| C.R.E.O.L.E., INC. is a non-profit
organization that was formed in 1987. Run completely by volunteers, this organization
seeks to identify, preserve and promote the numerous aspects of the Creole culture of
Southwest Louisiana such as music, art, dance, food, architecture and literature.
Exchanges between Creole communities regionally, nationally and internationally are
encouraged in order to increase communication and offer opportunities for cross-cultural
study and trade.
For the last seven years, C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. has sponsored and presented a forum during the Festival International de Louisiane touching on various aspects of the Creole experience. Forum topics have included A Kaleidoscope of Creole Culture (1989), La Creolite (1990), Zydeco and its Roots (1991), History of Creole dance and music (1992), "Nouveau Zydeco" New Wave Zydeco (1994), Panel Review of the History and Culture of Creoles (1995), A Taste of Creole Culture (1996) and The Creole Connection (1997). EXCHANGES C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. has participated in numerous student exchanges including the Guadeloupe Student Exchange in 1989, 1990 and 1991 and the Dillard University Student Exchange in 1991. In addition, the club has been an official host for dignitaries from Africa, The French Antilles, France, Reunion and South Pacific. CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM PARTICIPATION C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. has participated in various cultural and educational programs including a variety of workshops in France, Guadeloupe, Martinique (1988-91), a summer faculty exchange (1989), Tranmusicales de Rennes (a French music and art festival) in 1991, the Vermilionville Creole Festival in 1992 and Assis de la francophonie americaine (a conference of French-speaking communities in the Americas) in 1990. FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. has been involved in several area festivals such as the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival, Festival International de Louisiane, the Louisiana Native Crafts Festival, the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, the Lake Charles Creole Festival, the Opelousas "Cultural Affair", Acadian Village's Hall of Fame Celebration and the Lafayette Mardi Gras Celebration.
C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. has joined in local efforts with Creole Magazine, Le Centre International de Louisiane, Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), Lafayette Natural History Museum, Festival International de Louisiane, Acadiana Arts Council, Vermilionville, Acadian Village, Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, the City of Lafayette, and Lafayette Police Officers and Fire Fighters in the C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. Flag Unveiling Ceremony. The mission of C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. is to: Develop and perpetuate the Creole
language and culture as it exists in the state of Louisiana through identifying its rich
resources and encourage its appreciation. For many centuries, the word Creole has had as many as 30 known definitions. It is a fact that the word Creole had its origin in Africa, citing the countries of Senegal and Mali. In these areas it is believed that in the 11th century Creolism began. In search of new lands, ideas, riches, knowledge and to dispute the philosophers and historians, men became daring explorers. It is through their discoveries that these varying cultures co-existed in harmony to form the cradle of Creolism. It is documented in the annals of history, that the Creoles of Senegal, whether as freemen or as slaves, traveled directly from Senegal and Mali to Louisiana. The members of C.R.E.O.L.E., INC. define Creole as individuals of African descent whose cultural roots have been influenced by other cultures such as French, Spanish, and/or Indian. These individuals have traveled through the centuries carrying their oral history, art forms, culinary skills, religious beliefs and kaleidoscope culture.
FLAG OF THE CREOLES OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA Designed by Pete Bergeron in 1987 and
adopted by C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc., the Flag of Louisiana Creoles represents the cultural
melting pot that is the Louisiana Creoles.
Annual membership dues are $25.00. Please make check or money order payable to C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. Membership includes a copy of incorporation, membership card and a quarterly newsletter. T-shirts are available at a cost of $10.00. Thank you for your support. C.R.E.O.L.E., INC. P. O. Box 2505 Lafayette, LA 70502 |
