07/20/2026
First, I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to be here today. Whether you are a resident, a community partner, a volunteer, a police officer, an elected official, or simply someone who cares, your presence means more than words can express.
When I first walked onto this property, I didn't just see buildings. I saw families. I saw mothers doing everything they could to provide for their children. I saw fathers working hard to make ends meet. I saw grandparents raising grandchildren. Most of all, I saw children with dreams that deserved a chance to become reality.
But I also saw fear.
I saw the effects of violence. I heard about the gunfire. I heard about the fights. I heard from residents who were afraid to let their children play outside. I heard from people who had begun to lose hope that things could ever change.
• That broke my heart.
• Because no child should have to grow up believing violence is normal.
• No mother should have to wonder if her child will make it home safely.
• No senior citizen should be afraid to sit on their own porch.
And no family should ever feel forgotten.
• Today is not just about barbecue.
• Today is about hope.
• Today is about healing.
Today is about proving that a community can come together and change its own story.
I want to publicly thank the New Iberia Police Department for standing beside us. They didn't just respond to calls—they partnered with us. They listened, they advised us, and they helped us begin restoring peace to this community. Please join me in giving them a round of applause.
• But let me tell you something...
• The police cannot do it alone.
• Management cannot do it alone.
Our elected officials cannot do it alone.
• It takes all of us.
A community becomes stronger when neighbors look out for one another.
• When parents teach respect.
• When adults become mentors.
• When we choose conversations instead of conflict.
• When we lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.
• To every young person standing here today, I want you to hear me.
You matter.
• Your life has purpose.
• Your future is bigger than your circumstances.
• You are not defined by where you live.
• You are not defined by the mistakes of others.
You are not defined by what people say about your neighborhood.
You are capable of becoming doctors, teachers, business owners, nurses, police officers, military leaders, engineers, pastors, entrepreneurs, and anything else you set your heart on becoming.
• Never let anyone tell you that your dreams are too big.
• Dream anyway.
• Work anyway.
• Believe anyway.
And to every parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, and guardian, thank you.
• Thank you for continuing to fight for your families.
• Thank you for believing that tomorrow can be better than today.
• I know life isn't always easy.
• I know many of you carry burdens that nobody else sees.
• But please know this...
• You are not alone.
As your Manager, I want you to know that my office is not just here to collect rent.
• My job is to help build a community.
• A community where children feel safe.
• Where seniors are respected.
• Where families know someone cares.
• Where residents are proud to call Bacmonila Apartments home.
This is only the beginning.
• We will continue creating programs for our youth.
• We will continue building partnerships.
• We will continue improving this property.
• We will continue listening to your concerns.
• And we will continue believing in every family that lives here.
• Today, I ask each of you to make one promise.
• Be kind to one another.
• Protect our children.
• Respect your neighbors.
• Take pride in your home.
And never stop believing that together, we can build something beautiful.
Years from now, I want our children to look back and remember this day—not because of the food, not because of the music, but because this was the day a community decided to stand together.
• This was the day hope became stronger than fear.
• This was the day love became louder than violence.
• This was the day Bacmonila Apartments began writing a new chapter.
Thank you for believing in this community.
Thank you for believing in one another.
And may God continue to bless every family here today.
Thank you, and enjoy the celebration.
