Next week marks the birthdays of the Brothers Long—Uncle Earl (Aug. 26, 1895) and Huey P., “The Kingfish” (Aug. 30, 1893). So you couldn’t pick a better time to roll out a statewide program that will offer new insights into the last 50 years of politics as seen through the eyes of our governors.
That’s what the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities announced at a recent press conference from the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in Winnfield, the birthplace of Huey and Earl.
It all takes place in seven public forums held in the hometowns of the previous seven Louisiana governors, concluding with a forum on Gov. Bobby Jindal on Oct. 22 at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge.
“For the next two months, we’ll campaign for the importance of Louisiana history,” said LEH Vice President of Content Brian Boyles. “We believe that new insights into the lives and legacies of the individuals who led this state through its modern evolution will be invaluable for our fellow citizens as we face important decisions this fall.”
It’s being called “The Louisiana Governors Project: A Historic Job Description.” Prominent scholars, journalists and political strategists will join local hosts in Columbia, Crowley, Bossier City, New Orleans, Franklin, New Iberia and Baton Rouge. The conversations will center on key challenges faced by Louisiana governors, including economic development, race relations and natural disasters.
LEH has the full schedule on its website.
—Jeremy Alford
