Photo by Stephen Maloney

Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame celebrates the Manchild of Crescent City

The 18th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame will be back this August at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center.

Putting the spotlight on the youth of Mardi Gras Indian culture, this year’s theme has been dubbed Manchild of Crescent City and will focus on Mardi Gras Indians under eighteen. 30 percent of the proceeds will be given to the subjects, and the event encourages all of those who are interested to come and join, especially newcomers. It also welcomes photographers who would like to spread the word about Mardi Gras Indian Culture.

The Ashe Cultural Arts Center will also be holding the Hall of Fame’s Induction, Awards, and Memorial Ceremony. Honorees include Keith “Keke” Gibson, Kelly A. Pearson, and Frank “Running Deer” Nelson, and will take place on Sunday, August 14 from 2 p.m.- 5 p.m. Also, the awards given will include the Senior Cultural Preservationist Award, the Legal Eagle Award, Guardian of Community Cultural Traditions Award, and many more. These awards are very important to the subculture and help the community grow, move forward, and keep their traditions alive.

The 18th Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame will kick off Hall of Fame Week for the Mardi Gras Indian subculture and feature many art photographs of the Indians. It will take place on August 7, 2016 at 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Both events will be free of charge.