Shreveport-Bossier African-American Chamber of Commerce to Honor Two Community Trailblazers

Feb. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- Since 1941, the Shreveport-Bossier African-American Chamber of Commerce (SBAACC) has been a part of the local area working to enhance and enrich the city, community and citizens through business economic growth and supporting events aimed at enhancing the quality of life in making the area one of the best places to live and work. The Chamber will celebrate their 70th Anniversary, Thursday, February 24, 2011, beginning at 7:00 pm at the Eldorado Hotel & Casino located at 1419 Clyde Fant Parkway in Shreveport, LA.

“I am very proud of the forefather’s vision of developing a Chamber which serves the people”, says Booker White; Board Chairman. “Through the continued support and advocacy of local businesses and individuals, this vision is not only a reality but a force to be reckoned with.”

The Chamber offers valuable services including business mentoring and networking, educational business workshops,  member’s volunteer efforts with mentoring initiatives in schools, higher education imperative committee members, and convention and tourism support services. SBAACC has joined with the Greater Shreveport Chamber and the Bossier Chamber in supporting businesses and economic development throughout the Region.

Two individuals will be honored for their contributions to the local community. Dr. Leonard Weather will receive the John H. Wilson Trailblazer Award and Dr. Harry Blake will receive the Herschel Brown Civil Rights Award.  Mr. Wilson was a local tailor that served many years as president of the Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber, formerly the Negro Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Brown was a local demographer and was serving as a Caddo Parish Commissioner before his death several years ago

Reverend Harry Blake has served as pastor of the Mount Canaan Baptist Church of Shreveport, LA since 1966.  He is President Emeritus of the Louisiana Baptist State Convention and was appointed Vice President for the Southwest Region of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. in 2009.
His civic involvements include member of the Louisiana Recovery Authority Board; President, Board of Directors, Canaan Village Apartments, a low income housing complex; President, Board of Directors, Canaan Towers, a Senior Citizen/handicap housing complex; and Grace Project Incorporated, a community development corporation for the revitalization of the Allendale Community.  He is also the President of Project UpLift, a center for the development of human potential.  He serves on the board of directors for Shreveport Bossier Community Renewal.  He is past President, Mount Canaan Day Care Center, Past OIC Director, and past Director, Excel PUSH Auxiliary and served on the Louisiana Recovery Authority Board.

Dr. Leonard Weather is the Director of Omni Fertility and Laser Institute. He is an innovator par excellence in laser surgery and an international lecturer on gynecology and laser surgery. He received a B.S. Pham. from Howard University College of Pharmacy and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Rush Medical College.
Additionally, he is a Clinical Professor at Xavier University, former member of Xavier University Research Centers in Minority Institution Advisory Council, Past President of the International Society of Laser Surgeons, Past President of New Orleans Chapter of Chi Delta Mu Commission, President of the New Orleans Medical Association, Past Vice-President and past President of the Louisiana Medical Association, and Treasurer of Black Congress on Health, Law and Economics. Dr. Weather is a member of numerous medical and allied medical boards in the State of Louisiana.

Sponsors for the gala include Eldorado Hotel & Casino, Willis-Knighton Health System, Griggs Enterprise (McDonalds), Chesapeake Energy, KTBS 3, Praise Temple FGBC, Lamar Advertising, AT & T, and Skrivano’s Engineering.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit area high school students through a scholarship program to be announced later in the year at the “Red Apple Excellence in Education Awards Program” which honors teachers and students.  For more information, contact Booker White at (318)470.0419 or visit www.sbaacc.org.

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