The Voice of Southwest Louisiana March 2017 Issue

SWLA non-profit
Contributed By Ashley Collins
Creole
Hall of Fame
The Creole Hall of Fame is a non-profit established
in 2015 by Sean Ardoin, who serves as the Board
President. The mission is to recognize the outstanding
contribution to the proliferation of the Creole
culture through music, film, culinary arts, education,
preservation, literary works, arts, business, and
government. The Creole Hall of Fame aims to reflect the
largest, most inclusive definition of Creole.
The Inaugural Class of the Creole Hall of Fame was recently
inducted at the Allen August Center in Lake Charles, LA. The
inaugural class consisted of individuals throughout Louisiana
including areas such as New Orleans, Opelousas, Lake Charles, and
Cane River. The 2017 Inaugural class members consisted of Amedee
Ardoin, Ernie Broussard, Clifton Chenier, Debbie Clifton, Senator
Donald Cravins Sr.., C.R.E.O.L.E Inc., Terrel Delphin, James Gary Gobert,
Father Albert McKnight, and Vance Vaucresson. The awardees or their
representatives attended the event as well as friends, family members,
business associates, and supporters of the Creole Hall of Fame. Mayor
Randy Roach was among the many guests who attended and gave a
heartfelt welcoming speech from the City of Lake Charles.
“We’re so excited to have inducted the inaugural class into the Creole
Hall of Fame. It is our first step in unifying Creoles across the great state
of Louisiana,” says Sean Ardoin. “Our goal at The Creole Hall of Fame
is to unify Creoles not only in Louisiana, but around the world. “Mon
Creole, ton Creole, Tout l’Creole… My Creole, Your Creole, All Creole!”
Mayor Randy Roach welcomed guests and attendees
to the City of Lake Charles
James Gary Gobert, Owner of Lake City Trucking
gave his acceptance speech as he received his
Creole Hall of Fame award for recognition in the
areas of business and entrepreneurship.
“Southwest Louisiana is rich with Creole heritage,” says Sean Ardoin.
“The long-term goal of the Creole Hall of Fame is to purchase a
building here in Lake Charles that will house images and memorabilia
of the awardees and ultimately become the physical center for the
world’s Creole diaspora, as we are already the tastemakers for the
culture.”
Each year the award will be presented by the board at a festive
ceremony. Other board members include Ashley L. Collins, Monica
Jean Pierre, and Jackie Simien. As a nonprofit, the Creole Hall of
Fame actively seeks donations. To donate to the Creole Hall of
Fame, please mail a check written to Creole Hall Of Fame to 915 10th
St. Lake Charles, LA 70601. For inquiries, please contact Sean Ardoin at
337-540-8399 or via email at zydekool@gmail.com.
Sean Ardoin gave Dr. Kathleen Bellow a Creole Hall
of Fame award on behalf of Ernest Broussard for his
outstanding achievements in the areas of economic
development and public service.
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March 2017 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 4 • Number 6