Inez Pierre
@Heykrewehey · 1:33
Carvinal Noir
We really are the backbone of Mariga because if we don't paint the floats or build the floats, they can't hit the street. And we're proud to be part of that tradition. The hard work to create floats that are not only beautiful, but safe and they do it all with a smile on their face. So people of color in the martyr float industry are true heroes that make the party possible and keep the good times rolling
Deborah Pardes
@DBPardes · 0:41
Hey, Annez. Wow. I have never met anybody involved in the production of Mardi Gras. I've been to Mardi Gras, and I have lots of questions. I'm fascinated by this as a vocation and as somebody who is involved. I don't know at what level and how long it takes to prepare each year and how different each year is. I guess I want to start with you introducing how you got involved
J.L. Beasley
@Her_Sisu · 3:49
It's something about large throngs of people, crowds being in a congested space where there's limited movement, businesses shut down in terms of they don't allow you access to their restrooms unless you're purchasing something, or even if you're purchasing something, just not at all. And then you have to hike to the nearest bank of Porta Potties. And that's the whole thing in itself. So I don't go
Inez Pierre
@Heykrewehey · 3:55
You had to stand up a lot, so I didn't have a desire for it. Well, when I got I dated my husband. He is an artist, and he has been painting folks for over 37 years now. And that's how I got involved. Excuse me. And now we do have two businesses in the Montague industry, because the name of my business is Pierre Parade Productions, and I am the only woman and the only woman of color in this industry
Inez Pierre
@Heykrewehey · 5:00
So if your family catches this parade, normally you catch this parade the same place year after year after year. So you can walk around, but you know that your home base is at this street in this particular spot. So you can experience you can also experience it in a stand, so you won't have to be in a crowd. So you can do that or you can catch a parade. Like, my husband belongs to the crew of Bacchus
Inez Pierre
@Heykrewehey · 1:44
And it's all women's crew, and they're always looking for riders and people to participate. And then you can get a feel of what Mighty Gray is all about. So, any more questions? I have much more conversation, and I appreciate you checking me out. And I'll check you out. Bye
J.L. Beasley
@Her_Sisu · 2:39
Hi. Oh, my gosh. Thank you so much for such a well thought out response to my comment on your Swell cast and some of the questions I had that was really dope, and you did excellently with just providing background and context and information. I learned a lot in, what, seven minutes. That was really cool