Albert Morris, Chief of Original Northside Skull and Bone Gang 

 Al Morris, Chief of Original Northside Skull and Bone Gang of New Orleans, was a friendly person, who I started talking to while sitting outside Backstreet Museum.  I would visit Backstreet Museum occasionally to give a donation or leave some books that Sylvester could sell and use the money as a donation to the Museum. 

The building that housed the museum was a former funeral home. I remember because one of my 11th grade classmates died and her services were at the funeral home. I was a student at St. Mary's Academy in  the French Quarters , so Sr. Demetria made us walk to the funeral Home which was about 15 blocks away. We lined up by 2s , in silence  and we made the pilgrimage to pay our respect to our deceased classmate. I still remember that pale, lovely girl laying silence and peacefully.

Well now this funeral home, formerly, Blandin Funeral Home, is the Backstreet Museum and even though I would like to visit it more often, I can't seen to go in there without seeing the vision of my former classmate.

Well anyway, that's where I met Al and he was friendly and started telling me stories about growing up in the Treme neighborhood. he grew up right around the corner from the funeral home . His mom was a beautician and she would take care of the hair of the deceased ladies who were laid out at Blandin Funeral Home. His mom also had a beauty in the neighborhood. Thanks, Al , for passing on the traditions of the Original Northside Skull and Bone Gang. May you Rest In Peace, my friend.

                                             The Night I Met Allen Toussaint

In New Orleans, Allen Toussaint was one of our famous musicians and composers. I had seen him at many musical events like JazzFest and  some free events around the city like at the Louisiana Music factory. He drove the only  gold Roll Royce in the city and everyone in the city knew it was him. He was a Damper Dan and always looked sharp. Never though about him being interested in me. I am the typical school teacher-high neck outfits; glasses and attractive but plain. 

Well, Essence Festival started coming to New Orleans and this was our opportunity to show up and show out. We could come out our cocoon and become the beautiful butterfly we were meant to be. Every year we would get our outfits together and plan to be fashionistas for the weekend. Well by the year 2002, my youngest daughter had graduated from college and we were going to Essence together for the first time. We had different taste in music , but we decided to travel together. I was the fabulous 50 with a black mini dress and ankle-strap  heels to show off my -still -pretty legs and she was the hip hop innocent seeker . 

I think this was the year, Prince performed, but I not sure. I know we were waiting for some important performer to come on stage and Kenya had to use the restroom. I was not wasting my time in the restroom line. I told her I would wait in the aisle on the second level. I standing there-staying and profiling and I felt someone eyes watching me, but you know how we try to play ti cool. before I knew it this man had come up behind me and whispered in my ear, "Can I buy you a drink". I said, "Well, I didn't come here to meet anyone, but ... as I turned around, who was in might, but the famous, Mr. Allen Toussaint!!. My mouth flew open and I said, "What are you doing down here with the regular folks'. He started smiling and said, " I like to be with the regular folks." I said, Mr. Allen Toussaint!!" and He said," you know who I  am." And I said, "f course I now who you are; I am one of your busy fans." He sort of laughed, and then my daughter came out the restroom and stood next to me. I said "Kenya, this the famous Allen Toussaint.". 

She didn't say anything . I reached for his hand and said, " it was so nice to meet you in person." and walked away. I could not believe the famous Allen Toussaint was trying to pick up a woman at the Essence Festival. You never know about these New Orleans musicians. They are full of surprises. But he never knew , how flattered I was was. That was the most exciting moment at that year's Essence Festival.