Building on the success of its inaugural session, the “Shreveport Forward” lecture series will host its second event this Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Whited Room at Centenary College’s Bynum Commons. The free series, led by Professor Thomas Moran, aims to empower residents to actively shape the future of Shreveport by fostering a cohesive civic identity and community-driven solutions.
Reflecting on Shreveport’s Foundations
The first lecture in November focused on analyzing Shreveport’s history and current state, inviting participants to identify the city’s strengths and resources. Attendees began crafting a framework to align Shreveport’s assets with potential opportunities for growth and revitalization.
“Shreveport has a rich story waiting to be told, and we all have the power to write its next chapter,” Moran remarked. “By leveraging our city’s strengths and shared values, we can address challenges like population loss and lagging tax revenue with innovative, community-driven strategies.”
The Next Chapter: Creating a Sense of Place
The upcoming December session will expand on this foundation by exploring the concept of “Creating a Sense of Place.” Participants will work collaboratively to identify Shreveport’s “North Stars” — guiding principles designed to inform decisions about infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, and cultural preservation and development.
These North Stars, according to Moran, will serve as a compass for Shreveport’s transformation, providing a clear framework for addressing pressing issues while fostering an environment where businesses thrive, neighborhoods flourish, and cultural heritage is celebrated.
A Community-Centered Approach
The “Shreveport Forward” series emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging participation from residents, business owners, students, and civic leaders alike. By engaging diverse perspectives, the series seeks to develop a unified vision that reflects the community’s values and aspirations.
Future lectures, scheduled monthly, will delve deeper into using these guiding principles to drive practical policies and decisions. The goal is to equip participants with actionable insights to create meaningful change for Shreveport’s long-term prosperity.
How to Participate
The December 14 session is free and open to the public. Residents interested in shaping Shreveport’s trajectory are encouraged to attend and contribute their voices to this collaborative effort.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – Noon
- Location: Whited Room, Bynum Commons, Centenary College, Shreveport, LA
This lecture series represents a unique opportunity for the community to come together and take an active role in shaping the city’s future, fostering pride, and ensuring Shreveport’s vitality for years to come.