Mayors for Meals

Area mayors, along with Harrah’s and Horseshoe representatives, will be delivering lunch to senior citizens beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday during Mayors for Meals, a component of Meals on Wheels.
As part of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and Horseshoe Casino & Hotel’s on going commitment to the Meals on Wheels organization, a contribution of $2,500.00 will be made to Bossier Council on Aging.

Meet the author

Denise Sumotzy, author of "Hidden Identity," will be at the Wallette branch of Shreve Memorial Library, 363 Hearne Ave., at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25.
Sumotzy brings to life a nail-biting story of lies and deceit in this tale about a solitary black man who conceals his identity to pave the way for freedom and justice.
Depicted in and around the Civil War era, the story takes you back to the lives of African-Americans of years long ago. Books are available for $8.99.

Neighborhood walk

The Shreveport Police Pastor Program will conduct a neighborhood walk in Shreveport's Hollywood neighborhood at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19.
The group will meet at Hattie Perry Park, 4300 Ledbetter. They will then go to the streets adjacent to the park for about an hour, speaking with residents about Crime Stoppers and crime prevention and encouraging them to attend an upcoming prayer vigil.
The prayer vigil will take place Thursday, Feb. 21, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Hattie Perry Park. This effort is part of an ongoing Stop the Violence campaign following the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl in that neighborhood last year.

Starting a new chapter

A new chapter is opening in the 138-year history of Mount Zion CME Church. At 3 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 17) the church will commemorate the dedication of its new $1 million sanctuary and educational facility at 414 East Union St., in Minden.
Bishop Thomas L. Brown Sr., presiding prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District, will be the guest speaker.
The church, founded in 1870, was burned in the early morning hours of July 20, 2005. Since then the congregation has held services first in the chapel of Benevolent Funeral Home and later in the 14th District Building.
Now, nearly two years after the June 6, 2006, groundbreaking, the congregation is ready for its new home. The sanctuary seats 290 people and an adjacent educational building will be used for senior activities and tutorial programs.
Come out and help the Mount Zion congregation celebrate its new home.

Black History Month program to feature Bobby Seale

Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, will be the featured speaker at Grambling State University's Black History Month program at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14.
The event will be held in the Nursing Building Auditorium on campus. The topic is "Power to the People: Revolutionary Struggles of the Past, Present and Future."
Following the event, Seale will answer questions and autograph books and memorabilia. Although the event is open to the public, seating will be limited.

Jail program an eye-opener

I took both of my sons to Caddo Correctional Center on Wednesday for the Don’t Let This Be You program. I didn’t take them because they’ve been in trouble; I took them because I want them to be fully aware of the things that will land them in jail or prison.
Believe me, it was an eye-opening experience. The event began with a lecture from Caddo District Judge Scott Crichton and Assistant District Attorney Ron Stamps. During the lecture, youths were told what activities are identified as crimes and what the punishments are for those crimes. They learned that if they are in the vehicle with someone who has drugs, they all can go to jail. They heard how drugs can affect peoples' lives. They also saw what can happen if you ride in a vehicle without wearing a seat belt.
Stamps’ brother, who served time in prison, also addressed the group. During his presentation, he displayed a large board full of make-shift weapons inmates at CCC had made.
After the lecture came the tour. We toured both the male and female section of the facility where some of the inmates were given the opportunity to speak to the youths. The somber expressions on most of the youths’ faces, my children included, indicated that what was being said was sinking in.
There’s another tour and lecture scheduled next week. Same place, same time. But in case you missed it here it is: 6 p.m. Feb. 6, media room at Caddo Correctional Center, 1101 Forum Drive in Shreveport. To register, call Andrea Samuel at the Caddo Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy at (318) 681-0735.
And remember, the program isn’t just for teens who have been in trouble. So take your teens. You’ll be glad you did. A voluntary trip to Caddo Correctional Center now beats an involuntary trip later.

Black History Month

Black History Month is coming up and there will be plenty of opportunities to attend various events in the community.
Here's one to put on your calendar:
LaBetha Casey will present "Quilts and Their Secret Underground Railroad Messages" at 5 p.m. Feb. 28 at Shreve Memorial Library West branch, 4380 Pines Road.
The program is for all ages. For more information, call Charlyn Cleere at (318) 635-0947.