Written by Milton Arceneaux, Contributing Writer and Co-Founder of Louisiana Creole Culture www.creoleculture.com
On September 30th, 2024, the Lafayette City Hall Atrium came alive with the portraits of 20 honorees, 1 highlighted artist, and a reconstructed image of an iconic community figure. This exhibit, now in its second year, celebrates the remarkable achievements of Creoles of color who have made significant strides in advancing the lives of people of color in Louisiana.
For the first time, the community was invited to nominate honorees, sharing personal
stories and explanations for why these individuals’ deserved recognition. From 172
submissions, a carefully selected, non-biased panel made its decisions based on
contributions to the community—not on popularity or financial standing. The result is a
collection of individuals who have made a genuine impact on the world around them, and
we couldn’t be prouder of the choices.
At the heart of this exhibit is Milton Arceneaux, a global award-winning portrait
photographer and co-founder of Louisiana Creole Culture. Milton’s expertise in portraiture is undeniable, and his artistry is enriched by his passion for storytelling through light. He is also the recipient of the prestigious 2024 ArtSpark Artist Award, granted by the Acadiana Center for the Arts (ACA) in partnership with the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) and the National Endowment for the Arts. Thanks to his global recognition, Milton has exclusive access to an elite Italian company that produces HD Fine Art prints— the highest quality archival paper available, ensuring museum-level precision and durability.
These portraits, printed on ultra-matte, museum-quality paper and framed in heavy-duty
mat boards, offer a gallery-ready presentation, sized at 16×24 inches, matted to 23.5×31.5 inches. The state-of-the-art bevel cut ensures perfection, showcasing the honorees in a powerful, elegant display.
Milton spent months meticulously planning and executing the shoot, using hard light to
emphasize the individuality of each honoree. Hard light, which creates sharp contrasts and bold shadows, was chosen to reflect the depth and strength of these figures. The decision to use black-and-white photography adds another layer of timelessness and drama capturing the essence of each honoree with a visual language that is both striking and evocative.
Honorees & Categories:
- Activism Honoree – Ravis Martinez
- Agriculture Honoree – Kevin Ardoin
- Broadcasting Honoree – Darleen “Diva D” Wesley
- Business Honoree – Madonna Broussard
“Creole Excellence Takes Center Stage: A Historic Tribute at Lafayette City Hall” - Culture Honoree – Vincent Pierre
- Education Honoree – Korwin Jean
- Healthcare Honoree – Dr. LaShunda Green
- Historian Honoree – Ja’el “YaYa” Gordon
- Holistic Honoree – Shatamia Webb
- Highlighted Artist – Alexandra Gramby
- Leadership Honoree – Deidre Deculus Robert
- Music Honoree – Brandon “Mr. Phat” Nezey
- Sports Honoree – Deacon Jones
- Trailblazer Honoree – Justin Arceneaux
- Unsung Hero Honoree – Trincella Bonnet
- Visual Arts Honoree – Troy Angelle
The opening ceremony promises to be a powerful celebration of Creole culture, featuring
performances by Herb “Pucci” Green and Pucci Percussion, accompanied by 10 young
performers. The ceremony will open with Lift Every Voice sung by Nebu Nezey and Ava
Mouton, while the Mistress of Ceremony, Stephanie Smallwood, will lead the evening’s
events. The ceremony will also include an original performance by Joshua Thomas,
returning to writing after a two-year hiatus, and David Sylvester will honor the legacy of
Nina Simone with a rendition of “Strange Fruit,” followed by an original track.
A special tribute will be given by former State Senator Donald Cravins in honor of Jenelle
Chargois, co-founder of the Lafayette Black Chamber of Commerce, paying tribute to her
importance and contributions to Louisiana’s culture and history. The evening will conclude with a proclamation from Monique Blanco Boulet, issued by the Mayor-President’s office, honoring the founders of Louisiana Creole Culture.
Although the opening ceremony is private, the exhibit will remain on display throughout
October, which also serves as Creole Heritage Month, allowing the public to explore and
engage with this powerful tribute. The exhibit stands as a testament to the resilience,
creativity, and contributions of Creoles of color, adjusting the narrative to reflect their
enduring legacy in shaping the state of Louisiana.
