Appeal to an Audience: Michelle L. Elmore’s ‘Let’s Go Get Em’ features the legendary Tootie Montana, who was probably the most revered figure in Indian culture. The images of Tootie in the book are the last time Tootie masked on Mardi Gras Day. Elmore was at the city council meeting where he died. She was four feet away when it happened, when he collapsed. She had been there on St. Joseph’s night, when the police were chasing the Indians, which is what led to that meeting. They were driving on the sidewalks, chasing the Indians away. The Police were there to shut it down. They were wearing black bulletproof vests and heavily armed. They were aggressive and making things appear dangerous. At that city council meeting, when Tootie got up to speak, he said; “This has got to stop!” And that was it. He collapsed. Everyone started singing, “Indian Red.” The Mardi Gras Indians are comprised of approximately 60 different “tribes” that can trace their roots back to a time when indigenous peoples helped shield runaway slaves. As Mardi Gras traditions emerged in the late 19th century, African American communities in New Orleans found it difficult to take part in the new Carnival parades and balls. They created their own tradition instead, hand-crafting elaborate suits that paid tribute to the native people who had once helped their families. Since the mid-19th century the Mardi Gras Indians have been celebrating this tradition. Now this book ‘Let’s Go Get Em’ allows the public-at-large to admire their amazing costumes, crowns, and accessories. This book creates a window into this very unique New Orleans tradition.
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