Senior Citizen Spotlight

December 18, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Senior Citizen Spotlight: Mrs. Lucia Exkano Jackson

What neighborhood are you from and which neighborhood do you currently live in? 

I am from the Hollygrove, Carrolton area. I was born and raised there. I have been a member of this community for almost 90 years.

What is your secret to longevity/ a long life?

Staying active is the key. I was active with my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with church and school activities. I exercise everyday for 30 minutes. 

What are your hobbies or favorite things to do?

I enjoy working in my garden and attending community engagements with other people in the community. I enjoy spending time with my family.

Do you have any interesting facts or stories you would like to share?

I was able to assist with the reopening of Dunbar Elementary School after Hurricane Katrina in my community along with Micky Landry, Shirley Butler, Earl Williams, Barbara Love and a few others.

I am the last living sibling of 11 of the Exkano Family. I am the youngest. I was married for 53 years to the love of my life, John Jackson until he passed away. I am mother of 7 children. My parents were also active in this community. They started St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in their home at 8810 Edinburgh St. The church is still present. I am a member of Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

What advice would you give the younger generations?

My advice to younger generations is to honor your father and mother so your days can be long upon the land which the Lord giveth thee. Always remember you are responsible for your own actions and to not listen to peers when they are tempting you to go the wrong directions. Most importantly keep GOD first in your life.

November 7, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Senior Citizen Spotlight: Ms. Kathleen W. Langford!

Ms. Kathleen was born on July 7, 1953. She was born and raised in the Lower 9th Ward.

As a stage four cancer survivor, her secret to longevity is to stay active, keep moving, avoid stress, and try to eat as healthy as possible. 

Her hobbies include dancing, teaching line dancing, and bowling.

Ms. Kathleen's advice for the younger generations is to stop the smoking and vaping!

September 9, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Senior Citizen Spotlight: Mrs. Ernestine Milton Daggs!

My name is Ernestine Milton Daggs, and I am 80 years old from New Orleans. I have lived in District E since 1955.  

I am a 1961 George Washington Carver graduate. I have a Bachelor's of Science degree from Southern University, Baton Rouge 1966.

I have always been very active. It started from early childhood; I have always loved dancing. In junior high school, I was the captain of my dance team. I was also the captain of my high school dance team. When I entered Southern University as a freshman, I join the cheering squad, and in my junior year, I became a member of the Dancing Dolls and Southern University Drama Club with dancing parts in the musical plays.

Upon graduation from Southern University, I was hired as a Certified Health, Physical Education and Driver Education Teacher. Not only did I teach physical education, but I was the first Black Dance Coach for Jefferson Parish School (Higgins and West Jefferson High School for 45 years ). I also became the coach for flag team, majorette team, and the girls’ track team for 35 years

Remember, take care of you when you are young because this is the same body that will take care as you get older. I don’t smoke or use any drug and I drink in moderation.

I am presently the Manager of NORD Desire Florida Multi-Service Center. So, you wonder why I am so active, now you know.  I feel that is the reason I am physically fit and active at this age.  

July 5, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Senior Citizen Spotlight: Mrs. Rosalie Brown

Mrs. Rosalie Brown is from the Irish Channel and currently lives in the 7th ward. Her secrets to longevity and a long life is to be kind and humble. Her hobbies are embroidery, word puzzles, and helping others. She was married, and they raised three children and two grandchildren. She worked until she was 75 years old. Her advice for the younger generation is to think before you speak and don't be ready to follow others. 

June 7, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Senior Citizen Spotlight: Mr. Jesse Magee

Jesse Magee was born November 17, 1921. He joined the Army in November of 1942, becoming a Buffalo Soldier. He was honorably discharged and returned home in 1945 and resumed farming. In 1947 he signed the GI Bill of Rights for work compensation. He thanks God for his blessings on how he kept him through it all. At the age of 101, Mr. Magee was still driving to Walmart and church only in the daytime. Now at 102, he resides with his daughter here in New Orleans in which they both attend and enjoy hanging out at the Carrollton-Hollygrove Senior Center a few days a week where he is welcomed with open arms. When asked how he is doing he tells everyone: It is good to be here!!

February 19, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Senior Citizen Spotlight: Happy 100th Birthday to Ms. Vera Fulton!

Ms. Vera is a lifelong resident of the lower nine community.  She was born and raised in the Lower nine area and has no desire to live anywhere else. She received her education and worked in the area up until her retirement from the school system.

Her secret to long life is two cups of coffee and two cold beers everyday. She has dedicated her life to doing God's work, treating people how you want to be treated, and knowing that good work will follow you all the days of your life.

Her favorite quote is,  "Let the work I do speak for me." She wants no fuss or accolades and likes to be in the background. Her grandchildren all know that she lets you know exactly what is on her mind without any filters. 

The Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office Wants to Celebrate You!

Are you or a loved one 100 years old or will be celebrating your 100th birthday or more this year? Let us know, we want to celebrate your milestone in our city newsletter.

All you have to do is fill out the form below, letting us know a little bit about you or your loved one. Also please include color photo of you or the person you'd like us to honor.

Click here to fill out the form!

March 11, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Senior Citizen Spotlight: Mercedes Williams

Meet Ms. Mercedes Williams, lovingly known as "Mama Merc." She's a life long resident of Algiers, born on June 12^th in 1929. At 94 years old Mama Merc enjoys dancing and loves music and the blues. 

What's her secret to living a long life? Mama Merc says "there's no secret, you just have to keep waking up and keep dancing."

Mama Merc says she once lost a dance contest because she's a stepper and refused to shake her butt!  

The Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office Wants to Celebrate You!

Are you or a loved one 100 years old or will be celebrating your 100th birthday or more this year? Let us know, we want to celebrate your milestone in our city newsletter.

All you have to do is fill out the form below, letting us know a little bit about you or your loved one. Also please include color photo of you or the person you'd like us to honor.

Click here to fill out the form!

April 5, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Senior Citizen Spotlight: Happy 101st Birthday to Ms. Eloise S. Louis!

Ms. Eloise S. Louis is a lifelong resident of New Orleans, and she was born on April 7, 1923. She grew up in Gert Town in Uptown New Orleans, and she is a proud graduate of McDonald #35 High School, class of 1939. She is a proud mother of seven and has a host of grands, great-grands, and great-great-grand children. She is also a lifetime member of 1st Free Mission Baptist Church. 

Her advice to younger generations is "Let there be Peace on Eart and Let it Begin in me." Her secrets to longevity are to "Live Right and Do Right."

The Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office Wants to Celebrate You!

Are you or a loved one 100 years old or will be celebrating your 100th birthday or more this year? Let us know, we want to celebrate your milestone in our city newsletter.

All you have to do is fill out the form below, letting us know a little bit about you or your loved one. Also please include color photo of you or the person you'd like us to honor.

Click here to fill out the form!