Big City Blues

“Coming Home” is a blog looking at life in New Orleans as we get ready to meet again in the Superdome July 5, 6 and 7 for the Essence Music Festival. One of the issues many of you have asked about is safety. We always face the question in New Orleans of what to tell people about what’s happening here – tell them the good news in hopes that they’ll come and bring business, or tell them the hard news in hopes that it will keep the powers-that-be aware that we still need a lot of help. I’ve probably erred on the side of good news.

As I’ve said before, much of what you hear about the city’s recovery is true. Progress is being made and there’s work to be done. A lot positive is happening, but we also have a crime problem. Fortunately, some of the readers of this blog have put the problem in perspective. Derrick says, “All I can say about the crime issue without sugar coating it is that yes, New Orleans has a crime problem, but so does every major city in the country. I lived in Atlanta for a while and honestly, the news reports I see on TV every night here are no different then what I saw when I was in Atlanta. N.O. is a big city and has big city problems, the same as most major cities...probably including yours.” He also says, “The 100% honest truth is that if New Orleans was as bad as some believe it is, I WOULD NOT be living here. I’m not crazy.”

In most ways, crime in New Orleans is like it was pre-Katrina. The same neighborhood-based beefs drive the violence, and if you’re not a part of the affected neighborhoods, you’re as safe as you are in any major American city. Nia E. says, “I've been to New Orleans many times. The areas around the Superdome/Convention Center are heavily populated during the festival, so there should be no problem. And the French Quarter is so full of cops, U’ll feel overly protected.” She goes on to say, “I've never heard of any drama at the festival itself. Everyone is usually in a positive state of mind, just wanting to have a good time with no drama.”

Mayor C. Ray Nagin has echoed Nia’s comments a number of times, stating that the city always experiences a decrease in the crime rate when the Essence Music Festival is in town. The bottom line is that New Orleans still relies heavily on tourism, so it takes protecting tourists very seriously, and Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest went off virtually drama-free, and people including the organizers of Essence Music Festival and the NBA All-Star game, which will be in New Orleans in 2008, have good reason to believe that the city will make sure their fans and supporters will remain safe. In fact, Essence officials work with the NOPD to create a safe environment and the past suggests their efforts have worked. There have been no incidents of violent crime in the festival’s 12-year history.

Obviously, it pays to be smart and vigilant, just as it was a good idea pre-Katrina and just like it’s a good idea in most major American cities. Nia E. had good suggestions – “Be mindful to be aware of your surroundings. Travel in numbers if possible, and if U’re going to be out, don’t get so intoxicated that U’re not in aware of what's going on around you.” The police department also has a number of common sense tips worth checking out before coming to town.

There’s no question that crime statistics can be pretty dramatic, and the stories of violence are heartbreaking. If anything, though, the crime in New Orleans says just how badly the city needs the Essence Music Festival to return. With the empowerment seminars and shows that bring the African American community together, it’s model for a better way to live – a model the city could really use about now.

Writer Alex Rawls edits OffBeat, Louisiana's music and culture magazine.

Comments

[Kwame]

All I am sayin is that I wish I had known this was the line up before I locked in that $220 a night hotel room. I would have my *** in Vegas for the forth.

[Justice Fergie]

Alex, as someone who will be attending the EMF for the first time, I had a few questions that I just can't see to find the answers to, one of them being when and where do the Superlounges take place?

thanks!

[doctorj, Hammond, LA]

Kwane,
You will be amazed when you get to NOLA. I have been many times and have felt perfectly safe. As long as you are not trying to score drugs and use your head like you need to do in any city, you will be FINE. You will also have a blast. Do yourself one favor as an American, though. Take time out one day to take a disaster tour. I promise you will never look at your government the same ay ever again.

[AB]

Justice Fergie:
Last year was my first time attending in Houston and I had this same question. The Superlounges in Houston were located in different areas within the Arena. They were located on different levels. There was a schedule that was given out that indicated showtimes for the performers. I would imagine it would be the same way.

[Jewls]

I'm flyimg in from Florida and will be staying downtown. I wanted to know if it would be absolutely necessary for my girls and I to get a rental. I've spoken to a few former attendees and some say yes while others say no. So for those who are loyal EMF guest, is a rental a must to get around?
Thanks

[Jewls]

I'm flyimg in from Florida and will be staying downtown. I wanted to know if it would be absolutely necessary for my girls and I to get a rental. I've spoken to a few former attendees and some say yes while others say no. So for those who are loyal EMF guest, is a rental a must to get around?
Thanks

[Kwame]

I personally would get a rental. There are plenty of parties in the area. New Orleans public transportation services those areas well, and my hotel is charging $28 a day to park!

[jessie]

Jewls it is not absolutely necessary to get a rental. This is my 4th year and i have never rented a car. I always stayed downtown and if you dont mind walking then you wont. It may be a personal issue. If you dont like walking get a rental. Most venues you will go to are in a few minutes walking distance. The traffic can be so bad at times that you will find if you had walked you would have made it in the same time. Im from NY we walk alot to get around as oppose to some places you need a car just to go to the store. So ask yourself do you mind walking more than 15 minutes at a time. We took a cab once from the superdome to the hotel, which is usually a 15 minute walk and that may be the longest walk you will have to take.

[Moe]

Jewls, you really don't need a rental to get around downtown. Most things that you will want to participate in are within walking distance of the downtown hotels or a short cab (taxi) ride. It will be hot, even at night so that may be a consideration for you. The hotels usually charge upwards of $20 to park per day, and you will have to pay to park when you arrive at your destination. I would say the rental isn't necessary. When I was home, we would always try to get someone to give us a ride to the dome, and go from there.

[Moe]

Kwame, you will have a great time, promise. There is so much to do, so while you may not like the main stage artists, we will certainly find something you want to listen to or watch. Enjoy the city and the experience.

[Shareekty]

I am looking foward to my first "Essence Festival" but I have one question. Is there a fee for the empowerment seminars?

[Joi Mavour]

I have 2 tickets for the fesiveal for each night for $60 each. They will be sold in pairs. Floor seats: Section O, Row 11, Seat 3/4. Also, I have hotel reservations for the Iberville suites, 910 Iberville Street, for 7/4-7/8. If interested, please call 561-848-4099 or email at joi@1ststudioarts.com Due to unforseen circumstances, we are unable to attend. Thanks. Joi

[jessie]

Shareekty the seminars are absolutely free.

[jessie]

Ladies who are attending for the very first time i am giving one note of advice..BRING COMFORTABLE SHOES. I know you want to look cute and i dont blame you on that but trust i have seen many of sisters walking in pain because of the 3-4 in. high stilletto's. Especially if you would like to walk around in the very large superdome to either get food, go to the restroom, people watch or just to get to your seat. I have invested in cute Flat shoes. It has made a world of difference. Have fun sisters and brothers, i will see you on the floor doing the slide. BE SAFE!

[Pearsoul]

I will 2nd that please bring comfortable SHOES....My group have never missed a festival and each year I bring a group of friends (20+) from San Antonio, Fay NC and other places to the city and we have a great time... See in Nawl'

[AKnight]

I have a hotel room and can't make the trip due to an emergency at the Quarter House in the French Quarter from 7/7-7/14. If anyone is interested call me at 4802130769

[Kreole Kutie]

As a native New Orleanian let me give the following advice:

1. Don't talk to solicitors on the street. They will hound you to buy things or listen to their sales pitch "I bet u I can tell you where you got your shoes at" "On your FEET is the answer" don't engage them please just keep walking.

2. Yes wear comfortable shoes. The concerts end about 3:00 a.m. Can you really stand to be in 4 inch shoes all night?

3. If your gonna drink, please eat something. The drinks here are potent. If you find that you have had too much, go to Cafe Du Monde and get some beignets "kinda like donuts" and coffee that will soak up the alcohol.

4. If you can afford to pay to park during essence fest by all means rent a car. I personally would not. Everything is within walking distance. Driving during Essence will prove to be a daunting task.

5. Most of the restaurants are good here. Only locals really know how the food you are eating really should taste (momma cooks it the best!)

6. Humidity and Hair does not mix

7. Crime is rampant in those areas not associated with the essence fest or tourist spots. That does not mean that they don't prey on tourist. Be smart and mindful of your surroundings. (I'm an ex-police officer)

8. Have a good time. New Orleans is grateful for your support. Thank you so much for coming. Enjoy

[Alisha]

Those army elite steppers are the best steppers I have ever seen in my life time. I hope to see them again. They entertain the whole entire convention center with their antics. I would love it if someone could locate them for me.

[Justo Chalaire]

Party with a purpose? What was the purpose I asked my Black brothers and sisters? I don't know was the answer I got. What a shame and a great opportunity that was missed for most African Americans to step up to the plate and mentor our Black youth of our country. I believe the goal was 1,000,000+ volunteers to be positive role models and help our youth get better grades, adopt good moral principals and give back to their community. What happened? How many volunteers signed up to HELP this emergency need. Toooooooo much party and not enough PURPOSE in New Orleans. I pray that this program takes off especially in New Orleans ( Black on Black murder capital of our nation)like it has in other areas of the United States. SOS