Sister Judith Brun, CSJ, is a Baton Rouge fixture who is devoted to helping others throughout the city. Originally from New Orleans and raised in Mississippi, Sister Judith has been in Baton Rouge since the 1970s. She spent much of her time here as the principal of Saint Joseph’s Academy. A lifetime educator, she continuously investigates and responds to unmet needs for Baton Rouge’s children.
Sister Judith is also one of the speakers at TEDxLSU on March 5. I recently chatted with her to learn more about her time in Baton Rouge.
What are three experiences that led you to want to devote your life to helping others?
My family was a big influence in my decision to spend my life helping others. My father and my brothers, with me tagging along, started one of the first Boy Scout troops for African-American youth in Mississippi. Additionally, my mother was helping people figure out what they wanted and needed to do. Finally, when I met the Sisters of Saint Joseph in high school, I was inspired by their commitment to helping young women.
We know that many of society’s problems aren’t independent of each other; if you could magically change any one aspect of life in this city, which one do you believe would have the biggest impact on people in Baton Rouge, and why?
As an educator, my immediate answer would be the opportunity for effective schooling. Now that I have experience in childhood development, especially for children of poverty, I see that schooling is like the meat in a sandwich. Effective early childhood development is one necessary side, and meaningful work opportunities make it whole. I believe it’s crucial to focus on early childhood development for children of poverty.
You stay very busy by being involved in many organizations; what are three things you do that help you relax in your limited spare time?
I rest, I spend time with my family and friends, and I putter with creative projects.
When you were a child, what did you think you’d be doing as an adult?
I had always wanted to be a ballerina, until my mother helped me to realize I was too short. It was such a disappointment!
What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment was overcoming my own fear and believing I could help to reduce generational poverty.
If you hadn’t joined the CSJ, what might you be doing today?
By now, hopefully I’d be relaxing more! Though of course I would still hope to be doing something worthwhile.
If you built a statue in downtown Baton Rouge, who would it commemorate and why?
I’d want to commemorate someone who overcame fear for the common good, such as the Southern University students who took a seat at the Kress lunch counter in 1960 to protest Baton Rouge’s segregation.
What do you most value in your friends?
Life is full of ups and downs, and it is important to me that my friends stick with me no matter what.
If you could invite any one person in particular to watch your talk, who would you choose and why?
Mr. Milton Otis, one of the residents in the neighborhood where I work now. He always encourages me and checks in on me.
Which other TEDxLSU 2016 speaker’s talk are you most interested to hear, and why?
I am especially interested to hear oceanographer Mark Benfield’s talk, as I would love to know more about the oceans.
What is your favorite lunch place in Baton Rouge, and why?
Home is my first choice to eat lunch! My second choice is The Little Village. It’s close to where I live, the food is delicious, and it’s a nice place for conversation.
