Nothing jazzes up a place like a Mardi Gras party. Last Friday, Feb. 21, the Black Student Union (BSU) brought a taste of New Orleans’s cheery carnival to the Finneran Pavilion for its annual Black History Month showcase: “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler: ‘Nova Meets NOLA.”
Kentron “Tron” White, Villanova senior and BSU president, kicked things off with a quick speech about some background on Mardi Gras and New Orleans before introducing the guest speaker. Making its way to NOLA in the early 1700s, Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” dates back to the Middle Ages and marks the day before Ash Wednesday. It serves as one final opportunity for western Christians to engage in eating rich foods before they fast for Lent.
“Nola is a city known for its resilience, its strength and above all, its ability to celebrate,” White said.
He proudly sang the city’s praises and its spirit of “joy, music and togetherness.”
West African culture has had a notable influence on the celebration in the modern day, as guest speaker Kenturah Kendrick can attest to. Kendrick is the author of award-winning memoir No Thanks: Black, Female, and Living in the Martyr-Free Zone, and is an independent African-American woman who embodies the ideals of freedom. She has lived in more than 30 countries (multiple in Africa) across three continents and uses her experiences to promote both liberation and cultural reverence.
“But my greatest pride is being a woman who considers herself to be an absolutely ride or die black woman,” Kendrick said in her speech. “An auntie for any young adult who has been left to navigate the world my generation and above has kind of destroyed.”
She has gone on record citing NOLA as the most African city in America. After living on the soil of Kenya, Senegal and more, she recognizes the Zulu parade and the Mardi Gras Indians as two aspects of Mardi Gras that make it so unique.
The Zulu parade involves a celebration of coconut thrones and vibrant Hawaiian costumes, its fraternal organization possessing a history of promoting cultural pride and social justice for the Black community since its inception. The Mardi Gras Indians are a troupe of African-Americans decked out in fashion resembling Native American tribal clothes, paying homage to the Native Americans that protected Black slaves. These practices symbolize the pride, resistance and cultural continuity that have kept the Black community strong.
This display of tradition was also found in the lively decorations, such as lamp posts with gold beads wrapped around their ladder bars. There were signs reminiscent of what could be found on the real-life Bourbon Street, some of which promoted the live music that the DJ was blasting. Additionally, a gigantic jester balloon was stationed amid the flashy colored lights.
Renowned jazz and blues music from famous Black artists added to the carnival-like atmosphere. Students were bobbing to both classics and modern hits like “Cupid Shuffle,” “Wobble,” “Work” and more. Nothing screams “get together” quite like a group of people grooving to DJ Casper’s “Cha-Cha Slide,” right?
Attendees were graciously treated to a rich assortment of Mardi Gras-based delicacies: nutritious Caesar salad, creamy mac and cheese, fresh white rice, delectable gumbo, crispy blackened chicken and crunchy fried catfish. Sweet treats like loaf cakes and beignets filled out the dessert tables. Attendees got to choose from both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to commemorate the celebration.
With so much to celebrate, why not book a trip to the Big Easy for Mardi Gras season? Whether it is a quick little Spring Break reprieve or a way to engage with the Black community, head down to Claiborne Avenue at Kendrick’s suggestion and treat yourself to the greatest celebration of African culture in the country.
