"I've always known the people of Louisiana believe their culture is important and the best way to have them stand up for it is to try and take it away."
Photos by Elizabeth Rose
Chris Segura of Feufollet performs during Lache Pas.
One of the organizers of the Lache Pas held Aug. 26 at Cochon Restaurant puts it best: "I've always known the people of Louisiana believe their culture is important and the best way to have them stand up for it is to try and take it away," says Lucius Fontenot, a member of FrancoJeunes, the grassroots organization that sprang up after Gov. Bobby Jindal slashed $100,000 from the budget of the Lafayette-based Council for the Development of French in Louisiana, aka CODOFIL.
Jindal's line-item veto cut 40 percent of the group's budget. But the community responded, first by forming FrancoJeunes, which conducted fundraising largely through social media, and by the Lache Pas concert at Cochon. The net result: $90,000 raised in just a few weeks.
"We are beyond humbled and encouraged by the incredible outpouring of support for CODOFIL," says Executive Director Joseph Dunn. "What's most amazing is to know that CODOFIL is important to the people of the state. They see value in what we do and they are taking ownership of their Louisiana French language and heritage."
Former Gov. Edwin Edwards addresses the crowd.
More than a dozen popular musicians donated their services to the Aug. 26 event headlined by Roddy Romero & The Hub City All Stars, among them Feufollet, Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band and singer-songwriter Zachary Richard, who has long been an outspoken champion of Francophone culture in South Louisiana. Food for the event was donated by local restaurants led by the host eatery.
"Lache Pas was an inspiring event, executed in a mere five weeks, which showcased the spirit of the Acadiana region," notes Donald Link, Cochon's owner and a celebrated New Orleans chef. "The collaboration of the partners and sponsors resulted in an overwhelmingly successful celebration by musicians, restaurants, and all in attendance supporting CODOFIL and the French language."