LAPLACE — For Brannetter James, the Krewe of Agape is true to the Greek origins behind its name. Agape represents charitable love toward neighbors and all-encompassing love of God, and that is exactly what the organization has promoted throughout four decades of celebrations.

The group’s origin traces back to 1980, when Leo Carter shared his dream to start a Carnival organization. There were 11 founding members that included Carter, Shelia Baloney, Veronica Cambre, Ollie Grover, Brannetter James, Eloise Joseph, Homer Joseph, Cynthia Johnson, Melva Lipps, Harold Farlough, Sonya Gray and Dardnella Clark. Members rode in Mardi Gras parades and waved to the smiling faces lined along St. John the Baptist Parish streets.

According to organization members, Krewe of Agape was formed to “promote the uplifting of black people through organized sponsored community activities.” Their motto of “Christian Love and Charity” is known throughout the River Parishes, according to James.

“We realized some of the kids here weren’t able to participate in the Carnival clubs in New Orleans because of the expense, so that’s why we started one out here,” James said. “We’ve had over 100 girls make their debut since 1988 with us. Now we have their daughters coming back to us, and that’s when you start to see the history. When I talk about Agape, I think of family.”

The first Krewe of Agape Debutante Cotillion was held in 1988, with Colbert and Dardnella Clark reigning as Agape’s first King and Queen.

Krewe of Agape will soon host its 17th Biennial Carnival Ball Masque on Saturday, Jan. 11. The ball will be held at Copeland Tower and Suites Hotel in Metairie, and the 2020 theme will be “Krewe of Agape Salutes Historical Black Colleges and Universities.”

Tori Alexandria Bailey of River Ridge is representing Bethune Cookman University as Captain Agape 2020. She is the daughter of Mrs. Jarren Roussel.

Randall Joseph and Dr. Kelli Joseph of Reserve are representing Southern University as the 2020 Krewe of Agape King and Queen.

Randall Joseph is the son of the late Wilson Placide Sr. and the late Carolyn Nicholas Joseph Placide of LaPlace. He is a 25-year employee of the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, and his current title is Captain and Commander of the Warrant Division and Process Servers.

Dr. Kelli Joseph is the daughter of Whitney and Precious Joseph. She was recently awarded Superintendent of the Year on a statewide level for her outstanding contributions to student success as superintendent of St. Helena Parish Public Schools.

The three 2020 Debutantes are Ravyn Monae Bazile, Neshelle Trenell Brimmer and Amarai Monet Gayden.

Ravyn is the daughter of Robyn Gibson Bazile and Ryan Bazile of LaPlace. She attends New Orleans Center of Creative Arts (NOCCA), and she will represent Grambling State University at this year’s ball.

Neshelle is the daughter of Shelecia Vinnett and Fabian Brimmer of LaPlace. She is a student at East St. John High School, and she will represent Alabama A&M State University.

Amarai is also a student at East St. John High School. She is the daughter of Melissa and Edwin Watson of LaPlace, and she will represent Alcorn State University.

The 2020 Royal Debutantes are Alaila Trenee’ Snyder and Jayda Nicole Winder.

Alaila is the daughter of Chanda Snyder and Derrick Watkins of LaPlace, and she currently attends the St. John STEM Magnet program. She will represent Dillard University on the night of the ball.

Jayda is the daughter of April Winder and Jerome G. Winder II of New Orleans. She attends Sophie B. Wright High School, and she is representing Howard University.

The 2020 Ladies in Waiting include the following: Raegan Sarai Forest (daughter of Delacer Wicker and Ramsay Forest); Yasmin Jami Moore (daughter of Janiya Robinson and the late Gary Joseph); DoMonique Aaryn Warren (daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Aaron Warren); and Kaelen Alicia Washington (daughter of Kiana and Carey Gauff Jr.).

The Krewe of Agape princesses and princes for 2020 are Jasmyne LaShay Brown, Zynae Amani Jones, Sa’Naijah Simere Nelson, Ka’Rynn Michelle Harness, Sienna Mae James, Kayden E’Von McGee, Kami Dabanique Noel, Master Connor Alexander McDowell, Master Cole Alan McDowell, Jayce Aaron Plummer, E’Miray Martaz Fletcher, Trent Michael Lucas, Edvan Ryshad Vampran and Dhani Ja’Kes Vary

Destinae Aarilyn Warren will serve as herald on the night of the ball.

James said generations of young people have grown up and progressed through the ranks of Carnival Ball Royalty. Each year, the court is selected using an application process.

“You come in as a page or a herald, and then you are in the prince or princess court,” James said. “From there, you are a lady in waiting. Then you can be a royal debutante or a debutante.”

The royal debutante’s have a special party based around them, as do the captains, maids, king and queen.

“By the time Carnival gets here, you are partied out,” James said.

The annual celebrations include a formal introduction to society where the ladies walk out in elaborate white gowns and headpieces. However, Krewe of Agape is more than a party among friends.

Agape has also given back to the River Region through educational scholarships. The first scholarship was awarded in 1985 to Chantell Holloway, who went on to graduate from Nicholls State University with a degree in education. Over the years, Agape has extended more than $25,000 in scholarships.

This year, they will ride in the Mardi Gras parades with Krewe of Dage, another group that gives back to local students.

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