Our reactions to tragedy reveal more about societal biases than the events themselves. Two weeks ago, a mass shooting at a second line ignited a storm of public outrage. City council members called for meetings, debates began about restricting second lines, and some officers in the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) blamed the community. Now compare that to another mass shooting—this one at Dickie Brennan’s restaurant in the French Quarter. Two people were killed, yet no one called for restrictions on restaurants or demanded debates about nuisance businesses. This stark double standard exposes the prejudice baked into our cultural conversations when Black people gather to celebrate their heritage.

Second Lines Symbolize Joy, Freedom, and Resistance

Second lines are more than parades; they are joyful celebrations of freedom and resilience. For Black New Orleanians, they are an expression of culture and defiance against oppression. Yet, the NOPD has historically targeted these gatherings with unconstitutional practices. This is just one of the reasons the NOPD is under a federal consent decree. At a public safety hearing after the recent second line shooting, a high-ranking officer, Captain Dupre, summed up the department’s disdain perfectly. driving through, “with lights and siren, I have a lady twerking in front of me,” she said, smiling as if mocking the situation.

Her words weren’t just unprofessional; they revealed the deep-seated biases that fuel the tension between the police and the community. The officer could have described the situation neutrally, saying, “Someone in the crowd apparently didn’t hear my sirens.” Instead, she used a stereotype to trivialize and demonize second line participants.

This disrespect isn’t new. It stems from a history of mistreatment that leaves Black citizens distrustful of the NOPD. Respect matters, but the police must also expect challenges when navigating large, partying crowds. Managing second lines requires professionalism, patience, and empathy—not frustration and disdain. Ironically, one of the things the NOPD is best at is managing large crowds. Yet when it comes to second lines parades…….?

Decoupling Violence from Second Line Culture

Amidst the criticism, NOPD Chief Anne Kirkpatrick provided a moment of clarity. She stated that the violence occurring at second lines must be decoupled from the culture itself. Her words acknowledged the importance of separating criminal acts from a tradition that holds deep meaning for New Orleans’ Black community.

However, her subordinates struck a different tone. Comments from officers, such as those stereotyping participants as twerking in the street or just being uncooperative, reveal a troubling disconnect. While the chief’s words showed understanding, her officers’ remarks perpetuated the same biases that have long harmed relationships between the NOPD and the community.

This inconsistency highlights the urgent need for leadership to set the tone and ensure the department approaches cultural events with respect and fairness.

Leadership and Cultural Competence

The public’s reaction to violence is often shaped by leadership, and in this case, Councilman Oliver Thomas showed exactly what’s needed. As Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee, Thomas held a meeting to engage the community and push back against unfair narratives about second lines. His leadership demonstrated cultural competence and an understanding of New Orleans’ rich history and traditions. His leadership is critical in our city today.

The Second Line Struggle: How New Orleans Criminalized Its Greatest Cultural Treasure

Second lines are deeply tied to New Orleans’ culture and the memory of Congo Square. During slavery, Congo Square was a rare place where enslaved people could gather, trade, and express themselves freely. Every Sunday, they danced, sang, and connected with one another, creating a legacy of resilience and joy. Second lines today continue that tradition, held on Sundays to honor the ancestors and preserve the cultural significance of Congo Square.

Councilman Thomas, who shared the dais with Councilman Eugene Green, brought leaders from second line social aid and pleasure clubs to the discussion, giving the community a voice. By doing so, he emphasized how important these gatherings are and challenged the bigoted idea that second lines are just public nuisances. His approach stands as a model for elected officials to embrace cultural heritage rather than stigmatize it.

No Outcry for French Quarter Violence

Contrast this with the reaction to Dickie Brennan’s shooting. Two people were killed in what police called a targeted attack. Yet, the public response was almost nonexistent. Nobody suggested shutting down the French Quarter. No one proposed limiting restaurant capacity or questioning whether restaurants attract violence.

Should we close the French Quarter because murders happen there? Of course not. Should Dickie Brennan’s be labeled a “nuisance restaurant”? Obviously not.

These suggestions sound absurd but mirror the flawed logic applied to second lines. When violence occurs at a second line, it’s a problem with the culture. When it happens at a restaurant, it’s an isolated incident. This double standard shows how public perception and media narratives unfairly target Black cultural events while excusing similar incidents in other spaces.

What About Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras offers another glaring example of this bias. In the last five years, several shootings have occurred at Mardi Gras parades. In 2023, a shooting during the Krewe of Bacchus parade killed one person and injured four others, including a 4-year-old girl.

Despite these tragedies, no one suggested canceling Mardi Gras or shortening parade routes. Its cultural and economic importance remains unquestioned.

Even more telling, police don’t complain when white women dance in the streets during Mardi Gras, unaware of officers trying to pass. When similar behavior happens at second lines, officers express frustration and disdain. This inconsistency highlights a troubling racial double standard in policing public celebrations.

Policing, Respect, and Public Safety

The NOPD must address its role in perpetuating these double standards. Blaming the public for not respecting officers ignores years of mistreatment and abuse.

Trust is a two-way street. Officers must show accountability and professionalism to rebuild respect. Proper training and resource use are critical, as is managing large crowds with empathy. The department must also acknowledge the historical damage it has done to second line participants. Repairing this relationship requires a commitment to change and respect for Black culture.

A Call for Consistency

Shutting down second lines, restaurants, or Mardi Gras won’t stop violence. Addressing systemic policing failures and community distrust will help. The city council doesn’t hold hearings on French Quarter or Mardi Gras violence. Certain council members shouldn’t demonize second lines either.

Second lines, Mardi Gras, and fine dining are pillars of New Orleans culture. Targeting one tradition while excusing others exposes racial and cultural bias. Instead of scapegoating communities, New Orleans must find thoughtful solutions to protect all its traditions. Ongoing police reform and equitable treatment are essential steps.

Moving Forward

The NOPD must continue to improve its relationship with the public. Officers must treat communities with respect and avoid language that inflames tension. At the same time, the public must hold the department accountable for its actions. Equally important, the public must always fight against the criminal element that hijacks the love and richness of second lines.

A fairer, safer New Orleans depends on mutual trust and respect. By addressing these biases and double standards, we can ensure second lines, restaurants, and Mardi Gras all thrive. New Orleans deserves consistent fairness—not prejudice—when tragedies occur.