June Hazeur Data News Weekly Contributor
Chakula cha Jua born McNeal Cayette in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away at New Orleans VA Medical Center on March 5, 2025. He was 79 years old. His loss is felt by the theatrical community.
Chakula was a theatrical genus. He was a renowned playwright, actor, poet, director, producer and educator, a product of the Historic Free Southern Theater. Chakula cha Jua has been an active voice in the New Orleans Black Community Theater Scene for more than fifty years. He was an icon in the theatrical community. His laughter will be missed as will he. He always greeted you with a smile. He was the life of the party. A joy to be around and an honor to be in his presence. He was a good man, kind and generous. He never married, had no children, only his beloved dog, Auggie Doggie who preceded him in death.
He was the youngest of four boys and the last one to pass away. He is survived by four sisters namely: Bernice, Dolores, Jeannie, and Christine.
Over the years he has performed and directed with the Free Southern Theater, Congo Square, Ethiopian Theater, the ACT 1 Players, Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center, Dillard and Xavier Universities and his own Chakula cha Jua Theater Company. He wrote plays for both adults and children.
Chakula’s plays and poetry have been published in numerous renowned literary anthologies. He has received many awards and honors in his career, including Gambit Weekly’s Big Easy Award, the Mayor’s Arts Award, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Artie Award, the Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr. Excellence in Teaching Award, We Will Dream Legacy Award, No Dream Deferred and the New Works Festival and in 2024 the Trinity City Arts Award.
He will be missed by everyone who knew him. The staff and family of Data News Weekly express their deepest condolences to his family in their loss.
May He Rest in Peace.
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