Women’s Commission continues to serve

When MeGail Parsons first joined the Shreveport Mayor’s Women’s Commission last January, it didn’t take long for her to realize what she was in for.

“It is work. There’s no income. We do these events and activities through sponsors or try to partner with other entities, but there’s no budget; we’re not a nonprofit or 501(c)3. We’re just women in our community trying to make a difference in the area,” the newly-elected president said.

Since it was founded, the Shreveport Mayor’s Women’s Commission has quietly served in the areas of advocacy, education and quality of life through a variety of programs, activities and events, such as their Annual HERA Award event held each November.

The HERA Award is presented to three women who are selected from nominations submitted by the public. The women are recognized as unsung heroes in their community in three categories: advocacy, education and quality of life.

This year’s honorees included Lois Scheib, Sylvia Newman and Virginia P. Lee.

The commission also provides education through workshops and seminars, such as their obesity seminar held last September at the Martin Luther King Health Center.

“We always try to address those critical issues that affect women and youth,” Parsons said.

Around 30 participants attended the seminar where they received important information, handouts and literature on the dangers of obesity, as well as a presentation by Women’s Commission member Dr. Marie Vasquez-Morgan. “I don’t think you could get this kind of information anywhere else,” Parsons said. “And a lot of the participants suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes, so they were so appreciative of the input and said they found it to be quite valuable and resourceful.”

The Shreveport Women’s Commission was first established in 1984 under the leadership of then-Mayor John Hussey. Hussey formed an ad hoc committee of women who hand-picked the first 27 women to serve on the newly formed commission.

“We were looking for women who were actively involved in other areas of the community. Women who were committed to try to effectuate change for others in the community,” said longtime political activist Maxine Sarpy, who served as city councilwoman at the time and was part of the ad hoc committee. “We were trying to get a diverse group so that we could have input from all segments of the community, progressive women who were just interested in making a difference.”

Such a women’s group was virtually unheard of before then. “I would say it was an empowering thing because it afforded women an opportunity to serve on a commission that some of them had never served on before, pertaining to government and community life,” Sarpy said. “Many of the women had served in sororities and social organizations, but this was the first that brought such a diverse group of women together.”

The purpose of the Women’s Commission is multi-fold, including to serve as an advocate for Shreveport’s women; act as liaison with Mayor Cedric Glover and his office regarding issues affecting women; plan, promote and assist in launching programs that address the needs of women and youth; partner with organizations and groups to further the cause of women and youth; support fellow Shreveport women and submit an annual report to the mayor identifying progress and making

recommendations to better address the needs of area women and youth.

While members were appointed for the first Women’s Commission in 1984, today, membership is open to all Shreveport women through an application process. Members must attend meetings held the first Thursday of each month, participate in Commission-sponsored events and pay an annual assessment fee of $50.

However, for members like Parsons, the opportunity to serve is priceless.

“It still has some growth to do, but it’s a wonderful organization,” Parsons said. “You don’t hear that much about us, but today it’s becoming an even more diverse group, including working women who can provide further insight on what’s going on in the community and what we need to address.”

Learn more about the Shreveport Mayor’s Women’s Commission online and apply for membership at www.shreveportla.gov and search “Women’s Commission.”

-Donecia Pea