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Full Name:  Lennix William Joseph Madere, Jr. (Tweet)

Where are you from?  East 21st Street, Reserve

Tell us a little bit about yourself: 

I am married to Lisa Edwards Madere of 43 years. Together we have three children and four grandchildren. I graduated from Fifth Ward High School. I attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, received a bachelor’s degree in science and art and a master’s degree in mass communications. After graduating, I moved back home and started teaching in St. John the Baptist Parish School System at Fifth Ward Junior High School, receiving awards for being a two-time Teacher of the Year and a four-time state champion for football and basketball at West St. John High School. In 1980, I began working for the Recreation Department and became camp director in Garyville in 1990 and 1991. We received awards for being the best camp and camp supervisor. In 2000, I left the Recreation Department. I retired from the school system after 38 years in 2012. I was elected to serve as councilman for the Parish Council, District III for eight years. Then I ran for Council-at-Large in 2019 and was elected in 2020 until present. 

Who are some Black role models you look up to, and why?  

My biggest role models were my parents and if it wasn’t for them, I would not be where I am today. While attending school my teachers were my role models, teaching me how important education is and how discipline, honesty and hard work are essential to succeed in life. Just to mention a few, Ms. Agnes Hall, Mrs. Alberta Henderson, Mr. Leroy Keller, and Mr. Leroy Williams were some of my role models while attending Fifth Ward. Outside of the school system, there were so many other Black leaders such as Ezekiel Jackson and Edward Hall, and I can name many more. 

What does Black History Month mean to you? 

Black History Month is an important time to celebrate the impact of African American culture. But it also reminds us of the many struggles it took to obtain the right of freedom. And it reminds us not to forget the many leaders along with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he once stated, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Why is it important to encourage diversity? 

We experience diversity in our everyday life and it plays an important role for us to survive, live, work and play in culturally diverse communities. And that’s the true meaning of freedom. 

“I hope tomorrow will bring better you, better me. I know that we’ll show this world we got more we could be. (Words from the Garyville Summer Camp song)

What changes would you like to see in the local community? 

I would like to see changes in our local community that will effectively benefit the issues we face every day in the parish such as sewage, water, drainage and road improvement. These are the things that affect our everyday lives, and working together, effectively we can attack these issues.