On Thursday, October 29th, 2015, Mayor Mike Cooper presented his new community program – “The Mayor’s Youth Outreach Project” – at the Covington Boys & Girls Club. The Johnny Sansone Band with special guest Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, who performed at Covington’s last Rockin’ the Rails concert of 2015, were pleased by the Mayor’s invitation to be part of the first outreach event. “Mayor Cooper not only did a wonderful thing for the children, but by inviting us to participate, he also gave us the opportunity to see the importance of continuing to do more events like this”, Johnny Sansone.
Big Chief Monk Boudreaux of The Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians combined songs and stories enlightening the students on the tradition of the Mardi Gras Indians and describing the intricacies of his beautiful hand-sewn Indian suit. Southern University of New Orleans Professor Joseph Stern, dressed in Skull & Bones character, explained the customs and practices.
“The program was a great learning and entertaining experience – well received by the children and adults present. Mayor Cooper had discussed his ideas with me on developing a program where he and the City would have the opportunity to become more interactive with the youth in our community. From these discussions, “The Mayor’s Youth Outreach Project” was initiated. Capitalizing on our Rockin’ the Rails series was a great opportunity to kick-off the new program,” Pam Keller, Executive Assistant to the Mayor – Special Projects.
