From a press release
A group of concerned citizens will host a “Gumbo Social” to discuss issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and the future of Gentilly neighborhoods. The event will take place from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at The Half Shell Oyster Bar & Grill, 3101 Esplanade Avenue.
The escalation of crime in the Gentilly area and the recurrence of police involved shootings, nationally, sparked an online conversation among neighbors that resulted in actions and attitudes that threatened the tranquility of the neighborhood.
Event organizer and Gentilly Terrace & Gardens resident L. Jeff Williams says, “When I saw so many objectionable social media reactions to all the police involved shootings, I knew we had to do something.” Williams is joined in organizing the Gumbo Social by his wife Robin Bouie Williams and Stephanie Lewis, another Gentilly resident.
Williams’ mother-in-law, Leslie Bouie, will facilitate the event. State Rep. Joe Bouie, Jr., is also scheduled to address residents at the event.
As rising local and national crime rates continue to affect neighborhoods like Gentilly, the Gumbo Social offers a constructive, respectful and meaningful opportunity for residents to discuss ways to preserve the tranquility of their neighborhoods.
For more information, visit http://www.gumbosocial.org. To RSVP for the event, click here.
