Shreveport residents gathered Thursday at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum for a community forum hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana, part of its statewide Listen and Learn Tour. According to KTBS, the event allowed locals to voice what they value about their city and what changes they hope to see, highlighting the importance of civic engagement beyond Election Day.
Attendees praised Shreveport’s close‑knit neighborhoods and its vibrant arts and entertainment scene. At the same time, participants raised concerns about rising living costs, limited career opportunities, aging infrastructure and challenges within the education system. These issues were identified as priorities for future policy work.
Charles Phipps, the Urban League of Louisiana’s vice president of policy, advocacy and legal affairs, said the organization’s goal is to translate community input into concrete policy recommendations. “Honestly, our single desire is to hear from you. What is going well? What are the areas in which you need help and assistance?” Phipps told the crowd.
The Urban League also emphasized its ongoing effort to strengthen Black political power and hold elected officials accountable for serving all Louisianans. David Clark, a forum participant, stressed that engagement must extend beyond voting. “Not only do you vote, not only do you want to see changes, but you go to the different things that are inspiring changes,” Clark said, noting that many young people he met were unfamiliar with the voting process.
Clark’s observation underscored a broader call for increased education and encouragement to involve younger generations in the political process. The discussion reflected the Urban League’s broader mission to foster economic opportunity, improve infrastructure and enhance educational outcomes for the state’s residents.
Shreveport was the second stop on the tour, which began earlier this month and is scheduled to continue through Nov. 18, visiting additional Louisiana communities. The organization plans to compile feedback from each stop and present its findings to state policymakers.
What’s next: The Urban League of Louisiana will keep gathering input at upcoming tour stops until Nov. 18. Residents interested in sharing their perspectives are encouraged to attend future sessions or contact the organization directly through its website.
Sources: ktbs.com
