Thursday, June 15, 2006
JUNE 23rd - June 30th
Ashé Press
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castel-Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
tel: (504) 569-9070,
fax: (504) 569-9075
email: ashecac@gmail.com
website: ashecac.org
Ashé Contacts:
Carol Bebelle, Director
Douglass Redd, Artistic Director
Gwen Richardson, Events Coordinator
Jerald L. White, Communications Team
Ashé Community Arts Center Commemorates International Middle Passage Remembrance Day with New Orleans Maafa Ceremony
JUNE 26, 2006 New Orleans, Louisiana: The New Orleans Community Maafa Remembrance & Renewal Committee invites the public to the 6th annual community-wide commemoration honoring the memory of the millions of African people and their decedents who suffered and perished during the period of African capture and enslavement in the Americans over 500 years ago.
The Maafa Commemoration ceremony will start at Congo Square in Armstrong Park on Saturday, July 1 at 6:30 a.m. (promptly at sunrise) and end at 9:00 a.m. in Woldenberg Riverfront Park. Community activists, spiritual leaders, artists and visitors to our city will lead a musical procession through the French Quarter to John Scott's "Ocean Song" sculpture in Woldenberg Park, where libations, prayers, and creative expressions will be offered in honor of the ancestors.
Following the Maafa ceremony at 10:00 a.m., there will be a breakfast gathering at Ashé Cultural Arts Center with guest speaker Dr. Robert H. Cataliotti , Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities & Media at Coppin State University in Baltimore
REMEMBRANCE:
This initiative answers the call of the Washington, D.C. based Homeward Bound Foundation, asking the international community to set aside the first Saturday in July as International Middle-passage Remembrance Day. The New Orleans community chose to use a Kiswahili word "Maafa" offered by scholar and professor Dr. Marimba Ani, to capture in a language of the people most impacted by this gross violation of humanity. Maafa, which means horrific disaster, provides a much broader communication of the devastation that occurred than the popular term "middle-passage."
The New Orleans Maafa Remembrance & Renewal Committee is convened by Ashé Cultural Arts Center in partnership with the Congo Square Foundation. Other partners and sponsors in this event include: the Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Christian Unity Baptist Church, The institute of Black Catholic Studies, the Twomey Center for Justice Through Peace, The National Coalition for Blacks in America (NCOBRA), European Dissent, YICI Productions, Ausar Auset Society, the Buddhist Community, the Muslim Community, and a host of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. The production team is composed of Carol Bebelle, Douglas Redd, Olayeela Daste, Luther Gray, Jerald L. White, Gwen Richardson, Gregory Rattler, Jr., and Briceshanay Gresham.
RENEWAL:
"There is still much work for us to do to foster healing and to create the opportunity for reconciliation in our community," said Luther Gray, Director of the Congo Square Foundation.
It is the desire of the committee that this commemoration inspire meaningful dialog about the Maafa in our schools, churches, cultural centers, public institutions, neighborhoods and homes. The painful and lingering legacy of enslavement in the United States is grossly minimized, often overlooked and consequently misunderstood.
"We are working to build a society full of communities where reciprocity in its fullest expression is the standard ethical value and the priority measure for accountability." added Carol Bebelle, Co-Director of Ashé Cultural Arts Center. " We consider reciprocity in its fullest expression to encompass the realms of economics, social issues, and education. Especially in this rebuilding era, the ethics of fairness, respect, consideration and full access to the rights and privileges of American citizenship are vital components to the success of our efforts."
Olayeela Daste, storyteller, community activist, and culturalist prays "that this time together each year will make us stronger in our resolve to make our community a place of peace for everyone."
MAAFA PARTICIPANTS ARE ASKED TO WEAR WHITE ON JULY 1ST
# # #
THIRD ANNUAL STATE OF THE NATION ART & PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL
JUNE 28th to July 1st
Performances, Film & Music $10
Workshops $10
All Festival Pass $50
Visual Art FREE
The theme of this year’s festival is Restoration. Special guest include Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Founder and Artistic Director of Urban Bush Women; San Francisco playwright Anne Galjour; and Philadelphia’s oLive Dance Theater, and other participating artists.
The visual art exhibit will open each night at 6:30 p.m. at Barrister's/Zeitgeist followed by performances and films at Ashé Cultural Arts Center beginning at 8:00 p.m.
In addition to performance, film, music and visual art, workshops conducted by oLive Dance Theater (Friday 10-12 p.m.), Deanne Feaster (Friday 1-3 p.m.), Ausettua Amor Amenkum (Saturday 10-12 p.m) and Jawole Will Jo Zollar (Saturday 1-3pm) will take place Friday and Saturday. There will be a panel discussion entitled Lighting the Candle: Artistic & Community Re-Generation on Saturday July 1 from 4-6 p.m. at Ashé.
State of the Nation is a regional festival and monthly performance series conceived by ArtSpot Productions that provides a forum for student, emerging and professional artists of all disciplines to share and create original performances, community workshops, visual art and film.
For further information please contact Mondo Bizarro (mondobizarro.org) at 504-304-7855, ArtSpot Productions (artspotprodictions.org) at 504-866-7387 or the Ashé Cultural Arts Center at 504-569-9070.
Katrina Information Network and New Orleans Network
Friday, June 23rd
9:30a.m.-NOON
At the Ashe' Cultural Arts Center
RSVP/Questions: Corlita Mahr cmahr1@cox.net, (504) 908-6652
Purpose: convene grassroots organizing, advocacy and communications workers to develop clear strategies for building power, visibility, and basic agreeable steps toward 8/29 anniversary event(s) and the possibility of a more cohesive recovery agenda.
By:
1-Informing one another of the work our respective groups are engaged in over the next few months;
2-Sharing information on those activities and peoples we know of that are not necessarily linked;
3-Laying out a calendar of upcoming 'static' dates;
4-Creating a space for cross-organizational activities;
5-Compiling reports and stories from our various efforts to disseminate jointly in the weeks leading up to the anniversary
6-Beginning to identify ways common efforts can boost visibility, cohesive action(s), and pressure
Goals:
1. Make viable calendar(s) of events leading up to Anniversary of Katrina (8/29) and feasible ways to support common efforts and activities. 2. Link localized efforts (including Gulf South and those throughout the displaced diaspora) in impacting local, state, regional and national governmental accountability and implementation of relevant alliances and capacity building. 3. Communicating the calendar and reports from groups working directly with the displaced and most affected residents to our national and international allies, supporters, and media.
We recognize that big work is happening among groups that existed before the storm(s) and groups that have emerged in response to the unmet responsibilities and commitments of city, state and federal government. Following the largest compulsory migration in the U.S. since the Reconstruction Era of the late nineteenth century, we share an enormous and necessary task. The work has continued to grow among community organizers, advocacy groups, issue-based groups and many whom have not ever been affiliated with any of the above, including culture and arts groups, neighborhood groups, and relief agencies.
Even with these efforts to make sure a just and full rebuilding of the Gulf South is achieved, a harder push must be made.
This summer marks a critical time in history, for bringing the myriad of issues that we're all working to address to the forefront. The anniversary brings renewed attention and interest to the region, and with it another opportunity to better address the immediate and long-term needs of those most adversely affected by the hurricane season of 2005 that must be met. Many have answered the call, but those most responsible for the continuing catastrophe have not been held fully accountable for their lack of action or humanity.
The need for making these changes happen is equal to the opportunity. We represent a many approaches to tackling some of the largest challenges in U.S. history. The shared purpose of ending those conditions that allowed this tragedy to take place and that continue to wreak havoc on so many lives binds us far more than our differences separate us.
A calendar of events is not a recovery plan, but it is a way to begin the necessary next phase of communication and linking "on the ground" efforts to one another toward broader strategic planning and implementation.
If you are unable to attend please fwd the name and contact information for a rep. that may particpate in your place.
We are excited to propose and support this (initial) convening. Together we look forward to supporting the growth, coordination, action necessary to see that a just recovery and rebuild takes place.
ARTS COUNCIL GRANT WORKSHOPS
SIGN UP NOW FOR JUNE 27th AT ASHE'
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Joycelyn L. Reynolds, Director of Grants Services or Karen Kern, Grants Associate,(504) 523-1465.
Arts Council of New Orleans Announces August 2, 2006 Deadline for Regional Arts Grants
New Orleans, LA ---- Arts grants are available for arts activities to take place in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes. Applications are now being accepted for grants through the Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding Program made possible with state funds through the Louisiana Division of the Arts. Applications must be received in the Arts Council's office by August, 2, 2006.
Guidelines and application forms are available for download at artscouncilofneworleans.org. Printed copies of guidelines and application forms are also available at the technical assistance workshops, at the Arts Council of New Orleans' office at 818 Howard Avenue, Suite 300, between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by request at 523-1465.
WORKSHOPS: Arts Council staff will conduct technical assistance workshops outlining grant guidelines and providing information on how to submit a competitive application. Workshop attendance is strongly
recommended for prospective applicants. Workshops are free and open to the public. Interested parties may attend any workshop. The same material will be covered at each.
ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS: Arts Council staff is available to help in the development of proposals and to review drafts of proposals. Staff is available to provide technical assistance to prospective applicants through one-on-one consultations by appointment on dates included herein
and on other dates as needed. To maximize this opportunity, a prospective applicant should attend a grants workshop and become familiar with the guidelines prior to scheduling an appointment. If a draft of a proposal is to be discussed at the consultation, it should be sent to a member of the grants staff by email
jreynolds@artscouncilofneworleans.org or kkern@artscouncilofneworleans.org
or fax (529-2430) a few days prior to the consultation.
2006 Grants Workshops (Free and Open to the Public)
Tuesday, June 27
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Old Metairie Library
2350 Metairie Road
Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 838-4353
Friday, July 7
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 569-9070
One-On-One Consultations (By Appointment Only)
Thursday, July 13 & Thursday, July 20
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 569-9070
TO RSVP for workshop attendance or to set up an appointment, phone call (504) 523-1465.
For more information contact:
Karen Kern, Grants Associate
Arts Council of New Orleans
818 Howard Avenue, Suite 300
New Orleans, LA 70113
504-523-1465 / Fax: 504-529-2430
kkern@artscouncilofneworleans.org
artscouncilofneworleans.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castel-Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
tel: (504) 569-9070,
fax: (504) 569-9075
email: ashecac@gmail.com
website: ashecac.org
Ashé Contacts:
Carol Bebelle, Director
Douglass Redd, Artistic Director
Gwen Richardson, Events Coordinator
Jerald L. White, Communications Team
Ashé Community Arts Center Commemorates International Middle Passage Remembrance Day with New Orleans Maafa Ceremony
JUNE 26, 2006 New Orleans, Louisiana: The New Orleans Community Maafa Remembrance & Renewal Committee invites the public to the 6th annual community-wide commemoration honoring the memory of the millions of African people and their decedents who suffered and perished during the period of African capture and enslavement in the Americans over 500 years ago.
The Maafa Commemoration ceremony will start at Congo Square in Armstrong Park on Saturday, July 1 at 6:30 a.m. (promptly at sunrise) and end at 9:00 a.m. in Woldenberg Riverfront Park. Community activists, spiritual leaders, artists and visitors to our city will lead a musical procession through the French Quarter to John Scott's "Ocean Song" sculpture in Woldenberg Park, where libations, prayers, and creative expressions will be offered in honor of the ancestors.
Following the Maafa ceremony at 10:00 a.m., there will be a breakfast gathering at Ashé Cultural Arts Center with guest speaker Dr. Robert H. Cataliotti , Associate Professor in the Department of Humanities & Media at Coppin State University in Baltimore
REMEMBRANCE:
This initiative answers the call of the Washington, D.C. based Homeward Bound Foundation, asking the international community to set aside the first Saturday in July as International Middle-passage Remembrance Day. The New Orleans community chose to use a Kiswahili word "Maafa" offered by scholar and professor Dr. Marimba Ani, to capture in a language of the people most impacted by this gross violation of humanity. Maafa, which means horrific disaster, provides a much broader communication of the devastation that occurred than the popular term "middle-passage."
The New Orleans Maafa Remembrance & Renewal Committee is convened by Ashé Cultural Arts Center in partnership with the Congo Square Foundation. Other partners and sponsors in this event include: the Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Christian Unity Baptist Church, The institute of Black Catholic Studies, the Twomey Center for Justice Through Peace, The National Coalition for Blacks in America (NCOBRA), European Dissent, YICI Productions, Ausar Auset Society, the Buddhist Community, the Muslim Community, and a host of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. The production team is composed of Carol Bebelle, Douglas Redd, Olayeela Daste, Luther Gray, Jerald L. White, Gwen Richardson, Gregory Rattler, Jr., and Briceshanay Gresham.
RENEWAL:
"There is still much work for us to do to foster healing and to create the opportunity for reconciliation in our community," said Luther Gray, Director of the Congo Square Foundation.
It is the desire of the committee that this commemoration inspire meaningful dialog about the Maafa in our schools, churches, cultural centers, public institutions, neighborhoods and homes. The painful and lingering legacy of enslavement in the United States is grossly minimized, often overlooked and consequently misunderstood.
"We are working to build a society full of communities where reciprocity in its fullest expression is the standard ethical value and the priority measure for accountability." added Carol Bebelle, Co-Director of Ashé Cultural Arts Center. " We consider reciprocity in its fullest expression to encompass the realms of economics, social issues, and education. Especially in this rebuilding era, the ethics of fairness, respect, consideration and full access to the rights and privileges of American citizenship are vital components to the success of our efforts."
Olayeela Daste, storyteller, community activist, and culturalist prays "that this time together each year will make us stronger in our resolve to make our community a place of peace for everyone."
MAAFA PARTICIPANTS ARE ASKED TO WEAR WHITE ON JULY 1ST
# # #
THIRD ANNUAL STATE OF THE NATION ART & PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL
JUNE 28th to July 1st
Performances, Film & Music $10
Workshops $10
All Festival Pass $50
Visual Art FREE
The theme of this year’s festival is Restoration. Special guest include Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Founder and Artistic Director of Urban Bush Women; San Francisco playwright Anne Galjour; and Philadelphia’s oLive Dance Theater, and other participating artists.
The visual art exhibit will open each night at 6:30 p.m. at Barrister's/Zeitgeist followed by performances and films at Ashé Cultural Arts Center beginning at 8:00 p.m.
In addition to performance, film, music and visual art, workshops conducted by oLive Dance Theater (Friday 10-12 p.m.), Deanne Feaster (Friday 1-3 p.m.), Ausettua Amor Amenkum (Saturday 10-12 p.m) and Jawole Will Jo Zollar (Saturday 1-3pm) will take place Friday and Saturday. There will be a panel discussion entitled Lighting the Candle: Artistic & Community Re-Generation on Saturday July 1 from 4-6 p.m. at Ashé.
State of the Nation is a regional festival and monthly performance series conceived by ArtSpot Productions that provides a forum for student, emerging and professional artists of all disciplines to share and create original performances, community workshops, visual art and film.
For further information please contact Mondo Bizarro (mondobizarro.org) at 504-304-7855, ArtSpot Productions (artspotprodictions.org) at 504-866-7387 or the Ashé Cultural Arts Center at 504-569-9070.
Katrina Information Network and New Orleans Network
Friday, June 23rd
9:30a.m.-NOON
At the Ashe' Cultural Arts Center
RSVP/Questions: Corlita Mahr cmahr1@cox.net, (504) 908-6652
Purpose: convene grassroots organizing, advocacy and communications workers to develop clear strategies for building power, visibility, and basic agreeable steps toward 8/29 anniversary event(s) and the possibility of a more cohesive recovery agenda.
By:
1-Informing one another of the work our respective groups are engaged in over the next few months;
2-Sharing information on those activities and peoples we know of that are not necessarily linked;
3-Laying out a calendar of upcoming 'static' dates;
4-Creating a space for cross-organizational activities;
5-Compiling reports and stories from our various efforts to disseminate jointly in the weeks leading up to the anniversary
6-Beginning to identify ways common efforts can boost visibility, cohesive action(s), and pressure
Goals:
1. Make viable calendar(s) of events leading up to Anniversary of Katrina (8/29) and feasible ways to support common efforts and activities. 2. Link localized efforts (including Gulf South and those throughout the displaced diaspora) in impacting local, state, regional and national governmental accountability and implementation of relevant alliances and capacity building. 3. Communicating the calendar and reports from groups working directly with the displaced and most affected residents to our national and international allies, supporters, and media.
We recognize that big work is happening among groups that existed before the storm(s) and groups that have emerged in response to the unmet responsibilities and commitments of city, state and federal government. Following the largest compulsory migration in the U.S. since the Reconstruction Era of the late nineteenth century, we share an enormous and necessary task. The work has continued to grow among community organizers, advocacy groups, issue-based groups and many whom have not ever been affiliated with any of the above, including culture and arts groups, neighborhood groups, and relief agencies.
Even with these efforts to make sure a just and full rebuilding of the Gulf South is achieved, a harder push must be made.
This summer marks a critical time in history, for bringing the myriad of issues that we're all working to address to the forefront. The anniversary brings renewed attention and interest to the region, and with it another opportunity to better address the immediate and long-term needs of those most adversely affected by the hurricane season of 2005 that must be met. Many have answered the call, but those most responsible for the continuing catastrophe have not been held fully accountable for their lack of action or humanity.
The need for making these changes happen is equal to the opportunity. We represent a many approaches to tackling some of the largest challenges in U.S. history. The shared purpose of ending those conditions that allowed this tragedy to take place and that continue to wreak havoc on so many lives binds us far more than our differences separate us.
A calendar of events is not a recovery plan, but it is a way to begin the necessary next phase of communication and linking "on the ground" efforts to one another toward broader strategic planning and implementation.
If you are unable to attend please fwd the name and contact information for a rep. that may particpate in your place.
We are excited to propose and support this (initial) convening. Together we look forward to supporting the growth, coordination, action necessary to see that a just recovery and rebuild takes place.
ARTS COUNCIL GRANT WORKSHOPS
SIGN UP NOW FOR JUNE 27th AT ASHE'
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Joycelyn L. Reynolds, Director of Grants Services or Karen Kern, Grants Associate,(504) 523-1465.
Arts Council of New Orleans Announces August 2, 2006 Deadline for Regional Arts Grants
New Orleans, LA ---- Arts grants are available for arts activities to take place in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes. Applications are now being accepted for grants through the Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding Program made possible with state funds through the Louisiana Division of the Arts. Applications must be received in the Arts Council's office by August, 2, 2006.
Guidelines and application forms are available for download at artscouncilofneworleans.org. Printed copies of guidelines and application forms are also available at the technical assistance workshops, at the Arts Council of New Orleans' office at 818 Howard Avenue, Suite 300, between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by request at 523-1465.
WORKSHOPS: Arts Council staff will conduct technical assistance workshops outlining grant guidelines and providing information on how to submit a competitive application. Workshop attendance is strongly
recommended for prospective applicants. Workshops are free and open to the public. Interested parties may attend any workshop. The same material will be covered at each.
ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS: Arts Council staff is available to help in the development of proposals and to review drafts of proposals. Staff is available to provide technical assistance to prospective applicants through one-on-one consultations by appointment on dates included herein
and on other dates as needed. To maximize this opportunity, a prospective applicant should attend a grants workshop and become familiar with the guidelines prior to scheduling an appointment. If a draft of a proposal is to be discussed at the consultation, it should be sent to a member of the grants staff by email
jreynolds@artscouncilofneworleans.org or kkern@artscouncilofneworleans.org
or fax (529-2430) a few days prior to the consultation.
2006 Grants Workshops (Free and Open to the Public)
Tuesday, June 27
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Old Metairie Library
2350 Metairie Road
Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 838-4353
Friday, July 7
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 569-9070
One-On-One Consultations (By Appointment Only)
Thursday, July 13 & Thursday, July 20
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 569-9070
TO RSVP for workshop attendance or to set up an appointment, phone call (504) 523-1465.
For more information contact:
Karen Kern, Grants Associate
Arts Council of New Orleans
818 Howard Avenue, Suite 300
New Orleans, LA 70113
504-523-1465 / Fax: 504-529-2430
kkern@artscouncilofneworleans.org
artscouncilofneworleans.org
Sunday, June 11, 2006
JUNE 15th - 22nd
Celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Death of Marie Laveau, New Orleans celebrated Voodoo Queen
JUNE 15th
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Lunch provided
Marie Laveau (also spelled Laveaux), the famous Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, has always been popular among locals and tourists alike. Today a Google search on her name yields easily 400 000 or more hits. Her tomb in St Louis Cemetery No. 1 attracted in Pre-Katrina days between 500 and 3000 visitors on a daily basis. Laveau was devout Catholic, a beautician, a skilled herbal healer and nurse, a well-known spiritual counselor, a fabulous dancer, and a world renowned conjurer. She was also known to be one of the most beautiful women ever living. Hence, she is generally regarded as the central figure or patron saint of Louisiana's Voodoo tradition. Her active involvement in preserving the African cultural heritage in the city contributed to the birth Jazz in New Orleans. During her lifetime she helped countless people in crisis of any sort (health problems, financial problems, love problems, problems with the legal system etc.). "Mam'zelle Marie"--as New Orleanians called her lovingly--could "fix" it and turn any fate around. After her she only gained in popularity and her famous tomb turned soon into nationally known shrine of healing. To this day, people arrive there from near and far to pray and ask the spirit of the great Voodoo Queen for assistance. Many of the pilgrims credit Marie Laveaux for winning in the lottery, healing from terminal illnesses, finding their soul mate in a happy marriage, or getting acquitted in a court of law.
Laveau was born free on September 10, 1801 in New Orleans as the daughter of the free mulattos Charles Laveaux and Margarite Darcantel and lived most of her life in her famous cottage on St. Ann Street between Rampart and Burgundy Streets. She married twice. Her first husband, Jacques Paris, was a carpenter from St. Domingue (Haiti). Her second "common-law husband" was Christophe Duminy de Glapion, a New Orleanian of French descent, with whom she had two daughters who followed their mother's foot steps on the spiritual path. In her long illustrious life encompassed the end of the Spanish Colonial period, the entire antebellum years, Reconstruction and the beginning of the Jim Crow era. She died on June 15, 1881, just shy of 80 years old. The celebrated Voodoo Queen was well respected, and both loved and feared not only in her hometown but throughout the country. Her death was not only noted in all of the local papers, the lengthiest obituary remembering her life achievements appeared in the well-respected New York Times.
In this Post-Katrina time, many unfortunate New Orleanians have found comfort in praying to Marie Laveau for help with restoring and healing their lives. This public event serves to commemorate the life and legacy of the great Marie Laveau.
Program:
11 am Commemorative Service at the tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 on Basin Street
Laying down of a wreath – Dr. Ina Fandrich, Marie Laveau scholar.
Prayers and blessing: Rev. Elmer T. Glover Jr., senior Voodoo priest
Words on the preservation of the tomb: Barbara Trevigne, Marie Laveau researcher and actor
Words by a representative of the office of Mayor Ray Nagin
Words by a representative of the office of Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu
Song: Brandi Kelly
12 noon Lunch Lecture and Slide Presentation at Ashe Cultural Center on Aretha Castle Haley Blvd.
Drum music: Luther Gray
Introduction: Brenda Square, Amistad Research Center
Lecture and slide presentation on the "The Power of Marie Laveaux" by Dr. Ina J. Fandrich
ARTS COUNCIL GRANT WORKSHOPS
SIGN UP NOW FOR JUNE 22nd WORKSHOP!
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Joycelyn L. Reynolds, Director of Grants Services or Karen Kern, Grants Associate,(504) 523-1465.
Arts Council of New Orleans Announces August 2, 2006 Deadline for Regional Arts Grants
Arts grants are available for arts activities to take place in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes. Applications are now being accepted for grants through the Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding Program made possible with state funds through the Louisiana Division of the Arts.Applications must be received in the Arts Council's office by August, 2, 2006.
Guidelines and application forms are available for download at artscouncilofneworleans.org. Printed copies of guidelines and application forms are also available at the technical assistance workshops, at the Arts Council of New Orleans' office at 818 Howard Avenue, Suite 300, between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by request at 523-1465.
WORKSHOPS: Arts Council staff will conduct technical assistance workshops outlining grant guidelines and providing information on how to submit a competitive application. Workshop attendance is strongly recommended for prospective applicants. Workshops are free and open to the public. Interested parties may attend any workshop. The same material will be covered at each.
ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS: Arts Council staff is available to help in the development of proposals and to review drafts of proposals. Staff is available to provide technical assistance to prospective applicants through one-on-one consultations by appointment on dates included herein and on other dates as needed. To maximize this opportunity, a prospective applicant should attend a grants workshop and become familiar with the guidelines prior to scheduling an appointment. If a draft of a proposal is to be discussed at the consultation, it should be sent to a member of the grants staff by emailjreynolds@artscouncilofneworleans.org, kkern@artscouncilofneworleans.org or fax (504) 529-2430 a few days prior to the consultation.
2006 Grants Workshops (Free and Open to the Public)
THURSDAY, June 22
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 569-9070
Tuesday, June 27
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Old Metairie Library
2350 Metairie Road
Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 838-4353
Friday, July 7
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 569-9070
One-On-One Consultations (By Appointment Only)
Thursday, July 13 & Thursday, July 20
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 569-9070
TO RSVP for workshop attendance or to set up an appointment, phone call (504) 523-1465.
For more information contact:
Karen Kern, Grants Associate
Arts Council of New Orleans
818 Howard Avenue, Suite 300
New Orleans, LA 70113
504-523-1465 / Fax: 504-529-2430
kkern@artscouncilofneworleans.org
artscouncilofneworleans.org
SATRUDAY, JUNE 17th, 2006
BENEFIT for Jo “Cool” Davis
From 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
PLEASE JOIN US in our support for New Orleans' gospel great, Jo "Cool" Davis. Jo’s left leg was amputated below the knee on March 12, 2006 at Touro Hospital due to a gangrene infection caused by diabetes. As a result of the operation he now has some major medical bills and personal expenses. In spite of all this, he is in great spirits and is determined to continue praising God through gospel music. He performed
at this years’ Jazz Fest and has performed at the House of Blues Sunday Gospel Brunch.
The benefit concert will feature New Orleans gospel legends Sherman Washington and the Zion Harmonizers, the Reverend Lois Dejean and Jo “Cool Davis. In addition, food will be served. Admission is free. Monetary donations are requested for Jo “Cool” Davis, ”the Pride of Central City.”
JUNE 15th
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Lunch provided
Marie Laveau (also spelled Laveaux), the famous Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, has always been popular among locals and tourists alike. Today a Google search on her name yields easily 400 000 or more hits. Her tomb in St Louis Cemetery No. 1 attracted in Pre-Katrina days between 500 and 3000 visitors on a daily basis. Laveau was devout Catholic, a beautician, a skilled herbal healer and nurse, a well-known spiritual counselor, a fabulous dancer, and a world renowned conjurer. She was also known to be one of the most beautiful women ever living. Hence, she is generally regarded as the central figure or patron saint of Louisiana's Voodoo tradition. Her active involvement in preserving the African cultural heritage in the city contributed to the birth Jazz in New Orleans. During her lifetime she helped countless people in crisis of any sort (health problems, financial problems, love problems, problems with the legal system etc.). "Mam'zelle Marie"--as New Orleanians called her lovingly--could "fix" it and turn any fate around. After her she only gained in popularity and her famous tomb turned soon into nationally known shrine of healing. To this day, people arrive there from near and far to pray and ask the spirit of the great Voodoo Queen for assistance. Many of the pilgrims credit Marie Laveaux for winning in the lottery, healing from terminal illnesses, finding their soul mate in a happy marriage, or getting acquitted in a court of law.
Laveau was born free on September 10, 1801 in New Orleans as the daughter of the free mulattos Charles Laveaux and Margarite Darcantel and lived most of her life in her famous cottage on St. Ann Street between Rampart and Burgundy Streets. She married twice. Her first husband, Jacques Paris, was a carpenter from St. Domingue (Haiti). Her second "common-law husband" was Christophe Duminy de Glapion, a New Orleanian of French descent, with whom she had two daughters who followed their mother's foot steps on the spiritual path. In her long illustrious life encompassed the end of the Spanish Colonial period, the entire antebellum years, Reconstruction and the beginning of the Jim Crow era. She died on June 15, 1881, just shy of 80 years old. The celebrated Voodoo Queen was well respected, and both loved and feared not only in her hometown but throughout the country. Her death was not only noted in all of the local papers, the lengthiest obituary remembering her life achievements appeared in the well-respected New York Times.
In this Post-Katrina time, many unfortunate New Orleanians have found comfort in praying to Marie Laveau for help with restoring and healing their lives. This public event serves to commemorate the life and legacy of the great Marie Laveau.
Program:
11 am Commemorative Service at the tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 on Basin Street
Laying down of a wreath – Dr. Ina Fandrich, Marie Laveau scholar.
Prayers and blessing: Rev. Elmer T. Glover Jr., senior Voodoo priest
Words on the preservation of the tomb: Barbara Trevigne, Marie Laveau researcher and actor
Words by a representative of the office of Mayor Ray Nagin
Words by a representative of the office of Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu
Song: Brandi Kelly
12 noon Lunch Lecture and Slide Presentation at Ashe Cultural Center on Aretha Castle Haley Blvd.
Drum music: Luther Gray
Introduction: Brenda Square, Amistad Research Center
Lecture and slide presentation on the "The Power of Marie Laveaux" by Dr. Ina J. Fandrich
The event is co-sponsored by the Marie Laveaux Center for Religion, Art, and Healing, the Ashe Cultural Center, and the Amistad Research Center, and the Voodoo Authentica Collection and Culture Center and is free and open to the public. For more info call (504) 669-6040
ARTS COUNCIL GRANT WORKSHOPS
SIGN UP NOW FOR JUNE 22nd WORKSHOP!
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Joycelyn L. Reynolds, Director of Grants Services or Karen Kern, Grants Associate,(504) 523-1465.
Arts Council of New Orleans Announces August 2, 2006 Deadline for Regional Arts Grants
Arts grants are available for arts activities to take place in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes. Applications are now being accepted for grants through the Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding Program made possible with state funds through the Louisiana Division of the Arts.
Guidelines and application forms are available for download at artscouncilofneworleans.org. Printed copies of guidelines and application forms are also available at the technical assistance workshops, at the Arts Council of New Orleans' office at 818 Howard Avenue, Suite 300, between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by request at 523-1465.
WORKSHOPS: Arts Council staff will conduct technical assistance workshops outlining grant guidelines and providing information on how to submit a competitive application. Workshop attendance is strongly recommended for prospective applicants. Workshops are free and open to the public. Interested parties may attend any workshop. The same material will be covered at each.
ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS: Arts Council staff is available to help in the development of proposals and to review drafts of proposals. Staff is available to provide technical assistance to prospective applicants through one-on-one consultations by appointment on dates included herein and on other dates as needed. To maximize this opportunity, a prospective applicant should attend a grants workshop and become familiar with the guidelines prior to scheduling an appointment. If a draft of a proposal is to be discussed at the consultation, it should be sent to a member of the grants staff by emailjreynolds@artscouncilofneworleans.org, kkern@artscouncilofneworleans.org or fax (504) 529-2430 a few days prior to the consultation.
2006 Grants Workshops (Free and Open to the Public)
THURSDAY, June 22
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 569-9070
Tuesday, June 27
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Old Metairie Library
2350 Metairie Road
Metairie, LA 70001
(504) 838-4353
Friday, July 7
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 569-9070
One-On-One Consultations (By Appointment Only)
Thursday, July 13 & Thursday, July 20
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 569-9070
TO RSVP for workshop attendance or to set up an appointment, phone call (504) 523-1465.
For more information contact:
Karen Kern, Grants Associate
Arts Council of New Orleans
818 Howard Avenue, Suite 300
New Orleans, LA 70113
504-523-1465 / Fax: 504-529-2430
kkern@artscouncilofneworleans.org
artscouncilofneworleans.org
SATRUDAY, JUNE 17th, 2006
BENEFIT for Jo “Cool” Davis
From 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
PLEASE JOIN US in our support for New Orleans' gospel great, Jo "Cool" Davis. Jo’s left leg was amputated below the knee on March 12, 2006 at Touro Hospital due to a gangrene infection caused by diabetes. As a result of the operation he now has some major medical bills and personal expenses. In spite of all this, he is in great spirits and is determined to continue praising God through gospel music. He performed
at this years’ Jazz Fest and has performed at the House of Blues Sunday Gospel Brunch.
The benefit concert will feature New Orleans gospel legends Sherman Washington and the Zion Harmonizers, the Reverend Lois Dejean and Jo “Cool Davis. In addition, food will be served. Admission is free. Monetary donations are requested for Jo “Cool” Davis, ”the Pride of Central City.”
For more information call Jo Cool Davis at (504) 523-1448 or Ashe at(504) 569-9070.
The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic Summer Solace Gig Fund and the Ashe Cultural Arts Center “Side by Side” Program are sponsors of the event.
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
JUNE 8th - 14th
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14
6:00 to 8:00 P.M.
WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 5600 Magazine Street - Arabella Station Uptown New Orleans
CHARITABLE FILM NETWORK
A Monthly Film Industry Event
* Entertainment provided by Side by Side
* Refreshments provided by Whole Foods Market
PLEASE JOIN US at the Charitable Film Network (CFN), a unique charity and networking event for media professionals, film enthusiasts, and newcomers to the film, video, and broadcast community. Connect with others in the film community, discuss creative and collaborative opportunities, and contribute to the community-at-large.
CFN accepts voluntary donations for a pre-selected local charity at each networking event. All monetary donations are earmarked, and given directly to a designated Charity of the Month. Network participants may also volunteer services to the charity during the event. This month's networking event will benefit the MARDI GRAS SERVICE CORPS/FAMILY MATCH.
For more information please visit: charitablefilmnetwork
SATURDAY, JUNE 10th, 2006
African American Leadership Project
Policy Summit on Katrina Rebuilding/Equity Ordinance:
12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Please RSVP by visiting www.aalp.org
The objective of the summit is to bring together organizations and individuals who have been working on aspects of rebuilding and reconstruction to initiate the development of a citizen oriented policy Agenda. Since the Katrina disaster, the AALP and other organizations have worked on numerous aspects of rebuilding which are appropriate for policy consideration. Now that the elections are over, it is especially appropriate to enter into dialogue with the city council (and eventually other elected officials as well) on the development of citizen sensitive policies for rebuilding and reconstruction. Members of the city council are expected to join the conversation from 3 to 5 pm.
The June 10th Summit is the first step of a multi- phased process that hopefully will lead to the passage and implementation of relevant policies. The Summit will also explore how to implement newly adopted policies such as the Neighborhood Rebuilding Equity Ordinance (NREO). The range of summit policy issues will include:
1. Housing,
2. Health Care,
3. Environmental Clean-up,
4. Police/Public Safety,
5. Jobs/Economic Development,
6. Neighborhood Planning/City Services and the Neighborhood Redevelopment Equity Ordinance (NREO).
Additional issues will be considered at subsequent follow up Summits.
The AALP is a broad based nonpartisan network of community, religious, business, and academic leaders, organizers, activists, planners and citizens focused on policy research analysis and advocacy, strategic dialogue on critical issues, community planning and neighborhood development, and consensus based Agenda building. It has been in existence for 3 1/2 years
THURSDAY, JUNE 8TH
Jose Torres Tama & ArteFuturo Productions Present:
"RAISING THE SPIRIT: SELF-PORTRAITS PERFORMED"
AN ENSEMBLE THEATER PIECE WITH MEN FROM "LIVING WITNESS"
PERFORMING STORIES OF REDEMPTION & REINVENTION OF THE SELF
Thursday & Friday, June 8 & 9, 2006 @ 5:30PM
Suggested contribution for the show is $5 at the door.
"RAISING THE SPIRIT: SELF-PORTRAITS PERFORMED" is an ensemble theater piece with six African American men who are trying to repair their lives and spirit after incarceration, substance abuse problems, and the trauma of displacement after Hurricane Katrina. The piece has developed through a series of theater and performance workshops conducted by Jose Torres Tama, a New Orleans theater and performance artist.
The ensemble is comprised men from the Living Witness Social Services Program. Tama guided the participants in developing improvised stories that explore their personal trials of redemption after drug addiction and the effects of a troubled past on their present journey to reinvention. The workshops evolved into a theater piece called "Raising the Spirit: Self-Portraits Performed."
The show will be accompanied by a short film documentary of the workshop process as filmed by Afro Cuban filmmaker William Sabourin O'Reilly. The film of "Raising the Spirit" documents the creation process that developed into the performance, and it serves as sort of "anatomy of lives unfolding," as it captures the theater exercises that engaged the
participants in revealing their secret selves.
6:00 to 8:00 P.M.
WHOLE FOODS MARKET, 5600 Magazine Street - Arabella Station Uptown New Orleans
CHARITABLE FILM NETWORK
A Monthly Film Industry Event
* Entertainment provided by Side by Side
* Refreshments provided by Whole Foods Market
PLEASE JOIN US at the Charitable Film Network (CFN), a unique charity and networking event for media professionals, film enthusiasts, and newcomers to the film, video, and broadcast community. Connect with others in the film community, discuss creative and collaborative opportunities, and contribute to the community-at-large.
CFN accepts voluntary donations for a pre-selected local charity at each networking event. All monetary donations are earmarked, and given directly to a designated Charity of the Month. Network participants may also volunteer services to the charity during the event. This month's networking event will benefit the MARDI GRAS SERVICE CORPS/FAMILY MATCH.
For more information please visit: charitablefilmnetwork
SATURDAY, JUNE 10th, 2006
African American Leadership Project
Policy Summit on Katrina Rebuilding/Equity Ordinance:
12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Please RSVP by visiting www.aalp.org
The objective of the summit is to bring together organizations and individuals who have been working on aspects of rebuilding and reconstruction to initiate the development of a citizen oriented policy Agenda. Since the Katrina disaster, the AALP and other organizations have worked on numerous aspects of rebuilding which are appropriate for policy consideration. Now that the elections are over, it is especially appropriate to enter into dialogue with the city council (and eventually other elected officials as well) on the development of citizen sensitive policies for rebuilding and reconstruction. Members of the city council are expected to join the conversation from 3 to 5 pm.
The June 10th Summit is the first step of a multi- phased process that hopefully will lead to the passage and implementation of relevant policies. The Summit will also explore how to implement newly adopted policies such as the Neighborhood Rebuilding Equity Ordinance (NREO). The range of summit policy issues will include:
1. Housing,
2. Health Care,
3. Environmental Clean-up,
4. Police/Public Safety,
5. Jobs/Economic Development,
6. Neighborhood Planning/City Services and the Neighborhood Redevelopment Equity Ordinance (NREO).
Additional issues will be considered at subsequent follow up Summits.
The AALP is a broad based nonpartisan network of community, religious, business, and academic leaders, organizers, activists, planners and citizens focused on policy research analysis and advocacy, strategic dialogue on critical issues, community planning and neighborhood development, and consensus based Agenda building. It has been in existence for 3 1/2 years
For more information, contact AALP Chairperson, Mrs. Gail Glapion, or AALP Project Manager, Mtangulizi Sanyika at 504-242-8353 or 713-376-3364 / e-mail: wazuri@aol.com.
Mtangulizi Sanyika, AALP Project Manager / Gail Glapion, AALP Chairperson
THURSDAY, JUNE 8TH
Jose Torres Tama & ArteFuturo Productions Present:
"RAISING THE SPIRIT: SELF-PORTRAITS PERFORMED"
AN ENSEMBLE THEATER PIECE WITH MEN FROM "LIVING WITNESS"
PERFORMING STORIES OF REDEMPTION & REINVENTION OF THE SELF
Thursday & Friday, June 8 & 9, 2006 @ 5:30PM
Suggested contribution for the show is $5 at the door.
"RAISING THE SPIRIT: SELF-PORTRAITS PERFORMED" is an ensemble theater piece with six African American men who are trying to repair their lives and spirit after incarceration, substance abuse problems, and the trauma of displacement after Hurricane Katrina. The piece has developed through a series of theater and performance workshops conducted by Jose Torres Tama, a New Orleans theater and performance artist.
The ensemble is comprised men from the Living Witness Social Services Program. Tama guided the participants in developing improvised stories that explore their personal trials of redemption after drug addiction and the effects of a troubled past on their present journey to reinvention. The workshops evolved into a theater piece called "Raising the Spirit: Self-Portraits Performed."
The show will be accompanied by a short film documentary of the workshop process as filmed by Afro Cuban filmmaker William Sabourin O'Reilly. The film of "Raising the Spirit" documents the creation process that developed into the performance, and it serves as sort of "anatomy of lives unfolding," as it captures the theater exercises that engaged the
participants in revealing their secret selves.
For additional information Contact: Jose Torres Tama at (504)232.2968 or www.torrestama.com.
This program is supported by a grant from The Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Arts Council of New Orleans.
