With great anticipation, the inaugural Lil Brooklyn Reunion was held Saturday, July 14 on the vacant property in the heart of a neighborhood where family and friends still live. Nestled between Indest and Duperior Streets near the bank of the Bayou Teche, descendants gathered in the midst of smiles, hugs, kisses and laughter to reconnect, renew and rekindle family ties.

According to senior members of the Lil Brooklyn Community, the area consisted of several streets, often shortened by deadends or cross streets or alleys including Henry, Hortense, Reedom Alley, Johnson Alley and Rosier. The area was first called Freetown and included a small group of black people who lived, worked and played together as family.

The community later changed the name to Lil Brooklyn because Lester “Shashoe” Redford visited Brooklyn, New York, and later traveled back home to New Iberia. The community reminded him of Brooklyn because of the Bayou Teche Bridge that separates the city. The community also had a baseball team during that time called the Lil Brooklyn Dodgers.

The Lil Brooklyn Community has been in existence more than 150 years. Organizers said they were blessed to have five pillars of the community ages 90- to 97-years-old still standing strong “through God’s Grace and Mercy.” They include Mary Joseph Jacobs, 97, Jefferson “Nommie” Johnson, 94, Leona Roy Bryant, 94, Melvina Polk Durall, 93, and Leola Stokes Delahoussaye, 90.

The day started with an opening prayer by Leona Roy Bryant and Melvina Polk Durall gave a history of Lil Brooklyn. Activities throughout the day enjoyed by all ages included volleyball, basketball, Bingo, Fun Jump, a water slide, sack races and a talent show. D. J. Matchiz provided music and a special guest performance was given by “The Young Hub City.” Weather was hot but rain stayed away allowing everyone to enjoy awesome food. Families reflected on their roots and recaptured days gone by making new memories to highlight the day for younger generations.

“This reunion refreshed many memories of our ancestors who have gone before us,” said Debra Conner, one of the community members. “We acknowledge that their spirits live on in the Lil Brooklyn Community. We would like to thank the organizers and all who worked so diligently to make this reunion a great success.”

Organizers included Attorney Marcus Bryant, Edmond “Bubba” Stokes, Kendrell Spencer-Andrus, and Keisha Spencer-Antoine.