As a part of an added experience to our 2018 Great Read, It Happened in New Orleans, all English classes attended an assembly in the Auditorium to learn more about the chapter titled “Black Indians Parade Through Town.” Our facilities staff member Isaac Williams spoke with the English students about his past and current experience as a Mardi Gras Indian.

Isaac explained the history behind the Mardi Gras Indians and how he became a part of his Indian Tribe. Isaac’s family has a long history with the Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans, so it has become a tradition for him and his family members. Isaac explained all of the Mardi Gras Indian titles and what each ‘position’ entails, including Wild Boy, Spy Boy, Flag Boy and Big Chief. These vary depending on the Mardi Gras Indian Tribe, as Isaac explained.

The most detailed part of Isaac’s explanation was about how the Mardi Gras Indian suits are made. Each of the suits takes six months to a year to make. However, Isaac said that “with my family, it only takes about four months because when we get together... everybody is laughing and talking to pass the time while we’re sewing. Sometimes we stay up all night making the suits.” Isaac also explained that his family uses dental floss to sew on all of the beads to the cardboard. The dental floss is stronger than string, so it helps keep their suits intact while they’re dancing on Mardi Gras day and Super Sunday.

Our students enjoyed hearing a firsthand account of the history behind the Mardi Gras Indians, and Isaac gave the information a great personal touch. The artifacts that Isaac shared also enhanced the Mardi Gras Indian chapter of the Great Read by providing visual representation of what was shared in the book. Special thanks to our facilities staff member Isaac Williams for sharing his personal stories and experiences as a Mardi Gras Indian!