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History "The Mardi Gras Show"
The
Lafayette Mardi Gras krews grew parallel to that of the New Orleans
krews. They
did not have the resources New Orleans had but the desire
and affection to
celebrate Fat Tuesday was paramount. It should be noted that due to the
regions
religious influences the linkage to Mardi Gras is obvious. However, by
reasons
of undocumented occurrences, much of Lafayette's African American Mardi
Gras's
beginnings are somewhat vague.
The
consolidation of the African American Mardi Gras activity was born out
of a
need to recognize the artistry, talent and hard work of the costume designers.
The lack of recognition at the downtown judging event, inspired
John Lewis
to begin the first neighborhood Judging Contest in the McComb
subdivision in Lafayette
in 1992 on
corners 12th and Plum Street.
In
1996 John became ill and turn the reigns of the Judging Contest to
Dolly
Broussard. Broussard was John's local mardi gras JD. For her support and commitment,
John made
a surprise announcement on AOC television that he was turning over the
Judging
Contest to Broussard. In 1997 Broussard, with the help of Harambee
records, and
neighbors, held the first live musical performance of the Mardi Gras Judging Contest.
The stage was made out of pallets donated by Lafayette General
Hospital.
John
Freeman and Herbert Jasman assisted Broussard with her first Judging
Contest. Printed certificates were provided by a local church. The
certificates
were well received by the Mardi Gras contestants. Freeman was developing plans for
an out
door event on Mardi Gras Day to highlight the music, culture and the
folklore
of the African American Mardi Gras celebration in Lafayette North. He asks Broussard and
Herbert
if they would join him. In 1999 Freeman located Clark Field Stadium, a
historic neighborhood stadium that once hosted many African American Artist
such as
Jackie Wilson.
Freeman noticed that
Dolly Broussard was the only lady to dress in costume; he asks
her if
she would become The Queen of the Mardi Gras Kingdom. She accepted.
Freeman than sought out Matthew "Tiger" Jones the King of Fun for all Mardi Gras
and ask if he would join the show. Mr. Jones accepted. John Lewis
return to AOC television, however, this time it was to crown Broussard
Queen of the
Mardi Gras Kingdom.
Needing
organization Freeman set out to ask support from the community, raise
funding and developed a team of about 100 people to work and promote
the Mardi
Gras Show. Herbert Jasman is the volunteer manager of marketing. Dolly Broussard is
still Queen and star of the judging contest.
The
Mardi Gras Show @ Clark Field features many local and national
artists. The Mardi Gras Kingdom are
Mardi Gras' from local neighborhoods and other communities. They display their costumes, join the Judging
Contest and close out the Mardi
Gras season. Lots of food, crafts and good
music.
We
are in search of other historic events about the African American Mardi
Gras in Lafayette. If you have a story, we would like
to hear it.
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