It was a black tie affair at the Shreveport-Bossier-Desoto African American Awards Banquet Saturday evening. The awards committee is celebrating its 25th anniversary. More than 300 people were in attendance. The banquet featured several performers. Dr. Haywood Joiner, Jr was the keynote speaker. The 2013 African Americans “Make a Difference” Achievement Award recipients include: Dr. Rickey Moore, Sr., Dr Haywood Joiner, Jr., Lawrence Schuford, Brenda Richardson, Dr. Patsy Latin, Detries Morris, Priscilla Adams, Lee Jeter, Shirley Roberson, Herman Vital, forever Jones, Ballenstine Hopkins, Jr. “I think it’s truly an honor and I’m accepting this award not just for me but

Lee Jeter thinks he can build a better house. The executive director of FCNWLA says he “learned a lot” during the Legacy Build and is ready to build two or three houses in March. To build three he needs $210,000. He is also beginning to lay the foundation for building in other areas of town. He said, “There are people who need homes; there is property available.”

Over 80 representatives will explore such strategies as developing community partnerships, building “green” and increasing revenue streams when they gather in Shreveport Jan. 15 and 16 for the 2nd Annual Covenant Partner Conference. At last year’s conference in Virginia, Millard Fuller asked FCNWLA board members Becky Cooksey and Katie Weir to host the 2010 meeting

Hours before Leeteesha Walker and Marion Sullivan’s Alston Street houses were dedicated at a ceremony, volunteers landscaped nine houses, installed smoke detectors at 60 houses and provided emergency preparedness information in the neighborhood. Their efforts were among several deeds carried out across the nation for Make A Difference Day, which aims to better communities. Not far from Alston Street, volunteers slipped on their gardening gloves and got a little dirty to clean up the Asian Gardens at Milam and Common streets. The Aseana Foundation, which manages the downtown garden, put on the event in partnership with Make a Difference Day

When Marion Sullivan and 19 of her family members fled from Hurricane Katrina, she prayed they’d make it to Shreveport safely. Now, five years later, her tears are joyful. “I started crying and thanking God,” she said. “I know he was responsible for getting us here.” Sullivan is a recipient of one of two houses constructed Monday during the inaugural Millard Fuller Legacy Build

In late August 2009, volunteer groups in Shreveport will join Fuller Center Covenant Partners around the world in the Millard Fuller Legacy Build. The goal of the local group is building two new houses from Aug. 31 though Sept.

As a way to help home owners living near the new home build sites, the Fuller Center Greater Blessing program helps with repairs the owners cannot afford. Through this initiative FCNWLA has rehabilitated a number of homes in Allendale and the surrounding area.These rehabs are done in partnership with businesses and churches and can include such work as roofing, painting, plumbing and other general repairs

Chesapeake Energy handed over the keys for a 2007 Chevy Silverado to FCNWLA Director Lee Jeter on June 12, 2009. The Act of Donation ceremony took place at the Clay Street office of the center with refreshments following. Chesapeake spokesman Kevin McCotter made the presentation. Jeter said that having the truck will reduce “wear and tear” on the personal vehicles of the center’s staff. He also noted that the truck will allow the center to accept more donations. Additionally, staff will be able to bring materials to work sites from storage bins without making multiple trips. The FCNWLA wants to