October 7, 2026

NEW ORLEANS — The sound of the Edna Karr High School band helped welcome families, neighbors, law enforcement officers and community partners to Morris F.X. Jeff, Sr. Park on Tuesday, October 6, for New Orleans’ kickoff of the 43rd Annual National Night Out Against Crime. With music, food and family activities, the gathering gave residents a chance to meet first responders and celebrate the relationships that strengthen their neighborhoods.

The Algiers event was one part of a citywide night of connection. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick announced that 105 neighborhoods had signed up for block parties, where residents could meet officers assigned to their districts. New Orleans hosts its kickoff in a different Council District each year, carrying the celebration across the city.

Kirkpatrick put residents at the center of that work. “You play a significant role in being our partners with us to drive this crime down,” she said. She explained that the block parties allow neighbors and officers to get to know each other beyond a call for service. Kirkpatrick also thanked NOPD Sergeant Summers and her team for their work organizing the kickoff.

That shared effort was a theme throughout the evening. District C Councilmember Freddie King III thanked the organizations working alongside law enforcement: “We really want to thank all our partners out here who make this happen.” City Council Vice President Matthew Willard spoke about the value of meeting first responders face to face. “Those relationships matter,” he said.

For Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodfork, seeing residents gather with those who serve them carried its own meaning. “I’m happy to see each and every one of you out here,” she told the crowd. District D Councilmember Eugene Green reminded attendees that public safety efforts matter deeply to people who have already experienced harm. He said “all of the work that we all do makes a big difference in the lives of people who have been victimized by crime,” including survivors and their families.

The evening also showed why community organizations belong in the public safety conversation. Darlene Cusanza, president and CEO of Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans, called National Night Out “one of the best days of the year because you are really making a difference.” She highlighted the resources available to residents and people who have been victims of crime.

At a park filled with families, speakers emphasized the importance of safe places and positive opportunities for young people. “NORD’s mission goes beyond recreation,” said Natasha Robinson, interim CEO of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission. “It’s about building relationships and providing outlets that keep young people and families engaged in positive ways.”

NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore connected those opportunities to the work happening in classrooms and across the community. “An educated city is a safer city,” she said, thanking the people who help make schools and neighborhoods safe places for children to learn, play and thrive.

Special thanks to the City of New Orleans, NOPD and the NORD Commission for bringing residents and partners together for an outstanding evening. Their work helped make the Algiers kickoff a celebration of the connections that continue long after National Night Out Against Crime ends.

Community, business and entertainment partners: Louisiana Children’s Museum; Audubon Nature Institute; FOP Crescent City Lodge; New Orleans Pelicans; Krewe of Muses; Red Cross; AT&T; Geralds (Hot Donuts and Burgers); Chick-Fil-A of Algiers; Raising Canes; Starbucks; Domino’s; Inspire NOLA and Edna Karr High School; Keep It Movin’ Line Dancing; and D.J. Captain Charles.

Public agencies and safety partners: City of New Orleans and New Orleans City Council; New Orleans Recreation Development Commission; New Orleans Police Department; New Orleans Fire Department; New Orleans Emergency Medical Services; Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office; Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office; Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans; Department of Health and Human Services; and Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams closed with a reminder that the night’s celebration is part of a longer commitment. “We have to institutionalize what’s working and keep it going,” he said. “We have work to do and I know we can do it.”

Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office
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