How long have you lived in your neighborhood?
My parents have been in New Orleans since 1949, and I have been here all my life, over 60 years.
How did you get involved in your neighborhood?
I started getting involved in high school. I’m a proud graduate of George Washington Carver Sr. High School. I got involved with a group of students, and we formed the Youth Core Group.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I have always loved the Lower 9; this is home for me. I enjoy the comfort of knowing the people in my neighborhood and living a block away from my childhood home.
What successes have you had in your neighborhood?
The resiliency to return and rebuild after Hurricanes Betsy and Katrina. To be able to carry itself economically, the unification of the Lower Nine and the formation of the Lower Ninth Ward Neighborhood Association. The Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team Program in 2018 and the building of MLK High School on the old Lawless High School site. We are proud to be a part of these movements in Lower 9. In my opinion, our accomplishments are many in spite of the many challenges we face down here.
What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?
We are working on the Table Connect group that consists of four tables that discuss – housing, infrastructure, economic development, and culture.
Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change-makers?
Unification! Let everyone be on the same page and learn how to listen to each other.