The following is a six-part blog detailing NAC's trip to New Orleans by contributing blog writer and self-described "trouble-enthusiast," Jeffrey Hill. Photos were contributed by NAC editor Matt Stroud.

PART 3: The Trumpet Awards


After a hearty breakfast at Mother's in downtown New Orleans, NAC editor Matt Stroud and I headed over to the NPN Trumpet Awards to witness the hard work of Timolynn Sams' organization in strengthening communities and empowering neighborhood leaders.

Revered and distinguished citizens of New Orleans walked away with beautiful hand-made trophies and the respect of their peers. Children as young as 12 were acknowledged for their active role. One middle school student warned Mayor Ray Nagin in her acceptance speech that her watchdog group would be making sure his administration kept education a priority - an issue that is widely overlooked in the rebuilding process.

See the video section for interviews with community leaders and footage from the event.

Click for other entries:

PART 1: Arrival in "The Big Easy"
PART 2: "Sparking Creativity" Symposium, Bourbon Street
PART 3: The NPN Trumpet Awards
PART 4: 24Hrs NEW ORLEANS
PART 5: 24Hrs NEW ORLEANS (continued)
PART 6: Recovery.