Shreveport to Unveil Dr. Harry Blake Sr. Highway

The state-designated memorial honors the late pastor's legacy of civil rights leadership in Louisiana.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Civic

Shreveport to Unveil Dr. Harry Blake Sr. Highway

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Shreveport will unveil the Dr. Harry Blake Sr. Memorial Highway this Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The ceremony recognizes the late civil rights leader and pastor of Mount Canaan Baptist Church.

Why it matters

The highway designation acknowledges the late Rev. Dr. Harry Blake Sr. for his significant contributions to civil rights. It serves as a permanent public tribute to his years of service within the Shreveport community.

Legislative Act 124 designates a portion of Louisiana Highway 173 from Elder Street and North Holtzman Avenue to Common Street as the memorial. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is tasked with installing and maintaining the signs.

The players

Harry Blake Sr.

He was a prominent civil rights leader and the former pastor of Mount Canaan Baptist Church who died in 2020.

Joy Walters

She is a State Representative who authored the legislation to designate the highway in honor of Dr. Blake.

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

This state agency is responsible for the installation and ongoing maintenance of the highway's memorial signage.

The details

The designation stems from legislation authored by State Representative Joy Walters during the 2026 session. Following the unveiling at 5:30 p.m., a memorial prayer service will be held to honor Dr. Blake, who passed away in 2020.

2020: Dr. Harry Blake Sr. passed away.
2026: The Louisiana Legislature passed Act 124.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Unveiling ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m.

Roadmap

This dedication follows the legal framework established by Act 124 of the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session. It reflects a growing trend of using state infrastructure designations to memorialize local civil rights history.

Drivers will soon see new memorial signage along the designated stretch of Louisiana Highway 173 between Elder Street, North Holtzman Avenue, and Common Street. Commuters should expect minor local activity during the late afternoon ceremony on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Honoring historical figures through infrastructure naming serves as a bridge between legislative action and local heritage preservation. Residents and visitors can expect to see the new signage along Highway 173 following the official unveiling process.