‘64th Parish Passport: Highlighting Louisiana Leaders Driving Innovation Across Education, Agriculture, and the Arts
NEW ORLEANS, LA — As Louisiana’s economic and cultural landscape continues to evolve, a dynamic coalition of educators, agricultural innovators, and cultural leaders are transforming local communities
from the ground up. Featured in the newly released 64 Parish Passport Guide, fueled by Atmos Energy and the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, these visionaries are building sustainable workforce pathways, expanding agricultural security, and fostering cultural preservation across the state.
At the intersection of these vital sectors is DECAF PubliXations, LLC, an organization pioneering interdisciplinary models that connect Design, Entrepreneurship, Culture, Arts/Agriculture, and Food/Fashion (DECAF) directly into classroom learning and economic pipelines.
Pioneering Leadership in Education, Agriculture, and Cultural Arts
The guide features groundbreaking leaders making tangible impacts across Louisiana:
Agriculture & Food Systems
Johnnie James II (POH Farms / Operation SPARK): A dedicated sustainability advocate and entrepreneur advancing artificial intelligence and agtech integration. James focuses on recycling initiatives and workforce development to modernize Louisiana’s agricultural economy.
Willis Nelson (Nelson Farms): A lifelong farmer and National Black Growers Council chairman advocating for resources, policy, and equitable opportunities for row-crop farmers across the region.
Chris Muse (Muse 3 Farm LLC): Co-owner and project manager of a diversified family farm promoting conservation, agritourism, healthy food access, and agricultural education in local communities.
Ramsey Narcisse (Growing Hands Farm LLC): A fourth-generation specialty-crop farmer growing healthy vegetables and strengthening fresh-food access across Acadiana.
Denim Hill (Family Farming Operation): A fifth-generation farmer managing row-crop and soybean acreage while advancing sustainable agriculture practices and young-farmer leadership.
Education & STEM Advancement
Dr. Donald R. Andrews (Southern University and A&M College): A distinguished dean and endowed professor with over 40 years of experience in economics, teaching, research, and public service.
Nicholas Bijou (Einstein Charter Schools): A educational leader guiding a STEAM-focused school community centered on academic excellence, student joy, innovation, and whole-child development.
Dr. Calvin Mackie (STEM NOLA / STEM Global Action): An engineer, educator, and entrepreneur expanding hands-on STEM access and learning opportunities for thousands of students and underserved communities.
Dr. James Gray (Jefferson Parish Schools): Superintendent leading Louisiana’s largest public school system, focusing on academic growth, equitable access, and district-wide innovation.
Kelsey Holland (Pretty Possible Scholarship): A youth advocate and workforce development leader creating education, career-readiness, and scholarship opportunities for young women.
Arts, Culture & Community Development
Chantelle Douglas (Write For You Media): Founder connecting digital strategy, entrepreneurship, and community engagement to expand visibility and growth opportunities for regional initiatives.
Walter J. Williams (Partners-N-Crime / Red Hot NOLA Productions): An entertainer, event producer, and community advocate combining New Orleans culture, entrepreneurship, and civic service.
Chef Ciara Finley (Desiderata Kitchen): Founder and executive chef creating elevated catering and culinary experiences deeply rooted in Southern and Creole traditions.
DECAF PubliXations: Linking Learning to Real-World Opportunity
Standing at the forefront of this movement is Mark T. Williams II, curator of arts and education & vice president of the executive board of BlackAmericana Fest. Williams has created an interdisciplinary framework that bridges creative expression with practical economic opportunity, connecting arts, agriculture, and career education to build expanded workforce pathways for New Orleans youth.
Through DECAF PubliXations (Design, Entrepreneurship, Culture, Arts/Agriculture, Food/Fashion), Williams created a publication and media ecosystem originally launched to address the lack of diversity and minority representation in creative and agricultural fields. Today, DECAF operates as an educational and creative agency that designs hands-on career technical education programs, such as Louisiana Jump Start AFNR pathways and youth festivals, designed to empower students by celebrating cultural heritage and real-world skills.
As an accomplished author and curator, Williams has written self-published books and educational works, including titles such as Bright Boy: Art of Defined/Designed Black and A Pebble for Her, that examine the systemic challenges faced by minorities in creative, agricultural, and entrepreneurial spaces. His writings emphasize using art, design, and storytelling as tools for equity, empowerment, and historical preservation.
Currently pursuing advanced doctoral research in Agricultural Extension Education at Louisiana State University (LSU), Williams grounds his community-based initiatives in academic rigor. His work at LSU focuses on agricultural education, extension methodology, and workforce pathways, examining how land-grant university extension programs can better engage urban youth, support sustainable farming, and connect local agriculture to local economies.
"Connecting our youth to meaningful career pathways requires showing them how agriculture, art, and entrepreneurship intersect in their everyday lives," says Williams. "Through DECAF PubliXations, we are building systems that don't just educate—they empower."
About DECAF PubliXations, LLC
DECAF PubliXations, LLC is an educational and creative agency dedicated to developing interdisciplinary curricula and workforce development models. By combining Design, Entrepreneurship, Culture, Arts/Agriculture, and Food/Fashion, DECAF PubliXations empowers educators, institutions, and communities to cultivate the next generation of leaders.
Media Contact:
Adam Covici | Curriculum Designer & Educational Strategist
DECAF PubliXations, LLC
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