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Mazie Lou Kirtland
September 1, 1939 – July 21, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 11am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Bobby Gene Mills
January 10, 1944 – July 20, 2026
Service: Friday, July 24, 2026, 10am at Elwood Baptist Church, Forest Hill.

Earl K. Hines
February 16, 1940 – July 19, 2026
Service: Monday, July 27, 2026, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Janelle Mizell Allen
December 8, 1940 – July 18, 2026
Service: Friday, July 24, 2026, 10am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Gary Marvin Normand
November 19, 1950 – July 18, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 11am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Kent Austin Sanson
January 28, 2010 – July 17, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 9am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Juanita “Nitty” Williams
May 14, 1951 – July 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 12pm at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Alexandria.

JaKobey X. Kahey
December 31, 2003 – July 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 1pm at Zion Hill Church Family, Pineville.

A’Layna Laiken Kali Duruisseau
October 22, 2003 — July 8, 2026
Service: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 11am at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, Boyce.

Kim Alayne Gordy
December 15, 1963 – July 4, 2026
Service: Friday, July 24, 2026, 3pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Brenda Sue White
December 14, 1958 – May 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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By JIM BUTLER

Several applications are in the already in the hopper as LSU Alexandria’s search for a Chief Financial Officer continues.

Executive Vice Chancellor & CFO Deron Thaxton’s last work day on campus is July 31 with official separation in late August, according to officials.

Next Tuesday, Thaxton will be guest of honor at a celebration/roast at the conclusion of the work day.

Thaxton has been at the university since 2003, holding several positions prior to becoming CFO in 2014.

About this time in 2023 the executive vice chancellor role was added to his responsibilities.

He has witnessed and played a key part in a remarkable surge in the school’s enrollment and footprint in the community.

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Alexandria Senior High School students will begin the 2026-2027 school year with virtual instruction after an unintentional release of asbestos fibers occurred during school improvement construction projects on campus.

In a letter to students and families dated July 21, Rapides Parish School Board officials said the release had the potential to create an unsafe learning and working environment for students and employees.

The district said its facilities department has been working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to ensure all appropriate safety and remediation standards are addressed. Officials said they continue working with architects and contractors to prepare the campus for the return of students and staff.

The district said the campus will not be ready to open for the scheduled start of school on Aug. 7. As a result, all students enrolled at Alexandria Senior High will begin the school year virtually.

Officials expect the delay to last at least a few weeks and said updates will be provided each Friday afternoon as additional information becomes available.

Teachers and administrators will provide virtual instruction, and school leaders will distribute information regarding Chromebook pickup, class schedules and other materials needed for the start of the school year.

Students will be able to access schedules, Google Classroom and other educational programs beginning Aug. 7 using their official RPSB CLEVER login credentials from any internet-connected device.

Students who need a device may pick up Google Chromebooks at the ASH ROTC building according to the following schedule:

Friday, Aug. 7

• 8 to 11 a.m. — Seniors
• Noon to 3 p.m. — Juniors

Monday, Aug. 10

• 8 to 11 a.m. — Sophomores
• Noon to 3 p.m. — Freshmen

Students will also receive printed schedules, instructions for schedule change requests, RPSB login credentials for educational programs, a guide for starting school virtually, information on school, AP and dual enrollment fees, instructions for logging into classes and information on free Wi-Fi access points.

For more info go online to: ash.rpsb.us/2026-start-of-school

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced that the US 167 northbound off-ramp to LA 107 will be closed daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, and Thursday, July 23, weather permitting.

The temporary closure is scheduled as part of ongoing work in the area. The project is expected to be completed by July 23, although the schedule may be affected by weather and other construction-related factors.

Motorists are encouraged to plan accordingly and use caution while traveling through the area.

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Hot and humid conditions will continue across Rapides Parish through early next week, with afternoon high temperatures remaining in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values reaching as high as 115 degrees. Daily chances for afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected to return beginning Thursday.

Wednesday will be sunny with highs in the upper 90s. North winds will range from 5 to 10 mph, and the afternoon heat index could reach 115 degrees. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with lows in the upper 70s. Northeast winds will be 5 to 10 mph, and heat index values could remain as high as 108 degrees early in the evening.

Thursday will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid 90s and a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Northeast winds will be 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph during the afternoon. Heat index values could reach 106 degrees. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the mid 70s.

Friday will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid 90s and a 50 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Heat index values could reach 105 degrees. Friday night will be partly cloudy with lows in the mid 70s.

Saturday will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid 90s and a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Heat index values could reach 105 degrees. Saturday night will be partly cloudy during the evening before clearing, with lows in the mid 70s.

Sunday will be sunny with highs in the mid 90s. Heat index values could reach 105 degrees. Sunday night will be mostly clear with lows in the mid 70s.

The hot weather will continue into Monday with sunny skies and highs in the upper 90s. Heat index values could climb to around 110 degrees.

Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit prolonged outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses as dangerous heat continues across the parish.

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Rapides Regional Medical Center Infectious Disease Pharmacist Jordan Alexander, PharmD, has been named the 2026 Hospital Pharmacist of the Year by the Louisiana Pharmacists Association.

The award is presented annually to a hospital-based pharmacist who has compiled an outstanding record that reflects positively on the practice of pharmacy, including successful accreditation by government regulatory agencies, involvement in quality improvement initiatives and promotion of pharmacist-driven clinical services. Recipients also exemplify high professional standards and make significant contributions to their practice setting and the profession of pharmacy.

Alexander was recognized during the Louisiana Pharmacists Association’s annual convention held in Bossier City in mid-July.

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Red River Bank Opens New Banking Center and Announces Relocations in New Orleans

Red River Bank has opened a new, fully operational banking center at 1100 Poydras St., Suite 100, inside the Energy Centre in New Orleans.

The new location consolidates operations from two previous offices: the full-service branch at 700 Baronne St. and the Loan and Deposit Production Office previously located in Suite 925 of the Energy Centre. Combining retail banking, private banking, and commercial lending into a single suite creates a centralized hub for local customers.

Red River Bank first entered the New Orleans market in 2021 with the opening of its Energy Centre production office, followed by the Baronne Street location in 2022.

“Our new banking center establishes a centralized hub for our customers,” said Jim Nelson, Greater New Orleans Market President. “They will now have the convenience of accessing all service lines in a single location, resulting in a comprehensive banking experience. We look forward to welcoming customers through our doors and serving as a trusted financial partner for years to come.”

Bank leadership emphasized that the consolidated site reinforces the institution’s long-term investment in the region.

“The opening of our newest banking center reflects our continued commitment to serving the individuals, families, and businesses that make the Greater New Orleans community so vibrant,” said Red River Bank President and CEO Blake Chatelain. “At Red River Bank, we believe banking is about building lasting relationships, delivering exceptional service, and investing in the communities we serve.”

Hours of operation for the Energy Centre location are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Mayor Jacques Roy spoke during the 20th anniversary celebration of the Olive House, which is operated by the Inner-City Revitalization Corporation.

The Olive House was created to provide stable, affordable housing for adults who have experienced homelessness and are transitioning from shelters, rehabilitation programs or other supportive environments.

The program primarily serves individuals who have experienced homelessness, are recovering from substance use disorders after at least three months of sobriety, may be living with mental illness or co-occurring conditions, or have completed rehabilitation programs and are ready for more independent living.

Its mission is to help residents achieve long-term stability by combining affordable housing with access to supportive services, allowing them to remain as long as needed while rebuilding their independence.

The City of Alexandria congratulated the Olive House on 20 years of service to the community.

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Allison Frye, who coached Pineville High School to the Select Division I state softball championship in May, is a featured speaker this morning at the Louisiana High School Coaches’ Association clinic in Baton Rouge.

It’s the second straight year Frye has presented at the clinic, a mecca for the state’s high school coaches in all sports. Her talk is not softball specific and begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Crown Plaza Hotel.

Her topic will be “Team Building That Works” and her expertise is apparent.

Along with this year’s state title at her alma mater, Frye coached Holy Savior Menard to the Class 2A state championship in 2015 and the state finals in 2016 and 2018. She’s been a consistent winner at both schools.

Her Lady Rebels finished with a 29-9 record this year, wrapping up with a dominant playoff run culminating in the school’s first state softball crown in 28 years. In postseason, Pineville run-ruled all four opponents, outscoring them 52-5 in just 21 innings, scoring at least 12 runs each game.

She was a clear-cut choice for Class 5A state coach of the year honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

Frye took the Pineville post after the 2018 season. She was a three-time All-State infielder for the Lady Rebels when she played from 2003-06, then an all-conference player at Louisiana Christian.

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If I have learned nothing else over my many years of tournament bass fishing, it’s the fact that it’s a young man’s sport. Being young has its privileges, especially when it comes to energy levels and mobility. At the age of 65, I no longer hop around the boat like a rat on crack. 

Now I’m a little more cautious in making sure I don’t hang a toe getting up on the front deck of my Caymas boat.  I’m just trying to maintain my balance and make sure that I don’t fall in the lake! 

I’ve also noticed that the older I have gotten, the further it seems to be from the driver’s seat console to the front of my boat. Just putting the trolling motor in the water also requires a little more energy now, even with high-tech lift-assist-systems that trolling motors have today. 

Even tying on a new lure can be a challenge as I need my reading glasses just to see what I’m doing. Threading fishing line through the eye of a hook requires skill that used to be automatic; now it’s an adventure and a test of my patience! 

One aspect that today’s young anglers seem to do a better job of is covering water and fishing as many places as they can in a day’s time. Older guys tend to stay in one area longer and fish it thoroughly just because we don’t want to take the time or exert the energy to move. 

I have also noticed the younger generation of today are not very likely to offer much help for the older guys who might be launching their boats by themselves. 

This was something I was always conscious of during my younger days. If I saw an older gentleman trying to launch his boat by himself, I always offered a helping hand. I think it’s just the way my generation was raised, to always be looking out for the elderly.

Even today, and now that I’m the older guy at the ramp, I’ll still offer ANY angler assistance. It’s just good manners.

In today’s tournament world, I find myself trying to stay in better shape just so I can compete with these young guns. To compete on any tournament trail, you must spend time on the water. 

A good angler will practice 8-10 hours a day in the boat trying to locate as many schools of bass as he can. It’s not uncommon for the really good anglers to practice from sunup to sundown. Again, nothing will make you a better angler than time on the water! 

These are the anglers who will not only cash more checks but will also be holding up the trophy at the end of the tournament. You cannot compete in today’s bass fishing world by taking shortcuts or only fishing for a few hours a day, no matter how good you think you are. 

Another issue at my age is that some days, fishing is literally a grind and a test of your patience. The bass don’t always bite all day long and there are only a few small windows of opportunity where the bass will feed. If you’re not on the water, you will miss those opportunities. 

There will be some days that you will ask yourself, “Why am I out here?”  But these are the days that will separate the good anglers from the average ones. The good anglers will stay on the lake and make every attempt to figure out how to make the fish bite. 

This is called persistence and determination, which can go a long way in having tournament success. It’s also called focus, which I find is a lot harder to maintain as I’ve gotten older. Focus ensures that you don’t miss those windows of opportunity when you get that unexpected bite. 

One thing that has not changed, even at the age of 65, is my desire to compete. I’m still that same competitive soul who gets so much joy in a high finish and beating the younger generation. We’ve all heard, age is just a number. That’s true until you reach what you think is that age …then reality sets in.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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December 8, 1940 – July 18, 2026

Janelle Mizell Allen, 85, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 18th, 2026.

Best known by her favorite title “Doodie,” she devoted her last 31 years to her favorite people: her grandchildren. She never missed a soccer game, a choir concert, a basketball game, a drumline performance, a musical, a dance recital, a cheer competition, or a baseball game. She was a member of Kingsville Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Allen, Sr; son, William (Billy) Allen, Jr; father, Lamar Mizell; mother, Ruby Mizell Coates; and stepfather, Walter Coates.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Debbie Beck and husband, Rick, Ginger Allen, and Robin Allen; daughter-in-law Margaret Allen; her grandchildren, William Allen III (Meredith), Brittany Carroll (Landry), Charles Allen (Lily), Matthew Beck (Morgan), Catherine Stice (Sawyer), Michael Beck (Taylor), and Jane Anne Allen; her great grandson, John Michael Stice and two great granddaughters on the way, Campbell Carroll and Lynnie Beck.

Pallbearers will include her grandsons: William Allen, Charles Allen, Matthew Beck, Michael Beck, Landry Carroll, and Sawyer Stice.

Honorary Pallbearers will include Rick Beck, Mark Gravel, and Trey Cox.

Visitation will be at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria Friday, July 24, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by a graveside service for the immediate family officiated by Pastor Harris Dickson.

Memorials can be made to Kingsville Baptist Church Building Campaign, 3911 Monroe Hwy, Ball, Louisiana 71405.

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Funeral services celebrating the life of Ms. Donna Dubroc will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Fall Creek Funeral Home, 1800 Military Hwy, Pineville with Sandy Jo Cooper officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Pineville under the direction of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Pineville.

Visitation will begin on Friday, July 24, 2026 at the funeral home from 9:30AM until time of service.

Ms. Donna Gail Dubroc, age 56, of Ball, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family and friends.

Donna loved the outdoors and found great joy in fishing, hunting, and searching for arrowheads. She was never one to sit inside for long; she was happiest when she was active and surrounded by nature. More than anything, Donna cherished spending time with her family and friends.

Donna had a special place in her heart for animals. She loved her pets deeply and never hesitated to rescue or care for a stray animal in need. Her compassion and kindness toward animals reflected the generous spirit she shared with everyone who knew her.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Nellie Dubroc and her sister, Judy Reese.

She is survived by her sons, Chris Spurgeon (Kristen) of Hineston, Devin Spurgeon (Kristen) of Cloutierville; her daughter, April Page of Boyce; her brothers, Roger Dubroc (Beth) of Pineville, Brandon Dubroc (Theresa) of Pineville; her sisters, Cindy Mandarino (John) of Ball, Wanda Hillman (Greg) of Alexandria; and her brother-in-law, Lonnie Reese (Jr.) of Baytown, Texas. She also leaves behind four beautiful grandchildren along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Compassionate Care Hospice, especially her nurse, Savannah, for the exceptional compassion, kindness, and loving care she provided to Donna during her final days. Your support and dedication brought comfort to both Donna and her family and will never be forgotten. A special thank you to Marie Fox, who was a dear friend to Donna and her caretaker.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Fall Creek Funeral Home, Robbie Dauzat, Director.

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Funeral services for Mrs. Julia Janelle Corley Coody will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Pollock United Pentecostal Church, Pollock, with Reverend Danny Aycock and Troy Corley officiating. Interment will follow in Restland Memorial Gardens, Pollock, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.

Julia Janelle Corley Coody, also known by most people as “JC”, passed from this earth to her heavenly home on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the age of 75.

JC was the third of five children to the wonderful family of Chester and Hazel Corley of Tioga. JC was raised in a military family and moved numerous times growing up until they finally settled back home in Louisiana.

Having worked in the medical field at Rapides General Hospital for a couple decades, JC knew most of the people in Central Louisiana by name or at least somebody in their family. No matter where she was, she was friends with somebody. JC was one of those people that would bring a smile to just about anybody. If you were having a bad day, see JC and your day suddenly got better. JC was one of those people everyone wishes they had for a sister. She had an abundance of ‘Common Sense’ that made her totally selfless and caring. The world has lost a wonderful human being but, she is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

JC was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Hazel Corley of Tioga; her sister, Kathy Thompson and brother-in-law, Johnny Thompson of Houston, Texas.

JC is survived by her loving husband, Karl Coody of Pineville; her brother, Harold Corley and wife Barbara, of Pineville, her brother, Glenn Corley of Tioga, and her brother, Troy Corley and wife Lisa, of Simmesport. JC also leaves behind many nephews and nieces that she loved as much as if they were her very own. JC also had three very special friends she leaves behind that meant a lot to her, Artie Sutton, Bonnie Lemoine, and Carol Coody.

A time of visitation will be held at Pollock United Pentecostal Church, on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at the church on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

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July 22 marks one of the most famous days in American crime history.

On July 22, 1934, notorious bank robber John Dillinger was shot and killed by federal agents outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago after leaving a movie. His death ended one of the nation’s most highly publicized manhunts during the Great Depression.

Dillinger became one of America’s most infamous outlaws after a string of bank robberies, jail escapes and confrontations with law enforcement across the Midwest. Newspapers closely followed his crimes, turning him into a household name at a time when many Americans were struggling through economic hardship.

Federal authorities tracked Dillinger to the theater after receiving information from an informant. As he exited the building, agents attempted to arrest him. When he tried to flee, he was shot and killed.

The event marked a significant moment in the history of federal law enforcement. The pursuit of Dillinger helped elevate the public profile of what would become the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under Director J. Edgar Hoover and led to increased attention on interstate crime-fighting efforts.

More than 90 years later, Dillinger’s story continues to be the subject of books, documentaries and films, making July 22 a notable date in American history.

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Phonetic: /gar·​ru·​lous/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition

tending to talk a lot : very talkative

He became more garrulous after drinking a couple of beers.

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Milton Coffman
April 4, 1940 – July 19, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 10am at St. Clair Baptist Church, Boyce.

Earl K. Hines
February 16, 1940 – July 19, 2026
Service: Monday, July 27, 2026, 12pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Janelle Mizell Allen
December 8, 1940 – July 18, 2026
Service: Friday, July 24, 2026, 10am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Alexandria.

Gary Marvin Normand
November 19, 1950 – July 18, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 11am at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Peggy Smith Paul
January 26, 1945 – July 18, 2026
Service: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 2pm at Bethel Baptist Church, Glenmora.

Kent Austin Sanson
January 28, 2010 – July 17, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 9am at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Pineville.

Juanita “Nitty” Williams
May 14, 1951 – July 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 12pm at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Alexandria.

JaKobey X. Kahey
December 31, 2003 – July 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 1pm at Zion Hill Church Family, Pineville.

A’Layna Laiken Kali Duruisseau
October 22, 2003 — July 8, 2026
Service: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 11am at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, Boyce.

Kim Alayne Gordy
December 15, 1963 – July 4, 2026
Service: Friday, July 24, 2026, 3pm at Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball.

Brenda Sue White
December 14, 1958 – May 27, 2026
Service: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria.

The Rapides Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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GAEDA to hear housing, audit matters before closed legal talk

By JIM BUTLER

GAEDA commissioners will hear a presentation today regarding affordable housing.

Specifically, according to the posted agenda Living Legacy Community Development will discuss legacy homes on sections of three streets as well as the Affordable Workforce Housing Initiative.

Housing development is among the objectives in the legislation creating the economic development entity years ago.

Its focus, however, has until now been financial assistance to a host of meetings and activities, paid for with proceeds of a special hotel-motel tax.

Two such allocations are on today’s agenda — $20,000 to assist with meals, marketing and advertising for a Lodge assembly in October and $5,000 toward meals for a VFW gathering in August.

At its 8:30 a.m. meeting the agency will hear results and recommendations, if any, from its annual audit.

The report for the year ending December 31, 2025 will be posted by the Legislative Auditor’s Office in upcoming weeks.

Commissioners will conclude with a closed discussion.

The agenda notes an executive session is planned to discuss prospective litigation, prompted by a written demand.

State law allows such though it does not require the closure that is standard procedure across government.

Neither the nature of the demand nor who is making it are required to be disclosed.

Speculation could focus on one of several issues but would be just that.

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Decrepit historic landmark an Alexandria embarrassment

A few weeks ago, I wrote how Alexandria was looking “tired.” This was based on many faded or torn or dilapidated signs and buildings a friend and I spotted on some of the major thoroughfares through Alexandria, but we didn’t hit the downtown area.

Since then, I have found in downtown Alexandria a landmark – a place that is in on the National Register of Historic Places – that doesn’t look tired. That would be too kind a description. It’s a place that is in disrepair and looks decrepit. It looks as if it is ready to be bulldozed any day now.

I’m talking about the Arna Bontemps Home that was made into a museum more than three decades ago. It is located on the river side of Third Street between Manchac Technologies and the Children’s Museum. If you didn’t know where it was and drove by, you’d miss it. It is virtually hidden by overgrown trees and shrubs. The paint is peeling, and some boards near the entrance are missing, exposing what appears to be some insulation. It’s hard to read the memorial plaque in the front yard through all the overgrowth of greenery surrounding it. The same applies for a picture board of Bontemps on the other side of the yard.

This is a disgrace.

Why is Alexandria ignoring what once was a shrine to “the greatest living Negro author to be born in Louisiana?” It’s as if we don’t care.

Arna Wendell Bontemps (pronounced bahn-TAHM) died at age 70 in June of 1973 in Nashville. He was a writer-in-residence at that time at Fisk University. His obituary in the Nashville Tennessean described him as “one of America’s distinguished men of letters” as well as a nationally known author and critic of American literature. In a book review in The Town Talk in 1973 on Bontemps’ book,  Young Booker: Early Days of Booker T. Washington, Irving Ward-Steinman referred to Bontemps as “the greatest living Negro author to be born in Louisiana.”

Bontemps was born in Alexandria on Oct. 13, 1902, the son of Paul Bismarck Bontemps and Marie Carolina Pembroke Bontemps. His father was a musician, brick mason and lay minister and his mother was a teacher. The family left Alexandria when he was 3 years old to move to Los Angeles, reportedly to escape the racial tension that existed here at the time. His mother died when he was 12, and he then lived with a grandmother and her younger brother.

Bontemps left a post office job in Los Angeles to move to New York in the 1920s, where he became a noted poet, married a schoolteacher, Alberta Johnson, and got to know famous figures of the Harlem Renaissance. He then went on to write novels, his first being God Sends Sunday about the life of a black jockey in the 1880s. 

His career took him to Alabama and Chicago, where he earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Chicago in 1943, the year he began his tenure as a writer-in-residence at Fisk. His was an illustrious career that also included writing numerous children’s books.

When you think about the Bontemps Museum, which was buzzing with activities just 20 years ago, it’s a gut-punch to see it become a vacated eyesore. It once was a “point of light” and now it’s relegated to darkness, its history forlorn and forgotten.

If you wonder what Bontemps might say about this situation, it might relate to what he said in 1966 while speaking at UCLA’s first American Negro History Week. According to this obituary in the Tennessean, he complained of myths that have “plagued the Negro since his arrival on these shores. The myth that I suspect has hurt us most in the present (20^th) century was the allegation that the Negro had no background, no achievement worth mentioning.” 

Granted, Bontemps’ history in Alexandria was quite brief, but heretofore we have been quick to claim him as our own. In fact, when his original house – then located on Ninth and Winn Streets – needed repair in 1988 and was threatened with demolition, folks around here came to the rescue. The first step to renovating the house, said realtor Rod Noles at the time, was to move it. And it was decided to move it to its current location near River Oaks Square Arts and Crafts Center. Noles donated $1,000 to get the renovation project started.

I reached out multiple times to two people familiar with the plight of the Bontemps Home, City Council President Cynthia Perry, and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Michael Caffery, and they have not returned messages. Jim Villard, City Councilman At-Large, said the museum has been closed several years. He said the property belongs to the Bontemps family, but the land it is on belongs to the city.

The Arna Bontemps Foundation, Inc., which was organized to run the museum and raise funds for it, hasn’t done its job.

If that board no longer gives a hoot about it, why not ask the family to donate the building to the City of Alexandria? The city, I’m guessing, could then maintain it just as it does the Genealogical Library, the Zoo and the parks.

If the City owns the land around the property, can it at least get a crew to do some trimming, mowing and landscaping around it so it can at least be visible again?  Villard said he would make that request.

Maybe the sight of the blight will be just what’s needed to instigate life support. 

(To find out about the refresh Alexandria Central Louisiana Community Initiative, go to: https://bit.ly/signsofnewlife)

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