Howard University Alternative Spring Break (HUASB)

2018 Service Trip

A humbling and empowering learning experience.

The initiative for this Alternative Spring Break trip to New Orleans was education with respect to the ‘school to prison pipeline’. Our mission as a student service group representing Howard University was to not only do volunteer our service, but to also connect with younger students in New Orleans and become a recourse for them as they go navigate school, We hoped to inspire other minority students to pursue higher education, despite the hardships we all face. While in New Orleans, we learned lots about some of the local hardships, (Note: The state of Louisiana all too often ranks near the bottom in national surveys of academic achievement.)

I spoke with students one-on-one and in group settings to hear them out about their concerns pursuing higher education and in response, I offered my encouragement as another Black student who has faced similar challenges with the education system. I am proud to say that I still keep up with a number of those students today,

I have seen for myself what kind of environment they come from. I’ve heard their stories and the challenges they face to survive day-to-day outside of school. We mourned our ancestors together and collectively remembered the fight for our right tho education in the U.S.

These kinds of experiences cannot be gained by reading statistics about minorities in a textbook, and they cannot fuel a passion to serve marginalized communities the way active service does.

Snapshots of Bourbon Street

Touring and Serving around the City

Black Owned Bookshop

House of Dance & Feathers

Amazing Lower 9th Ward cultural museum based on the late founder Ronald W. Lewis' participation in the culture of Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs (second-line organization), Skull and Bone Gangs, and Parade Krewes.

Mr. Lewis’ cultural contributions are deeply appreciated by many. It was a privilege and an honor to meet him and hear his wonderful stories. Gone but never forgotten, may he rest in peace!

"Ronald was the very definition of a culture bearer. Talk about a survivor. Ronald survived Hurricane Betsy and wouldn’t bow down even after his house was consumed by 14 feet of water during Katrina. Over the years he told the world about the rich street culture of New Orleans, exhibiting at Jazz Fest and other spaces as he explained the complexities of the Black Indians of Mardi Gras. He survived so much, and gave us so much. May he rest in God’s perfect peace." - New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell