Shreveport, La. – On Saturday evening, Independence Stadium filled with families, community leaders and honored guests for the inaugural Men Moving Our World celebration. The black‑tie affair recognized men whose service, leadership and contributions strengthen families and neighborhoods across the region.
Celebrating men’s impact
Barbara Norton‑Irving, founder of the African American Parade Celebration Committee, explained that the event was created to balance the organization’s long‑standing women’s celebration. “For the last four years, we’ve done an event for women to celebrate them, to lift them up, to let them know how important they are to our world,” Norton‑Irving said. “It has to be a 50‑50. So we decided that we’re going to bring men through to let them know how much we really appreciate them. Because many times men never get honored.”
Honorees received certificates acknowledging their dedication. One recipient, David White, said the surprise recognition meant a great deal. “Barbara Norton saw me at church and she said, ‘I need you here tonight and I need to honor you because you are such a great man,’” White recalled.
Police chief among honorees
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith was also recognized. He emphasized that everyday acts of service often go unnoticed. “As you go out throughout your daily walk in life, you do your best to do good,” Smith said. “You work hard each day, and you work for a cause much greater than your own.” He added that standing among other dedicated men humbled him and reinforced the importance of family‑centered service.
Giving back to the community
Beyond honoring individuals, the celebration had a charitable purpose. Proceeds will fund the African American Parade Celebration Committee’s back‑to‑school shoe giveaway, helping local children start the school year with proper footwear. Norton‑Irving said the event is intended to become an annual tradition that both celebrates men and supports families in need.
The Men Moving Our World celebration reflects Shreveport’s commitment to recognizing the vital roles men play in faith‑filled families, strong neighborhoods and the broader community. By highlighting service and providing tangible assistance to children, the event aligns with the city’s values of family, faith and individual liberty.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
