Latest news with #AfricanAmericanHistoryParade
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Barbara Norton: Former lawmaker, perpetual changemaker
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Barbara Norton has been encouraging people on her weekly KOKA radio show for more than 30 years now. She uses her platform to inform and motivate.'You are somebody. You are a hero,' Norton shared with her audience. 'There is no giving up. There is no quitting. There is no stopping.'It's that perseverance that helped her create change and provide long lasting traditions and resources for the Shreveport community. She has a long list of accomplishments including the creation of the annual African American History Parade which celebrated its 37th year in February. She has given away more than 30,000 shoes to children in need over the past 20 years, during her back-to-school giveaway. Remarkable Woman Finalist Dr. Jaya McSharma: Physician, Actress, Entrepreneur, Activist In 1989, she spearheaded an effort to create a community library in the Airport Park Recreation Center. That effort led to the opening of the Shreve Memorial Library Mooretown Branch in 2003.'Without education, we can't survive. It's impossible,' said Norton. She accomplished this while juggling a career and raising three children. She still felt there was more to be done.'I said if I become an elected official, I will be sitting at the table and I can speak up for not only you all, but for those persons who does not have a voice,' Norton served as State Representative from 2008 to 2020. During that time, she worked to improve District 3, which included a beautification project to make neighbors feel proud of their Pinkney has been friends with Barbara for years and nominated her to be a Remarkable Woman of the ArkLaTex, to give back to someone who has given so much to others throughout her lifetime. Carolyn says she is inspired by Barbara's strength.'She's one of those people who cares about everybody, from the youngest to the oldest,' said Pinkney. 'She is like a jack in the box, no matter how hard you push her down she's gonna keep popping up. There's nothing you can do to her to stop her or to break her or to shake her because she knows who she is.' 'I think a woman is strong when she stands up for what's right,' said Norton. Barbara and the African American Parade Celebration Committee will host the 3rd annual Women's Celebration on Sunday, March 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at Riverview Hall in Downtown Shreveport. The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to wear white to the event. If you would like to be recognized with a certificate and pin during the celebration, email holli225@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
Shreveport African American History Parade: What to know
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Shreveport police have announced the safety guidelines for the African American History Parade this Saturday. According to a press release, the African American History Parade will take place this Saturday, bringing road closures and increased pedestrian traffic through downtown Shreveport. Travelers in the area should expect traffic closures beginning at 8:00 a.m. and plan alternate routes accordingly. Officials say to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all attendees, the following prohibited items and activities will be strictly enforced along the parade route: No glass bottles or containers are allowed. No crossing parade barricades during the parade. No animals are permitted within 200 yards of the parade route, except for service animals and pets secured in yards along the route. No dangerous objects or silly string are allowed. No one may throw anything at a parade float. No underage possession of alcohol—violators will be arrested. No public nudity—violators will be arrested. No ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, or other motorized recreational vehicles allowed on the parade route. Do not leave children unattended. Designate a meeting place in case of accidental separation. Avoid struggling over beads—parade throws are meant to be fun! Keep a safe distance from parade floats and moving vehicles. Secure valuables at home and ensure vehicles are locked. Avoid carrying purses or wallets. Keep money, keys, and identification securely on your person. Exercise good judgment and treat others with respect. The Shreveport Police Department will be present along the parade route to ensure public safety and enforce regulations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
