Louisiana Anthology Podcast: 694. David Hylan.

694. Shreveport in the 1980s and 1990s. In the heart of the Deep South, silence was deadly — until a small group of ordinary people decided to fight back. Join us for a conversation with David Hylan, the award-winning filmmaker and author who just released the book, Small Town Rage: Fighting Back in the Deep South. His 2016 documentary of the same name first brought national attention to ACT UP Shreveport, one of the smallest yet fiercest AIDS activist chapters in America. Now, with his powerful new book, Hylan expands that story, drawing on decades of interviews, archival research, and personal accounts to reveal the courage, grief, humor, and resilience of the activists who confronted hospitals that turned patients away, churches that preached judgment, and politicians who refused to listen. Far from the media spotlight of New York and San Francisco, these men and women forced northwest Louisiana to face the AIDS crisis head-on—and helped change the national conversation about compassion, healthcare, and equality in the process. This is the story of rage, resistance, and the power of ordinary people who refused to disappear.

Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today!
This week in the Louisiana Anthology. The Picayune Creole Cook Book is the definitive cook book for New Orleans Creole cooking. We have the 1910 edition on our website -- all 400 pages, 2006 recipes, 300,000 words, it's a monument to Creole cooking of 110 years ago. We'll start with a Good Cup of Creole Coffee.
Is there anything in the whole range of food substances to be compared with it? And is there any city in the world where coffee is so delightfully concocted as in New Orleans? Travelers the world over unite in praise of Creole Coffee, or 'Caf' ' la Cr'ole,' as they are fond of putting it. The Creole cuisinieres succeeded far beyond even the famous chefs of France in discovering the secret of good coffee-making, and they have never yielded the palm of victory. There is no place in the world in which the use of coffee is more general than in the old Creole city of New Orleans, where, from the famous French Market, with its world-renowned coffee stands, to the olden homes on the Bayou St. John, from Lake Pontchartrain to the verge of Southport, the cup of 'Caf' Noir,' or 'Caf' au Lait,' at morning, at noon and at night, has become a necessary and delightful part of the life of the people, and the wonder and the joy of visitors.
This week in Louisiana history. September 4, 1766. A huge hurricane struck Galveston and sinking ships as far east as Calcasieu Pass.
This week in New Orleans history. September 4, 1888: The first Labor Day parade was held in New Orleans, with thousands of workers marching through the French Quarter for better working conditions.
This week in Louisiana.
Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies
September 14, 2026
Claiborne Parish Fair Complex, 1563 Fairgrounds Dr.
Haynesville, LA
Website: haynesvillela.org
The Haynesville Celebration of Butterflies is a long‑running North Louisiana festival dedicated to monarch butterfly conservation, education, and small‑town community spirit. Now in its 26th year, the festival fills the Claiborne Parish Fair Complex with family activities, vendors, and hands‑on learning experiences.

Run for the Butterflies: The Nan McMullen 5K kicks off the morning at 8:00 a.m.
Butterfly Parade: A community parade at 10:00 a.m. featuring local groups, decorated floats, and children in butterfly wings.
Educational Exhibits: Seminars on monarch conservation, pollinator gardening, and habitat protection.
Butterfly Conservatory: A walk‑through enclosure where visitors can see live butterflies up close.
Vendors & Activities: Craft booths, food vendors, children's activities, art contests, and plant sales throughout the day.