(Updated with statement from NOPD)
Claiborne Avenue is known for a variety of reasons. Besides its large homeless encampments, it is also a party spot, a place where people can do everything from listening to good music to getting their car washed. It’s also a place for good food. And Kermit Ruffins at Kermit’s Treme Mother-In-Law Lounge has something to say about that. Ruffins recently wrote on Facebook that:
“We want all the vendors to be able to sell they food and merchandise please don’t send the police with lights running everybody on our beautiful Sundays!
“We don’t do that to Bourbon Street.”
According to Ruffins, the food vendors are getting unequal treatment from the police. Ruffins indicated that the thriving community on Claiborne deserves better. His message to police is clear. “Help us celebrate life!
“Don’t run people that’s just having a good time just send the police to protect us as if we were on Bourbon Street.”
Brought to Big Easy Magazine’s attention by Where Black NOLA Eats, Ruffins noted, “I am positive that the virus has a bigger impact where people from all over the world is hanging out at compared to Claiborne Avenue outdoors.” He adds, “If Bourbon Street can have 20,000 people Claiborne can have a 100 or more people. Just give us the police protection and love respect and understanding that we deserve.”
Big Easy Magazine has reached out to the NOPD and received an email from Communications Director, Kenneth Jones who said:
The link to the original post can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/Ruffinsbbq/posts/2188940481237881
