CenLamar | Est. 2006

  • New Yorker Kevin Kane Lectures Louisianans About Our Cultural Economy

    Bienvenue, Kevin Kane, the New York transplant who heads up the Pelican Institute, Louisiana’s first astroturf “think tank.” A few days ago, The Lens allowed (regrettably) Kevin the opportunity to publish a guest editorial about the merits of cutting funding for arts and culture in Louisiana. And perhaps unwittingly, Kevin decided to clearly and definitively demonstrate his complete and total ignorance of Louisiana culture and the tools necessary to sustain and support its vibrancy. Quoting: There are many reasons why Louisiana has “generations-old traditions like jazz, second lines, Mardi Gras Indians, zydeco and parade floats.” Our state’s unique history, geography and…

  • What is the American Way?

    About three weeks ago, I received an e-mail from UCLA Professor Joshua Cook. He is currently embarking on a rather ambitious project: Traveling across the country and filming a documentary called The American Way. He explains on the movie’s website: The American Way, a documentary chronicling the journey of one man across the country in search of the genuine American voice, has begun shooting. Joshua Cook, who created the project, will serve as director and will be conducting the interviews. Dane Kroll will serve as cinematographer and Adam Macy will be producing the project through Temporary Productions, his production company based…

  • Summer Interview Series (Part Four): Stephen Handwerk

    Stephen Handwerk may deny it, but during the last few years, he has emerged as Louisiana’s most well-known and passionate advocate for LGBT rights. Handwerk is the first-ever openly gay officer of the Louisiana State Democratic Party, representing the 7th Congressional District, and he is also the National Co-Chair of the National Stonewall Democrats Political Action Committee. Handwerk has served on the Board of Directors of National Stonewall Democrats for the past six years (three terms), where worked as an active member of the DNC Relations Committee and Chairman of the Personnel Committee.  Handwerk served Louisiana as a Delegate to the…