Power30: Shreveport’s most powerful and influential African Americans
When it comes to African American power and influence in Shreveport, Louisiana, there are thirty individuals who either manage operating budgets in the millions or wield a mega voice that impacts thousands of people. Our research delves into power and influence across six key categories: Community & Church, Education, Media, Entertainment, Business, and Government.
Community & Faith
Dr. R. Timothy Jones
Senior pastor of Peaceful Rest Baptist Church, one of the largest African American churches in Shreveport with thousands of members. As the state Baptist convention president, he oversees several churches in the area and is a key figure people turn to for guidance.
Dr. Theron Jackson
Senior pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church, another significant African American church in Shreveport. His political influence in the state and city makes him a formidable force in community engagement.
Lynn Braggs
A silent giant responsible for running major political campaigns, including those of the only three African American mayors and the first African American sheriff in Shreveport.
Willie White
Runs David Raines Community Health Centers, the largest African American health system in Shreveport.
Valerie White
Leads the Black Greek Pan Council, representing all Divine Nine organizations in Shreveport.
Education
Dr. Aubra Gant
Heads Southern University at Shreveport, the largest educational institution in the city.
Mrs. Dottie Bell
A long-serving member of the school board, she has impacted over thirty thousand students. By the end of her current term, she will have served for twenty years, a record equivalent to being elected five times and the only African American to do it.
Media
Dominique Benn
The most-watched African American TV anchor in Shreveport, commanding a loyal viewership in the tens of thousands.
Quinn Echols
The longest-serving radio program director in Shreveport, instrumental in the careers of many well-known radio figures and a force in urban radio/music. His station boasts over fifty thousand listeners.
Pastor CeeJay
A leading figure in gospel radio and music, both locally and nationally. He oversees the longest-running urban radio station in Shreveport with over thirty-five thousand listeners and leads a gospel radio trade association influencing over a million listeners.
Timmy Lane
Shreveport’s biggest African American social media influencer, with tens of thousands of loyal followers who rely on him for local news and community events.
Entertainment
Sylvester Marshall
A key player in urban entertainment in Shreveport, hosting events that attract thousands through his company, The Social Circle.
50 Cent
A globally known entertainer who has chosen to establish his film and television studio in Shreveport, attracting thousands of tourists and potential residents. As a registered business in Shreveport, he will become the city’s wealthiest businessman.
Big Z
A music and social media powerhouse whose influence can draw over a thousand attendees to his events with a single social media post.
Business
Roy Griggs
The wealthiest African American businessman in Shreveport prior to 50 Cent’s arrival.
Attorney Jacquline Scott
A successful personal injury attorney in Shreveport, making seven figures and commanding significant resources.
Katrina D. Worsham
Runs one of the largest African American-owned small businesses in Shreveport, serving thousands of clients as a State Farm insurance agent.
David Aubrey
State president of AT&T, one of the largest communications and internet companies in the world, overseeing over three thousand employees.
Jonathan Reynolds
The only African American chief officer at an executive level in a financial institution with millions in assets in Shreveport.
William Bradford
An upper-level executive at SWEPCO, the regulated utility company in Shreveport.
Government
Sheriff Whitehorn
Top law enforcement officer in Caddo Parish, overseeing millions of dollars as Sheriff.
Chief Judge Sheva Sims
Oversees city courtrooms handling various cases, primarily civil disputes.
DA Stewart
The top prosecutor in Shreveport, leading an army of lawyers and managing millions in operating funds.
U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown
Has the power to use federal resources to investigate and prosecute cases in Shreveport.
Chief Judge Ramona Emmanuel
Heads the district court, the highest local court handling criminal and domestic matters.
Councilman Alan Jackson
Chairman of the city council, presiding over the most powerful governing body that decides city ordinances.
Erica Bryant
CEO of the Parish of Caddo, managing the largest local governmental operating budget with significant impact on Shreveport.
Councilman James Green
A current member of the Shreveport City Council and one of the few African Americans to have served as chairman more than four times.
Senator Sam Jenkins
Represents African Americans in the state legislature’s upper chamber as State Senator for District 39.
Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor
An advocate for her district’s citizens, her efforts have garnered national media attention for her fierce advocacy.
These thirty individuals exemplify the power and influence African Americans hold in Shreveport, driving change and shaping the future across multiple sectors. No matter which way you turn these thirty are being called on, mentioned and figures in the city you know without having to explain who they are.
*This list was put together by staff and vetted by a community panel.