SporTran and City Council dedicate bus shelter in honor of domestic violence advocate

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) —A bus stop in north Shreveport now stands as a powerful symbol of hope and advocacy in the fight against domestic violence.

On Wednesday, May 28th, city leaders, advocates, and community members gathered in the 1600 block of North Market Street for a special ceremony dedicating a new SporTran bus shelter in honor of Petrina Lavette Gay-Jenkins. Jenkins devoted her life to raising awareness, educating the public, and supporting survivors of domestic violence in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

“The impact that I hope this has is that I want the community to understand that they are not alone, that there is hope and that there are places and resources available,” said Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, who co-sponsored the legislation along with Councilman Jim Taliaferro.

Jenkins served as Community Outreach and Education Manager for Project Celebration Inc.’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program before her passing. She also worked as a court advocate for the YWCA and served on several local and state task forces, including the Louisiana State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Councilwoman Taylor emphasized that while domestic violence is a difficult topic, it’s important for survivors to know support is within reach. “I know that this can be a very scary thing, but we do want you to know that there are resources available.”

Brittney Green of the Caddo District Attorney’s Office helped inspire the initiative, which city leaders say will help keep Jenkins’ mission alive for generations to come.

The new shelter stands not just as a place of transit, but as a beacon of strength—and a reminder that one woman’s advocacy can create lasting change.