THE NOLA FOR LIFE - "flip the script" initiative is powerful and shall be more powerful as you come on board. Click here for more details.
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The crowd was in place as doors opened at 6:30 p.m. at the Joy Theatre. I arrived and saw quite a few police officers. A passerby would ask me and my guest, "what's going on? Is Obama here tonight seeing all the police and such?" We told him no and joked there would be more police coverage than this! We told him the Mayor's event was happening tonight and Spike Lee is his guest.
Truly it felt a little more secure knowing that the men and women in blue were surrounding the building. The setting: Food tables lined each side wall and seating in two sections were on the main floor. The food consisted of finger foods, items stuffed with seafood, fruit and cheeses. The mixing and mingling among people from various walks of life continued through the call for order as the program would begin. The atmosphere was relaxed and the attire ranged from STRICTLY BUSINESS to business casual.
I passed right in front of Spike Lee, who sat unassumingly on the front
row of the theatre. There was a mess of people there, but I did not know why until I needed to pass there. I spoke to him ever so casually (formally, really "Hello Mr. Lee") He responded in kind, "Hello".
Throughout the event, He reminded us that "No one" has a magic bullet or could wave a hand or say abracadabra to the crime problem. He stated, "Our young black men are killing each other like it's a self-imposed genocide. It is our job, our responsibility to make them understand the value of their lives and help them to achieve their greatest potential." He reminded us that the murder problem is not just a New Orleans or Louisiana thing. He reminded us of his dear Brooklyn when the prevalence of murder is also a burden.
The Mayor, on the other hand presented his plan and it was shared alongside the great graphic and documentary work that Spike had contributed to the cause. The Mayor pointed to it as being worth a Million Dollars.... while Chevron, presented a check - their gift of 1Mil.
A heartful testimonial was given from a mother whose son did not make it home one night 2 years ago; A powerful message was shared from a young man who flipped the script on his life and decided to begin an organization where he gives back to other young men. He said the only thing to fight the crime on the street is Passion. He tapped into his.
It was a very informative, well-attended, free event. Mignon Faget appeared and created an anti-killing scarf and pin of a gun with a black ribbon behind it and the event closed out with a brass band performance.
May purpose not be forgotten going forward!
