Shreveport City Council celebrates Black History Month, honors people and businesses

The Shreveport City Council opened its meeting Tuesday by recognizing Black History month and honoring businesses and people who've made contributions to the community.

"I think it is very important that we always remember our past and how our past brings us forth to our present," said Councilwomen Tabitha Taylor. "As African Americans, we understand the richness of our culture through music, through dance, through hair, through food.

We always sit at the table, it's our gathering place where we talk about everything up under the sun. But for us, when we commemorate and celebrate standing on the shoulders of giants, I think we always have to remember the progress that has been done right here in Shreveport, Louisiana."

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Elgin Hill and Roberta Minor were posthumously honored for their contributions to the community through their work at Henrietta's Beauty Salon and School. Beginning in the 1950s, the newly named Magnetic Beauty School gave the community a chance to learn a profitable trade until its closing in 2014. In honor of their work, community service and achievements, the 1200 block of Milam St. where the salon and school once stood, will be dedicated to Hill and Minor.

Minor's daughters Henrietta and Lois accepted the honor on behalf of their late mother and business partner.

Orlandeaux's Cafe celebrated 100 years of business in 2021 and is the oldest continuously operating Black, family-owned restaurant in the United States. It is known all around the world for its Creole Southern cuisine with recipes passed down for five generations including its famous stuffed shrimp.

Orlandeaux's broke barriers by being a place where anyone from any race, background or social standing could come and enjoy a meal with loved ones and be part of the community. The Shreveport City Council honored the restaurant and its owners for their legacy and community impact.

Grammy Award-nominated artist Kendria "child" Browder was honored as well. Browder directed the music video for Doja Cat's "Woman" which was nominated for Best Music Video at the 2021 Grammy Awards. Browder has also worked with artists Nas, H.E.R., Brittany Howard, Jennifer Hudson, Big Sean, Janelle Monae and many others.

Browder was raised in the Cooper Road community and graduated with honors from C.E. Byrd Magnet program and went on to study to medicine at Clark University in Atlanta. Browder dropped out of college in 2012 and began photographing artists while on tour before venturing into directing music videos in 2018.

"I am a proud mother," said Sue Browder while accepting the honor on her daughter's behalf. "I'm so proud of Kendria. At one point in her life, we didn't know what she was going to end up doing, but God already had the path before her, and she walked into it. And she always says 'Mama, Jesus is my booking agent' and I said keep him first and you will do well."

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Councilwoman Ursula Bowman recognized Farrell Willams for his contribution to the Queensborough community where he grew up and eventually became known as the neighborhood barber. Williams is known as a "jovial guy," always willing to help out a stranger, and help boys turn into upstanding young men. In addition, his business, Farrell's Barber Zone, has been a pillar in the community for 29 years.

Councilman Alan Jackson recognized Lester Marie Jackson for her contributions to the Cedar Grove community. Lester worked for 34 years at the Caddo Parish Tax Office and now serves as Haven's House leader where she checks in on the senior citizens every other day to ensure they are in good mental and physical health and makes sure their taxes are paid.

For three months after COVID, Lester ran the Ms. Margaret Miles community breakfast from her house and provided breakfast to the community until the Friendship House in Cedar Grove reopened where Lester has volunteered for over 10 years. Friendship House provides an improved quality of life for the citizens of the Cedar Grove community.

"Mrs. Jackson, even though we're not related, it would be an honor to be a part of your family," said Councilman Jackson. "For the work that you're doing in the community, I can't speak enough about it. Many people think that you can eventually be a homeowner, but you and I both know you never truly own your home and if you don't pay those taxes they will come and get it. Taking care of our most vulnerable population, our seniors, I can't speak enough about it, so I appreciate your work and wanted to celebrate you today."

All honorees received a plaque from the city council members and Mayor Tom Arceneaux.

Meredith G. White is the arts and culture reporter for the Shreveport Times. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at mgwhite@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Shreveport City Council honors individuals for Black History Month