Creole history is very deeply rooted in Louisiana history. The Creole culture consists of ones who descended from the enslaved, French, and Spanish colonists who came to Louisiana. Being Creole meant having various racial and ethnic groups come together, creating a rich culture that has grown throughout history and represented Louisiana’s diverse population. Mind you, the term Creole is not bound to a race or ethnicity but a cultural umbrella that includes children of mixed-race parents and descendants of French and Spanish who did not want to be associated with Anglo-Americans who came to Louisiana after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Notably, the Creoles of color became an influential and elite group in society who were engrossed and led in such fields as business, agriculture, politics, and the arts of Louisiana. A Creole family named Gonzaque, from whom I am descended, once owned a funeral home in Louisiana.
My grandfather’s ancestors came to Louisiana from France and lived there until he came to Las Vegas, Nevada, as a young man to work at the Nevada Test Site. Growing up, I visited him every summer and holiday to hear stories of a past filled with such a profound, nostalgic way of life. I was taught a delicious and unique cuisine and had nicknames he would call me in the Creole language. The language was born from the Louisiana plantations, where many customs, traditions, and beliefs remain prominent features of Louisiana society. Last summer, I was finally able to see Louisiana for myself. I discovered what makes it so unique, flavor-filled, and expressive of Creole culture. It deeply taught me how rare and proud it was to be Creole. It is a culture that loves music and dancing, and I am so delighted to show it to the atmosphere around you with the birth of jazz!