Our Team

We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for purposeful work, and real connection.

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Meet Tamborine & Fan’s Board of Directors

  • Tyrone Yancy

    Board Chairman

  • Aquanius Freeman

    Vice Chairman

  • Bernard Robertson

    Treasurer

  • Eddie Williams

    Board Member

  • Sabrina Mays

    Secretary

  • Rachell Blazio

    Board Member

  • Arthur Williams III

    Board Member

Jerome “Big Duck’ Smith

Founder

April 21, 1939 - August 21, 2026

Civil Rights Activist • Freedom Rider • Community Leader • Founder of Tamborine & Fan

A New Orleans civil rights activist, Freedom Rider, community organizer, cultural leader, and lifelong advocate for children. For more than six decades, Smith dedicated his life to fighting injustice, strengthening his community, preserving the culture of New Orleans, and mentoring generations of young people.

As a young man, Smith became active with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and participated in sit-ins, demonstrations, boycotts, and Freedom Rides challenging racial segregation throughout the South. His activism required tremendous courage and sacrifice. In 1961, while participating in civil rights activities in McComb, Mississippi, Smith was brutally attacked. Yet he remained committed to the struggle for equality and justice.

In 1963, Smith participated in a historic meeting with U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and other civil rights leaders. His willingness to speak directly and passionately about the conditions facing Black Americans reflected the fearless leadership that would define his life.

In 1968, Smith founded Tamborine & Fan, establishing what would become one of his greatest contributions to New Orleans. He believed that winning civil rights meant little if the next generation was not prepared to carry the struggle forward.

Through Tamborine & Fan, affectionately known as T&F, Big Duck mentored generations of children, teaching discipline, responsibility, brotherhood, cultural pride, community service, and respect for their history. His work connected young people with the rich cultural traditions of New Orleans, including brass bands, second lines, Black Masking Indian culture, recreation, and community involvement.

Smith was also deeply connected to Hunter’s Field, helping establish it as a place where children and families could gather, learn, play, and celebrate their culture.

Big Duck was more than the founder of an organization. He was a teacher, father figure, mentor, freedom fighter, and cultural keeper. His greatest legacy can be found in the countless children whose lives were shaped by his guidance and who carried his lessons into adulthood.

For 58 years, Tamborine & Fan represented Smith’s continuing commitment to the children and people of New Orleans.

Jerome “Big Duck” Smith may no longer physically lead the way, but his blueprint remains.

President & CEO • Tamborine & Fan, Inc. • Community Leader • Youth Advocate

Robert “2 Scoops” Stanley Sr. is a longtime member of Tamborine & Fan, Inc., a community leader, youth advocate, and dedicated servant of the people of New Orleans. His relationship with Tamborine & Fan extends far beyond an organizational title—it is rooted in a personal commitment to the principles, culture, and community-centered leadership established by its founder, Jerome “Big Duck” Smith.

Throughout his years with Tamborine & Fan, Stanley has worked to advance the organization’s commitment to the betterment of New Orleans youth while preserving the cultural traditions and values that have defined T&F since its founding in 1968.

Known throughout the community as “2 Scoops,” Stanley has served Tamborine & Fan in leadership capacities, including as Chief Program Officer, helping coordinate programming, community initiatives, cultural events, partnerships, and activities designed to strengthen children and families.

Following the passing of Jerome “Big Duck” Smith in 2026, Stanley was selected to continue the organization’s leadership as President & Chief Executive Officer of Tamborine & Fan, Inc. He approaches this responsibility with an understanding that Big Duck cannot be replaced. Instead, his mission is to preserve the blueprint, principles, and spirit of service that Smith established while preparing Tamborine & Fan for its next generation.

Stanley believes that effective youth development must address the whole child while recognizing the importance of family, community, history, discipline, education, and cultural identity. His leadership emphasizes strengthening organizational programming, developing sustainable partnerships, expanding opportunities for young people, and ensuring that Tamborine & Fan remains firmly connected to the community it serves.

His commitment also extends to preserving Hunter’s Field as an important gathering place for children, families, culture, fellowship, and community engagement.

For Stanley, leading Tamborine & Fan is not simply about holding a position. It is about accepting the responsibility to protect a legacy that began during the Civil Rights Movement and ensuring that its lessons continue to reach future generations.

As Robert “2 Scoops” Stanley Sr. helps guide Tamborine & Fan forward, his purpose remains grounded in service, youth development, cultural preservation, brotherhood, community, and the continuation of Big Duck’s mission.

Meet the Coaches

  • Keith Roberts

  • Anthony Lindsey