WRITTEN BY KIM BERGERON
Remembrance. Respect. Resilience.
Jazz Funeral to remember lives lost during the pandemic and honor front line workers For those who live in Louisiana, we simply
representing their loved ones lost as they seek
The culture bearers leading this procession
call it “home.” But to those who visit, and
closure and offer final farewells. YMO President,
represent the music and texture of our state
those who dream of visiting, the state is
Norman Dixon is serving as the event’s
and the heartbeats of our existence.
steeped in time-honored traditions, culture
authenticity ambassador to ensure everything
On May 25, beginning at 3 pm, crowds will
and mystique that meld a plethora of
is presented true to the heritage, including
gather at City Park’s Reunion Shelter, and at
heritages into a unique cultural gumbo unlike
his organization’s traditional black and white
4 pm, the procession will commence, circling
anywhere else in the world.
attire. TBC Brass Band will accompany YMO in
the one-mile walking trail of the Festival
the first line, along with Big Chief Bo Dollis and
Grounds. The Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral
the Wild Magnolia Mardi Gras Indians.
and Second Line is presented in partnership
So it’s no surprise that among the most popular
questions
New
Orleans
hotel
concierges are asked is about one of the
Respect. Following the jazz funeral is the
with New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund.
most legendary of all our traditions: where to
second line, which traditionally includes those
The event is made possible with a Community
experience an authentic jazz funeral. They’re
who wish to show support for families and
Partnership Grant from New Orleans Jazz and
often taken aback when advised that in order
friends mourning loss. This event will add
Heritage Foundation and support from New
for that to happen, someone must indeed
another purpose, an opportunity for the public
Orleans Entertainment Coalition, Sophisticated
perish first. Oh, those pesky details.
to show gratitude and respect for all the front-
Woman Magazine and United Rentals. A limited
But all that will change on May 25 when the
line workers for their dedication and service
number of Krewe of Black & Gold Founding
Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral and Second
during the pandemic, recent hurricanes and
Memberships are available for those who
Line comes to New Orleans City Park Festival
tornadoes. This includes healthcare workers
wish to support the effort to bring this free
Grounds. Presented by the Krewe of Black &
and supporting staff, first responders, law
event to the public. Memberships start at
Gold, a 501(c)(3) founded by arts and culture
enforcement, firefighters, elected officials,
just $25 and include Founder’s gifts plus an
advocate Kim Bergeron, the event was created
government employees, waste management,
opportunity for online dedications in memory
to bring catharsis to those grieving losses that
utility linemen and other essential employees,
of, or in honor of, the person or organization
occurred during the pandemic when funerals
faith-based
members wish to recognize in conjunction
were restricted. It will also honor front-line
organizations, volunteers, and the media who
recovery workers from the pandemic and
worked tirelessly to keep the public informed.
The Spirit of Louisiana Second Line will
recent disasters. The event is free and open
They have earned the respect and gratitude
return in 2025, with an event on the northshore
to Louisianians and visitors, all of whom are
of the communities they have served and
commemorating the 20th Anniversary of
invited to view or participate in the procession.
deserve to be honored accordingly.
Hurricane Katrina. That event will honor
and
community
service
with this event.
Remembrance. In the tradition of jazz
Resilience. It’s the trait that’s deeply
individuals and organizations who were part
funerals, the procession will be led by the first
ingrained in our culture. In Louisiana, we are
of the disaster recovery efforts, especially in
line, featuring Young Men Olympian Junior,
not knocked down by challenges. In a curious
Slidell, the hardest-hit city in Louisiana.
the second-oldest benevolent association in
sort of way, we’re empowered by them. We fall.
the United States. Those grieving losses are
We rise. We do whatever it takes to overcome.
encouraged to carry photos or mementos
And oftentimes, that’s accompanied by music.
14 Sophisticated Woman | May 2024
Additional information is available on the website, KreweOfBlackAndGold.com.