Alexandria, LA, (2/18/2025) – The Rapides Parish Library proudly announces the second annual induction of honorees into the Central Louisiana African American Culture & Heritage Center (AACHC) at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch.
This special celebration will be held on February 22, 2025 at 11:00 am. This year’s event will recognize and pay tribute to six African American individuals from Central Louisiana whose exceptional achievements reflect the talent and leadership produced in our community. The year’s theme is “Each Other’s Harvest: Fostering Community and Applauding Achievement.”
Central Louisiana’s first center and repository devoted exclusively to African American leaders and the African American community in Cenla was created to tell the story of the cultural, economic, and artistic contributions made locally and on the world’s stage. Along with some surprise presentations, one of the highlights of this year’s program is the celebration of the following honorees from Central Louisiana:
- Brigadier General Sheridan Cadoria (Ret.)- General Cadoria is a trailblazer in the U. S. Army, becoming the first African American woman to achieve the rank of Brigadier General.
- Mr. Lee Dotson, Jr.- Mr. Dotson is a dedicated community leader with a distinguished career spanning over five decades.
- Dr. Charles R. Joiner, MD- is a veteran of the United States Navy and current pastor of His Way Sanctuary Church in Boyce.
- Dr. Haywood B. Joiner, Jr., PhD- Dr. Joiner is a distinguished leader in our state’s higher education system, healthcare administration and community service.
- Mr. Charles Smith a.k.a. Coach- Coach Smith is a legendary figure in the world of basketball coaching. With a teaching career spanning over fifty-three years, Coach Smith led Peabody Magnet High School to a record setting 1,208 wins.
- Honorable Dorothy Baker Reyes, Judge- In 2005, Judge Reyes was appointed to the Los Angeles Superior Court by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. She served until 2022.
African American Culture & Heritage Center
The AACH Center will continue to collect the stories, art, and histories of African American sons and daughters in the region that prior to this time have been fragmented and largely uncatalogued. Housed at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch of the Rapides Parish Library next to Peabody High School, the Center provides a space to capture and celebrate their stories. Along with the new additions being unveiled this year, the Center currently includes a curated portrait gallery, art, and displays honoring selected individuals whose exceptional achievements reflect the talent and leadership produced in our community. All, especially teens and children, are encouraged to visit the AACHC and learn about the history of local pioneers whose contributions to society have paved the way for our local youth to follow.
Rapides Parish Library invites the community to attend the second annual induction ceremony and celebration of the Central Louisiana African American Culture and Heritage Center at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch at 1115 Broadway Avenue in Alexandria on February 22, 2025 at 11 am.
Error, no group ID set! Check your syntax!The Rapides Parish Library administration and staff are committed to promoting lifelong learning and strive to provide the resources necessary to build a better brighter tomorrow for all residents of Rapides Parish.
Promoting literacy, guiding discovery, changing lives… for all.
For more information, please contact Sandie Flynn Buller at [email protected] or 318-445-6436 x1007.
Previous Article: Rapides Parish Library Unveils Central Louisiana African American Culture & Heritage Center
