It is my honor to introduce you to the Museum of the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame. Our vision is to identify and recognize Black Achievers who have made outstanding contributions to the state of Louisiana in designated fields. The information about these Black Achievers and their contributions has been used in the furtherance of our mission, which is “to educate and inspire achievement.”

Since 1988, the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame has honored a total of 88 Black Achievers who have received the “Torches of Life Award,” and were inducted into the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame. The awards categories featured by the program include education, business, literature, inventions, government, communications, civil rights, law, religion, art,
music, entertainment, and sports. The Torches of Life Award is awarded in recognition of contributions that symbolize achieving success by overcoming difficulties and obstacles in life.
Over the past three decades, the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame has sponsored special programs to honor award recipients who have made outstanding contributions to the state of Louisiana to help educate and inspire achievement of people from the community and around the state, especially young people. Special events and programs have also been held to promote involvement of people from communities across the state. Many awards have been presented and exhibits have been held to promote education and achievement.

Many of our exhibits will be displayed for public viewing in our newly constructed museum. Public or community events pertaining to the awards categories will be held in the historic Lincoln Theater that was recently renovated to provide a venue for community events in helping to fulfill our mission. All members of the community are invited to attend our events and participate in our programs. Thanks to all of the local, city, and state donors for helping to make our dream become a reality. We are excited about serving the community with a variety of wholesome programs and activities. You are cordially invited to join us in our efforts toward the further development of our community!

It is with that passion for history that Dr. Durant became one of the initial members of The Louisiana Scholars Committee that developed the honoring format of The Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame Inductees and approved the educational premise that their contributions can be inspirations for others to achieve. As a past Advisor and currently the Vice President of The Board of Directors, Dr. Durant’s knowledge, experiences and contributions as an author, scholar, historian, and professor has helped to lay the educational foundation of The Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame Museum.