Jolivétte, A: Louisiana Creoles

Louisiana Creoles examines the recent efforts of the Louisiana Creole Heritage Center to document and preserve the distinct ethnic heritage of this unique American population. Dr. Andrew JolivZtte uses sociological inquiry to analyze the factors that influence ethnic and racial identity formation and community construction among Creoles of Color living in and out of the state of Louisiana. By including the voices of contemporary Creole organizations, preservationists, and grassroots organizers, JolivZtte offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the ways in which history has impacted the ability of Creoles to self-define their own community in political, social, and legal contexts. This book raises important questions concerning the process of cultural formation and the politics of ethnic categories for multiracial communities in the United States. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina the themes found throughout Louisiana Creoles are especially relevant for students of sociology and those interested in identity issues.

Part 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Introduction: Who Is White? Chapter 3 The Reconfiguring of Creole-Indian Identity in Louisiana: Situating the Other in Social Discourse Chapter 4 Including Native Identity in the Creole of Color Movement: Ethnic Renewal and Cultural Revival within a Black-Indian Population Chapter 5 Migratory Movement: The Politics of Ethnic Community (Re)Construction Among Creoles of Color, 1920-1940 Chapter 6 Examining the Regional and Multi-Generational Context of Creole and American Indian Identity Chapter 7 Conclusion: (Re)Imagining and (Re)Writing Racial Categories