NEW ORLEANS – The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, announced education activist Kira Orange Jones as the first ever “Reigning Spirit of the Sazerac.” This award pays tribute to exemplary women embodying strength, determination and courageousness similar to the women in 1949 who stormed the Sazerac Bar to change social culture during a time when women were only allowed into bars on Mardi Gras day, hotel reps said. The Roosevelt honors Orange Jones at this year’s Stormin’ of the Sazerac Friday, September 23, 2016.
A former teacher that has led the Teach For America Greater New Orleans-Louisiana Delta region for the last nine years, Orange Jones works to expand educational opportunities for children. In her current role, Senior Vice President and Regional Field Executive, Orange Jones’ role includes the management and support of Teach For America regional executive directors across the South and Midwest. With this opportunity, she hopes to continue fostering progress for students here in Louisiana while influencing momentum towards educational equity across the country. Orange Jones will still be calling New Orleans home as she continues serving on the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
“The Roosevelt is thrilled to name Kira Orange Jones as our first-ever Reigning Spirit of the Sazerac,” said The Roosevelt New Orleans General Manager Tod Chambers. “Her impact on the New Orleans community is exactly what we love to celebrate about the women in 1949.”
An elected member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary & Secondary Education, Orange Jones is the voice for New Orleans and five other parishes. Additionally, Orange Jones sits on the national executive board of Education Leaders of Color (EdLoc) and is also a member of the New Orleans advisory board of Education Pioneers. In 2015, Orange Jones was named to Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world and most recently earned the title “Louisianan of the Year” by Louisiana Life Magazine.
As “Reigning Spirit of the Sazerac,” Orange Jones receives a VIP table at this year’s “Stormin’ of the Sazerac” and public recognition of her contribution to the community. She will also serve as one of the judges for the event’s fashion show, and lead the commemorative second-line to conclude the event.
The one-of-a-kind celebration, taking place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23, pays tribute to the women who stormed the Sazerac Bar in 1949 demanding to be served, rendering the Sazerac Bar to be the first bar in New Orleans to allow women on days other than Mardi Gras. “Stormin of the Sazerac” encompasses libations, cuisine and entertainment, including a three-course ladies-only luncheon, pop-up fashion shop, live entertainment and a juried best-dressed competition, all taking place in the famous Blue Room. Following Blue Room festivities, Orange Jones will lead attendees in a second line to “storm” the world-renowned Sazerac Bar, where the spirited day continues with Sazerac cocktails in-hand.
Blue Room luncheon tickets are $49 each, excluding tax and gratuity.
