https://community.neworleans.com/black-history-month-2021/
In celebration of Black History Month, New Orleans & Company is honoring Black leaders, both past and present, who have made great contributions to our city and became pillars to our community. Each week during the month of February, we will feature a historical figure and their present day counterparts in celebration of their achievements. These acknowledgements are just a few of the many Black leaders from New Orleans and their extraordinary work.
Morris F.X. Jeff, Sr. and Larry Barabino, Jr.
The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club is more than an internationally renowned Mardi Gras Krewe. It is a pillar to the local Black community through its leadership in community involvement and philanthropic efforts. Its membership includes New Orleanians from all walks of life, from laborers, educators, local, state and federal leaders. Two Zulu members we would like to acknowledge are Morris F.X. Jeff, Sr. and Larry Barabino, Jr.
Morris F.X. Jeff, Sr.
Morris F.X. Jeff was King Zulu in 1974 and the head of the New Orleans Recreational Development (NORD), “Colored Division” in 1947. During his time at NORD, he established recreational programs for Black children, such as swimming, sports, teen camping, summer camps and play days. The activities he created became the benchmark for today’s NORD programs. Under Jeff’s leadership, NORD built a reputation as one of the nation’s best recreational districts. In honor of his contribution to the city, McDonough 31 Elementary School was renamed after him in the late 1990s.
Larry Barabino, Jr., CEO of NORD
Larry Barabino is Jeff’s present-day counterpart. As a Zulu member, he was Zulu Mayor in 2012, is on Zulu’s Board of Directors, and is a candidate for King Zulu in 2022. Barabino also leads NORD as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He started his career as a Center Manager at St. Bernard Recreational Center in 1997 and would often volunteer there as a coach throughout his career. From 2006 to 2009, he became the Director of NORD. He oversaw the cultural and educational programs of several NORD sites and facilities, and secured corporate support to help fund rebuilding efforts. Today, Barabino oversees the development, implementation, and administration of NORD policies, programs and facilities. He continues to honor Jeff’s legacy at NORDC through his role as CEO.
References:
Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club
NORD:
www.NORDC.org
Norbet Rillieux and Dr. Calvin Mackie, PhD:
Norbet Rillieux portait by Ulrick Jean-Pierre exhibited at the West Baton Rouge Museum. Photo from The Advocate by Robin Miller.
Very few people may know about Norbert Rillieux but everyone has benefited from his invention. Rillieux was a free man of color in the 1800s from New Orleans. He was considered one of the earliest chemical engineers for his invention of the Multiple Effect Evaporator system, which revolutionized sugar processing. His invention created a safer, cheaper and more efficient way to make sugar crystals. It also became the basis for all modern industrial evaporation. During his time, he became a highly regarded engineer throughout Louisiana for his invention. As an entrepreneur, he amassed a fortune consulting and installing the Multiple Effect Evaporator across the state.
Dr. Calvin Mackie, PhD.
Rillieux’s achievement is served as an inspiration for students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), particularly at STEM NOLA. Dr. Calvin Mackie founded STEM NOLA to expose, inspire and engage under-served communities of learning about the opportunities in STEM. Like Rillieux, Dr. Mackie is an engineer, entrepreneur and inventor from New Orleans. He is also a mentor, internationally renowned speaker and former engineering professor. Through his work, Dr. Mackie won many awards, including but not limited to the 2003 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. He also received the 2019 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Board’s Chair Phoenix Award for his achievements in strengthening communities and improving the lives of individuals and families around the world. Dr. Mackie continues his work through STEM NOLA and through his educational and professional development consulting company, Channel ZerO as the President and CEO.
“THE WORLD OF STEM CAN BE LIFE CHANGING, ESPECIALLY IN OUR COMMUNITY. THE POWER OF STEM NOLA IS THAT IT’S A STEM ENGAGEMENT ECOSYSTEM COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING “CRADLE TO CAREER” PATHS FOR ALL STUDENTS ESPECIALLY IN UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES, BY REACHING EVERYONE AT THEIR LEVEL, IN ORDER TO EXPOSE AND PREPARE THEM FOR SUCCESS.”
DR. CALVIN MACKIE, CEO, STEM NOLA