Mardi Gras in a New Mobile
May 18th, 2009 by Tim
It’s 2009. The United States has its first African-American president, and Mobile has its first African-American mayor. But Mobile’s premier celebration and signature event-Mardi Gras-is still largely segregated by race. One forward-thinking organization is setting the bar for change. The Conde Explorers is an integrated Mardi Gras society founded in 2004 for the express purpose of bringing together men and women of all races to celebrate Mardi Gras together. If you’ve seen The Order of Myths, the 2008 award-winning documentary on Mobile’s Mardi Gras, you’ll remember that the Conde Explorers were featured in that film.
Earlier this month, MAYPA directors Chris Barraza and Tim Parker sat down with members of the Conde Explorers and spoke with the society’s president, Terence Bridges, to discuss the organization’s goals. MAYPA is proud to support the initiatives of The Conde Explorers, and the two groups are already planning on collaborating in the future.
The Conde Explorers parade in downtown Mobile (Route A) the Saturday night ten days before Mardi Gras (January 30th in 2009). The society’s ball is held at the Mobile Convention Center after the parade. The Conde Explorers have several parties throughout the year and are making plans for monthly after-work get-togethers in the fall. The organization currently has about a hundred members and welcomes men and women of all races.
The Conde Explorers organization is currently accepting new members. The membership dues are $200 a year; the costumes (reusable) are about $75, and of course members purchase their own throws.
Come join the fun and help make Mardi Gras history! Membership applications are available at www.condeexplorers.org. For more information, call the group’s president Terrence Bridges at 689-1471 or member Henry Callaway at 694-6224 (hcallaway@handarendall.com), or e-mail condeexplorers-org@hotmail.com.
Tags: Conde Explorers, Mardi Gras
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