New Orleans: PROUD to Call it Home.

Why are you proud to call New Orleans home? Isn’t that easy of a question is it?

Many wouldn’t have a problem pinpointing a reason, yet, the answer will not typically display that particular cherished since of worth and pleasure. - “I grew up here.” “This is where my job placed me.” “My significant other’s job landed us here.” “This is where my significant other grew up.” Etcetera, etcetera.

I was given the joy of volunteering at the Young Leadership Counsel’s Proud to Call it Home relaunch party at Harrah’s Casino. The crowd was a well diversified group containing people from all walks of the city; members came, friends came, and anyone passing by the theater in the casino came in to show their pride. The individual motive for being there did not matter, as it was one commonality everyone cared to celebrate: They were proud to live, work, and play in this city; they were proud to call New Orleans home!

Each New Orleanian, walked up to the welcome desks, put their name on a name tag (usual drill), but also added to the tag the reason they were proud to call New Orleans home. I’d say close to 90% of the people looked at me and said “I don’t know why I love it; I just do!” One gentleman briefly shared his story with me: He has lived in 10 states, spent 2 years convincing his wife to move from Boulder, Co to New Orleans, finally moved here after Katrina, and will only move away if he relocates out of the United States. However, the most common response? The food and the people. The food is a given; it’s got the soul to feed your soul. The people on the other hand ARE the soul of the city. The true spirit of New Orleans is embodied within the people; it’s the unmistakable, pure pride displayed in all of our faces when answering the question, “Where do you call home?”.

Once everyone moved passed the welcome desk , picked up their Proud to Call it Home bumper sticker, and liked the fan page on Facebook, they entered the front doors of the theater where they were asked to be brave and record a video clip of why they were proud to call New Orleans home. Those who were such great sports were given Proud Passports. Next stop? The bar. Drinks and food were complimentary, and everyone enjoyed the hurricanes, lemon drops, beer, wine, and soda while they celebrated the night. Past the bar and into the the main theater, the staples of what we do in New Orleans was displayed to the fullest. Eating, dancing, capturing memories, and enjoying one anthers company is a N'awlin's good time. Sam’s Funky Nation had people cutting loose on the dance floor all night, ending the party with everyone dancing on stage to the last song. Dear New Orleans was snapped away the messages everyone had to and about their beloved city. Rob, the photographer behind the magic, captures what is so raw, real, and the true spirit found in all of us.

So, why am I proud to call New Orleans home? In New Orleans you get the hustle and bustle of a big city mixed in with the small town, southern charm. You smile and say “Hi!” to the stranger walking past you on the side walk, open the door for the one walking into a place behind, and the warmth we have in our hearts for one other causes judgments are left behind. In New Orleans you are who you are, and we take one another in “as-is” condition. Opportunities are immeasurable here, no matter your interests and passions in life. All in all? I love New Orleans, just because. I’ve realized that giving a specific reason for it is like giving a specific reason for love your wife/husband or kids. An explanation can’t be tagged to that type of love, nor can it be measured.

I'll ask again; why are you proud to call New Orleans home? Fan their Facebook page and tell us all! This isn't the only amazing campaign the Young Leadership Council has created. Check out the website and you can get a glimpse of each incredible incredible projects available to get evolved with.