Oliver Thomas: From the Ninth Ward to Public Service, A Life Rooted in Community and Resilience

New Orleans City Councilman Oliver Thomas has long been a familiar name in local politics, but his story is far more than just political—it's personal, powerful, and deeply rooted in the Lower Ninth Ward where he was born and raised. In a recent interview, Thomas opened up about his life journey, detailing the community-driven values that shaped him, the mentors who guided him, and the experiences that fuel his commitment to public service.

Growing up in a large, close-knit family in the Lower Ninth Ward, Thomas learned early on that community support often outweighed material wealth. “Even though we didn’t have much financially, we had each other,” he recalled. “The neighborhood functioned like one big family. Everyone looked out for everyone.” That sense of unity, he says, has never left him.

Attending Lawless and Clark High Schools—both of which have since closed—was a point of pride for Thomas. He credits the extended family dynamic in his upbringing for teaching him responsibility, resilience, and respect. “Those schools helped raise me. They’re gone now, but the values I learned there still shape who I am.”

Sports, particularly basketball, became a vital outlet for Thomas during his youth. His father, instead of chasing financial success, prioritized quality time and mentorship. “He made sure I stayed busy and focused. Sports kept me grounded,” Thomas explained. His athletic talents took him to the collegiate level, playing basketball at the University of Wisconsin, the College of Santa Fe, and even briefly for the Boston Titans in the Pro League. Though the NBA dream didn’t materialize, the journey exposed him to the world and helped him build lifelong friendships.

Parallel to his athletic endeavors, Thomas invested in his education. He earned a business degree from the College of Santa Fe and later completed advanced programs at the Aspen Institute and Harvard’s Executive Program for State and Local Leaders. These academic accomplishments helped prepare him for a future he didn’t initially foresee: politics.

After returning home to New Orleans, inspired by his parents and mentors like Ken Carter and Jim Singleton, Thomas started his political journey from the ground up—literally. Volunteering in elections opened doors, and through persistence and community ties, he eventually secured his first job in public service. “At first, I wanted to leave New Orleans,” Thomas admitted. “It felt like there were no opportunities for young Black men. But the people who believed in me encouraged me to stay and make a difference right here.”

One of Thomas’s proudest achievements is co-founding the Boyment Mentoring Program, a local initiative aimed at guiding young men toward positive paths. His work earned him the Philadelphia Service Award, but more importantly, it reaffirmed his belief that with the right mentorship, anyone is redeemable. “Everybody deserves a second chance,” he said. “You just have to meet them where they are.”

Thomas's entry into politics was anything but typical. Starting with just 2% in the polls, his underdog campaign turned heads. Fueled by grit, a competitive spirit from his basketball days, and unwavering community support, he defied expectations and won. “I knew how to fight for what I believed in—and more importantly, who I believed in.”

One of the most poignant moments Thomas shared involved a memory of his father and late brother Ronaldo. He reflected on how their love and sacrifices left an indelible mark on his life. “They shaped me,” he said quietly. “Every decision I make, I carry them with me.”

Oliver Thomas’s story is more than a political rise—it’s a testament to the enduring power of community, faith in second chances, and the strength of a man who never forgot where he came from. As he continues to serve New Orleans, he does so with the heart of the Ninth Ward and the wisdom of a life well lived.