The Kickoff: How Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, and The City of Love Brought New Orleans Together for a Back‑to‑School Blessing
The Back‑to‑School Giveaway at The City of Love Church became one of those New Orleans moments where community, culture, and purpose all meet in the same room. Hosted by New Orleans Saints wide receivers Chris Olave (@chrisolave_) and Jordyn Tyson (@jordyntyson_) through the Olave Family Foundation (@olavefoundation), the event brought families together for school supplies, backpacks, and encouragement ahead of the new academic year. What made it even more meaningful was the location: The City of Love Church (@thecityoflovenola), led by Bishop Lester Love (@bishoplesterlove) and Pastor Fran Love, a spiritual home known for its deep roots in the community and its commitment to uplifting the city. The connection between the players and the church felt natural, almost like an extension of the relationship the Saints organization has always had with New Orleans. Through Saints in Community (@saintsincommunity) and the team’s broader outreach efforts, the Saints (@saints) continue to show that their impact goes far beyond the field, and this event was another example of that dedication.
Families lined up early, excited and grateful, and the energy inside the church was warm, welcoming, and full of purpose. Volunteers moved with intention, parents smiled with relief, and kids walked away with backpacks and supplies that will help them start the school year with confidence. Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson spent time connecting with families, taking photos, and making sure the kids felt seen. It wasn’t just a giveaway it was a reminder of how powerful it is when athletes use their platform to pour back into the city that supports them.
I was honored to capture the event through SevenPointZeroStudios, thanks to the coordination of @miss.marij and @dasiaroyale_. Being trusted to document such a meaningful moment was a privilege. Photographing the players, the families, the volunteers, and the church leadership allowed me to witness firsthand how deeply this city values community and how strongly the Saints continue to invest in the people who cheer for them every season. The City of Love provided the perfect backdrop a place where service and celebration naturally coexist and the partnership between the church, the players, and the Saints organization created a powerful experience for everyone who attended.
New Orleans has always been a city built on connection, and this event was a reflection of that spirit. The Kickoff wasn’t just about school supplies; it was about unity, preparation, and showing young people that their city is behind them. Being able to capture that story through my lens is something I’m grateful for, and it’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do.
