02/17/2026
My nephew sent an Uber to me at 4:20am to gather on Bayou Street for the annual 4-Day morning ceremony of the North side Skull & Bonez for the Blessing of Mardi Gras 2026. We planned to be early, but in the dark of Fat Tuesday morning, there were HUNDREDS of people [of ALL RACES AND CREEDS] there on one accord to experience an African American group of fellas in Skeleton Costumes and Ancestral Honor of the journey of soooo many that stepped into New Orleans over the years. There was ceremony, drumming, dancing, celebrating and divine intercession for the betterment of our communities throughout NOLA. After the initial opening, the Elders of the Skullz & Bones drummed and sang their way into Bayou Street and as the Sun arose we paraded all the way to Treme. And SOMEHOW... as my lyfe typically goes, I lost my nephews once we arrived in the dark and I ended up in PROGRAM for the Parade. Yes...me. All of a sudden, I went from being somewhere lost in a crowd of at least 500 "strangers". And as I followed the Skullz.... in no time...I was on the front line OPERATING as a human chain link to man the crowd and protect the drummers. I was UsherBoard Ase' #8...I think. Holding Hands with the other STRONG SISTAH'S...I marched the ENTIRE PARADE. Holding Hands and Making Friends. God tickles me. What a day. It took me Six plus years to finally feel acclimated to NOLA. The Skullz & Bonez don't owe me NUTHIN' on this Fat Tuesday 2026. What a day?!!! And yes... that's Lynn Whitfield who was standing next to me at the end by the Grave of Unnamed SLAVES. It was so spiritual. All People united and Vibing to those Drums and that Skull & Bones PALPABLE ENERGY. All I can say is "WOW". Thanx, Travis 🥰😘