top of page

US

The Recycle Challenge Parade & Festival 2025 Logo.jpg
NEW
ORLEANS

April 19th - 22nd

CULTURE 

MUSIC

CRAFTING
ARTS 

CONNECTING

COMMUNITY ACTIONS WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS

4 Years Of Local to Global Collaborations 

COMBINED EXPERIENCES

Bringing together communities for a better planet, and better humans. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Community partnerships play a vital role in the success of The Recycle Challenge, as they foster collaboration between local organizations, schools, and environmental groups to create a unified approach to sustainability. From St. Claude Ave. in the St. Roch neighborhood to St. Claude Ave. in the Lower 9th Ward, to Atlanta, New York, Denver and beyond. We are joining forces, with partners who can pool resources, expertise, and networks to enhance outreach efforts, engage youth, and promote eco-friendly practices within the community. Together, they facilitate innovative workshops, educational programs, and events that not only raise awareness about recycling and waste reduction but also empower individuals to take active steps toward a greener future. Such partnerships not only amplify the impact of The Recycle Challenge but also cultivate a sense of shared responsibility and pride among community members.

ADENIKE (4)_edited.jpg

MILLINERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA
TRASH TO WEALTH HAT COMPETITION

For the past three years, any where for 10 to 25 members of the association of Nigeria have worked online with our CFO to create amzing works of art, all crafted from recycled waste. Each year the competition demonstrates their creativity, craftsmanship and storytelling abilities through their hat designs, focusing on effective ways to reduce trash from landfills,, waterways and our neighborhoods.

Since 2023, our partnership with the Milliners Association of Nigeria has expanded to include small cash awards for competition winners. We maintain constant weekly communication with the association's president to finalize trainings and promote the "Trash to Wealth" hat competition, which runs from October to May. This year, select milliners will also lead online panel discussions and teach virtual classes, furthering our shared mission of transforming waste into valuable art.

We have had the privilege of working with Bruce George since 2021, and he has been a consistent contributor to the Poetry Repurposed and Refueled event each year of The Recycle Challenge Parde & Festival. From 2021 to 2023, the event was held online, and in 2024, Bruce made an in-person appearance at our event hosted at Welcome Home Farms. He is extending a special offer to any Black-owned business that selects a sponsorship or ticket pass.

Free Gold Listing in Genius Is Common

Business Directory $499.80.

Make A Donation , or

Select Tickets

BRUCE GEORGE
MIlliners Association of Nigeria
DELTA BUILDS

DR.DOROTHY NAIRNE
DELTA BUILDS

The partnership with Dr. Dorothy Nairne of Delta Builds has been truly invigorating! Both The Recycle Challenge and Delta Builds share similar goals and values, particularly in ensuring that the Black community has access to and awareness of sustainability and the circular economy.

 Along with each organization being headed by Black enthreprenuer's in environmental, sustainable focused fields where very few people of color are seated. Together they focus on fairness, social, racial and environmental justice for all people.

Dorothy’s inner entrepreneur is fully ignited in Louisiana as she establishes her company Delta Builds into the premier supplier of eco-friendly building materials. It is still all about creating decent jobs, Black wealth and sustaining planet earth.

IMG_4355 (1)_edited_edited.jpg
pexels-heather-green-1125370-18786374.jpg

NORTHWEST COLLAGE SOCIETY 

The partnership with Dr. Dorothy Nairne of Delta Builds has been truly invigorating! Both The Recycle Challenge and Delta Builds share similar goals and values, particularly in ensuring that the Black community has access to and awareness of sustainability and the circular economy.

 Along with each organization being headed by Black enthreprenuer's in environmental, sustainable focused fields where very few people of color are seated. Together they focus on fairness, social, racial and environmental justice for all people.

Dorothy’s inner entrepreneur is fully ignited in Louisiana as she establishes her company Delta Builds into the premier supplier of eco-friendly building materials. It is still all about creating decent jobs, Black wealth and sustaining planet earth.

3-7-22-LindaCShaw (2).png

LINDA C. SHAW
Poet & Voice Talent 

TLinda C. Shaw has been a valued community partner for over five years, collaborating with CFO Madera E. Rogers-Henry of The Recycle Challenge. During COVID, they hosted online training sessions via Zoom with around seven youths from Colorado to New Orleans, under the banner of "Whose Magazine? A Youth Publication." These sessions credited Whose News for Black Pearl Marketplace. Linda, alongside Madera, served as a trainer, leveraging her skills as a voice talent and editor to produce a five-minute news feature for the youth. Additionally, Linda has been the MC and a poet for the "Poetry Refueled and Repurposed" online experience. This year, she was able to assist Madera in person in New Orleans, ensuring events ran smoothly as the MC.

LINDA C. SHAW
Goats at Welcome Home Farm 20240318_092032_edited.jpg
Goats at Welcome Home Farm 20240318_092032_edited.jpg

WELCOME HOME FARMS

The collaboration between the Recycle Challenge and Welcome Home Farm has blossomed into a transformative initiative in the Lower 9th Ward, merging sustainable practices with experiential learning. Welcome Home Farm serves as an enchanting oasis featuring a garden, a pavilion for gatherings, and charming animals such as goats, chickens, and a playful bunny. This serene environment invites visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, where children can explore and engage in activities like hide and seek among the greenery. Through our partnership, we are developing a year-long educational outreach program aimed at New Orleans youth, and visitors providing hands-on workshops that emphasize environmental stewardship, gardening skills, and animal care. By integrating the principles of recycling and sustainability with agricultural education, we empower young people to take an active role in caring for their community and the planet, fostering a deeper connection to both the farm experience and their environment. Together, we aim to create not only a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices but also a sense of responsibility and belonging among the youth in our vibrant community.

Watch time: 27:52 

Announcing the winners for 2024

RIC KASINI KADOUR
KOLAJ INSTITUTE

The Kolaj Institute and Kolaj Fest have been invaluable community partners over the past year, fostering creativity and collaboration through a range of exciting initiatives. Our partnership has included collage-inspired parades during Lundi Gras and monthly crafting sessions at the Kolaj Institute's St. Roch neighborhood location, where our CFO, Madera Roegers-Henry, leads costume crafting workshops to create wearable hats for Kolaj Fest. This collaboration not only enhances the cultural vibrancy of our community but also nurtures artistic expression and skill development among participants of all ages. By sharing resources, expertise, and creative ideas, both organizations benefit from a supportive relationship that amplifies our impact. Together, we are able to engage a broader audience, promote local artistry, and cultivate a sense of belonging among community members, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of New Orleans while empowering individuals to express themselves through the art of collage and costume design.

IMG_3935.jpg

Connecting

US

THROUGH OUT
THE YEAR!

FREQUENT

QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Developing Community Partners The Recycle Challenge (Parade & Festival) 1. What is The Recycle Challenge? - The Recycle Challenge is an initiative focused on repurposing, recycling, and upcycling materials to promote sustainability and environmental awareness through art and education. Through challenges and actions, the recycle challenge encourages everyday peopple to recycle with art. 2. How can my organization become a partner with The Recycle Challenge? - You can become a partner by reaching out to us through our contact form or email. We will discuss your organization's goals and how they align with our mission. 3. What types of partnerships are available? - We offer various partnership opportunities, including event sponsorships, collaborative workshops, artist residencies, and educational programs. 4. What are the benefits of partnering with The Recycle Challenge? - Partners gain visibility in the community, access to our network of artists and educators, and opportunities to engage in meaningful environmental and social initiatives. 5. Can my organization host a Recycle Challenge event? - Yes, we welcome organizations to host or co-host events. We will work with you to plan and execute a successful event that aligns with our mission. 6. What resources does The Recycle Challenge provide to partners? - We provide promotional materials, access to our artist and educator network, and support in planning and executing events and workshops. 7. How does The Recycle Challenge ensure that partnerships are mutually beneficial? - We work closely with partners to establish fairness, in the clear goals and expectations, ensuring that both parties benefit from the collaboration. 8. Is there a financial commitment required to partner with The Recycle Challenge? To begin the partnership process, simply reach out to express your interest. We will arrange a meeting with either our CFO, Madera Rogers-Henry, or starting in September, our Outreach Coordinator, Linda C. Shaw. Before the initial meeting, you'll receive a questionnaire to help us understand your goals and expectations. Following the meeting, we will provide you with an outline of questions or a proposal for your review, feedback, and approval. - Our community partnerships vary based on the needs of each partner. For example, The Genius Is Common Movement, led by Bruce George, supports our organization by promoting our event to their network of over 4,000 local to national Black-owned businesses and organizations, helping to spread the word about the 2025 festival. Another example is our collaboration with 24 Carrot Garden and Kolaj Institute, which has hosted monthly crafting sessions at their location throughout the year. They assist with promoting these events at their venue, and we collectively teach workshops in various areas, making the financial commitments flexible and tailored to the partnership. 9. How does The Recycle Challenge support local communities through partnerships? - We focus on creating programs that address local needs, such as sustainability education, job creation, and community art projects, ensuring that our partnerships positively impact the community. 10. Can individual community members get involved in partnerships? - Absolutely! We encourage individuals to participate in our programs, volunteer at events, or even propose new partnership ideas that align with our mission. 11. What is the process for developing a partnership with The Recycle Challenge? - The process typically begins with an initial meeting to discuss goals and alignment, followed by a proposal outlining the partnership details, responsibilities, and expected outcomes. 12. How does The Recycle Challenge measure the success of its partnerships - Success is measured by the impact on the community, the effectiveness of collaborative projects, and the achievement of mutually agreed-upon goals. 13. Can partnerships be customized to fit specific needs or goals? - Yes, we work with each partner to tailor the partnership to their specific needs and goals, ensuring a collaborative and effective relationship. 14. What is the duration of a typical partnership with The Recycle Challenge? - The duration of partnerships can vary depending on the scope of the project or initiative. We offer both short-term and long-term partnership options. 15. Who can I contact to discuss potential partnerships? - In your subject line your Outreach Partnership Coordinator, Linda C. Shaw via email at: therecyclechallenge1@gmail.com or phone (347) 735-1257, to schedule a meeting and begin the conversation about how we can work together.

KOLAJ INSTITUTE
IMG_3732.HEIC

YOUTH PROGRAMMING 
ASK WONDER EXPLORE  
&
SPECTRUM SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
 



Participating in The Recycle Challenge through various outreach activities offers numerous benefits for youth, including fostering creativity and hands-on learning through crafting sessions, promoting environmental awareness, and encouraging teamwork and collaboration. Engaging in these activities helps instill a sense of responsibility towards sustainable practices while enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, showcasing youth talents in competitive challenges boosts their confidence, provides a platform for expression, and inspires peer engagement, leading to a more environmentally conscious generation.

IMG_4097.HEIC

Address

Former building of Light Christian Academy

Appoinments Only!

6117 St. Claude Avenue

New Orleans

TEXT Or Phone

347-735-1257

Email

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
bottom of page