Northwest Louisiana has been part of several events in Black history. From the Civil War, to Civil Rights; from legendary musicians to educators, the area is full of locations touched by the past.
Take a look at a few whose histories remind us of our past to inform our future.
Antioch Baptist Church
On April 23, 1866, Antioch Baptist Church was established by 73 newly freed slaves who were emancipated after the American Civil War, according to the church’s history. They were granted permission to leave their former masters’ church, First Baptist Church, to create a place for the Black community to worship. It opened under the name First Colored Baptist Church before the name changed to Antioch Baptist Church in 1871.
Read more about Antioch Baptist ChurchShreveport church celebrates 155-year anniversary, looks to future
The Calanthean Temple
The construction of Calanthean Temple was groundbreaking for the city of Shreveport and the Black community overall.
On March 7, 1924, founder Cora M. Allen and nine associates — eight women and one man — dedicated the building. Allen, a world-traveling entrepreneur, funded the design and construction of the building and formed the managing sisterhood organization, the Grand Court Order of Calanthe.