Barbara Lacen Keller, a New Orleans native, culture bearer and civic activist, has passed away. Dubbed the “Mayor of Central City,” Keller served in several political and civic positions to defend the neighborhood, local artists and musicians.
Her surname “Lacen” comes from her marriage to Anthony “Tuba Fats” Lacen, one of New Orleans’ most famous and beloved musicians. Their wedding was the first in Armstrong Park. Tuba Fats died in 2004.
Keller has held many prestigious positions in her life. She served as a Boardmember at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the Board of Directors of WWOZ, the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans and the Dryades YMCA.
In addition, Keller worked for the city as the Director of Constituent Services for Council District B Councilwoman Stacy Head and also served later in Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s Office of Cultural Economy. In 2012, she served as a delegate for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC. She was also a Mellon Community Fellow at Tulane University, mentoring graduate students in community relations.
Mayor Latoya Cantrell tweeted this tribute on social media:
“Her tireless dedication to the City of New Orleans has impacted many. Barbara’s legacy lives on in the many initiatives, events and causes she championed. Her passion for second line crews led her to be an original organizer of the Second Line Culture Tradition Task Force, which celebrates the true spirit of our city that she loved… I am honored to have had the opportunity to create a bond and relationship with Barbara; she will truly be missed.”
Barbara Lacen Keller. Photo courtesy of Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
She was an original Lady Buckjumpers member and founded the New Orleans Social Aid & Pleasure Club Task Force. She was a charter member of the Femme Fatale Mardi Gras krewe, serving as one of the first float captains.
She was raised on Villere Street in Tremé, and attended Joseph A. Craig Elementary school, Andrew J. Bell Junior High School, and Joseph S. Clark Sr. High School, followed by Southern University at New Orleans.
Kellers’ mother was Augustine “Miss Teen” Germaine Lewis, known for being the only Spy Girl Mardi Gras Indian in 1940s New Orleans. In the 1950s, Keller would go on to mask as the Little Queen of the Cheyenne tribe.
One son predeceased her in November of 2022. She is survived by three daughters, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Barbara Lacen Keller was 76 years old. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.
