Big Chief Leonard Brooks R.I.P.
Leonard William Brooks, the Big Chief of the Golden Spears, was laid to rest on Friday, March 13, 2020 from My Redeemer Baptist Church in uptown New Orleans. At least 25 Indians dressed in their new suits, in addition to over 150 followers of the black Indian tradition, came out to pay homage to the relatively young chief.
The Big 6 Brass Band provided musical accompaniment, but it was all about the Indian culture beginning with a spirited rendition of “Indian Red,” led from the church’s front door, as they brought his body out. The sound was spectacular with over 50 people singing the refrain.
The cortege proceeded up Washington Ave, passing in front of A.L. Davis (Shakespeare) Park before winding up at the Gertrude Geddis Willis Funeral Home. The Indians sang and danced for their chief while the brass band followed and added horns and drums to the celebration. They cut him loose with another rendition of “Indian Red” as a trio of doves flew into the sky ( in box below).