And when folks take a sample, Vaucresson knows the product seals the deal just about every time. “For that little piece of sausage that might cost me ten cents, I’m making an $8 sale,” he says.
The founders of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival knew from the very beginning that food vendors had to be a part of the experience. The first vendor they invited was Vance’s father, Robert “Sonny” Vaucresson, the co-owner of Vaucresson’s Creole Cafe, the first Black-owned business on the city’s famous Bourbon Street. They were meeting at Vaucresson’s to brainstorm about the first festival, which took place in 1970.
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As the world continues to grapple with widespread systemic racism, police brutality, and other racial and social injustices perpetrated against the Black community, non-Black allies are looking for more (or new) ways to support the Black community. Though there are a number of actions one can take to help support, protect, and uplift Black communities like participating in peaceful protests, sharing accurate information to help spread knowledge, educating and correcting those closest to you who aren t anti-racists, and donating money to grassroots organizations that have long been doing this work frequenting Black-owned restaurants (as well as Black-owned businesses in general) every chance you get is an easy but substantial way to support Black people, Black families, and Black neighborhoods.
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Photos are taken of during a ceremony announcing the beginning of the redevelopment of the Vaucresson Sausage Co. business on St. Bernard Avenue and North Roman Street that has been shut down since Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, La. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000. (Photo by Max Becherer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
STAFF PHOTO BY MAX BECHERER
A plate of Vaucresson sausage is displayed during a ceremony announcing the beginning of the redevelopment of the Vaucresson Sausage Co. business on St. Bernard Avenue and North Roman Street that has been shut down since Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, La. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000. (Photo by Max Becherer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)