Where do you live in New Orleans?
I've lived in New Orleans for 12 years now. I live in New Orleans East, off of Crowder and Morrison, behind the Goretti Church. My first time living in New Orleans, however, was from 1962 to 1982. At that time, I lived in Pontchartrain Park. It later combined with Gentilly Woods to form what is now Pontilly. Back then, Gentilly Woods was Caucasian and Pontchartrain Park was black. Thank God we've merged.
How long have you lived in New Orleans?
I've lived in New Orleans for 65 years.
How has the community changed?
Before Katrina, their were stable neighborhoods in a mixed community. We had good schools and elderly homes that were built in the 1950s and 1960s. We also had many working class first generation African American homeowners and even our own golf course. Another good thing was the community produced a lot of African American leaders for New Orleans. After Katrina, the community, however, is changing for the better. There are people from different cultures and socio-economic classes living together. Additionally, people are buying homes and communities are being established again.
As a leader in your community, how do you spread the message of love?
Our Pontilly Coffee House is actually a ministry to reach out to people and inform them it is a faith based ministry that services the community giving good food and services.
What is an accomplishment of which you are proudest? And why?
I'm proud that we can help bring back the Pontilly community.
Any random facts?
The Pontilly community has been resilient and is making a comeback. We will succeed because of the diversity in this community.
Why do you love New Orleans?
Food, culture and God put me here for a reason.