Big Chief, Black Hawk

Big Chief Tee is a high school senior and the youngest Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief in New Orleans. During COVID-19, he and the Black Hawk Hunters navigate the impacts of gentrification and systemic racism on their annual masking tradition. Through haute couture, movement, and words, BIG CHIEF, BLACK HAWK celebrates the beauty and resilience of “the culture” even in the face of crisis and change.

From food to language and traditions, New Orleans is known for its culture. Jazz was birthed in this city, and music has been influenced by its people including Mardi Gras Indians. The 1965 global hit "Iko Iko" by The Dixie Cups is a prime example.

What was your first Mardi Gras experience? For most, it is a tradition seen and heard. But experiencing the celebration in New Orleans is something else when you dive deep into the culture like with the Mardi Gras Indian tribes.

When the pandemic shuttered New Orleans in 2020, it was in ways more challenging than past disasters the city has endured. Melissa A. Weber, curator at Tulane University, called COVID-19 a "culture killer" for New Orleanians who are accustomed to social gatherings like Mardi Gras.

What is the difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation? Dr. Jeffery Darensbourg (Atakapa-Ishak) explains, and provides a reasoning behind why the suits of Mardi Gras Indians, who are Black New Orleanians, are influenced by their own Indigenous and African ancestry.

On Mardi Gras, Terrance Williams, Jr. is known as Big Chief Tee of the Black Hawk Hunters. But to two members of this Mardi Gras Indian tribe - Tyrell "Ty" Williams, Jr. (Gang Flag) and Simeon Israel, Jr. (Spyboy Fatman), he is their eldest brother who supports and loves them as family. And that love is extended to their mother, Tinice "Tee" Williams.

Terrance Williams, Jr. and other Black residents of the New Orleans community step out and up following the death of George Floyd in May 2020. This young generation knows they must stand up to injustice while the more senior generation recognizes the passing of the torch.

Terrance and his brothers Ty and Simeon are loyal to their tribe, the Black Hawk Hunters, dedicating themselves through their leadership and performances. The suits they hand sew for celebrations like Mardi Gras also displays their devotion...in this case, to their mother, Tinice.

Jonathan Isaac Jackson talks about the making of his film, BIG CHIEF, BLACK HAWK, and the connection to the culture, history and people of New Orleans, Louisiana. The filmmaker also shares the importance of incorporating his identity and Black perspective in capturing and telling the story.