Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Honors Trailblazers at 2025 Black History Event

BATON ROUGE, La. — In a stirring tribute to resilience, leadership, and Black excellence, the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus (LLBC) gathered at Southern University to honor a distinguished group of trailblazers shaping history. The 2025 Black History Honorees event celebrated those whose work has left an indelible mark on civil rights, politics, education, and community development.

The atmosphere was electric as WAFB anchor and InvestigateTV co-host Tisha Powell opened the ceremony, setting the stage for an afternoon of reflection, legacy, and empowerment. Reverend Lois S. LeDuff, Associate Pastor of Shady Grove First Missionary Baptist Church in Baker, delivered a powerful invocation, calling on attendees to carry forward the unyielding spirit of Black pioneers who paved the way.

A Gathering of Influential Leaders

State Representative Edmond Jordan, LLBC Chairman, and Representative Jason Hughes, LLBC President, led the event alongside Southern University System President Dennis J. Shields and Southern University A&M Chancellor John K. Pierre. With the Louisiana Association for Justice/Bayou Research serving as the event’s Premiere Sponsor, the afternoon was a testament to the power of unity and progress.

A rousing federal update from Congressman Cleo Fields (D-LA-6th District) emphasized the necessity of legislative action in advancing Black communities, reminding all present that the fight for justice is far from over.

Honoring Those Who Shape History

As the much-anticipated awards presentation began, the room swelled with pride. Each honoree represented a pillar of progress, their work echoing the legacies of the civil rights icons before them:

• Congressman Cleo Fields – The Avery C. Alexander Civil Rights Award, honoring his unwavering fight for equality and justice.
• Dianna Payton, CEO of YWCA – The Pinkie C. Wilkerson Humanitarian Award, recognizes her tireless advocacy for marginalized communities.
• Dr. Rene F. Brown, Pastor of Mount Zion First Baptist Church – The Charles I. Hudson Visionary Award, for his transformative leadership in faith and social justice.
• Bridget A. Dinvaut, District Attorney, 40th Judicial District – The Ernest "Dutch" Morial First African American Elected to The Louisiana Legislature Champions Award, a tribute to her groundbreaking role in law and governance.
• David Aubrey, President of AT&T Louisiana – The Outstanding Philanthropist Award, for his commitment to economic empowerment and corporate social responsibility.
• Former Senator Diana E. Bajoie – The Champion Award for Advocacy, in recognition of her trailblazing efforts in legislative reform.
• Former Mayor-President – The Champion Award for Equity and Inclusion, honoring a legacy of inclusive policy-making.
• Bishop Ivory D. Payne, CEO/Publisher of Baton Rouge Weekly Press – The Champion Award for Entrepreneurship and Community Development, celebrates his influence in Black media and economic development.
• Tony Clayton, District Attorney, 18th Judicial District & Chairman of Southern University System Board of Supervisors – The Trailblazer Award for Excellence, for his groundbreaking leadership in education and justice.
• Dr. William F. Tate, President of Louisiana State University – The Trailblazer Award for Excellence, marking his role in redefining higher education leadership.
• Kennedy Orr, SGA President, Southern University – The Future Leader Award, honoring his promise as a next-generation leader.
• Dr. Sandra Brown – Recognized for her pivotal role in empowering History-Making Black Male Nursing Students at Southern University School of Nursing.
• Sherman Jackson, Tommie L. Stout, and Alexis D. Motley – Each received The Lifetime Champion Award, acknowledging their decades of service and dedication to progress.

A Call to Action and a Legacy of Strength

The ceremony also honored members of the Legislative Black Caucus and the Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, reaffirming their collective commitment to policies that uplift and protect Black communities across Louisiana.

Closing the event, Representative Jason Hughes left the audience with a charge: “Black history is not just about the past—it’s about the progress we make today and the legacy we leave for future generations.”

The evening concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, a reminder that the honorees of today are paving the way for a stronger, more just tomorrow. The spirit of Black excellence was alive in that room—a force of history in motion, unstoppable, unbreakable, and ever-rising.