New Orleans celebrates most diverse council ever

At a special organizational meeting last Monday, the New Orleans City Council celebrated the inauguration of its most diverse group of representatives since the city’s founding 300 years ago.

Councilmember-At-Large Helena Moreno represents the first Hispanic-American and District “E” Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen represents the first Vietnamese-American in the Council’s history. As a whole, the Council inaugurated on May 7 is the city’s most diverse to date in terms of gender and race.

The meeting began with a musical selection from the Landry-Walker High School choir, followed by an invocation from Pastor Emmanuel Smith, the presentation of the colors by the Edna Karr High School Color Guard, and the National Anthem performed by local artist Catherine Pruitt.

Following the adoption of motions and resolutions to formally induct the Council, each of the newly-elected and returning Councilmembers gave brief remarks.

Councilmember-At-Large Jason Williams said, “This exceptional group of individuals has been working hard for the people of New Orleans in various capacities for many years. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to call these people my colleagues, and to serve as part of the most diverse Council our city has ever seen. Together, we will move New Orleans forward into a new era of representation, setting the stage for the next 300 years.”

District “D” Councilmember Jared Brossett said, “Today represents a monumental occasion not only for this Council but the entire City of New Orleans. For the first time in history, we sit before you as an elected body truly representative of the unique and multifaceted communities we serve. We’ve spent a lot of time celebrating our city’s 300-year past, but today we look to its future. With hard work and collaboration between this Council, our newly-elected mayor, and the people of New Orleans, I am confident that our future will be a bright one.”

After the adjournment of the meeting, the Council hosted a reception in the courtyard at City Hall featuring live musical entertainment from the Lusher High School Jazz Band.

This article originally published in the May 14, 2018 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.