Barbara Norton: Former lawmaker, perpetual changemaker

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Barbara Norton has been encouraging people on her weekly KOKA radio show for more than 30 years now. She uses her platform to inform and motivate.

“You are somebody. You are a hero,” Norton shared with her audience. “There is no giving up. There is no quitting. There is no stopping.”

It’s that perseverance that helped her create change and provide long lasting traditions and resources for the Shreveport community. She has a long list of accomplishments including the creation of the annual African American History Parade which celebrated its 37th year in February. She has given away more than 30,000 shoes to children in need over the past 20 years, during her back-to-school giveaway.

In 1989, she spearheaded an effort to create a community library in the Airport Park Recreation Center. That effort led to the opening of the Shreve Memorial Library Mooretown Branch in 2003.

“Without education, we can’t survive. It’s impossible,” said Norton.

She accomplished this while juggling a career and raising three children. She still felt there was more to be done.

“I said if I become an elected official, I will be sitting at the table and I can speak up for not only you all, but for those persons who does not have a voice,” Norton recalled.

She served as State Representative from 2008 to 2020. During that time, she worked to improve District 3, which included a beautification project to make neighbors feel proud of their community.

Carolyn Pinkney has been friends with Barbara for years and nominated her to be a Remarkable Woman of the ArkLaTex, to give back to someone who has given so much to others throughout her lifetime. Carolyn says she is inspired by Barbara’s strength.

“She’s one of those people who cares about everybody, from the youngest to the oldest,” said Pinkney. “She is like a jack in the box, no matter how hard you push her down she’s gonna keep popping up. There’s nothing you can do to her to stop her or to break her or to shake her because she knows who she is.”

“I think a woman is strong when she stands up for what’s right,” said Norton.

Barbara and the African American Parade Celebration Committee will host the 3rd annual Women’s Celebration on Sunday, March 23^rd at 2:00 p.m. at Riverview Hall in Downtown Shreveport.

The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to wear white to the event. If you would like to be recognized with a certificate and pin during the celebration, email holli225@yahoo.com.