Ricky Twiggs Jr. - A Modern-Day Champion for Change
Hailing from the vibrant and culturally rich city of New Orleans, LA (Algiers specifically), Ricky Twiggs Jr. is not your typical political figure. With a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Holy Cross, Ricky has established himself as an award-winning psychotherapist. His private practice, dedicated to empowering teens to take charge of their lives, reflects his deep commitment to mental health and community wellbeing. Ricky has been featured in Women's Health and AskMen for his contributions to mental health, underscoring his expertise and dedication in the field. He has also been an advocate of change in how we approach mental health reform, crime reform, corruption and infrastructure.
Personal Life:
Ricky's rich heritage has played a significant role in shaping his perspective and values. His mother, an indigenous person, originally came to New Orleans from California, bringing with her a legacy of resilience and cultural richness. A lot of Ricky’s indigenous heritage is passed down in the form of stories, but not much is known due to the treatment of his ancestors. This is why he is passionate about understanding oppressed and suppressed voices.
Ricky's father's family, of unknown Irish/Scottish origin. He is a descendent of Squire Boone who was the brother of famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. This connection means Ricky is also a cousin of Abraham Lincoln, adding a storied history of exploration, adventure, and leadership to Ricky's background. This illustrious lineage informs his approach to leadership, imbuing him with a deep sense of responsibility and historical perspective.
As the youngest of four siblings, Ricky grew up with three older sisters who always ensured he was the best dressed for all occasions. Their influence and support have been instrumental in shaping his character and drive.
Baptized Catholic, Ricky attended Holy Name of Mary in Algiers for his early education and later Archbishop Shaw High School, where he began to develop his foundational values of community service and leadership. In High School he was voted most “likely to succeed” and worked over 150 hours for 4 years to pay off his tuition.
Career and Advocacy:
For years, social advocacy through entrepreneurship has driven Ricky to innovate and create. An accomplished entrepreneur, Ricky founded the first 3D printing company in Louisiana, pioneering innovative solutions and advancing technology in the region. His work in 3D printing was so impactful that he was featured on NOLA.com and appeared on WWLTV to showcase the transformative power of this technology. His entrepreneurial spirit has also led him to work as a tech consultant for renowned companies such as Enphase Energy and Dremel, as well as contestants from the hit TV show Shark Tank. This diverse experience has enriched his perspective and provided valuable insights into understanding the power of technology.
In 2017, Ricky graduated from the University of Holy Cross with his Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Since 2017 to now Ricky has won multiple awards for his work as a clinician. His most recent award was from NOLA Detox as the “clinician of the year” in 2021 - 2022. During COVID Ricky worked in New Orleans East helping to start an addiction facility and helping to expand an outpatient program for the area. He also helped to find housing for numerous unhoused women and LGBTQ+ individuals through NAMI New Orleans. He currently has a private practice servicing teens in New Orleans and surrounding areas which is a major need throughout the state.
Political Beliefs
A true outsider to politics Ricky does not align with traditional Democrat or Republican values. Instead, as with most Americans, he falls somewhere in the middle. The label Independent is the closest title that we have to describe true American beliefs. The independent pushes back against the establishment for the betterment of the community. In New Orleans that establishment is the Democratic Party.
As an activist and a millennial Ricky has championed various causes with vigor and empathy. His advocacy spans mental health reform, cannabis legalization, justice reform, and healthcare reform. Ricky's platform is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of optimism pushing back against the poison of cynicism and nihilism.
Ricky envisions a society where enhanced mental & medical care in combination with aggressive education reform brings about lower crime rates, reduced student dropout rates, improved public health, and more employment opportunities. In addition to healthcare, Ricky emphasizes the need for robust infrastructure and a relentless fight against corruption.
Ricky's journey mirrors that of Joan of Arc, a figure deeply embedded in the spirit of New Orleans. Just as Joan liberated Orleans, France, from a British siege, Ricky aims to free his community from the shackles of outdated policies and social injustices. He draws inspiration from Joan's unyielding spirit, as commemorated by the statue in the French Market and the Krewe of Joan of Arc. His campaign is a beacon of hope and resilience, much like Joan's was centuries ago. She has a special place as the banner woman on his logo, a continued reminder of what is being fought for.
It's Time…
In Ricky Twiggs Jr., New Orleans finds a leader who not only understands the city's unique challenges but also shares its rich heritage and relentless spirit. Ricky is ready to lead a movement of liberation—not with a sword, but with compassion, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
