Southern Mutual Help Association's (SMHA's) West End Celebration applaud's the community's accomplishment in redeveloping and revitalizing the historically African-American community in New Iberia and to return the area to its former glory, rich in history and culture. Highlighting the program were words from community leaders, School Board members, Mayor Hilda Curry and other city and parish representatives.
"Surely commerce, the arts and education, as well as continued investments in the physical infrastructure will play a major part in the future of the West End", SMHA President Lorna Bourg.
The West End Celebration was an emotional success, highlighting the residents and business efforts in taking their community back and creating a future for new generations. The evening ended with the Bunk Johnson Brass Band entertaining with festive tunes and dancing.
Various quotes from West End residents:"
"We can't expect Mr. Oubre to do it, Southern Mutual to do it,..........we have to do it. We are going to turn this neighborhood around."
"Because of the Save Our Street Summit and Southern Mutual, the West End has not been the same... we want it to continue....we are going and we are not stopping."
"When you talk about the West End, you talk about the people, and we are the people of the West End."
"We thank God for Southern Mutual Help, they came in and they made a difference. The Mayor, Sheriff, everybody else, worked together, but Southern Mutual, you did it.
Southern Mutual sent us to a leadership training...when we came back, we came back running. Our feet hit the ground running."
