1 Death

It was a breezy night in New Orleans. They say the city never sleeps, but tonight was one of those special occasions. Throughout the years of disaster and chaos, the people of New Orleans have always found a way to remain standing. They also say that everyone has a breaking point, sooner rather than later. In this case, everyone had surpassed their breaking point.

After Katrina hit, the government refuses to let people return home. Insurance companies didn't uphold their side of the contract, and businesses that belonged to families for generations were now being put up for sale. Drugs and gang violence began to skyrocket.

The city began to lose hope and fall apart, just like the companies hidden in the shadows wanted. But what they didn't account for was the spirit of Voodoo and the power of the Loas, who the people of New Orleans called upon to take action and bring the city back from the edge of destruction.

-November 5, 2007-

I was raised in the French Quarter, also known as 'the Quarter'. Mamma was a Mambo --voodoo priestess. She says that Papa Legba impregnated her and that I'm the child of a Loa. However, the story around the Quarter is that she was pregnant before her initiation, and she doesn't want to tell anybody who the father is. But I believe her.

My momma is an honest woman, she doesn't tell any lies, and she stands true to her path no matter what. She had told me that I could become a living god or live the life of a simple voodist. Regardless of what I choose, my future is whatever I make it.

A little over two years ago, I was 13 years old, the big hurricane hit my home, and that's when everyone's life changed—especially my mother's and mine. Desperate and without hope, the Loas saw an opportunity to reclaim their people.

The night of January 25, 2006. My mother says Papa Legba came to her.

He said, " My love, mother of my child, Keeper of the faith. New Orleans is at a crossroads. And either you help them through it, or my son must take the wheel."

My momma always said that my life is my own. So, she took up the mantle for me. Stepping onto a grand stage.

My momma went to every part of New Orleans to gather the witches. And a week later, every witch sat outside for four days and four nights. And on the fourth night, in the old Congo square, my mother lit the flame of hope in the people of New Orleans once again.

My mother stood on a stage, and she stood for an hour just staring at the people emitting a pressure that commanded silence and patience. Until she finally said something.

"New Orleans is at a crossroads. And no one can help us but ourselves. Look around you—Black, White, Asian, Hispanic. No matter the color of your skin or your ethnic background… We all are hurting, in need of help, and at a crossroads… That is why you accepted the invitation to be here. You are here because I offered to help you find your way. So, let me introduce you all to the Loa!"

My mother stopped speaking after that and took a few steps back as the drummers began their rhythm. Soon the witches/voodoo practitioners came from the shadows, beating their drummers, falling into the rhythm, and amplifying the sound of music (https://youtu.be/vHqRa9XdTxc). While the men drummed, the woman dressed in white began to dance, full of spirit and intent. Energy filled the square, and the people soon forgot about their worries, and they let the energy take over.

The priests and priestesses led by my mother began to sing in prayer, and never in my life had I seen such a beautiful thing.

The Congo square was lined with different Veve of many Loas. And their priest or priestess called to them. When the Veve began to glow, avatars of the different Loa emerged from them.

And everyone at the gathering slowly drifted to a Loa that they resonated with. Then boom! In the middle of the Congo square, the symbol for Bondye began to shine and light up the night. The energy washed away the people's pain and sent them through their own trails until they found their way. When the last person knew what to do with their life. The ritual ended.

After that night, the city changed. 'For Sale' signs were pulled down, and properties were taken from the listings. The community banded together to rebuild as best they could. Voodoo became the hottest thing. And more people began to find their way. Waves of money came to New Orleans people in the form of travelers wanting to enjoy the new spirit of New Orleans, and my mother led the witch's community.

Today, on November 5th, 2007, my mother was killed, and so was I. So how am I writing this? According to my father, my mother did a great thing for the Loas and the Bondye.

So, she will live with him, Papa Legba, in love and happiness forever. And as for me, his only son, Lucien Dubois. Because I never had the chance to walk the path to become a Loa. The Bondye has given me another chance.

Now I'm Lucien Dubois, a nine-year-old orphan, black Londoner, in 1989. Yes, July 1, 1989.

How is sending me eighteen years in the past going to help me out? I have no fucking clue, but I hope it's a groovy ride.