Category: Women

African American, Black History, Community, Culture, History, Life, Non-fiction, Uncategorized, WomenLeave a comment

Women’s History: The hidden history of black nationalist women’s political activism/https://theconversation.com/us

mzcakez

January 30, 2018 6.33am EST Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the historical contributions of black people in the United States. Too often, however, this history focuses on black men, sidelining black women and diminishing their contributions.  … Continue reading Women’s History: The hidden history of black nationalist women’s political activism/https://theconversation.com/us

African American, Black History, History, New Orleans, Women, WritingLeave a comment

Women in New Orleans History: Honoring the life of Hattie McCray

mzcakez

“Defending Her Honor.” Defending her honor, Protecting her name, She fell, bullet wounded— Thank God but not in Shame! She fell warding off A beastly attack, A sterling young woman, Even though she was black. Defending her honor, Protecting her name, She fought for her virtue, And died for the same.85 Written by Ivy Lenoir Continue reading Women in New Orleans History: Honoring the life of Hattie McCray

Life, Memoir, New Orleans, Non-fiction, WomenLeave a comment
Sticky post

Mardi Gras Memories

mzcakez

Mardi Gras 2021 is canceled, well something very very close to canceled anyway and it’s for our safety, COVID-19… But, Life and love go on, and as y’all know, we live by “Laissez les bons temps rouler” here in New Orleans. Now, let me get my Mardi Gras started so I create more memories, but the new ones will be full of love, fun, excitement, and a few daiquiris! Make sure to grab one before 11pm!      Continue reading Mardi Gras Memories

African American, Black History, Entrepreneur, History, Memoir, New Orleans, Restaurant, WomenLeave a comment

Celebrating the partnership of Kenneth & Melba Ferdinand of Café Rose Nicaud

mzcakez

On Monday, December 16, 2019, family, friends, and customers of Café Rose Nicaud came together to celebrate The Ferinand’s retirement and the business’s closure after 25 years in operation. I had the opportunity to celebrate true love, dedication, and commitment … Continue reading Celebrating the partnership of Kenneth & Melba Ferdinand of Café Rose Nicaud

African American, Culture, New Orleans, News, Non-fiction, Urban Neighborhood, Women, WritingLeave a comment

Remembering Big Queen Kim “Cutie” Boutte

mzcakez

Big Queen Kim’s life was dedicated to the Black Masking Indian culture (once known as Mardi Gras Indians) since the age of five with the Mandingo Warriors and Spirit of Fi Yi Yi. Her Uncle and Big Chief Harris’s voice radiated over the crowd as he and Big Queen Kim’s spirit lead us back to Solider’s Field as he shouted, “She was My Queen!” during the vigil on Wednesday, August 12th. It was a beautiful evening as hundreds of people packed the streets of Treme to honor our beloved Queen’s life. “She loved the culture,” says Big Chief Victor. Continue reading Remembering Big Queen Kim “Cutie” Boutte

African American, Culture, events, Memoir, New Orleans, Photography, WomenLeave a comment

Essence Festival 2019 Memories: NYDJ Family Festival at the Jane Club New Orleans Review

mzcakez

Last year the Essence Festival hosted several events to celebrate all things Blackness and Womanhood in New Orleans, and Essence Festival 2019 “do not owe me nothing” as the older generations would say! Essence Festival 2019 “do not owe me … Continue reading Essence Festival 2019 Memories: NYDJ Family Festival at the Jane Club New Orleans Review

African American, Entrepreneur, networking, New Orleans, WomenLeave a comment

A conversation with “Da Gawd Mother of NOLA” Kimberly Dilosa of Fion Productions

mzcakez

I had the opportunity to catch up with entrepreneur, community advocate, wife, and mother Kimberly Dilosa of Fion Productions; most of you may know her as Kim, Tee Kim, or Da Gawd Mother of NOLA, because of her commitment and love for the community. Kim operates her business with empathy, advocacy, loyalty, and excellent service that has earned her the title “Da Gawd Mother of NOLA.” The title of “God Mother” isn’t given to just anyone, and Kim rolled up her sleeves and worked without pay to invoke change, especially in the area of children outreach programs. I have watched … Continue reading A conversation with “Da Gawd Mother of NOLA” Kimberly Dilosa of Fion Productions