New Orleans Alternative Break
In conjunction with the Center for Service and Action (CSA), The Learning Community (TLC@LMU) co-sponsored its first winter Alternative Break trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. Students had an opportunity to assist a local nonprofit, Project Homecoming, with rebuilding a home for a family impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
The TLC co-sponsorship introduced students to an additional trip component on the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the city. The group had an opportunity to visit a Creole Plantation, participated in a panel discussion with four living New Orleans Freedom Riders, and enjoyed dinner with 91 year old Leah Chase. Mrs. Chase is the owner of Dooky Chase restaurant, which was intended to be the final stop for the original 1961 Freedom Riders en route from Washington, D.C. The group never arrived due to violent mobs which ignited the movement.
The diverse group consisted of 2 student leaders, 6 students selected through the university-wide lottery, 4 TLC students and the Program Coordinator of TLC. Students were inspired by the resiliency demonstrated by the people of New Orleans and look forward to sharing their stories with the LMU community.