Talking with Our Favorite Superhero; Captain Black
by: Brandon Curran; NOHC Marketing and Events Coordinator
Most people could not dub themselves as a superhero and get away with it. However, most people are not Nadra Enzi, otherwise known as Captain Black.
Captain Black has been involved with various ventures in The New Orleans Healing Center for over three years. These involvements include; working as security for Café Istanbul, becoming an active member in Refuge Church NOLA and creating a Volunteer In Prevention Outreach Program for the surrounding community.
Captain Black explains his draw to the Healing Center’s diverse community. “The Center has people who are experiencing any number of lifestyle options and this a space that is nonjudgmental and welcoming. The Healing Center is actually doing what other institutions pretend to do.”
He noted that he was particularly drawn to the wide range of businesses, services, events and classes offered to help those who need it the most.
“I am troubled by the amount of people in our community who lack grounding and resources. However, The Healing Center has programs here for people who are willing to participate. You have many silos (tenants) who help daily. Your type of commitment is far more than a soundbite you may see at a conference.”
Apart from the over thirty businesses that serve within The Healing Center, partner organizations host classes, workshops and support groups including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, NOAGE, and various religious groups.
At Café Istanbul, Captain Black works as security; greeting patrons when they come into The Healing Center and escorting people to their vehicles. He thinks of events as microcosms for the community at large and was impressed by Istanbul’s wide range of performances and events.
In addition to his job at Café Istanbul, Captain Black also organizes a Volunteer in Prevention and Neighborhood Walk group throughout the St. Claude/Maringy area. His goal for these groups is to help curb the growing violence in the neighborhood.
“We need to see a far more visible presence in the community. Particularly when large amounts of violence is being committed by groups of people. We need to see groups of others, not vigilantes, not mobs of people who start fights with people, but residents and other concerned citizens who are saying that we have a right to be safe and we are going to make sure that we watch out for each other.”
Although not always the easiest of work, he noted how the surrounding community is full of people genuinely interested in helping to create a better community.
“I have met many people in this community who are willing to help. Deterring violence by showing physical presence. Escorting people home and to the vehicles. Going to crime scenes and talking with neighbors in the area and businesses, comforting crime victims. Lets get people in their comfort zone.”
For more information on #CapBlackStreetPatrol, check out his blog here, https://capblackrlsh.wordpress.com/
