What is "Creole"? The textbook answer is that the word derives from the Portuguese "crioulo" or Spanish "criollo," from the verb "to create." The term developed out of the colonial experience, and was used as a way to identify those people and things born in the New World from Old World stock. Hence, second generation French or Spanish colonial citizens were considered to be Creole, as were their indentured servants, slaves, mixed-race children, cattle, and produce. Contrary to the impression of Allen Richman and others that Creoles are "a mythical race," the Creole culture and heritage is alive and well. Spanning the nation, with extensive communities in Louisiana, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Houston, Creole culture and heritage draws upon its European ancestry with pride, while also celebrating American Indian, African, Afro Caribe, or even Anglo American ancestry. Today, as in the past, Creole culture continues to bridge a racial divide to include people of varying ethnic ancestry. (Contains 8 notes.)