click here: http://www.rexorganization.com/
I've always loved the Mardi Gras season, from the king cakes to the beads to the parades - but viewing the celebration from a different angle was a fabulous change of perspective. I was so excited to witness such a formal and important event for the city. After all, Mardi Gras is the most important time of the year for the city of New Orleans. Mardi Gras helped the city unite after Hurricane Katrina, it holds important cultural significance for the city, and it encourages tourism and profit for New Orleans. Shadowing Michelle Krupa at the event was beneficial, as I learned from her recording techniques and ability to interact with the city officials. She taught me the importance of staying on good terms with the mayor and his press secretaries, and I was actually personally introduced to the mayor and took a picture with him. He was intrigued to learn I was one of the "Casey's" from New Orleans.

Above is a picture of Mayor Mitch Landrieu and myself, and below are pictures of the kickoff ceremony.

The ceremony was held in the historic Gallier Hall.

Mitch Landrieu enjoyed the opening music and parade of Mardi Gras dancers.

Many Zulu parade officials were present for the ceremony.

Above Mitch Landrieu and Jon Gulliaume, designer of the annual Zulu poster, pose for the camera. Pictured below is the official "first king-cake cutting."

The Mardi Gras Indians are an important cultural element of the festivities.

The captain of Rex delivered an address (above), as well as a Zulu official (below).

HAPPY MARDI GRAS! 

After my festivities at the Times Picayune, I also worked for several hours in the afternoon and into the evening at the New Orleans Outreach Center with Paige Breaux. In addition to organizing supplies at the administration office, we delivered food to meetings at two schools, Samuel J. Green Charter School and Arthur Ashe Charter School. I attended two meetings that conducted contract agreements for teachers familiarizing themselves with the enrichment programs offered by the non-profit organization. I look forward to more work at the New Orleans Outreach Center. 

Below, the Samuel J. Green Charter School has developed a program called the "Edible Schoolyard." The school has integrated a program to the curriculum that teaches students about gardening. Students pick the vegetables, learn how to cook, and then eat them for lunch. The cycle teaches the children responsibility and the importance of recycling, using composting, etc. 

The garden at the Charter School is so beautiful that many people have chosen the spot for weddings.

Above is a section of the Arthur Ashe Charter school, another school in New Orleans that was revitalized after Hurricane Katrina and caters to impoverished students. New Orleans Outreach Center offers enrichment programs in subjects such as art, music, and yoga after school to the students. 

More tomorrow!