Latest news with #BlackMaskingIndian
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
26-year-old becomes 1st artist to create NFL logo, theme art
A 26-year-old is making history, becoming the first artist to partner with the NFL to create a special logo and theme art for Super Bowl LIX. Tahj Williams, a queen of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, is showcasing her Black Masking Indian culture and New Orleans culture with an intricate, hand-beaded creation of the Super Bowl LIX logo and theme art. Williams told New Orleans ABC affiliate WGNO ahead of Sunday's big game that it is "a huge honor" to be chosen to work with the NFL. "This is definitely a moment that is going to live with me forever," Williams said. The NFL said they wanted to amplify local New Orleans culture with Super Bowl LIX taking place in the Big Easy this year. "Queen Tahj's deep connection to her community and extraordinary talent made her the perfect artist for this project," Marissa Solis, NFL senior vice president of global brand and consumer marketing, said in a press release. "Her work authentically honors the cultural roots of New Orleans while celebrating the city's vibrant spirit, and we're excited to spotlight it on the Super Bowl stage and honor the communities that make New Orleans so special." NFL's coastal restoration efforts in New Orleans Both the logo and theme art feature Williams' creativity through beads in vibrant colors typical of Black Masking Indian culture, from bright pinks and rich reds to eye-catching chartreuses and verdant greens. Black Masking Indians, also known as Mardi Gras Indians, who are separate from federally recognized or state recognized tribes of Louisiana, have a strong culture of art and pageantry that has been passed down since the 1800s. The culture emerged from an exchange of traditions between African slaves and local Native American groups in the 19th century. Over the years, multiple groups, called tribes, such as Williams' Golden Eagles, have evolved to keep Indigenous, African American and Creole traditions alive. The Black Masking Indians participate in Mardi Gras each year, donning Native American-inspired suits for the celebration, according to the Smithsonian Institution. Williams has honed her beadwork craft for years and told WGNO she typically spends over 40 hours a week making her Black Masking Indian suit. "When people think about New Orleans, they think about the French Quarter -- and all of that is definitely New Orleans. But I think sometimes people forget that we have second line culture, the brass band culture, the Baby Doll culture, Skull and Bone gang, the Black Masking Indians, and I just wanted that to shine through," Williams said. Meet New Orleans artist and activist whose art chronicles and celebrates Black community Williams hopes her art can raise awareness of and inspire a new generation to keep the deep and rich stories of her ancestors and community alive. "Since [I was] a kid, this is all I've ever known. We grow up going to second lines every Sunday and can't wait, and you're sleeping next to whatever outfit you plan on wearing for that particular second line, waking up to go see the Big Chief that comes out of your neighborhood every year, and I just wanted everyone to get those feelings that I used to get as a child looking at New Orleans culture," Williams said. Williams' rendition of the Super Bowl LIX theme art is featured on digital game tickets, this year's official program cover, and at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans hotel. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will compete in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9. 26-year-old becomes 1st artist to create NFL logo, theme art originally appeared on
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Children's Hospital New Orleans renamed to Manning Family Children's
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — One of the best known local hospitals, Children's Hospital, is getting a new name from New Orleans' biggest football family name. It was announced during the hospital's 70th anniversary celebration. Those with the hospital say throughout much of its existence, the Manning family has been critical to its success. The new name, Manning Family Children's, permanently highlights the Manning's dedication. Mardi Gras Indian culture shines through Super Bowl art thanks to Black Masking Indian At the party, most of the manning family including Archie, Olivia, Cooper and Eli manning were there to accept the award and naming recognition. 'It's very hard to put into words to have a hospital named after you. This isn't like making second team all-SEC, you know?' Archie Manning said. 'Always exciting opportunity to get to come and to find ways to give back and say thank you to the people of New Orleans and one way to do that is to help with the children's hospital and make sure that the kids in New Orleans are getting the best care,' Eli Manning said. 'This is humbling for the Manning family to be part of such a wonderful children's hospital,' Cooper Manning said. NOPD outlines Super bowl security measures during press conference Founder and Owner of Canes, Todd graves, who sponsored tonight's event, donated $1 million to the hospital. This money will go towards Walker's Imaginarium, which is similar to a children's museum located in the hospital itself to help children heal through joy and you should never challenge the shirtless Old Spice Guy to a QB challenge Logano to critics: 'I can't hear it because my trophies… echo around me' Southern California community is sliding toward the ocean, NASA data shows: 'Human life and infrastructure at risk' Couple walks 705 miles to Lake Charles in 'Walk Across America' Crayola brings back 8 retired colors: Here's what they are Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
