current issue | main page | infotainment | past editions | special events | classifieds...a-l | classifieds...m-z | feedback!

The Inauguration:
A Cultural Celebration
by Toni Pizanie

The day of cultural celebration began with a Interfaith Service of Prayer and Song at the St. Louis Cathedral. Included in the impressive processional of distinguished clergy, was the pastor of the GLBT community's Vieux Carre' Metropolitan Community Church, the Rev. Dexter Brecht. A true friend and Senior Rabbi at Temple Sinai, Dr. Edward P. Cohn presented the Old Testament reading. Prayers were offered in Spanish, Vietnamese, French, Arabic and Hindi as well as English in a representation of our diverse New Orleans population of faiths.

The sermon, and certainly NOT the high point of the service, was given by the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson. Sr. Rev. Jackson's comments were separatist and inflammatory. In his message of "leave no American behind," he made it clear that the only Americans in need, under-educated, without health insurance and living in poverty are African-Americans. The message had a negative twist toward some of the projects on which Mayor Morial is presently working, and his history of New Orleans was somewhat flawed.

Overall the service was quite inspirational, in part due to the congregational hymns, solos by Bridget Bazile and Ellen Frohnmayer and The New Orleans Black Chorale, Inc. under the direction of Dr. John E. Ware. Organists were Moses Hogan and Dr. Malcolm J. Breda.

The second event was held just across Jackson Square where the Mayor reviewed troops from the US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Coast Guard and US Army Reserve. There was a large number of "brass" in attendance making one wonder who was watching the "country" store.

The Presbytere Museum was the site of the reception which followed. This was a good photo opt to catch the police chief and his lovely wife; Earl Jackson, the Mayor's right hand and many other City dignitaries including Gay activist, Nelson Savior.

The new City Council hosted a reception at the New Orleans Museum of Art. This was an informal yet classy event where the Council and their families made themselves available to friends and supporters. There are only two words for the edibles afforded us: abundant and delicious. A six piece combo played while people wandered the vast first floor shaking hands and hugging as appropriate. Here the GLBT presence was in full force. LAGPAC, the MAC, the Community Center, Log Cabin Republicans and Ambush all made ourselves known as we greeted, wooed and lobbied the new Council members.

A secondline parade followed hot on the heels of the reception at the Bienville Statue on Decatur St. Ten brass bands and twenty-three marching clubs were led by honorary grand marshal, Philip M. Baptiste.

The crowning glory of the day was the Inaugural Ceremony at the Municipal Auditorium. For the second time this day, the Mayor's young daughter escorted him in the processional. The Mayor's inaugural address was stimulating and focused on improving education for all New Orleans' children. A group of students from private, public and parochial schools received a standing ovation when introduced by the Mayor. He touched on tourism, crime, housing and growth. Yet education was the one subject that received the most attention and applause from the large audience.

Following the address was entertainment by Allen Toussaint and company. This was a sample of the celebration that followed in Armstrong Park and lasted until after midnight. The Cultural Celebration of New Orleans was an honor to Mayor Marc H. Morial and the City Council. It was a day-long recognition of past triumphs and failures and an optimistic insight into what we believe is our future.

current issue | main page | infotainment | past editions | special events | classifieds...a-l | classifieds...m-z | feedback!