New Orleans represents the best and worst of America. Its rich tapestry of African-American, Cajun, Creole, and European traditions gave birth to a unique and vibrant culture of music, food, and pageantry known around the world. New Orleanians have an indomitable spirit—drawn directly from a deep love of their heritage—that has fueled a remarkable resiliency in the face of disasters from Hurricane Katrina to the BP oil spill. While the city suffers from the legacy of slavery, a punitive criminal justice system, a weak infrastructure, and pervasive corruption, its residents are developing homegrown solutions that offer models for advocates around the nation and the world.
In this video, Ann Beeson, executive director of U.S. Programs at the Open Society Foundations, discusses why the organization is dedicating its resources to support the work of many of New Orleans's most dedicated, creative advocates for social change and social justice.
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In the five years since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the levees broke, residents have developed innovative approaches to tackling some of the city’s—and the nation’s—most persistent problems: criminal justice reform, unresponsive government, and racial and economic inequality. In recognition of these efforts, during the month of August the Open Society Blog shines a light on people and organizations in New Orleans bringing change from within one of the country’s most important cities. Read more posts in this series.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK CELEBRATES FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS PAST
US Fed News Service, Including US State News November 29, 2006 The National Park Service's Great Smoky Mountains National Park issued the following press release: Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced the 31st annual "Festival of Christmas Past" celebration on Saturday, December 9, 2006, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event, sponsored in cooperation with Great Smoky Mountains Association, is free to the public and will take place at Sugarlands Visitor Center, 2 miles south of Gatlinburg, Tenn.
"Festival of Christmas Past" is an annual celebration of the culture of the Smoky Mountains, with an emphasis on that special time of year, Christmas. "Mountain people worked hard all year," said Tim Cruze, Acting Supervisor, Sugarlands Visitor Center, "and they looked forward to Christmas which provided the chance for social interaction. These folk gathered in churches, homes, and schools during the holidays, while also meeting others along roads and trails in the mountains. They celebrated the special holiday through music, storytelling, and crafts." The festival at Sugarlands Visitor Center will showcase Southern Appalachian traditions with an ongoing blend of mountain music, storytelling, and crafts through demonstrations that are scheduled throughout the day at various locations in and near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Other special programs include: see here great smoky mountains
* A visit from Santa Claus for youngsters and the "young at heart." Santa will appear at 12 noon.
* The popular "Stories of the Past" session, which involves personal recollections of people who lived in the mountains in the "old days," will occur at 1:00 p.m. in the visitor center theater. This session will be led by Jim Shular, president of the Smoky Mountain Historical Society.
* "Memories Along the Trail," will be offered at 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Costumed interpreters will lead a short walk on a nearby trail and provide vignettes about life in the mountains during the holidays of the 1880s-1930s.
Music is always a big part of the festival, and this year's talent includes the following fine "old-time" and bluegrass bands: "South of the River Boys," "Locust Ridge Boys," "Lost Mill String Band," "Mystery Mountain Boys," "Richard Bennett Band," and "Boogertown Gap Band." These bands will play throughout the day in the "big-top" tent. go to website great smoky mountains
Also in the tent, visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy the talents of painters, basket makers, chair makers, and quilters. Nearby, apple butter makers will demonstrate their skills.
A number of authors of books on the Great Smokies will also be on hand to chat and sign copies of their works. Featured authors and illustrators will include Lisa Horstman (Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball, The Smokies Yukky Book, The Troublesome Cub), David Morris (Waterfalls of the Smokies) and Doris Gove (The Smokies Yukky Book).
"We are thankful to have so many artisans come together to share their knowledge with the public. With this variety, participants are sure to enjoy the day, and, at the same time, learn about the lives of mountain residents and how they celebrated the season," said Cruze.
"In the five years since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the levees broke..."
Can you folks please drop the meme that Katrina flooded New Orleans? I was there when the storm missed the city and struck MS nearly 50 miles away.
Yes the levees "broke". What they did was Fail due to to Gross Engineering Mistakes in their building by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
That is the Fact of New Orleans devastation 8/29/05.
If you all can't deal in Facts then what will you deal?
Thank you
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"In the five years since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the levees broke..."
Can you folks please drop the meme that Katrina flooded New Orleans? I was there when the storm missed the city and struck MS nearly 50 miles away.
Yes the levees "broke". What they did was Fail due to to Gross Engineering Mistakes in their building by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
That is the Fact of New Orleans devastation 8/29/05.
If you all can't deal in Facts then what will you deal?
Thank you