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Organizer seeks city support for May 24, 2025 Andre Caillou funeral procession reenactment
Summary
Reclaiming Legacy project organizers described plans for a May 24, 2025 funeral procession reenactment honoring Civil War hero Andre Caillou, including giant puppets, partnerships with universities and museums, and calls for volunteers and proclamations.
Sanaa Emsa McGee told the New Orleans City Council that the Reclaiming Legacy Project will stage a citywide reenactment on May 24, 2025 honoring Captain Andre Caillou, a Black Civil War hero whose funeral procession drew thousands. The organizer said the project aims to resurrect suppressed history, educate the public and use large‑scale puppetry and community participation to dramatize the story.
McGee said the procession will include 10–12‑foot puppets, giant horses, re‑created regiments of the Louisiana Native Guard and musical accompaniment, noting that historically some white regimental members traveled to play at Caillou’s funeral. She emphasized that the event will be multi‑partner and multi‑year, and will involve Xavier University, Louisiana Creole Research Association, Les Musee, Opera Creole and National Park Service support for certain elements.
Council members commended the project’s educational and unifying potential; sponsors said they will bring a proclamation recognizing Andre Caillou week and allow community sign‑ups on the project website. The organizer requested help recruiting reenactors, costume partners and volunteer creators and said much of the puppet fabrication will be done by local creatives and partner makers.
