(jewish) new year’s resolution

I’ve said it before. I’m saying it again now. I’m going to take up blogging again in earnest and with respect for what the enterprise offers. Not every day, perhaps. But for real. And I’ll get back to posting some of those good pictures from New Orleans.

So let me start with the contents of an email I got this morning. For those in New Orleans, it’s something you should attend this evening. For those outside the city, it’s a good example of how indigenous culture IS social activism in New Orleans and how, in the slow, troubled and unequal process of recovery, those who make music and dance to it and those who are fighting against violent crime, corrupt politics, and other ills have formalized what they were always doing–working in tandem.

This year, the Young Men Olympian, Jr. Mutual Aid and Benevolent Society celebrates 125 years of community engagement and service, as well as cultural celebration. On Sunday, September 27, the club will hold their second parade of the season, starting at their home base on Josephine Street. And this Thursday evening, September 24, the Young Men Olympian will precede their annual parade by joining SilenceIsViolence and the Social Aid and Pleasure Club Task Force in a City Walk/Peace Walk through the Central City neighborhood.

For over a century, the Young Men Olympian have quietly done community service and public safety work, without seeking recognition or reward. The club membership participates in cemetery clean-ups, Night Out Against Crime sponsorships, peace rallies (including a memorial for police officer Nicola Cotton), and much more. We are honored that the group has chosen to partner with SilenceIsViolence and the Social Aid and Pleasure Club Task Force for Thursday’s Peace Walk. Please join us at the Young Men Olympian, Jr. Hall, 2101 Josephine Street, at 6pm this Thursday. We will follow a circular route, spreading a message of peace, ending back at the Hall around 7pm. A brass band will perform after the walk.