Known for her dynamic, positive, warm, and genuine speaking style, Angelique has the extraordinary ability to capture audiences and connect with their spirit in a personal and powerful way.

She has been applauded on local, regional, and national stages including 2023 Virginia K. Shehee Most Influential Woman Honoree, 2022 Essence Magazine Sept/Oct issue, 2022 National Trust For Historic Preservation Diversity Scholar, 2021 SB Magazine Art & Culture Feature, 2020 Leadership Shreveport Participant, 2019 ATHENA Award Honoree, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce ‘40 Under 40’ Honoree, Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce ‘Chairman’s Award” recipient, Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce ’15 Under 40” Honoree, Shreveport Regional Arts Council Theatre Fellow, and the American Association of Community Theatre member.

Angelique currently leads the Southern University Museum of Art Shreveport, is Founding Artistic Managing Director of Mahogany Ensemble Theatre, and author of the three-book series “Shining Success: Daily Words for Successful Living.”  She has been featured on Lifetime Television, independent films, commercials, and ABC, CBS, and NBC news affiliates. 

Angelique believes in giving her time and talents to make a dramatic difference by serving on boards, projects, and programs with community civic, cultural, and arts organizations.  A Detroit, MI native, she was raised in a close-knit community in Haughton, LA, and resides in Caddo Parish with her husband Tony.  She is the mother of two adult children – D’errica and Lexton; and “Grammy” to Desirae’ and Dalton.  A two-time graduate of Centenary College, she holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.  She is a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Dr. Angelique Feaster Evans honors and acknowledges that she is simply a vessel that God is using to fulfill the divine purpose of her life and the lives of others. 

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Wendell Riley has a BSc in Marketing from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, and an MBA from Radford University in Radford, VA. Before becoming the Executive Director of Robinson Film Center, Wendell worked in the animation and film industries here in Shreveport, Louisiana, serving as a Production Manager/Producer on projects for brands such as Disney, Gatorade, Chipotle, Radio Flyer and Unilever. His career journey includes working on animated shorts, branded-entertainment campaigns, mobile and console games, VR experiences, live action films, documentaries and a pilot for Amazon Studios. Riley was most recently the Director of Media and External Relations at Louisiana State University Shreveport.

Favorite Movie: The Exorcist (1973) dir. William Friedkin
Favorite Book: On Writing by Stephen King
Favorite Meal: Pizza

Grace Anne’s educational journey began at Huntington High School, graduating in 1987, followed by studies at the Caddo Career Center and LSUS, where she pursued Elementary Education. She further expanded her skills at Northwest Technology College and Barber School from 1990 to 1991, earning the esteemed status of Master Barber. In 1999, Grace Anne’s love for people and entrepreneurial spirit culminated in the opening of Avalon Hair Salon on Youree Drive in Shreveport. Here, she combines her artistic talents with her love of people, creating not just hairstyles, but also a sense of confidence and community for her clients. As a devoted wife to pilot Jason Blake and a nurturing mother to Maggie, married to Josh Danna, and Pierce Loper, who serves the nation in the National Guard and is also a professional commercial pilot, her family remains her most cherished priority.

A woman of deep faith, Grace Anne has been an active member of the Simple Church in Shreveport for over a decade and fondly remembers her time at Willow Pointe Baptist Church during her younger years, where relationships that have lasted to this day were forged. Beyond her salon and her church, Grace Anne continuously seeks ways to give back to the community she holds dear. She serves on the North Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) – Shreveport Occupational Advisory Committee board and is an active member of numerous civic organizations, including the Broadmoor Neighborhood Association and the Shreveport Yacht Club. As an advocate for survivors of sexual and domestic abuse, she tirelessly supports various charitable causes, including the Liberty Air Show, St. Baldrick’s Geaux Bald, and Compassion International. With her guitar in hand, amidst beloved family and friends, and within the community where her roots run deep, Grace Anne Blake stands as a steadfast advocate for Shreveport, the city she is deeply committed to uplifting and serving.

Goodman is no stranger to entrepreneurship or development, having been one of the pioneers in the area’s film industry boom in the mid-2000s. In 2005, Goodman returned home to direct the feature-length film The Last Lullaby. To make the film, Goodman spent close to two years assembling a business plan and setting up meetings until he finally raised more than $2M from 49 area investors.

Commitment to the community is in Goodman’s DNA as he watched his mom Sylvia work tirelessly for years to bring Sci-Port and the Robinson Film Center from concept to reality. Goodman has received recognition for his contribution to the community, including 40 under 40 and most recently for his efforts to revitalize the area’s annual City Tennis Tournament and his quarterly film club collaboration with the R.W. Norton Art Gallery entitled “Reel Adventures”.  

In April of 2019, Goodman became the Director of Marketing and Development for the YMCA of Northwest Louisiana. While at the YMCA, Goodman has leveraged his sales background to grow the organization’s donor base while serving an instrumental role in two of its current growth projects – the new branch at Camp Forbing Town Center and the Youth Baseball and Softball Complex. Additionally, Goodman has led the initiative to expand the YMCA’s role as a community center by spearheading “Shreveport-Bossier: My City, My Community, My Home.”  The new initiative consists of weekly podcast interviews and periodic community panels.

Singer, songwriter, actor, Marie-Alice Hobley, has twenty years experience in the entertainment industry. She used her voice performing on tour in Canada, US and France, in recording sessions for multiple artists as well as her own material, in radio commercials and video games. She is a graduate of the University of Montreal’s business school. With her husband James, she has six children. She is excited to contribute to SB magazine’s upcoming stories and share what she loves most about living in the Shreveport / Bossier area.

Sarah Noelle Foster, who portrayed Halbrech in the production, added her perspective, “The fact that BPCC gave me the chance to go to Canterbury really makes me feel like furtherment of my career is a priority. Plus, it was so much fun!”Beyond the compelling performances, the journey encompassed an intensive rehearsal process culminating in three captivating shows. Amid the iconic urban landscape of Chicago, the students also had the chance to explore renowned landmarks and immerse themselves in the five-time Tony-nominated musical, “Rock of Ages,” at Chicago’s historic Mercury Theatre in the lively Wrigleyville neighborhood.

The reverberations of this successful collaboration extend far beyond the spotlight. Plans are already in motion to continue this tradition in the upcoming summers. BPCC’s theater program thrives on such enriching partnerships that nurture the aspirations of future theater professionals.

The BPCC Theatre Program, based at Bossier Parish Community College, provides an encompassing platform for students to explore their creative potential. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, the program equips students with hands-on experiences that pave the way for thriving careers in the performing arts.

On the other end of this creative partnership stands Canterbury Summer Theatre, a cultural cornerstone in the Chicagoland area for over five decades. It proudly holds the distinction of being one of the longest continuously producing Summer Stock theaters in the Midwest, consistently upholding its reputation for artistic excellence.

As the curtain closes on this memorable chapter, one thing remains clear: the collaboration between BPCC Theatre and Canterbury Summer Theatre has not only brought riveting performances to the stage but has also elevated the learning curve for the next generation of theater enthusiasts, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of performing arts education.

We can’t wait to see the current football team continue the Centenary Football legacy! See you at the games!

 If you want to see more amazing old photos like these, search Facebook for “Twin Blends Northwest History Hunters” and like our page and follow us! We have thousands of old pictures and hundreds of videos that show the history of this area!

Let’s be real, folks. Choosing the right power drill can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know where to begin. Do you go for the one with the most power? The one with the fanciest features? The one with the funniest name? Fear not, my friends, for I am here to guide you through this treacherous terrain with a healthy dose of humor and a side of sage advice.

First things first, let’s talk power. More power isn’t always better, especially if you’re just using your drill for everyday tasks like hanging pictures or putting together furniture. Think of it like Goldilocks and the three bears: you don’t want a drill that’s too powerful (unless you’re planning on drilling through concrete), but you also don’t want one that’s too weak (unless you enjoy the sound of your drill whirring uselessly against your wall).

Next up, features. Do you really need a drill that doubles as a cappuccino maker? Probably not (although if you find one, please let me know). Stick with the basics: a comfortable grip, a good chuck (that’s the part that holds the drill bit, not your neighbor Chuck who’s always borrowing your tools), and maybe a built-in level if you’re feeling fancy.

Now, let’s talk about the most important factor of all: the name. I mean, sure, you could go for a boring brand like DeWalt or Black & Decker, but why not spice things up a bit? How about the “Bad to the Bone Hammerhead 5000”? Or the “Mighty Moose Jaw”? Personally, I’m partial to the “Drilly McDrillface”, but I may be a bit biased.

All joking aside, choosing the right power drill is important, especially if you’re going to be using it frequently. Make sure you read reviews and do your research before making a purchase. And if you’re really stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a knowledgeable salesperson (or your handy neighbor Chuck).

Choosing the right power drill doesn’t have to be a chore. Just remember, not too powerful, not too weak, stick with the basics, and don’t underestimate the power of a good name. Happy drilling!

By HAILEY LAWSON

As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to live happy and healthy lives. One important aspect of their well-being is environmental enrichment. Environmental enrichment refers to the process of providing animals with stimulating environments that promote their mental and physical health. It’s especially important for cats and dogs, as they spend most of their lives indoors. Many pet parents believe that food, water, and shelter is enough for their pets. However, just like humans, our four-legged friends need mental stimulation to thrive.

Here are some key points to consider when it comes to the importance of environmental enrichment for pets.

Mental Stimulation

Just like humans, pets need mental stimulation to stay sharp. Providing them with interactive toys, puzzles, and games can help keep their minds active and engaged. For cats, consider getting a scratching post or a cat tree to climb on. For dogs, try playing fetch or hiding treats around the house for them to find.

Physical Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health in pets. Dogs need daily walks and playtime to keep them physically fit, while cats benefit from toys that encourage them to run and jump. You can also consider taking your dog to a dog park or teaching your cat how to walk on a leash outside.

Stress Relief

Pets can experience stress and anxiety just like humans. Environmental enrichment can help reduce stress levels by providing them with a sense of security and comfort. For example, cats may feel more secure if they have multiple hiding spots around the house, while dogs may benefit from having a designated space where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed.

Behavioral Issues

Environmental enrichment can also help prevent and alleviate behavioral issues in pets. Dogs that are prone to destructive chewing may benefit from having plenty of chew toys available, while cats that are prone to scratching furniture may be more likely to use a scratching post if it’s placed in a prominent location.

Overall Well-Being

Ultimately, the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of our pets depends on environmental enrichment. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our cats and dogs have everything they need to thrive – and environmental enrichment is a key part of that. With a little imagination and effort, you can promote a healthy and joyful life for your pet.

By John James Marshall

It was March 29, 2022, and Byron Dawson had just finished his introductory press conference upon being named the head football coach at Centenary College. Lots of smiles; handshakes all around. Photo op here, TV interview there. One big pot of feel-good stew.

Here was a guy who was being challenged with the task of resurrecting a football program that hadn’t existed since before Dawson’s father was even born. There were only 48 states back then. McDonald’s had never sold a hamburger.

It’s a good thing Dawson didn’t look for the roadmap on how to pull this off. Because there wasn’t one.

So when all the applause died down and the back-slapping had ended, Dawson went to his office, sat down and took a deep breath.

Then he remembered a lesson his father taught him when things were getting to be too much: “Just put your head down. And go to work.”

That’s what Byron Dawson did. And he hasn’t stopped since.

This is a just a soft opening, as your neighborhood restaurant or clothing store might say.

There are home games this year at a variety of locations in Shreveport including Mayo Field, Centenary’s on-campus facility.

But if there is any doubt about this being full steam ahead, drive down Kings Highway and see all the construction going on. There are billboards around town with Dawson’s favorite catchphrase: “Now we go!”

And they are indeed going, constructing more than just facilities. The roster has about 75 players on it. A full coaching staff. New uniforms just out of the box.

It’s happening. Just like Dawson hoped/knew it would.

“The players have been great,” he said. “We made sure we created high character players. Guys who can not only excel on the field but also in the classroom. They have done a good job buying in. They know the challenges of being a young team but at the same time, they are attacking those challenges. You have to attack it with joy. You have to attack it with zeal. But you have to be strategic. You have to be smart. You have to take care of the details.”

And there are plenty of details.

When the plan was put in the place, the thought was that 2022 would be nothing more than just getting things organized. Instead, there were almost 20 players in the program. They weren’t on the actual roster, because there were no games, but they did spend time with training and conditioning. 

That’s it.

“I call that group the foundation team,” Dawson said. “They didn’t play a game. They didn’t catch a ball. They didn’t do any drills. All they did was show up and work out and run. It was basically just a fitness team, but I was so proud of that group. We laid the foundation with those guys. Now we are building the walls.”

“As a coach, there are two things we fight every day – deadline and scoreboards,” Dawson said. “You got to be prepared for the game that’s coming because you are going to be showcased on that stage. People are going to be watching. And the scoreboard is going to reveal how you did. Either pass or fail.”

Looks like the players are already figuring that out.

“I’m happy to be here first and foremost, but we’re coming into the season with something to prove,” said Joshua Ware, a former Southwood Cowboy. “We are a new fresh team and we are hungry for victories.”

For now, Dawson is trying to keep things as basic as possible.

“Our goal is very simple: master the fundamentals (and) play as a team,” he said. “And that’s all we can do.”

BY ADAM BAILEY 
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PELICAN IMAGING

A newly built, contemporary lake house on Shreveport’s Cross Lake offers spectacular views and serves as a relaxing retreat just minutes away from downtown Shreveport. While it could easily accommodate a party of 100—its multigenerational accommodations make this home a must-see for any potential homebuyer.

Inside, generous windows, huge glass facades, and sliding doors erase the lines of the walls and allow natural light and stunning views to pour in.  The interiors remain contemporary, refined, and welcoming without being untouchable. While the house has a clean and somewhat formal look, its design can take a beating—literally! “The owner chose durable materials that can stand up to the constant parade of muddy boots, dogs, kids, and party guests that could occupy any of its spaces. through here,” said Holloway. “For example, the floors are luxury vinyl.

Communal spaces are found on the ground floor—including the kitchen, keeping room, and living room—all open to one another. The primary bedroom is on the main floor, with access to the kitchen. The bottom floor houses a full kitchen as well, along with four bedrooms and two full baths, an office, and a flex room. “The bottom-floor office, which also can serve as a bedroom, has huge views—with the doors offering easy access down to the lake.”

There is even residual space on the bottom floor (underneath the main floor) that remains unfinished. It could easily be turned into a finished-out basement or custom home theatre—with ample room for additional storage and access to the electrical and ductwork.

Large expanses of glass provide tons of natural light and offer immersive views of the lake and wooded landscape. “That is what is fun about this house,” Holloway says. “This property is one of only a handful on Cross Lake that offer views of the water from both the front and back of the house. You get these two dramatic experiences in this one space, and all you must do is turn around. You can look right straight ahead, and you have this view of the lake. And then you turn around and see a different area of the lake. This is the place that I am just delighted by.”

Soon you will enjoy reading about some of the most highly valued volunteers working for our area’s Accredited Charities. With each new issue, you will learn about a different individual who works passionately for a different good cause—why they are inspired by the nonprofit’s mission, how they gain purpose from their work, and what short-term and longer-term hopes they aspire to see satisfied.
An Accredited Charity is one that has met 20 national standards that look at compliance with widely accepted expectations of nonprofits regarding their governance, effectiveness measures, finances, and integrity of their marketing publications. These are standards established by the Wise Giving Alliance, a sister affiliate of the Better Business Bureau.

In his book, Giving Done Right, Phil Buchanan, Director of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, states:

“There is simply no universal measure for nonprofits [i.e., to identify the higher achievers from the lower]—this is why there will never be an analog to a stock exchange… the idea has been endlessly discussed and never fulfilled because it makes no sense. It’s not just that there will never be a universal metric. It’s that our values come into play. The complexity of assessing nonprofit performance doesn’t make performance assessment any less important; quite the opposite…. Unfortunately, it’s too easy for nonprofits to be deemed “high impact” or “high performance” when they’re not. Some of the same organizations that have been the most celebrated and supported because of their performance have actually produced mixed results. These organizations include big-name, respected nonprofits…. Meanwhile, many nonprofits with great results labor in virtual anonymity and struggle to raise money.”

Said another way, the upside of generous households making their giving intentional and well-informed is that those nonprofits more deserving of your support will be more likely to benefit. And the ripple effect is that, as more households take that approach, the overall nonprofit sector benefits in Shreveport and beyond. Why? It is because organizations with better ideas, strategies, and efficiencies are better able to sustain support. The logical outcome of that is that more lives are qualitatively made better.

Connecting the dots, then, there is reason for confidence that giving money, time, or talent to an Accredited Charity makes more lives qualitatively better. To be clear, that is not to say that one can only be confident when contributing to Accredited Charities. Rather, it is merely to suggest that additional discretion may be merited when considering generosity toward those that have not yet earned accreditation.

By spotlighting some of Accredited Charities’ most admirable volunteers, SB Magazine ultimately is participating in helping our area’s more effective nonprofits to elevate the quality of life for more people.

It was early 1973.  Shreveport was designated as one of the first Bicentennial Cities in the United States. To understand why our city received this designation, you need to go back even further to 1966 when a commission was established by the federal government to plan and develop the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the United States through local, state, national, and international activities. As of April 4, 1975, the Bicentennial Administration had either granted or was in the process of granting official Bicentennial recognition to 1,766 federal projects. To gain this recognition and receive federal grant money, a community had to establish a Bicentennial planning group and have one or more projects that would have a residual benefit beyond 1976. As of April 1, 1975, a total of 3,502 communities had been recognized as Bicentennial communities and Shreveport was one of them.

An all-star group of volunteers, well-known in the community as being creative, was assembled and given a blank slate to begin this journey with.  It was decided that a contest would be held to determine a name for the festival.  One member of this group, Sylvia Goodman, won the contest and doodled a prototype logo using the three “R” s in the name: Red River Revel. “While the committee was discussing further how to come up with the name, I was practicing a little alliteration on a piece of paper,” Sylvia reminisces. 

In just his second year as executive director, Logan Lewis already understands and appreciates how special the Revel is to the community of the Ark-La-Tex.  “The Revel acts as a barometer of our civic pride, “Lewis begins.  He goes on to say that “There is a very important piece of historical significance to the festival that needs to be paid attention to.  There are numerous events that happen at the Revel on an annual basis that binds the community together.”  Lewis himself fell in love with the Revel when he was on one of the stages performing with his band.  He felt like he belonged with the Revel and soon found himself putting in his resume to become the executive director. Having learned a great deal from his first year as Executive Director, Lewis expects this year to be bigger and better.

He and the only other full-time staff member of the Revel team, Amy Robertson, work tirelessly to ensure that the army of volunteers is well served.  They understand that without those volunteers, activities like the mock dig, face-painting, and sand art – activities that are three generations of memories old wouldn’t succeed.  To become a volunteer, contact the organizers at volunteers@redriverrevel.com.

In recent years, the festival has added several new events and attractions to its lineup. This year, activities for the kids have been brought more into focus with the all-new DMZ (Discovery Maker Zone) Experience. The Blue Cross/Blue Shield DMZ Stage will feature a Youth Talent Show, Live Music Performances, Street Performers, and Theatre Groups. Kids will love the Obstacle Course, Laser Tag, Face 2 Face Climbing Wall, and the Nerf Battle Maze. Kids can pop over for a movie at the I-Max theatre at Sci-Port while mom and dad can enjoy browsing the artist’s tents to find a treasure for the home.

Celebrating its 47th year, the Revel has grown with each event.  For example, attending The Red River Revel Makes You a Downtown VIP.  With a Revel wristband, you will gain access to dozens of shops including dining & drink specials. With Revel+ patrons can continue the festivities at post-Revel night parties and music with discounted admission and specials that run October 1-9th.  A free shuttle to get you from place to place will run Saturdays from 11 am to 10 pm and Thursday and Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm.

Also new this year, The Revel is offering teachers, administrators, and staff members of Bossier Parish Schools free admission Tuesday night.  Caddo Parish School members have their free time on Wednesday night.  Admission for everyone else is free until 5:00 on weekdays, then $5 after 5 pm.  Saturday and Sunday admission is $5. Tickets are available at the admission gate only. The Revel opens daily at 11:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and at 10:00 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The Children’s Area closes at 8:00 PM daily. Art Alley closes one hour before the festival closes each day.

Leave your pets at home.  This includes birds, small dogs, cats, snakes, or any other type of animal. Registered service dogs are allowed with the proper credentials.

Street parking is free after 5 PM, Monday-Friday, and on weekends.

Free parking lots are located at:

• Brazzel (102 Lake St)
• Railyard Lot (70 Lake St)
• UHaul (315 Lake St).

Limited Handicapped Parking is available behind Riverview Hall (83 Crockett St, enter from Commerce St) and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

And what a history. From that first committee meeting and a contest won by Shreveport legend, Sylvia Goodman to name the festival to the energy of today’s new executive director, Logan Lewis, the Red River Revel is a huge part of the quality of life here in Shreveport-Bossier.  It’s safe to say that we’ve more than met the requirements set forth in 1966 to receive federal grant money. The Shreveport Bicentennial planning group provided a worthwhile project that has had a tremendous residual benefit beyond 1976 to our community. 

When facing a serious medical or legal issue, who do you look to for guidance? You wouldn’t just walk into the first doctor’s office or attorney’s office and hire just anyone. You would do your due diligence to make sure you are choosing to work with someone you can trust. You would look for a highly credentialed professional with a lot of experience. The same approach applies when you are looking for a financial advisor.

Fostering such a relationship is not always straightforward. When embarking on the search for an advisor, consider the following:

1. Define Your Needs: Are you looking for retirement planning, investment strategies, tax advice, debt management, budgeting insights, or guidance on estate planning? Pinpointing your requirements will guide your choice of expert.
2. Seek Referrals: Begin with your circle. Family and close friends can provide candid reviews and recommendations based on their experiences.
3. Check Credentials & Experience: While they don’t guarantee expertise, credentials and experience can set the groundwork for your search. They can help you distinguish knowledgeable advisors from the novice.
4. Find an Advisor You Trust: Such professionals commit to placing your needs above theirs. They prioritize clients’ interests, even if it means reduced compensation for them.
5. Ask questions: When interviewing potential advisors, remember they’ll work for you, and you should feel comfortable asking questions. Some questions to consider are:

What are your credentials?
Are you a fiduciary?
How do you get paid – commissions, flat fees, or both?
How will you manage my assets?
What proactive steps should I take for my financial future?

Denis Poljak is a Managing Director and a Wealth Manager with the Poljak Group Wealth Management at Steward Partners in Shreveport, Louisiana. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Steward Partners or its affiliates. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee their accuracy or completeness. Steward Partners Investment Solutions, LLC member SIPC