SHREVEPORT, La. — This Saturday, Oct. 3, the African American Parade Celebration Committee will shine a spotlight on the men who quietly strengthen our community. The inaugural Men Moving Our World celebration will take place in the Independence Stadium Skybox from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering dinner, music and entertainment in a black‑tie setting.
Honoring everyday leadership
For nearly four decades the committee has honored women during its annual March celebration. This year the focus expands to recognize men whose leadership, service and community involvement have made a positive impact across the region. Committee founder and chairwoman Barbara Norton‑Irving emphasized that the event is less about titles and more about ordinary men who “stand up for our community” every day.
“That’s the most fun thing I can think of when someone says, ‘Thank you for being who you are,’” Norton‑Irving said. “Not for building a skyscraper. Not for being the president of a Fortune 500 company. Just being an everyday person, an everyday man, standing up for our community.”
Supporting a long‑standing back‑to‑school program
Proceeds from ticket sales will directly support the committee’s Back‑to‑School Backpack and Shoe Giveaway Program. Over the past 38 years the program has provided more than 38,000 pairs of shoes to local children, ensuring that students start the school year with the basics they need.
Organizers said the fundraiser is crucial for sustaining the program in the years ahead. “Every donation helps us continue to serve families who rely on these resources,” a committee spokesperson explained.
Event details
Guests are asked to dress in semi‑formal, all‑black attire. Admission is available with a $50 donation, which goes straight to the backpack and shoe giveaway. For additional information, callers can reach the committee at 903‑287‑6098.
Why this matters to Shreveport families
In a community where many families face economic challenges, the Men Moving Our World celebration offers both recognition and tangible assistance. By honoring men who volunteer, mentor youth, support local churches, and contribute to neighborhood safety, the event reinforces the values of faith, family and individual liberty that underpin a strong community.
Local businesses and civic leaders are encouraged to attend, showing solidarity with the men who help keep Shreveport thriving. The event also provides an opportunity for residents to connect, celebrate shared values, and contribute to a cause that directly benefits their neighbors.
Looking ahead
The committee hopes the inaugural celebration will become an annual tradition, complementing its long‑standing women’s march and expanding the scope of community recognition. As the program grows, organizers aim to increase the number of backpacks and shoes distributed each year, ensuring that no child in the Shreveport area starts school without the basics.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
