HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
Ten-plus years in one location, four years in another location.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
I became involved in neighborhood work through Joe Givens in All Congregations Together. I eventually worked as Vice-Chair of the organization. This organization identified the two major problems in the city as crime and blight. I also served briefly on the board of the Metropolitan Crime Commission through my affiliation of the Greater New Orleans Federation of Churches.
I became involved with the Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Association through Rosalind Washington, Rosalind Peychaud, Kim Washington, and Brigida Reid. I eventually became President of the organization and served several years until recently.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
I love the spirituality of the neighborhood. Churches and church activities are abundant in the Triangle. This has to have a beneficial effect on the neighborhood. It no doubt helps with the resiliency of the residents.
WHAT SUCCESSES HAVE YOU HAD IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
Prior to my work with Hoffman Triangle, I worked with the Greater New Orleans Federation of Churches to distribute $55,000 in non-perishable food (funded through FEMA) in the neighborhood.
HTNA sponsored a Candidate’s Forum that was well-attended.
HTNA worked with several organizations (Urban Conservancy, Umbrella, SOUL) to plant 86 trees in the HTNA area.
HTNA sponsored several Expos/Health Fairs in Taylor Park.
HTNA sponsored a food/masks distribution on the Pleasant Zion B.C. property.
HTNA continues to serve as a liaison to NOPD, Rosenwald Center, Taylor Park, District B, Propeller, Odyssey House, the Office of Neighborhood Engagement, Hotel Hope, and Umbrella.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
The current president, Rev. Chuck Morse, is working on planting additional trees, responses to the COVIT 19 situation, and the traditional HTNA liaison work.
ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS AND CHANGE MAKERS?
I would only advise other leaders to do what they probably are already doing. That is, to strain, struggle, and strive to collaborate with other leaders to do together what we cannot do alone.