52. Children's writer Donna Jo Napoli, author of Alligator Bayou.

52.  We interview children's writer Donna Jo Napoli, author of Alligator Bayou.  Her book covers a grim period in Louisiana history: the lynching of five Italians in Tallulah in 1899.  The men had moved there after a mass lynching of Italians in New Orleans in 1891.  Donna writes from the perspective of a fourteen year-old boy named Calogero, nephew to the murdered men.  While it is addressed to a young audience, adults will find it interesting also.

1. This week in Louisiana history. May 18, 1896. LA. case of Plessy v. Ferguson, "seperate but equal" [more info]The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the idea of "separate-but-equal" public facilities for blacks in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson. The case grew out of a disagreement that occurred in Louisiana when a black railroad passenger named Homer Plessy refused to move out of a whites-only car. Plessy was arrested and challenged the state law allowing separate railroad cars for whites and blacks. A Louisiana judge ruled against him, and Plessy appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which also ruled against him.
2. This week in Louisiana. May 24, 2014.  8th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Cannon Firing and Encampment.
   15149 Highway 175
   Mansfield, LA 71052
   318-872-1474
   Website | Email
   Mansfield State Historic Site, Mansfield - 8th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Cannon Firing and Encampment, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The 4th Louisiana Artillery reenactment group will host a cannon-firing program and living history encampment on the park. Come see how the big guns were fired! Cannon firing demonstrations, camp tours, soldier-life talks and much more will be featured at this exciting event. Start your summer off with a bang!

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