Louisiana will honor Black veteran soldiers for first time with monument on Capitol grounds

Black Louisiana veterans from freed slaves who fought for the Union during the Civil War to modern heroes who served in the Iraq War will be honored with their first monument in Veterans Memorial Park on the State Capitol grounds.

Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards led a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday where the monument will stand to honor Louisiana's 80,000 Black veterans.

"Though it has been a long time in coming, the day is finally here when we will pay tribute to the bravery and courage of the African American men and women who have honorably served and protected our state and nation," Edwards said. "This monument recognizes the sacrifices their loved ones have made as well. I look forward to the day when we unveil this monument and encourage everyone to learn about the great contributions of these and all of our American military heroes.”

Democratic Lafayette Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, who is Black, set the stage for the tribute through his Act 432 passed by the Legislature and signed by Edwards in 2021.

“It was an honor to author the legislation that created this monument, and I was pleased that the Louisiana Legislature overwhelmingly supported the recognition and service of our African American veterans,” Boudreaux said during the ceremony.

The monument will be designed by Shaleen Jones, who teaches at Xavier University and created other public art in the New Orleans area. It will be paid for through a public-private partnership that includes the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Entergy and Walmart. Jones is expect to complete the monument next summer.

The Legislature in 2017 designated the grounds around the Old Arsenal Museum as Louisiana Veterans Park.

Among the exhibits already dedicated in the park are the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument to honor Louisiana's fallen soldiers and the Never Forget Garden and plaque created last fall.

Jones' monument will be the latest addition.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland, a retired U.S. Army colonel, noted that the first Black Louisiana soldiers served beginning in 1862 with the establishment of the Bureau of the Colored Troops.

"African-Americans since the Revolutionary War have written their stories in blood for the freedom of this country, and it is only fitting that we honor them with this monument in our Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park,” Strickland said.

Retired Brigadier Gen. Sherian Cadoria of Marxville, the first Black general in the U.S. Army was also the first woman to command an all-male battalion, the first to lead a criminal investigation brigade and the first Black female director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

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“We should not destroy our heritage, but build upon it. Let’s add to our past, never destroy,” Cadoria said.

Louisiana's retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, who is most well-known for coordinating Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, also praised the recognition for Black veterans.

“Our ancestors fought for the right to freedom and equality, and although many generations of African American soldiers were not able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, their sacrifices helped paved the way for me and others," he said. "They will never be forgotten."

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Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Black Louisiana vets from freed slaves to modern heroes get first monument