Our Mission

C.R.E.O.L.E. Inc. (Cultural, Resourceful, Educational Opportunities, and Linguistic Enrichment Incorporated) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the numerous aspects of the Creole culture of Southwest Louisiana, including language, music, art, dance, food, architecture, and literature.

Founded in 1987 and run completely by volunteers, the mission of C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. is to

  • develop and perpetuate the Creole language and culture as it exists in the State of Louisiana;

  • to provide opportunities for a global sharing of multicultural experiences within the Creole community; and

  • develop and maintain programs that enhance the purpose of the corporation.

Through its history, C.R.E.O.L.E. Inc. has participated in international festivals, exchange programs, and cultural and educational programs. C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. has maintained a dominant and steady presence in Southwest Louisiana, but the organization also encourages exchanges between Creole communities regionally, nationally, and internationally to increase communication and offer opportunities for cross-cultural study and trade.

Our Flag

Designed by Pete Bergeron in 1987 and adopted by C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc., the Flag of Louisiana Creoles represents the cultural melting pot that is Louisiana Creole culture and identity.

The upper left section, a white fleur de lys on a blue field, represents Louisiana’s French heritage. West African heritage is represented by the Mali Republic national flag on the lower left corner and the Senegal Republic national flag on the upper right corner. Spanish colonial heritage is depicted by the Tower of Castille on the lower right.

Our Logo

The logo designed by founding member Wilfred Paul Cluse was adopted by C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc. in 1987. The two outer circles represent the global sharing of multi-national culture and language experiences within Creole communities.

The top inner circle has the acronyms of the organization: Cultural, Resourceful, Educational Opportunities, and Linguistic Enrichment Incorporated.

C.R.E.O.L.E., Inc.’s flag (center) is thus anchored by multicultural people demonstrating that there is strength in unity. As our motto says, “L’Union Fait La Force.”