Louisiana GOP senators drop majority-Black district in proposed gerrymander
by Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator (May 13, 2026)
New Orleans
Xavier University of Louisiana national champions in competitive cheer for second time in four years
The Gold Rush dethroned three-peat champions St. Ambrose with a strong final-day performance to capture the school's second-ever red banner.
(Podcast) Discovering Dédé: How OperaCréole helps bring Black opera back to life
Givonna Joseph and Aria M. Mason discuss OperaCréole and their premiere of the long-lost opera "Morgiane" by the late Black composer Edmond Dédé.
Betty Reid Soskin, centenarian Black park ranger, laid to rest in California
The late Catholic-raised activist was a central figure in the creation of a national park honoring Black and female homefront service during WWII.
Norman C. Francis, first lay president at Xavier University of Louisiana, dead at 94
The former civil rights lawyer led the school for nearly 50 years, from the Civil Rights Movement through Hurricane Katrina and beyond.
New Orleans archbishop starts tenure with visit to grave of Venerable Henriette DeLille
Archbishop James Checchio moved up from coadjutor upon the retirement of Gregory Aymond, followed by a unique move during Black History Month.
Wynton Marsalis to step down from Jazz at Lincoln Center
The widely celebrated trumpeter and composer helped popularize jazz as a standard American art form and has led JALC since its founding.
'Real musicians': Black Catholics shine at 2026 Grammy Awards
Jon Batiste, Cynthia Erivo, and FKA Twigs were big winners on music's biggest night, along with several honorees in non-competitive categories.
Fr Victor Laroche, OP, 'beloved' chaplain at Xavier University of Louisiana, dead at 66
The Haitian-born priest and administrator had served in various chaplain roles since his ordination in 2002 and began service at XULA in 2022.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw gets first Black nod for cinematography at Oscars, one of record 16 nominations for 'Sinners'
The supernatural horror film saw success at the box office last year and will now be up for a historic haul in March on the biggest night in film.
Shooter still at large in shooting at historic Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans
One man is dead and three women are injured after a Friday shooting that is believed to have been a targeted attack on the deceased victim.
Jari Honora named Louisianan of the Year for discovering Pope Leo XIV's Black Creole roots
The 34-year-old historian and genealogist used his expertise on Louisiana Creoles to quickly uncover the ancestry of the first American pontiff.
Sr Jamie T. Phelps, leading light of the Black Catholic Movement, dead at 84
The 64-year member of the Adrian Dominicans was instrumental in numerous African-American Catholic organizations and was a noted scholar-teacher.
Xavier University of Louisiana receives $38 million gift from MacKenzie Scott
The major gift surpasses her $20 million donation in 2020 as the largest private gift in the history of the nation's Catholic HBCU.
Veronica Downs-Dorsey, esteemed Black Catholic musician and educator, laid to rest in New Orleans
The internationally known pianist, singer, and educator died on the Feast of St. Martin de Porres after more than 55 years of ministry.
When God spoke to me in a dream, I listened.
Sister of the Holy Family Charlotte Rubit recounts an experience hearing from God in a way never expected, yet much needed in her life of faith.