The Original Big 7 Social Aid and Pleasure Club started in September 1995 in the St. Bernard Housing Development. As an annual second lining club, we parade with traditional brass bands throughout the neighborhoods surrounding St. Bernard Housing Development. In the interest of supporting this neighborhood's rich history, we began the Original Big 7 Culture and Heritage Division. This organization is devoted to celebrating the culture of New Orleans and passing it on to the next generation.
The Red Flame Hunters
The Red Flame Hunters are the first- and only- all kids Mardi Gras Indian Tribe, our youth design, sew and wear their own costumes. The costumes require hours upon hours of planning, designing, hand sewing, beading, and of course, adding feathers. The amount of effort, focus and skill cannot be understated. Beyond the Mardi Gras Indian costumes, there are hours of planning surrounding the theme of the tribe's annual costumes, the chants, and the steps in the parade.
The Red Flame Hunters provides an opportunity for local kids to escape the pressures of the streets of New Orleans and come to a safe haven to celebrate their innate talent. New Orleans is a wonderful city, full of old traditions and a pervasive celebratory spirit. Tragically, many local kids don't make it into adulthood to join the festivities and pass on the traditions. The overwhelming crime and murder statistics cut too many lives short. The Original Big 7 Culture and Heritage Division offers an alternative.
Tugga is the ideal leader for what we're trying to accomplish. The tribe is led by Justin “Tugga” Cloud. Justin is a student at McDonogh 35 Senior High School in New Orleans. He has been the leader for the past three years. The Original Big 7 could not have inherited such a great young man, leader, and student.
Mission statement
Our mission is to promote and sustain our neighborhood's cultural heritage by promoting it within the next generation. We take a holistic approach, nurturing the child in his entirety. Supported by a long tradition of Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, The Original Big 7 Cultural & Heritage offers a place where the Red Flame Hunters can come to share their culture, to take care of each other, and to celebrate our community.
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