P l e a s u r e C l u b
The New Orleans Bayou Steppers 2006 second-line was scheduled for January 15--Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. In light of the symbolic importance of this date and the impracticability of hosting an independent second line following the dispersal of our club membership, co-director Michelle Longino invited other clubs to participate in a coalition second-line, titled "We Are One." This All-Star second-line drew members of the social aid and pleasure club community from all over the United States. Many were returning to New Orleans for the first time following the storm.
Thousands of us paraded through the streets together, in an unprecedented show of unity and solidarity. Friends and families were reunited; three brass bands provided the beats for our parade; tears of relief at the recovery of our beloved tradition flowed freely.
Yet the Social Aid and Pleasure Club tradition is being severely challenged this year. The police have dramatically increased parade fees, pricing out many clubs. It seems that many in New Orleans, while eager to use the city’s street music and traditions to market the city to tourists, are less willing to support these traditions on the ground. Michelle is actively addressing these challenges as a founding member of the Social Aid and Pleasure Club Task Force.
The New Orleans Bayou Steppers and all of the clubs who have participated in the All-Star Second Line and the Task Force have denounced the violence regrettably associated with these events and pledged to continue working together to strengthen and heal the second-line clubs and our traditions—and, through our healing and our strength, to help strengthen and heal our poor wounded City.
Founded 2002
Parades just before Mardi Gras
Elijah Randall
Event Director
Baty Landis
Social Aid Director
Michelle Longino
Inter-Club Relations
Contact
Baty Landis
504.948.0917
2700 Chartres St.
NOLA, 70117