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Hello to all my fellow members here at Fine Art America and visitors. I know some of you may ask how do I accomplish the many things I have accomplish in my life. As I have mentioned many times it is in my belief "no goal is beyond reach, while achieving success". I have achieved yet another success story to share and a success story which will be seen by all visitors to the city and generations to come here in New Orleans, LA I do everything possible to inspire I waste no precious time worrying about what personal project to pursue or accomplish but connect the dots and take giant leaps and do what it is I have to do to manifest the reality.
As many of you may have read over the past year I was involved in a larger than life project. I took part in a New Orleans sponsored program the Welcome Table. Anyone could become a member up to 90 individuals. For the past three years 90 strangers came together in groups of 30 and discussed issues relating to race or local issues. Everything discussed remained in the circle.. I intinally thought this was relating to all the hoopla of the removal of statues located throughout the city which were considered a nuisance by our Mayor and other officials around the country. The city sponsored program brought strangers together to learn and better understand race issues and reconciliation.
This is the last year of the Welcome Table. It has been one of the most eye opening experiences I have ever taken part in. As appreciation to all participants for the last three year the city sponsored a retreat for participating members....Upon completing a year participation in the city sponsored program in association with Winter Institue of Mississippi awarded $50,000.00 to each 3 circles for the past two years and kick start a program for the betterment of local youth programs and group proposed programs which at the conclusion of participation each member could offer a suggestion and a group vote was cast. My group voted upon and accepted my idea and officially named The Equity Circle Project proposals, along with the other two proposed projects, a playground and public movie presentations at the site or local theaters with guest historians and speakers to answer questions.
While I was away on my 2,763 mile journey across the south and southwest to San Francisco I was unable to participate and present my idea to the group I missed the deadline to submit my idea. To my surprise when I returned in April and attended the meeting I then made my suggestion of a permanent public place for all relax or hold public outdoor meeting place. As I journeyed from city to city I sought out the public areas some were square some circle but nothing like my concept and vision. I did take note individuals used the public spaces, the one and only difference here in some neighborhoods not enough people gather but more so at the countless festivals which Louisiana and New Orleans famous for. We distance ourselves as a community which occurs here and other cities.
The public circle will be nearly 25 feet in diameter from one side to the other, it will have four quadrants square design may change to circle design, with a standard brick lined pathway entering into the main circle. The circle will have circular brick bench style seating to face within or out of the circle and a grouping of trees to form a canopy over the bench style seating and local landscape flowers of the region for beautification. The pathway will also have a brick lined walkway with a purchase a brick and a message engraved on the brick of inspiring words of unity and equity. In the center and below the compass of the Equity Circle will be a time capsule containing messages from the group circles and residents written for future generations to read 100 years from the dedication of The Equity Circle.
I had remained busy this past year being committee members to two of the proposed projects voted upon, the Equity Circle and public movie night presentations and a new playground near Equity Circle.
Next week will be a gala event with the Mayor, officials and news media and the presentation of all concepts from all three circles this being the last year. The event will be at the Museum of Fine Art NOMA 9:30 til 11:30 with a reception following TV and news media will interview the selected spokesperson from each group which I will be one of the participants and then anyone at the ending of the ceremony may step forward to speak as well... My creativity does not limit myself to photography but also layout and design concepts.
New Orleans celebrates its 300th Birthday within two years and also considered my plans for the future of New Orleans, its citizens and all visitors from around the world to North, South, East and West and visit this new attraction which I hope will bring strangers together instead of distancing themselves from fellow humans. My next project is I have decided to return to college at 65 to pick up on my degree I did not receive in 76 and pursue a degree in city and urban planning, architecture designs. I hope my announcement encourages everyone do what you have to do now for your time can be invaluable or valuable. I continue to connect the dots to the circle of my life and wish everyone the best of future success connecting yours as well. What is truly humbling is my vision and idea will become a landmark for all to visit and family legacy. I am proud of this accomplishment in my life.
When one of the city officials saw my doodle or architect rendering, they commented wow this is a great presentation but then you probably already know this, and of course I replied, Yes!!! Also the original drawing remains my copyright property and colorized copy's were made for contractors for materials and a specified official architect drawing to present to the city for necessary nighttime lightning which will be provided by the city.. Myself and the other members agreed upon no changes or alterations would become final without our approval. At the tip of the compass pointing South will be a marble plaque dedicating the Equity Circle to the community.
An inspiration of the design was also a compass my father carried with him during World War II my mother had given him. Prior to my fathers death he gave me the compass along with his teaching me everything he possibly could, no matter where ever I would travel I would never be lost but I would always return home New Orleans. The compass design was for all who visit this site and the direction to other neighborhoods with the point directing Upriver, Downriver, Lakeside and Riverside. New Orleans uniqueness of being surrounded by water. May all who visit make new friendships and renew old, may you never loose your way home!!!
Cheers from New Orleans, LA Michael Joseph Hoard
