Columns & Opinions

In 2022 the Shreveport City Council agreed to a plan supported by our former mayor, Adrian Perkins to hire Blue Line Solutions of Chattanooga,TN to set up photo speed tickets in school zones. It was presented as a way the city could get “free money” to spend any way it wished and solve the problem of speeding in school zones. No one considered that this program would become an economic drain our city cannot afford.

The seven members of the Shreveport City Council will be an important component as to whether these next four years will be successful for the city or not. Shreveport is at a crossroads right now, and the relationship between the new Republican mayor and the five Democrat city councilmen and women will be the key.

“If you don’t have water, you don’t have a city.” – Murray Lloyd Moments after swearing in, Mayor Tom Arceneaux took to the podium to address the new city council members and guests in the auditorium as well as those watching the livestream. He read from Ezekiel 37: 1-10: “The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.” Arceneaux went on to recount that story that inspired the nearly 100-year-old spiritual, “Dem Bones.” composed by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson. Appropriate as Shreveport’s water pipes were once again dry and in need of resurrection, to be brought back to life, as the dry bones in the Ezekiel story.

We need a resolution, we have so much confusion! Aaliyah may have been on to something way back then, or was she? Less alcohol, more exercise. More healthy food intake and less junk food consumption. Everyone can relate to always setting new 'promises' to themselves that usually don't hold up to Jan. 14 let alone Valentine's Day!

With the excitement of Christmas merriment behind us, many in NWLA are shifting their focus to Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is the season of celebrating life and eating rich and fatty foods before the season of lent. Mardi Gras has become more than a religious celebration (which it is at its core). Mardi Gras is a celebration of Louisiana, our culture, and diversity regardless of race, religion, creed, or orientation. We say, “we don’t hide our crazy, we parade it down the street!” Mardi Gras is more than parades; we have events all year long. Parades are normally the biggest. We have coronations (where we crown the new royalty), and we have a grand ball (Where we present our royalty in magnificent costumes and overthe- top table decorations). I highly encourage you to join a krewe. In the Northwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association, we have a krewe for you! We have family-friendly krewe’s, krewe’s for law professionals, those who love wild parties, etc. Through all the Krewes, we all enjoy giving back to the community through charitable works. Please investigate these krewes and consider joining the fun! We work hard to help you experience Mardi Gras in Northwest Louisiana.

During the recent election cycle, I was privileged to acquaint myself with District E Councilman Dr. Alan Jackson. Dr. Jackson exhibited many personal and professional character traits which, in the opinion of this writer, should fare well for his District E constituents. Among his most noticeable was his humbleness. Let’s hope that the councilman does not entangle himself in the “non-visionary web” of some who shall surround him on the council. Afterall, his potential appears limitless. My opinion.

When I was asked to interview Mr. Brent Havens, writer, conductor and arranger, and Mr. Randy Jackson, lead vocalist for Zebra, on the upcoming Led Zeppelin show featuring the amazing Shreveport Symphony , I felt it was an honor. I have loved music my entire life, and receiving this opportunity has been exciting. I was extremely nervous because not only was this my first time conducting an interview, but I would be conducting two interviews.

When Mayor Tom Arceneaux took to the podium on Saturday, Dec. 31, shortly after his inauguration, a journey like none ever witnessed began and all through the words he would utter.