With Thanksgiving and the Bayou Classic weekend kicking off, a community giveaway sponsored by InspireNOLA Charter Schools drew neighbors together for a food giveaway, fellowship, second line music and a moment of relief.
But as joyful as the event was, for others, the shadow of a growing fear from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE operations in the city, many Latino families were too afraid to show up out of fear of being deported.
Two of the event’s organizers, Jamar McNeely of InspireNOLA Charter Schools and DeLance Vanderhorst of Healthy NOLA, spoke about why this moment matters.
“Tremé has supported us—we had to come support Tremé.”
Vanderhorst said the neighborhood has poured into his business from the start.
“Underneath the bridge on North Claiborne, we sell fresh watermelon, fruits and vegetables. This community keeps us alive,” he said. “When I saw the brother Jamar giving out turkeys and hams, I said, let me bring the vegetables. This is just our way of saying thank you.”
He added that with the country’s financial hardship hitting families harder than ever, community support is crucial. “Every little bit helps.”
Giving Back to Black and Brown Families
McNeely said their focus is always on families who need a break.
“There are a lot of Black and Brown families facing real struggles,” he said. “If giving back can bring even a little joy or peace during the holidays, that’s what we’re here to do.”
But both men acknowledged a painful reality: many Latino families were missing. Not because they didn’t need food but because they were afraid to come out.
“It’s hard to speak on what I’ve never lived.”
When asked what message they’d send to Latino neighbors too fearful to attend, Vanderhorst paused.
“I can’t pretend to know what they’re going through,” he said honestly. “I’ve never walked in their shoes.”
McNeely stepped in to broaden the message: “What we can say is that we’re here to help any family in need. If you come out, we’re going to serve you with dignity and care. We want every part of our New Orleans community to feel seen and supported.”
Moving Forward Through Holiday Uncertainty
Both organizers emphasized unity over fear. “No matter where you’re from or your nationality,” McNeely said, “you’re part of the city of New Orleans. If you’re in our schools, if you’re supporting our local businesses, we’re here to support you right back.”
He added that events like this are a reminder that the city’s strength comes from how it cares for its people …all of its people. “We hope families feel safety. And we want them to know: we’re here for the entire New Orleans community, every single day.”
Second row, from left: Rodrick “Scubble” Davis, Sr., King Scubble with DeLance Vanderhorst and Jamar McNeely, and members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
Third row, from left: rapper Terius “Juvenile” Gray works with a volunteer, Orleans Parish School Board District 4 member Katrina C. Griffin. Community members. (Photo collage by Gus Bennett/The Lens)
