I was born at Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. My parents were from the Northshore and moved to New Orleans for job opportunities. All three of my siblings and I were born in New Orleans but my family decided to move back to the Northshore when my grandmother became ill. I often missed New Orleans. We occasionally visited and would go to places such as Pontchartrain Beach, the Audubon Zoo, and the river. I would marvel at the picturesque sights! We would also go with our dad to the union hall, where he was an active member. The picture I have included shows a poster of the 1984 New Orleans World’s Fair. I remember I wanted to go so bad! My mother said it wasn’t possible, so I had resigned to the fact that I would not go.  One day, my aunt came to the house and announced that she had bought tickets for her nieces and nephews and she was going to take us all! I was so excited! We went that weekend and it was all that I thought it would be. We spent the whole day riding rides and seeing all the displays. Even now, as an adult, when I think of New Orleans, this day comes to mind. To me, this was a day when something remarkable was happening in the city and I was able to be a part of it. 

 

– Vickie LaCoste

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant