Dr Norman Francis – A Life committed to Education
On April 4th, 1968 Dr. Norman Christopher Francis was appointed President of Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. This day marked the end of one era, but not the end of the fight, and the...
Valdrack Jaentschke’s – vision for growth in Nicaragua; Nicaragua’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs speaks of the importance of a strong cultural identity to grow and succeed
Valdrack Jaentschke has been an activist for social justice, an academic and a politician in Nicaragua for most of his life. He has been instrumental in much of the political, social and economic reform that ha...
Guy Mayers – From unity comes strength, but Creole roots are important too!; Guy Mayers: businessman, politician, diplomat and fierce champion of St Lucia
His Excellency Mr. Guy Mayers, High Commissioner for St Lucia to the UK, has become known for his vocal support for both Creole culture and the young people of his home country. Particularly, he works to achiev...
Lewis Family Sugar Cane Farmers – Youth is the driving force for Success Over Generations
It's all about family when it comes to the Lewis’, one of Louisiana's best-known sugarcane empires. A state built on the work and lives of farmers, Louisiana has long been known for its...
Metoyer Anniversary. A Story of Love, Faith and Courage: 50 Years in the Making
I think that this story is a beautiful story of love, heartache and the triumph of the human spirit. When I think about it and really process it, it is humanity’s story. It’s one of many stories, because everyo...
The Growth of a Black Catholic Community – The Story of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Dates mean so many things to different people. We hold dates to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, the first day of our new beginnings and sadly, the last days of our earthly journeys. Dates have become th...
The thinking man’s clarinettist: Tom Laughlin – A top musician with the talent of a great storyteller
Tom Laughlin is a true swinging son of the New Orleans jazz scene and his unique ‘semi-sweet’ playing style has earned him a worldwide reputation as a clarinettist. With a string of hit albums, CDs and movie so...
Mission – Preserve African American culture as a legacy for future generations
What are the origins of ASRI?
In 1999, a group of scientists and educators, led by me, a forensic anthropologist, decided it was time to confront a serious issue within the African American community: Many Afri...
Vincent Pierre – Creole Public Servant
Vincent Pierre is a Louisiana elected official who is extremely proud of his Creole heritage. He was born in the Lafayette Charity Hospital in 1964 and raised in a small, friendly neighbourhood in the Scott/Car...
From housewife to undefeated governor: The extraordinary life of Kathleen Blanco
Awoman writes an open letter asking for “prayers and loving support,” as she battles liver cancer, but this is not just any woman; she is Louisiana’s first and only female governor.
Kathleen Blanco is responsi...
Dr. Ossian Sweet & Civil Rights Litigation – 2905 Garland at the intersection of Garland and Charlevoix on Detroit’s East Side
The most important civil rights trial of the 1920s arose from events occurring at this bungalow at the corner of Garland and Charlevoix. The African American population of most northern cities was modest before...
Felix “T-fra” Monette, Jr. – Sharing Culture Through Life, Laugher and Story-telling
Sometimes, being a “cultural preservationist” is not only about formal education, but more about living a life that embraces and exemplifies one’s culture. One of the most prolific examples of promoting one’s c...
Darla Montgomery – Helping young Creole journalists to realise their dreams
As an award-winning broadcast reporter, Darla Montgomery has worked her way through the TV hierarchy to now support and represent Creole reporters who are following in her footsteps.
Who is Darla Montgomery?
Da...
Amédé Ardoin and his legacy: A discussion with Darrell Bourque
Dr. Darrell Bourque has been researching the work and times of Amédé Ardoin for a number of years, coming up with an important and timely project to commemorate the poet and songwriter. Kreol Magazine sat ...
Ernest Gaines: Guardian of his Peoples Story
“All writers write about the past, and I try to make it come alive, so you can see what happened.” (E.G. 2011)
If you believe in Reincarnation, you could imagine that Ernest Gaines was an African “Griot” i...