Neighborhood Spotlight

May 7, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Ms. Carol Bebelle

Carol Bebelle 

Co-Founder & Executive Director
Efforts of Grace, Inc./Ashe' Cultural Arts Center

How long have you lived in the New Orleans area? Where did you grow up?

I am a native New Orleanian. I spent the first 12 years of my life in the 7th Ward before moving to the Uptown/Carrollton area.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

Both of my grandfathers were Baptist ministers, while my paternal grandmother and my mother taught me to be a helper of family, friends, and neighbors. Being involved in my neighborhood became natural for me, just like being a part of your family.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

It’s in the heart of the City and in the middle of everything. The people are warm and friendly. I have lifelong, personal and professional relationships here. It’s still an authentic community although its authenticity is threatened by gentrification.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

Working along with neighbors and like-minded organizations, we have locked arms and arms to revive the historic Dryades Street Corridor now called Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Importantly, we have built Ashe’ Cultural Art Center which has been a central feature to that revitalization.

Any information about your neighborhood that you'd like to share?

1st Friday’s are active on the Boulevard with events and activities happening from the Jazz Market, YEP, restaurants, Ashe’ Cultural Art Center (Ashe’ CAC), Central City Renaissance Association (CCRA), Goodwork Network, Cure Violence, etc. Central City is the community where you can catch a concert, theatre, a poetry slam, boxing, see movies, eat food from Mexico, Italy, China, authentic New Orleans food, good old Soul Food, talk with walking history and young minds that are interested in continuing the legacy that history and learn about the African diaspora. You can find fellowship, good food, and inspiration in sanctuaries almost on a daily basis. In other words, Central City is naturally New Orleans, full of community, culture and commerce. Sure as I tell you!

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Extended Bio

 

Carol Bebelle (a.k.a. Akua Wambui) is a native New Orleanian who was born and raised in the 7^th ward and grew into womanhood in the Carrollton area of New Orleans.  She spent over 20 years in the public sector as an administrator and planner of education, social, cultural and health programs.

 

By 1995, Bebelle realized that the cultural and creative heartbeat of New Orleans was an un- and under-tapped resource on the landscape of community development.  She realized that the power of culture and creativity combined could help to unleash progress, improvement, and economic inclusion for many of the under-represented members of the New Orleans community.

 

In 1998, Bebelle and Douglas Redd founded Ashé Cultural Arts Center in Central City, New Orleans.  Ashé, as it is familiarly known, is a pivotal force for the revitalization and transformation of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, formerly known as Dryades Street, into an African and Caribbean cultural corridor.  Bebelle and Redd became active members of the Central City community and the organizations at work to develop that community and its vision. 

 

Known affectionately as “Mz. B” and “Mama Carol” in the community and around the world, Bebelle is a published poet and writer. She has to her credit a book of original poetry “In a Manner of Speaking,” and is represented among other New Orleans writers in the anthology “From a Bend in the River,” edited by Kalamu ya Salaam.  She has several published interviews, testimonies and a chapter in the publication “Civic Engagement in the Wake of Katrina” edited by Amy Korit PhD. and George J. Sanchez PhD.  She also joined a group of notable authors for the art exhibit catalog “Ashe to Amen.”  Her most recently published work appears in “Didn’t Wash Us Away:  Transformative Stories of Post Katrina Cultural Resilience,” edited by Charlie T. Johnson and Louise Mouton Johnson.  

 

She serves on several boards in the community and around the country, and is a frequently sought-after panelist and keynote speaker. Bebelle is a recipient of several local, national and international awards and commendation. But, she prizes most the role she plays being a cultural and racial healer and a contribution to the overall development and evolution of her community.

March 7, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Nicole Bouie

Nicole Bouie

Executive Director of the Community Commitment Education Center (8540 Spruce St, New Orleans, LA 70118)

Click on this link to visit CCEC's Facebook page.

Click this link to visit CCEC's website.

 

How long have you lived in the Carrollton area? Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in New Orleans in the Pension Town neighborhood. The only years away were those spent at LSU in Baton Rouge where I received my Undergraduate degree in Psychology and my Master's degree in Social Work.

How did you originally get involved in your neighborhood or association?

My parents Rogers and Stella Bouie have always been an influential part of my life. My father was one of the founding members of the Carrollton Prayer Band and my mom has always been involved in grass roots neighborhood development. My mom always took care of kids and adults in need in the Carrollton area.  She either babysat them and their children, cooked their family a hot meal, picked them up for church, or made their prom dresses. My parents understood that it would take a village and my mother made sure I knew that I was a part of that village.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love the smell in the early morning and the view of the river at the end of Leonidas and Leake. I have seen some beautiful places, but to me, there is nothing better than a cup of coffee and a view of the Mississippi River.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

The Community Commitment Education Center's existence is a success. We began in my living room in 2006 and then spent several years within my church (Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church). To now have our own facility at 8540 Spruce St. is a blessing. To have a child that may have attended our afterschool program or our summer camp come back just to say hello or smile when they pass on the street is definitely defined as success. Finally, to have our seniors, the persons who worked with my parents, come to the center and enjoy our programs means the world to me.

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?

Right now the Center is struggling for funding. We need community financial support and volunteers to continue providing for the community. We will begin our community art class on March 12. Our cooking class will begin on March 14th, and we will begin enrolling students in April for our summer camp, "A Taste of New Orleans and Louisiana History." This will be year 10 for our summer camp. In May, we will once again participate in the GiveNola fundraising effort, for which we hope to raise enough funds to continue all of our free programs for community members. Funds are needed to support our afterschool program and our senior programs.

Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change makers?

Advice! This work is only for those who truly believe in community.  Change does not happen overnight and those who you once considered a foe you will need as a friend. 

Share some random facts about yourself!

Random Fact: I love a pig lip with lays potato chips, a snickers candy bar, and a coke. Naturally New Orleans baby!

February 11, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Dr. Brenda Wesley Jackson

Brenda Wesley Jackson, Ph.D.
President
Lake Carmel Homeowners Association and Lake Carmel Subdivision Improvement District

How long have you lived in the New Orleans area and in Lake Carmel?

I am a native of New Orleans and have lived here all of my life. However, I have been a homeowner in the Lake Carmel Subdivision for nearly 20 years.

How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

I got actively involved in my neighborhood meetings almost immediately after moving into the Subdivision. I was informed about the monthly meetings through door to door flyers that were distributed throughout the Subdivision. The meetings were held, at that time, at the Read Branch Public Library. After attending several of the meetings, I was asked to serve as acting Treasurer. I sometimes was asked to take the minutes at the meetings. In 2004/2005, I was unanimously elected to take over as President and have been in that position ever since, even though we have had elections of officers every two years.

I am the type of person who likes to be involved with things that I feel I can help to improve/strengthen and to ultimately make a real difference in. I have served in leadership positions in several other organizations, both on the local, regional and national levels and therefore feel equipped to make a difference in my own neighborhood association. This is my home environment, the place where I reside and I want to have a say in not only my family’s safety and quality of life but the safety and quality of life of those whom I am surrounded by—my Lake Carmel Family.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love the fact that most of my neighbors are homeowners and are not only concerned about how the outside of their homes look (upkeep of lawns, etc.), which is major, but are genuinely concerned about each other. In my opinion, this makes it feel like you are surrounded by family—“we are our sisters and brothers keepers”- and those are the kind of people who have your best interests at heart and what I love about my neighborhood.

What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

One of the major successes that we have had in my neighborhood is when we, the Lake Carmel Subdivision Improvement District, applied for and were awarded an Urban Beautification Lease agreement with the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) in 2016 for a 20 year lease agreement of land, at the entrance of the Lake Carmel Subdivision now known as the Lake Carmel Community Park. Along with the lease agreement, NORA, through NORA Green, planted more than 100 trees along with one year maintenance for the trees.

Additionally: 

• Updated Act of Restrictions
• Website developed
• Fencing around the perimeter of the Community Park
• Annual and successful “Night Out Against Crime”
• Annual Christmas Holiday Decorating Contest to encourage beautification in our neighborhood

*The Lake Carmel Subdivision is considered by many to be one of the BEST subdivisions in New Orleans East and also one of its ”Best Kept Secrets.”

What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?
Right now I am working on securing internet and wi-fi services in our Security Booth and upgrading the security cameras throughout the Subdivision

Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change makers?

• Stay vigilant and always professional
• Keep the lines of communication open with your residents
• Have regular meetings and keep minutes
• Follow Robert’s Rules of Order when conducting meetings
• Send out flyers and newsletters to keep residents informed on neighborhood developments
• Encourage your residents to attend meetings and get involved
• Develop “thick skin” and try not to take criticisms personally
• Develop and update your website regularly
• Do not get easily discouraged
• Solicit ideas and suggestions for improvements from others
• Keep an open mind to ways of doing things differently
• Treat others the way you want to be treated
• Always Strive for doing your very best at whatever you do

Share some random facts about yourself:

• I serve as 1st Vice President and Commissioner of the East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Commission (ENONAC)
• I serve as Vice Chancellor for Research and Strategic Initiatives and Executive Director of Title III Programs at Southern University at New Orleans.
• I am a team player, a “workaholic” and always strive for excellence in whatever I do.
• When I commit to something, I follow through with it and expect others to do the same

January 11, 2019 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Reverend Marva L. Mitchell

 

Neighborhood Spotlight: Reverend Marva L Mitchell (Retired), President of the Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association

1. How long have you lived in the New Orleans area and Edgewood Park?

I am a native New Orleans. I lived in California for a bit before returning in 1985. I have been living in Edgewood Park for 20 years.

 

2. How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

I became involved when my neighbors and I organized a neighborhood watch group in June of 2000. It quickly evolved into a Neighborhood Association, and we adopted the goals and objectives of supporting the quality of life and living of our neighborhood.

 

3. What do you love about your neighborhood?

It is a very welcoming, family-oriented, and quiet neighborhood, with close access to travel. I like the Oaks and the neutral ground, the avenues, the boulevards, the architecture, and the neighborhood’s history. I also love that it is close to numerous religious denominations and institutions.  

 

4. What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

We are part of the National Registry of Historic Places. We were originally a part of the Gentilly Terrace & Gardens Improvement Neighborhood Association but a few years ago we decided to start our own Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association. It was determined by Paul Cramer (Assistant Planner Administrator, City Planning Commission) that the new boundaries were set and approved as part of this accomplishment.

Additionally, we were awarded two grants this year. The first grant was from the Parks and Parkways Commission to build a garden on the neutral ground by the signage. The second was from the New Orleans Tricentennial Committee to make upgrades to our neighborhood signs located on the Franklin/Gentilly and Franklin/Sage intersections by providing additional neighborhood information to them. We also had the pleasure of celebrating the New Orleans Tricentennial at the Night Out Against Crime.

 

5. What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?

We are planning numerous activities, including a membership drive, a catch basin clean-up day, our annual rummage sale, our annual social, charitable giving, and more.

 

6. Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change makers?

My advice to other neighborhood leaders is to be active participants, by voicing their ideas, and attending/supporting meetings and activities. Don’t support by simply your presence alone but also with monetary and in-kind gifts. Also, encourage your neighbors (especially the young residents!) to be active participants in the neighborhood.

 

7. Share some random facts about yourself!

I am a retired clergy of the United Methodist Church. I am not held back by my 82 years of age. I like being busy, active, and I don’t like to cook. I like being in leadership. I am a dreamer with a broad imagination and a planner. I like to read and play the piano. I am not stymied by my health challenges. I am a mother, grandmother, and a great-grandmother.

November 8, 2018 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Evans Thibodeaux

 

1.How long have you lived in the New Orleans area and Aurora Gardens?

I have lived in New Orleans since 1973 and in Aurora Gardens since 1985.

 

2.How did you get involved in your neighborhood?

A neighbor invited me to join the Aurora Gardens Neighborhood Association. As a member of the Kiwanis Club of Algiers, I was introduced to the COPS4 program, as well as the Friends of the Algiers Courthouse. With COPS4, we work to help supplement items for the 4^th District since they have such a limited budget.

You know, after spending 35 years offshore in the oil and gas industry, I wasn’t aware that we had so many selfless and caring people in our community. Once my eyes were opened to all of the folks who served, it inspired me. I’m an action-oriented person. There is so much that people want to talk about but, I say, let’s just do it. That’s one of the reasons I started moderating the APAC meetings each month for NOPD.

 

3.What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love the trees. They are absolutely beautiful. I also love the spaciousness of the lots. I never wanted to live so close to another house that I could hear my neighbors talk.

 

4.What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

The work that we did with the Seaside Group Home was a major success for our neighborhood. With a dedicated group of 12 residents, we were able to combat a multi-million dollar entity. As a neighborhood we have also participated heavily in catch basin cleanups.

 

5.What are you working on right now in your neighborhood?

I’m still doing my neighborhood patrol in the morning. I try to be out of the house between 3-3:30 AM. During the course of my patrols, I met two individuals, one who walks every morning throughout the neighborhood, and another who waits for his bus. My neighbor gets to the bus stop a little early and I wait with him until it comes so that he feels safer. My other neighbor who walks, does so every morning except for Thursday when she spends her morning cooking so that she can feed some of our neighbors who may be ill.

 

6.Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change makers?

Be a change agent. Be the change you seek. Change is going to come, but you have got to come with it. I truly believe that there is very little that happens that someone isn’t aware of.

 

7.Share some random fact about yourselves!

When I was 17, I walked up to my father and shook his hand. I told him that he had done a good job of raising me and I appreciated him. However, I thought it was time to be an adult and I had my self legally emancipated. I joined the Marine Corps a few weeks later. I’ve always been very independent and was ready to take care of myself. 

October 8, 2018 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Betty Dimarco and Mary Green, of Carrollton United

Mary Green (Left) and Betty Dimarco (right)

How long have you both lived in the Carrollton area + New Orleans?

Betty Dimarco: I have lived in New Orleans since 1972 and moved to the Carrollton area in 1973. I have lived in three locations in Carrollton – first on Fern St., second on Plum St. and since 1978 I have lived on Birch St.

Mary Green: I was born and raised in New Orleans. My family moved to Carrollton, at 8638 Cohn Street, when I was 5 years old. I attended St. Joan of Arc, James Weldon Johnson Elementary, Alfred C. Priestley Middle and Alcee Fortier Sr. High Schools. I got married and moved away to the Westbank for 20 years, but returned 25 years ago to 8520 South Claiborne Avenue.

 

How did you each get involved in Carrollton United?

Betty: I attended a few Carrollton United meetings before Hurricane Katrina, while I was on the Carrollton Riverbend Neighborhood Assoc. (CRNA) board. Carrollton United was formed in order for whites and blacks from different neighborhood organizations to get to know one another. After Hurricane Katrina, I felt a need to become more active with Carrollton United and have been involved since. At the present time, Carrollton United works around quality of life issues in the Leonidas area.

Mary: I am an inaugural member of Carrollton United. I attended the first meeting on one cold, rainy Saturday, where City leaders laid out the plan to give communities grant money to help with services, programs, etc. I worked closely with the late Jean Fisher and Nadine Hanneman.

 

What do you both love about your neighborhood?

Betty: My Leonidas/Carrollton neighborhood is very diverse by race, age and income and I find that to be extremely beneficial in bringing neighbors together. My home is close to everything that I need. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Mary: Easy access to almost everything! From my home, I am in walking distance to a grocery, pharmacy, bus and streetcar lines, the bank, fast food outlets, restaurants, and 2 parks. Of utmost importance, my Church is also in close proximity. Carrollton is also multi-generational and historically had a large percentage of homeowners (until Katrina).

 

What successes have you both had in your neighborhood?

Betty: Before I was involved in Carrollton United, the organization was instrumental in bringing commerce (Roberts and Walgreens) back to the corner of Carrollton and Claiborne. Carrollton United has been successful in keeping the organization diverse which has led to neighbors working together. One of our African-American members had never worked with European-Americans before getting involved with an effort to keep a neighborhood school open. This effort has not been successful but Carrollton United still believes a community school for neighborhood children is much needed.

Mary: Robert’s grocery, Walgreens, Harrell playground, and a couple of new community schools (albeit limited enrollment).

 

What are you both working on right now in your neighborhood?

Betty: Currently, Carrollton United is working with CRNA and Housing NOLA to get the HANO lots in our community developed as affordable living spaces. Since Katrina, this area has become much less affordable for a large population. Carrollton United is also working with Okra Abbey, a community garden and feeding ministry, run by the National Presbyterian Church. Carrollton United, CRNA and Lycee’ Francais School are planning a neighborhood cleanup in December.

Mary: Blight, affordable housing, crime, and assisting residents with extremely disproportionate SWB bills.

 

Any words of advice for other neighborhood leaders and change makers?

Betty: Don’t give up amongst all the chaos created by bureaucracy. Keep equity, diversity and inclusion at the forefront of everything you do. And listen more than you speak.

Mary: Yes, don’t forget the Pension Town community!!

 

Share some random facts about yourselves!

Betty: I practice Kundalini yoga weekly. And I retired to be more active in my community and I love it.

Mary: I am a proud resident of Carrollton, which was the proverbial “village,” which nurtured and cared for the youth of the community, had respect for the elderly, and valued each other’s rights! I have a PhD in Nursing – Psychiatric Community/Behavioral Health Nursing; I am a grandmother of 3; a great-grandmother of 1, with another to be born on the 17th of this month; I am a strong, unapologetic human rights advocate and member of Blessed Sacrament-St. Joan of Arc Catholic parish!!

 

September 12, 2018 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Robert McKnight

1. How long have you lived in your neighborhood? 

I have  lived in Gert Town since birth! My family roots run deep in Gert Town for several generations. Not only are my parents from Gert Town, but also my grandparents, on both my maternal and paternal sides are from Gert Town. I intend to remain in Gert Town, and continue to raise my ten-year old son in this neighborhood because we are inextricably connected to this community. 

 

2. What do you love about your neighborhood? 

I love the culture of my neighborhood. I love the sense of family in my neighborhood. I love the size of Gert Town, more specifically, I love the central location. We are a 15 minute drive to the airport going West, wedged between Earhart Blvd. and Carrollton Ave. Gert Town is 10 minutes from the Superdome, City Hall, and University Medical Center.   

 

 3. What successes have you had in your neighborhood?

I have experienced success in conducting several free legal clinics for the residents of Gert Town. More specifically, as a licensed attorney and notary in Louisiana, I offer free legal advice and notary services to those residents living in Gert Town. Additionally, I have worked with schools in my neighborhood to provide mentorship and also assisted with coaching at Gert Town Park. However, to date, my chief success is co-founding Together Gert Town Neighborhood Association. Together Gert Town seeks to advocate for organized activities within our neighborhood and promote the general health, safety and well-being of Gert Town residents.

 

 4. What advice would you give to other neighborhood leaders?

Advice I would give other neighborhood leaders is to know that solving the big problems in their communities starts with helping others to accomplish more. Additionally, leaders should place a greater emphasis on improving strengths in their community. I am truly excited about the future of New Orleans, but also the sustainability and togetherness of Gert Town. 

 

5. Why do you love New Orleans? 

New Orleans can be loved for a plethora of reasons. For example, the food, architecture, art and music. However, I love New Orleans for its resiliency. It would have been easy and completely understandable if New Orleanians had abandoned their homes post Hurricane Katrina. But we didn’t. Our love, collectively, for New Orleans was that strong and has brought the city up from what could have been its watery grave.     

August 23, 2018 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Ann Legaux, Villa Sites/South Shores

How long have you been a resident of New Orleans East?

I moved into Villa Sites in 1972 fresh out of college, newly married, and planning to have a family. We bought a house at 7310 Weaver Avenue.

What do you love about your neighborhood?

I love living in a house that has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms as opposed to the single shot gun with only one bedroom and a kitchen in the back. My house in Villa Sites, for the first time in my life, allowed me to have some spacious living.

What success have you had with your neighborhood association?

When I first moved to Villa Sites, there was this vacant lot next to me that had high grass and weeds. I mean, like 6 foot corn roves. The chairwoman of Villa Sites was Barbara Woodford at the time. She taught me how to go down to City Hall and find out who the owner is, and continue to follow through until I could live more comfortably without rodents coming from my shared property.  Now the owner comes to cut the grass every two weeks.

Let me tell you how I became president of Villa Sites after Barbara finished training me: I had a house next door to me on the other side that had been gutted after Katrina. I moved to the next address in 1981. Fast forward to 2005, I am doing fine and love my neighbors. There had been a house that been gutted but no one came back for 5 or 10; there was grass and trees that were so tall that cats were sleeping on the roof. Every evening I was looking at cats on the roof from my bedroom upstairs. I then had to go back to City Hall and use what Barbara had taught me.  We finally got the owner to sell the property and now I have a neighbor who is very friendly and very neat; I love it.

Shortly after becoming president of Villa Sites, I attended the Mayor’s Civic Leadership Academy. It was an eight week class at City Hall where they had various department heads come in and share their purpose and describe the various ways they connected and worked with us. That eight week class gave me confidence that I had partners to help us improve our quality of life. There were five other commissioners from ENONAC there as well, and I can now see them in various meetings. I can see the positive effect of that leadership class and I see it continuing.

So do you have any upcoming projects?

We are excited to be celebrating the New Orleans Tricentennial. I was encouraged by NEO to apply for a Tricentennial neighborhood grant. Our focus was on cleaning up the neighborhood, and we ended up receiving $1000. I got neighbors to help clean our streets. We made a sign that said “Villa Sites: Proud and Litter Free. All of our neighborhood association members have a sign in their yard! If you have the sign it means that you have committed every week to make sure all the litter on your street was picked up. Secondly, we had three events where we informed all of our neighbors as well as ENONAC commissioners about different events that were going on. We also participated in the Mayor’s kickoff at the Sanger Theatre. My neighbors and I love celebrating our City.  

June 28, 2018 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Pastor Mel Jones, Pontilly Coffeeshop

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. 

May 15, 2018 | From City of New Orleans

Neighborhood Spotlight: Pastor JB Watkins, Faubourg St. Roch Improvement Association

1. How long have you lived in your neighborhood?  I have lived in the St. Roch neighborhood for 11 years.
2. What do you love about your neighborhood?  A few things I love about my neighborhood include its diversity, historic nature, as well as its authenticity and raw character.
3. What successes have you had in your neighborhood?  In our neighborhood, we have successfully transformed a former corner grocery store into a community church that has become a safe space for a variety of activities such as neighborhood community meetings, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, after school programs and youth activities along with other programs geared toward affordable housing etc.
4. Based on your success in St. Roch, what advice would you give to other neighborhood leaders?  My advice to other neighborhood leaders would include, getting to intimately know the people of your neighborhood-not just those who are affluent but also those often overlooked.  I would also encourage leaders to be present amongst the people and to always keeping first and foremost the interest and wellbeing of the community as a whole as your primary goal.  I would also encourage leaders to preserver in the good work knowing that your work is not in vain.
5. Why do you love New Orleans?  I love New Orleans for multiple reasons, but primarily because of its authenticity-its unapologetic stance at being unique and real.  And of course it's history, food, and music.