597. Liz Ellis, part 1.

Louisiana Anthology Podcast

597. Part 1 of Liz Ellis joining us to discuss her excellent book, The Great Power of Small Nations. Part 1.Large Power of Small Nations. Part 1. In The Great Power of Small Nations, Elizabeth N. Ellis (Peoria) tells the stories of the many smaller Native American nations that shaped the development of the Gulf South. Based on extensive archival research and oral histories, Ellis’s narrative chronicles how diverse Indigenous peoples—including Biloxis, Choctaws, Chitimachas, Chickasaws, Houmas, Mobilians, and Tunicas—influenced and often challenged the growth of colonial Louisiana. The book centers on questions of Native nation-building and international diplomacy, and it argues that Native American migration and practices of offering refuge to migrants in crisis enabled Native nations to survive the violence of colonization. Elizabeth N. Ellis (Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma) is Associate Professor of History at Princeton University.

1. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 220 years. Order your copy today!
   
2. This week in Louisiana history. October 26, 1810. Fulwar Skipwith is elected first (last, and only) governor of the State of West Florida.
   
3. This week in New Orleans history. Mahalia Jackson, one of America's greatest gospel singers, was born in New Orleans on October 26, 1911 to Charity Clark, a laundress and maid, and Johnny Jackson, a Baptist preacher, barber and longshoreman. She attended McDonogh School No. 24 until the eighth grade. Influenced by the music of the Sanctified Church she began singing at the young age of four in the children's choir of Plymouth Rock Baptist Church. In 1927, Mahalia migrated to Chicago and while working as a maid, laundress and date packer studied beauty culture at Madam C. J. Walker's and Scott Institute of Beauty Culture. She opened a beauty shop after this training. When the director of the choir at Greater Salem Baptist Church in Chicago heard her sing she became the choir's first soloist. Her beautiful voice made her popular. During the 1930s, she toured the "storefront church circuit" singing to congregations. Jackson bridged the gap between the sacred and the secular in her performances, often using scriptures to justify her use of hand clapping and stomping while singing. The next two decades found Mahalia recording songs and touring the United States and Europe. She became closely associated with the civil rights movement during the 1960s often singing at benefits for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the boycotters and student sit-ins. Jackson died on January 27, 1972 and is buried in Providence Memorial Park in Metairie.
   
4. This week in Louisiana.
   2024 Choctaw Apache Veteran’s Pow Wow and Art Fest
   November 1 & 2, 2024
   217 Gene Knight Road
   Noble, LA 71462
   Website
   Veteran’s Pow Wow: Step into a heartfelt tribute to the veterans of the Choctaw Apache community. The Veteran’s Pow Wow will feature traditional dances, ceremonies, and performances dedicated to honoring those who have served their country. It's a powerful and meaningful way to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by these brave individuals.
   Art Fest: Immerse yourself in a showcase of creativity at the Art Fest. Local artists within the Choctaw Apache community will display their works, ranging from paintings and sculptures to traditional crafts. This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate and support the artistic endeavors of the community members.
   Cultural Performances: Experience the vibrancy of cultural performances that reflect the unique heritage of the Choctaw Apache. From traditional dances to ceremonial music, each performance adds a layer of cultural richness to the event, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration.
   Veteran Recognition: The Veteran’s Pow Wow is not only a spectacle of cultural expression but also a platform to recognize and express gratitude to the veterans present. Attendees will have the chance to learn about the experiences of veterans within the community and express their appreciation for their service.
   
5. Postcards from Louisiana. The Medicare String Band plays in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Listen on audible.
Listen on Spotify.
Listen on TuneIn.
Listen on iHeartRadio.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.