687. Part 2 of our interview with Joel Sharpton.
Joel talks to us about Louisiana politics in 2026. Joel is a
Ruston-based audio professional and progressive grassroots organizer who
seamlessly blends media production with political advocacy. As the
founder of Pro Podcasting Services and an expert in mobile workflows,
Sharpton brings over a decade of podcasting experience to his
community-focused media projects. He utilizes this production expertise
to host and produce "We Are Louisiana Indivisible," a political podcast
dedicated to amplifying the voices of regional activists and
interviewing progressive candidates for state and local office. Working
alongside organizations like Indivisible North Louisiana, Sharpton is
actively engaged in grassroots organizing, voter mobilization, and
hosting local civic rallies to push for democratic change across the
state.
Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it
as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in
print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today!
This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Sidonie de la Houssaye. “Alix de Morainville.”
But one day — God knows how it happened — a
child of the village all at once entered the chamber where I
was and knew me.
“Madame Alix!” he cried, took to his heels
and went down the terrace pell-mell (quatre à quatre)
to give the alarm. Ten minutes later Matthieu came at a full
run and covered with sweat, to tell us that all the village
was in commotion and that those people to whom I had always
been so good were about to come and arrest me, to deliver me
to the executioners. I ran to Joseph, beside myself with
affright.
“Save me, Joseph! save me!”
“I will use all my efforts for that, Mme.
la Viscomtesse.” At that moment Jerome appeared. He came to
say that a representative of the people was at hand and that I
was lost beyond a doubt.
“Not yet,” responded Joseph. “I have
foreseen this and have prepared everything to save you, Mme.
la Viscomtesse, if you will but let me make myself well
understood.”
“Oh, all, all! Do thou understand,
Joseph, I will do everything thou desirest.”
“Then,” he said, regarding me fixedly and
halting at each word — “then it is necessary that you consent
to take Joseph Carpentier for your spouse.”
I thought I had [been] misunderstood and
drew back haughtily.
“My son!” cried mother Catharine.
“Oh, you see,” replied Joseph, “my mother
herself accuses me, and you — you, madame, have no greater
confidence in me. But that is nothing; I must save you at any
price. We will go from here together; we will descend to the
village; we will present ourselves at the mayoralty — ”
In spite of myself I made a gesture.
“Let me speak, madame,” he said. “We have
not a moment to lose. Yes, we will present ourselves at the
mayoralty, and there I will espouse you, not as Claudine
Leroy, but as Alix de Morainville. Once my wife you have
nothing to fear. Having become one of the people, the people
will protect you. After the ceremony, madame, I will hand you
the certificate of our marriage, and you will tear it up the
moment we shall have touched the soil of England. Keep it
precious till then; it is your only safeguard. Nothing
prevents me from going to England to find employment, and
necessarily my wife will go with me. Are you ready, madame?”
For my only response I put my hand in his;
I was too deeply moved to speak. Mother Catharine threw both
her arms about her son’s neck and cried, “My noble child!” and
we issued from the cottage guarded by Guillaume and his three
other sons, armed to the teeth.
When the mayor heard the names and surnames
of the wedding pair he turned to Joseph, saying:
“You are not lowering yourself, my boy.”
At the door of the mayoralty we found
ourselves face to face with an immense crowd. I trembled
violently and pressed against Joseph. He, never losing his
presence of mind (sans perdre la carte), turned,
saying:
“Allow me, my friends, to present to you my
wife. The Viscomtesse de Morainville no longer exists; hurrah
for the Citoyenne Carpentier.” And the hurrahs and cries of
triumph were enough to deafen one. Those who the moment before
were ready to tear me into pieces now wanted to carry me in
triumph. Arrived at the house, Joseph handed me our act of
marriage.
This week in Louisiana history. June 17, 1795. First bishop of New Orleans, Don Luis Cardenas, arrives in Louisiana.
This week in New Orleans history. July 17, 1905: The last major yellow fever epidemic in the United
States began in New Orleans, leading to a massive citywide
campaign to eradicate mosquitoes.
This week in Louisiana.
Marshland Festival
July 24'25
Lake Charles Event Center,
900 Lakeshore Dr.
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Website: visitlakecharles.org
The Marshland Festival returns to the Lake Charles Event
Center for a two‑day celebration of Southwest Louisiana music,
food, and culture. Founded over 30 years ago in Hackberry, the
festival has grown into a major regional event featuring local
artists, national touring acts, and a full indoor,
air‑conditioned vendor hall:
Live Music: A lineup of Southwest Louisiana performers alongside select national acts,
continuing the festival's long tradition of supporting local
musicians.
Food Booths: Dozens of vendors serving regional favorites, from seafood dishes to festival
classics.
Arts & Crafts: Shopping from local artisans and makers throughout the Event Center.
Indoor Venue: The entire festival takes place inside the Lake Charles Event Center, offering a
comfortable, climate‑controlled experience.
Postcards from Louisiana. The Rock Block Band at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar.
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