About Us
OAMSC is an established 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit that has demonstrated capacity to institute a long-term revitalization and community capacity-building program. OAMSC’s work is focused on the revitalization of an approximately a two-square-mile area. Founded in 1996, OAMSC was established by a diverse group of neighborhood leaders, inclusive of the entire community. Incorporated in the State of Louisiana and utilizing guidelines outlined by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as its foundation, OAMSC endeavors to rejuvenate a once vibrant business presence within the neighborhoods comprising Old Algiers. Through community visioning workshops and group focus sessions, the need was identified to return vacant buildings into viable businesses that provide needed services for the community and improve quality of life for its residents. OAMSC receives a broad base of support through membership, corporate sponsors and elected officials.
The organization’s primary focus area is along and around the Newton/Teche corridors. With the connection to the Federal City and potential riverfront development, and substantial inventory of vacant lots and building stock ready for rehabilitation, this area is poised to become a vibrant economic corridor. The designation as an Urban Main Street program and a Cultural District will enhance the opportunities in the area. In 2023, OAMSC became an Accredited Main Street member.
The overall goal of OAMSC is to build business capacity, provide opportunities to young people and families that will enhance the quality of life for Old Algiers’ residents Our programs seek to stimulate community reinvestment by promoting the rich culture, educating youth, growing small businesses, creating jobs, attracting new residents through commercial and residential rehabilitation, and by growing the local tax base. All of these initiatives will help make the Old Algiers community one of the best neighborhoods to live, work and operate a small business in the City of New Orleans.
OAMSC addresses the issues of historic preservation and commercial revitalization, which entails land use issues, code violations and dealing with blighted and adjudicated property. The organization also works to enhance the awareness of the cultural assets the area possesses.
OAMSC monitors and speaks out at community forums and in City Council chambers for ways the City can serve the needs of residents and businesses in Old Algiers. The Algiers ferry service and the renovation of ferry terminal are at the top of the list. This is not just a tourist attraction, but a lifeline for people who live in Old Algiers and work Downtown or in the French Quarter. The organization also works closely with elected officials at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that there is an awareness of the particular challenges and opportunities in the area.
Recent Accomplishments
2026 Board of Directors
Stephen Mosgrove, President
Lore' Coleman-Helton, Vice President
Eurydice Bush-Harrison, Secretary
Kevin Kellup, Treasurer
At-Large Members
Jeremy Buffington
Tyra Edmond
Jim Goodwin
Jason Hill
Josh Jefferson
Sunni Patterson
Chantel Tate
Toussaint Trahan
The organization’s primary focus area is along and around the Newton/Teche corridors. With the connection to the Federal City and potential riverfront development, and substantial inventory of vacant lots and building stock ready for rehabilitation, this area is poised to become a vibrant economic corridor. The designation as an Urban Main Street program and a Cultural District will enhance the opportunities in the area. In 2023, OAMSC became an Accredited Main Street member.
The overall goal of OAMSC is to build business capacity, provide opportunities to young people and families that will enhance the quality of life for Old Algiers’ residents Our programs seek to stimulate community reinvestment by promoting the rich culture, educating youth, growing small businesses, creating jobs, attracting new residents through commercial and residential rehabilitation, and by growing the local tax base. All of these initiatives will help make the Old Algiers community one of the best neighborhoods to live, work and operate a small business in the City of New Orleans.
OAMSC addresses the issues of historic preservation and commercial revitalization, which entails land use issues, code violations and dealing with blighted and adjudicated property. The organization also works to enhance the awareness of the cultural assets the area possesses.
OAMSC monitors and speaks out at community forums and in City Council chambers for ways the City can serve the needs of residents and businesses in Old Algiers. The Algiers ferry service and the renovation of ferry terminal are at the top of the list. This is not just a tourist attraction, but a lifeline for people who live in Old Algiers and work Downtown or in the French Quarter. The organization also works closely with elected officials at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that there is an awareness of the particular challenges and opportunities in the area.
Recent Accomplishments
- The Algiers Tricentennial in 2019 included a year-long remembrance and celebration of the community's 300th birthday. A UNESCO Site of Memory marker now stands in front of the Historic Algiers Courthouse commemorating the many enslaved people who disembarked on the banks of the Mississippi River nearby. For more information about the history of Old Algiers, see the app @new orleans historical.
- #EquityRising, an umbrella program that includes workforce development, moderate-income housing initiatives and small business support throughout the community. More than 150 people ages 18-40 years completed the workforce programs to date.
- The Old Algiers Holiday Art Market is an annual arts and crafts sale for local micro-business and arts-based products.
- Annual Membership Meetings inform, educate and entertain members and potential members each year in December. This is generally the date when new board members are elected.
- OAMSC produces a community directory in print and digitally that is updated annually. The current online version is a colorful presentation of information hosted by Stay Local!, New Orleans & Company and this website.
- In 2024, OAMSC was awarded funding through a Legislative Appropriation to create wayfinding signage and beautify the Newton Street corridor. The work also included new sidewalks, pedestrian signage, an interpretive sign at the center of the former Southern Pacific Railroad Yard in the 1100 block of Newton Street. Ornamental vegetation was placed around the Welcome to Old Algiers signs.
- In 2026, Old Algiers will receive more than 100 trees to be planted throughout the McDonogh neighborhood. This is made possible through a partnership with Ground Work and the City of New Orleans.
- In 2025, OAMSC partnered with the Masters of Urban Planning Department at UNO to provide a study and inventory of affordable housing opportunities within the OAMSC district. An implementation plan will be presented in 2026 after input from the Affordable Housing Task Force and the Old Algiers community through its work with consultants, Trepwise.
- OAMSC is a member of the New Orleans Cohort for Affordable Housing development with Enterprise Community Partners, a national non-profit. OAMSC anticipates a sub-award from HUD for housing planning.
- OAMSC has made presentations at three recent national Main Street Conferences across the United States. The organization has been featured in the nationwide newsletters of both Main Street America and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for its innovative approach to economic development, which focuses on its residents and redevelopment of historic buildings that can house small businesses and organizations.
2026 Board of Directors
Stephen Mosgrove, President
Lore' Coleman-Helton, Vice President
Eurydice Bush-Harrison, Secretary
Kevin Kellup, Treasurer
At-Large Members
Jeremy Buffington
Tyra Edmond
Jim Goodwin
Jason Hill
Josh Jefferson
Sunni Patterson
Chantel Tate
Toussaint Trahan
Board of Directors Bios:
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Eurydice Bush-Harrison is a lifelong resident of Algiers and a dedicated community member. She is a graduate of Xavier University with a degree in Mass Communications. Additionally, she holds a Post Baccalaureate certificate in Human Resources Management from Tulane University SOCS and is actively involved in civic engagement and nonprofit community service. Her experience focuses on career development, skills training, job search strategies, and assisting individuals transitioning from military to civilian and those returning from incarceration. She advocates for equal access to quality education for all children. She also works to eliminate veteran homelessness and serves on the social outreach committee of The Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. Eurydice is a member of the Board of Old Algiers Main Street Corporation and has contributed to the development of the #EquityRising program. Her favorite quote, by President John F. Kennedy, reflects her belief in the power of individual action to make a difference.
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Loré Coleman-Helton is an educator with eight years of experience focusing on special education. Working alongside parents and communities throughout the city of New Orleans, Loré is a powerful force in the workplace and her community. She is also a creative website and graphic designer. Raised in the lower ninth ward, she is a native of New Orleans and attended St. Peter Claver Elementary, Xavier Prep, East Jefferson High, and Tulane University. A believer in being a transitional leader, she is proactive in contributing to improving the city of New Orleans focusing on the needs of children. Loré was featured in Tulane’s University’s newsletter on receiving her masters in science health wellness management along with an announcement of her engagement. She recently married her best friend on May 27, 2023. Loré is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in which she and her sisters support the Greater New Orleans area through service, scholarship, and sisterhood.
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Tyra Edmond (she/her/hers) is an experienced financial professional who thrives as an accomplice in social and racial justice to achieve lasting and far-reaching change. Tyra takes a social science approach to finance and accounting that connects her experience working in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors, her education, and her NOLA born relationship-building centered personality. Tyra is currently a nonprofit VP of Finance and is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration and is passionate about building community and sits on boards and committees that celebrate intersectionality and joyful movement as it relates to social and racial justice. |
Sgt. Jason W. Hill (retired) has had a distinguished career in the United States Army and has made significant contributions to the Junior Reserve Training Program (JROTC). After Hurricane Katrina, he restarted the JROTC program at Joseph S. Clark High School in 2006 and assisted in the transition to Joseph S. Clark Preparatory School in 2011. Throughout his military service, Sgt. Hill served in various divisions and completed numerous courses and training programs. He retired from the Army in 2000 and began teaching JROTC in Chicago before returning to New Orleans to provide security for Entergy after Hurricane Katrina. Sgt. Hill has received several awards and decorations for his service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce, Education and Development from Southern Illinois University. He taught Special Education teacher at South Plaquemines High School from 2015 until his retirement in 2023.
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Kevin Kellup is a Neighborhood Liaison for the Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office in the City of New Orleans where his focus area is Council District B, Kevin helped implement the Community Impact Grant Program in 2021 which granted over $15,000 of direct investment to neighborhood associations across the City of New Orleans to support ongoing neighborhood beautification and green infrastructure projects. Kevin is pursuing a B.S. in Business Management with a certification in Geoscience and Stormwater Management at Dillard University. He previously worked in informal education as an Education Coordinator with the Energy Smart for Kids School Kits Education Program, a program developed by the New Orleans City Council and administered by Entergy New Orleans and the Entergy Solutions School Kits Education Program, where he educated more than 20,000 students about energy and energy efficiency across the state of Louisiana. Kevin is resolute in his efforts to provide effective engagement opportunities for New Orleans residents through strategic leadership and engagement best practices. Kevin also has a background in national service with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps serving the pacific region of the United States. Kevin was selected as a program ambassador for the AmeriCorps NCCC 25-year anniversary celebration in San Francisco, California.
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Josh Jefferson is a licensed attorney with experience in real estate, contract management, as well as a background as a Division I athlete. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, he moved to New Orleans for law school at Loyola, and after law school bought a home in Old Algiers. He is passionate about community development, collaboration, and creating opportunities that strengthen neighborhoods.
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Chantel Aimee Tate-Guy is a driven leader who is committed to both her personal growth and the advancement of her community. A proud graduate of the Southern University of New Orleans with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, she is a seasoned realtor; certified in "Commercial Investment Division," "At Home with Diversity," "Accredited Buyers Representative,"; and a real estate investor.
In addition to her real estate expertise, Chantel is the CEO of Freedom Studio LLC, located at 3705 General DeGaulle Drive, Suite 107, in New Orleans. Freedom Studio focuses on introducing innovative fashion to the male community while advocating for mental health awareness, and economic empowerment, and connecting the community to valuable educational resources. Chantel is a dedicated wife to her husband, Ryan Guy, and a loving mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend to many. She strives to achieve excellence in every role she embraces while working tirelessly toward establishing financial freedom and generational wealth for her family. Central to Chantel's life is her deep, unwavering faith in God, whom she believes is the foundation and strength behind all of her endeavors. Her passion for empowering others extends beyond her professional accomplishments. Chantel is a living example of the transformative power of God’s work in her life. She lives by the principle of walking in faith, even in challenging times, and is deeply committed to helping others do the same, which inspires countless individuals to trust in God's plan for their lives. |
Committees are aligned with the National Main Street Four-Point Approach and include Economic Development, Design, Promotion and Membership. Non-board members are welcome to become committee members. Contact [email protected] if you are interested in serving.