In his “En Français, S’il Vous Plaît,” (page 88) columns this year, David Cheramie is in full swing on a series exploring the history of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), in recognition of the organization’s 50th anniversary. Its mission of supporting, celebrating and growing francophone communities in Louisiana has played an integral role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage. CODOFIL was created in 1968 by the Louisiana state legislature and has made a great impact on the communities it serves. That year, another entity dedicated to supporting and celebrating a distinct aspect of Louisiana culture was created by Robert Angers, a businessman and veteran newspaperman. Angers launched a general-interest magazine focusing on the Acadiana region and its Cajun food, history and culture. That magazine was of course Acadiana Profile. In 1985, Robert Angers’ son Trent Angers took the helm, then in 2011, the magazine was purchased by Renaissance Publishing. Today, Acadiana Profile holds the distinction of being the longest-running lifestyle magazine in the state, something of which we are pretty sure the founder would be proud. We are definitely quite proud to be the keepers of the flame.
Longevity of this sort is unusual for magazines, especially given the business climate of media. We attribute Acadiana Profile’s success and endurance to many factors (including the blood, sweat and tears of its founders, current owners and staff past and present), such as the endless wealth of interesting and talented people we cover, our ever-interested readers and, most importantly, Cajun culture itself. As the current managing editor, I’m tasked with honoring the past, keeping the content relevant to present and holding a candle to the winds of the future. My job is made much easier by always having this culturally rich place to draw upon. The most difficult part then isn’t filling the pages, because there are more great stories to be written than we have space to publish.
Rather, the biggest challenge is making sure we get it right. To do that, we push to ensure that every issue stays true to Robert Angers’ vision of celebrating the culture. Using French, particularly Cajun French, and featuring an entire column, Cheramie’s “En Français, S’il Vous Plaît,” in our pages is a cultural touchstone we deem essential to the magazine’s mission. Additionally, we get out there and soak up as much of the inspired cuisine, indigenous music and beautiful prairies bayous, marshes and swamps, all of which is the inspiration behind our “50 Things We Love About Acadiana,” feature — our love letter to the region that has given us so much. Cheers to another 50 years!
Melanie Warner Spencer, Managing Editor
(504) 830-7239 | Melanie@AcadianaProfile.com
Edtior’s Picks
You’ve Got to Check this Out
Spirited tours
Fans of Yellowfin Vodka, which launched in the Spring of 2017 with its first batch, will be happy to hear that the distillery is now open to tours. The artisanal vodka is made by Sulphur-native Jamison Trouth and distilled with locally-grown cane sugar. Yellowfin Distillery, 1716 East Burton St., Sulphur, yellowfindistillery.com
cultural icons
On April 19, the ICON Arts & Cultural Awards kicks off at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. The honorees span the arts, business and culture and proceeds from the event go to the ABC Fund, which provides business and finacial support to indiviuals throughout the region dedicated to music, culture and the arts. acadianacenterforthearts.org
