New Orleans is setting the stage to honor its most legendary natives with the unveiling of the NOLA Walk of Fame. As reported by the city's official website, the initiative spearheaded by a new 501(c)(3) organization aims to celebrate the city's history and the people who've left their mark on both local and global stages.
The ceremony, coinciding with New Orleans’ preparations to host Super Bowl LIX, marked the project's intent to acknowledge a diverse array of individuals. "As we continue preparations to host Super Bowl LIX, it is of huge importance that we honor and recognize the diverse group of notable individuals who make up the beautiful fabric of our city," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement.
Percy ‘Master P’ Miller, alongside the NOLA Walk of Fame Committee, is leading this initiative, forging partnerships with entities like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Operation Restoration. Positioned at the terminus of Canal Street along the Mississippi River, the site is expected to draw over 7 million visitors a year. Each inductee's achievements will be immortalized with a custom engraved Fleur-de-lis, a symbol resonant with the city's identity.
Aiming at more than mere recognition, the program is also developing an educational curriculum tailored for the city’s youth. It will offer mentorship and internship opportunities to bolster the understanding and appreciation of New Orleans’ heritage. “At Operation Restoration, our work is rooted in our commitment to creating pathways to success through education and fostering deep connections with the communities we support, prioritizing impact over profit,” Syrita Steib, founder, president, and CEO of Operation Restoration, mentioned in a statement obtained by the city's official news release.