Fed up, New Orleans looks to shake Murder City title

By Eliott C. McLaughlin, CNN

Updated 1959 GMT (0359 HKT) March 3, 2012

This lively Mardi Gras scene depicts what many think of when they hear "New Orleans." Chaos and alcohol define the mood, with police standing by.
Photos: Photos: The other side of New Orleans
The other side of New Orleans – This lively Mardi Gras scene depicts what many think of when they hear "New Orleans." Chaos and alcohol define the mood, with police standing by.
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But for many, such as rapper Justin Elliott (aka Hot Bizzle), New Orleans is not a place to enjoy, but one to escape. Elliott's cousin, Joseph "Joker" Elliott, was killed in January during a dispute with a neighbor. He was 17.
Photos: Photos: The other side of New Orleans
The other side of New Orleans – But for many, such as rapper Justin Elliott (aka Hot Bizzle), New Orleans is not a place to enjoy, but one to escape. Elliott's cousin, Joseph "Joker" Elliott, was killed in January during a dispute with a neighbor. He was 17.
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The colorful city, often known for its jazz and gumbo, has had a murder rate at least seven times the national average for the past 30 years.
Photos: Photos: The other side of New Orleans
The other side of New Orleans – The colorful city, often known for its jazz and gumbo, has had a murder rate at least seven times the national average for the past 30 years.
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There are some, still, working hard to make changes. Daryl Durham is the program director for Anna's Arts for Kids at St. Anna's Episcopal Church. This program in the Treme neighborhood provides children with an alternative to spending Saturdays on the streets.
Photos: Photos: The other side of New Orleans
The other side of New Orleans – There are some, still, working hard to make changes. Daryl Durham is the program director for Anna's Arts for Kids at St. Anna's Episcopal Church. This program in the Treme neighborhood provides children with an alternative to spending Saturdays on the streets.
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In January, 26 residents were slain in the Crescent City. Many of the poorest residents are buried in Holt Cemetery, where many signs are handwritten and graves may be dug by hand.
Photos: Photos: The other side of New Orleans
The other side of New Orleans – In January, 26 residents were slain in the Crescent City. Many of the poorest residents are buried in Holt Cemetery, where many signs are handwritten and graves may be dug by hand.
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