SHREVEPORT, La. — Community leaders gathered at Galilee Baptist Church Tuesday morning to announce a month of events commemorating the legacy of the Rev. E. Edward Jones Sr., 10 years after his death.
Jones, a prominent civil rights leader, was known as a defender of the oppressed throughout the ArkLaTex. He is also credited with the vision of "Galilee City: A City within a City."
Organizers described the upcoming events as a call to renewed responsibility for the city.
"But if you look around and look at the leadership of this community, he touched the people that are the movers and shakers in our community and therefore he parlayed what he was doing by investing in other people and making sure that the legacy and the work continues here," said Kenneth Coutee, a friend of the late minister.
The memorial events begin this month, with June 18 designated as the official "Day of Service." The public is encouraged to perform acts of kindness in memory of Jones on that day.
The programming also features an oratory contest for students.
The tribute will conclude June 28 with a civic service titled "For the Love of Shreveport."