HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
I’ve lived in my neighborhood (Bywater) for 42 years.
WHAT NEIGHBORHOOD DID YOU GROW UP IN? /WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I grew up in Treme, I lived on Ursuline Ave, across from A. J. Bell Jr. High School. I was born in McComb, MS and we moved to New Orleans when I was 5 years old. After graduating from high school we moved to the Bywater neighborhood.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
In 2012, I was approach by a neighbor at an NONPACC meeting, about starting a neighborhood association that would include Bywater/St. Claude neighbors, businesses, and rental residences.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
I have some of my very best memories of Dorothy & Euel Bennett Sr. (my parents), my teenage/adult life, my eight siblings, my marriage, the birth of my beautiful daughter, all my nieces and nephews, shooting hoops and playing volleyball at Stallings, and walking down St. Claude to Tina’s for breakfast. In my youth, whether day or night I felt safe and had no fears or concerns.
I also admire the resilience of my neighbors. We lost a few, but many of us who came back after Katrina to rebuild our homes. We have many new neighbors that are involved and partners in making our neighborhood safe for every family. These are just a few of the things I love about my neighborhood.
WHAT SUCCESSES HAVE YOU HAD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
The founding of New St. Claude Association of Neighbors “NSCAN” and creating a strong working relationship with Councilperson Kristin Gisleson Palmer, Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office (Ray Bolling), Mandy Pumilia (former president of BNA), a mentor and very dear friend.
The partnership/relationship between NSCAN and BNA is also a success. Together we bridged the two sides of St. Claude to work on common issues important to us both. We partnered on the design and rebuild of Stallings St. Claude, the proposal to bring St. Claude streetcar down to Poland Ave.(former naval base), creating the St. Claude Art & Cultural district, back to school events, voter registration drives, feeding families in neighborhood, a fundraiser to rebuild a neighbor’s home, and built collaborative relationships with Bunny Friend, St. Roch and Sankofa organizations, etc.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
We are working to address affordable housing issues, encouraging neighbors to apply for the Mayor’s Owner-Occupied Rehab loans and soft second mortgage programs. There are also some safety issues. We are having issues with petty theft, auto burglary and keeping drug selling and usage out of the area.
ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS AND CHANGE MAKERS?
My advice would be very simple. If you love where you live get involved with your neighborhood organization. If you do not have one, start one. And last but not least “Get to know your Neighbors”.