How long have you lived in your neighborhood?
It has been exciting to be involved in the economic and cultural activity of the Lower Ninth Ward for over 60 years.
How did you get involved in your neighborhood?
I became passionate about my District through generational involvement. My family and community have worked hard to improve the economic and cultural environment.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I love the family environment and resiliency of my community. We have experienced some of the worst hurricanes and downturn economic impact in the city of New Orleans. These negative impacts did not deter the residents from wanting to remain in the Ninth Ward and do what it takes to bring our community back to a walkable and friendly community.
What successes have you had in your neighborhood?
Currently, I am the Chairperson of the Lower Ninth Ward Economic Development District, a special district and political subdivision of the State of Louisiana created to foster business growth, employment, and economic development for the residents of the Lower Ninth Ward. I've developed a coalition of community organizations and Pastors to ensure that we don't overlap our efforts that impact the Ninth Ward and work together to make a real impact on our quality of life.
What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?
Successfully opened the Criminal Justice Institute at The Martin Luther King High School, clean district program, business development program for small business, and school for Phlebotomists. Currently working with local museums for tours, local nonprofit to organize efforts in the district, developing a drain cleaning prevention program, organizing football, basketball and cheerleaders on the local parks. Developing a capital outlay plan that includes residents, organizations and Pastoral leadership to move the community forward.
Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change-makers?
I would like to encourage citizens and organizations to get involved. Being involved gives you a voice and improves the cultural and economic impact on your community which ultimately improves our city,