Xavier University will host a panel called “Old Fire, New Flame: Mardi Gras Indian and Afro-New Orleans Cultural Groups” this Thursday, March 31. The program will be free and open to the public

The event will be hosted by the university’s Keller Endowed Chair in the Humanitie, Dr. Michael White, as part of his Culture of New Orleans series.

The evening’s panel will feature prominent Mardi Gras Indian leaders like Big Chief Donald Harrison of the Congo Nation, Big Chief Howard Miller of the Creole Wild West, Big Chief Darryl Montana of the Yellow Pocahantas, Big Queen Cherise Harrison-Nelson of the Guardians of the Flame and Victor Harris (Fi-Yi-Yi) of the Mandingo Warriors. Attendees will also be treated to a musical demonstration of Indian and Afro-New Orleans songs and chants.

The event will take place at 7pm in Xavier’s University Center Ballroom (on the third floor).