During the colonial French, Spanish and American occupations of what is now Louisiana, enslaved Africans escaped and found refuge among Native American tribal communities. Since then, descendants have celebrated Native-African solidarity in a number of ways.
But one misunderstood tradition is getting none of the respect it deserves.
Mardi Gras Indian carnival “tribes” began as an in-your-face way to celebrate members’ complex cultural heritage.
For centuries, talented men known as “Big Chiefs” stepped forward to quietly apprentice other parading members in the traditional design and production of ornate costumes, dance routines, and chants in time for Mardi Gras season.
It is a treasured expression of art, culture, and heritage but that’s not what the media reports show.
Instead of calling attention to a tribe’s craftmanship and pride, some outlets used minor clashes stemming from rival tribe misunderstandings as a sign that the Indians were “gang” members ready to incite violence.
This false narrative paints Mardi Gras Indians as uncivilized savages. Now where have we heard that before?
Of course, the media wants to discredit Black artists and those wishing to uphold this rich legacy by painting them as criminals.
Forget what lies they tell, we are our most radiant and beautiful selves when we pay homage to our history.