Marion B. Bryan

Marion Bryan grew up in Louisiana and Mississippi. She attended grammar school in both states, but obtained her high school diploma from Booker T. Washington High School in New Orleans. She moved to the Lower 9th Ward in 1967 and recalls her neighbors being friendly. The then mixed neighborhood was well-kept, according to Bryan.

In preparation for Hurricane Katrina, Bryan and relatives evacuated to McComb, Mississippi and stayed there for five to six days before relocating to Baton Rouge, Louisiana after the storm hit.

“They didn’t have a Chase Bank in McComb. I would have to go to Hammond, Louisiana to do my banking,” said Bryan. Her son Albert admitted he did not want to stay in McComb for more than one reason and opted to return to Louisiana where “they had electricity.”

Ms. Bryan heard about the Make It Right program while in Baton Rouge. She and her son attended the Pink Event in December 2007, but wanted to learn more about the program before deciding to build with the organization. After several conversations with Make It Right staff and much deliberation, Ms. Bryan recently closed on her Make It Right Home and looks forward to returning to the Lower 9th Ward soon.

“I’m glad to be a part of the program and I hope others may follow us to bring the Lower 9th Ward back,” said Bryan.

Bryan, who currently resides in Baton Rouge, selected the two bedroom Constructs home by Ghanian architect Joe Addo. She is scheduled to return to the Lower 9th Ward and move in her new home in July.

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