Photo Montage: Charlie Gabriel's 89th Birthday Parade and Family Memorial Procession

 

On Saturday, July 24, 2021, close friends and family members of the beloved, 89-years-young Mr. Charlie Gabriel gathered to celebrate his birthday and honor the Gabriel family ancestors.

Photos by Harris Parson

Charlie and his wife Marsha walk to join family members at the Gabriel burial site in New Orleans’ St. Louis Cemetery No. 2.

Charlie and his wife Marsha walk to join family members at the Gabriel burial site in New Orleans’ St. Louis Cemetery No. 2.

Preservation Hall bandleader Gregg Stafford (center) leads members of the Black Men of Labor and a band of Charlie’s friends, family members and Preservation Hall musicians onto the street from St. Louis Cemetery No. 2.

Preservation Hall bandleader Gregg Stafford (center) leads members of the Black Men of Labor and a band of Charlie’s friends, family members and Preservation Hall musicians onto the street from St. Louis Cemetery No. 2.

Family members and musicians of the Gabriel Brass Band, a tradition which Charlie started in Detroit when his father passed away, dance on N. Claiborne Avenue.

Family members and musicians of the Gabriel Brass Band, a tradition which Charlie started in Detroit when his father passed away, dance on N. Claiborne Avenue.

2. Second Line for Charlie Gabriel (60).jpg
Mr. Gabriel and his great-grandnephew take the stage at Preservation Hall together for a family performance.

Mr. Gabriel and his great-grandnephew take the stage at Preservation Hall together for a family performance.

4. Courtyard Celebration of Charlie Gabriel (69).jpg
 
Mary Cormaci