PHOTOS: Black Masking Indians lead protest through the streets of Treme

Wearing all black instead of suits, members of the Black Hawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians take part in a “Peaceful Demonstration for the Young Black Generation,” in the Treme / Lafitte neighborhoods and the 7th Ward in New Orleans Friday June 12, 2020. The Black Hawk Hunters represent the Young Indians of the Nation and are led by Big Chief Terrance “Tee” Williams, age 16. In promoting the demonstration Williams said “I am the future. I am not a threat.” The group asked people to come out and support the youth and to wear masks to protect against COVID-19. They were joined by members of the Golden Blades, Bo Dollis, Jr. and the Wild Magnolias, Big Chief Dow Edwards, and 9th Ward Black Hatchet Wildman Chuck Walkanela. The rally ended at the NORDC Hunter’s Field at St. Bernard Ave. The New Orleans Recreation Department Commission location was run for many years by Jerome Smith, a Freedom Rider, who also helped start the first Super Sunday celebration for the Mardi Gras Indians.

New Orleans began Phase 2 of reopening the city June 12, with some businesses finally able to open doors after months of being shuttered.