Sunday April 3, 2005

Super Sunday: Uptown Rulers
The Mardi Gras Indian gangs hit the street today for the annual uptown Super Sunday gathering. Under a very bright sun, and with only a faint breeze, the Indians paraded under the old oak trees on Washington Avenue down to the Calliope and back around to Shakespeare Park. The Wild Magnolias led the line with Queen and Mrs. Bo Dollis Sr. dressed out in a bright red suit and an even brighter smile.


The Queen of the Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians

Notably in attendance were the West Bank Mohawk Hunters, Wild Tschoups, Creole Wild West with bluesman J Monque D, and many others. Big Chief of the Jazzfest Quint Davis himself joined in the festivities in front of the Magnolia Street projects, chanting and dancing with one of the gangs.

After the troubles on St. Josephs Night, when the police ran the gangs off the street and locked down the park, the spirits of the Indians were both upbeat and defiant. Despite the efforts of the business community to usurp the images of the gangs as a PR tool, the very real significance of the Indians in the 'hood remains, and by the number of children dressed out feathers, will continue on long into the future.

The Queen of the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians