NEW ORLEANS - During today's regular City Council meeting, the Council introduced an ordinance authored by Councilmember Jared Brossett to rename a portion of Louisa Street after lifelong New Orleanian, City Councilman, and State Representative Johnny Jackson Jr.

Jackson was a monumental figure and community leader. As a City Councilmember, he introduced legislation to ensure equal treatment to the City’s LGBT community. He was the third ever African American member of the State House of Representatives and a founding member of the State’s Legislative Black Caucus.

During his impressive career, Jackson served as the Executive Director of the Desire Community Center, where he initiated numerous youth programs, including mentorships, recreation opportunities, and tutoring programs. He also served as a board member to a number of local non-profits and civic organizations, including Total Community Action, Desire-Florida Area Community Council, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.

Jackson moved to the Desire neighborhood in 1974, raising his family in the 3700 block of Louisa Street, where he lived until his passing in 2018. Having devoted his life to improving living conditions in the Desire Area, which includes all of Louisa Street from Almonaster Avenue to Florida Avenue, this name change would commemorate his many accomplishments and ensure his legacy is remembered amongst future generations of New Orleanians.

Media Contact:

Domonique Dickerson

Chief of Staff

Councilmember Jared C. Brossett

504-295-4589

Dcdickerson@nola.gov