In 2020, we envisioned a place where we could celebrate and preserve the black history of central Louisiana. In 2022, our vision became a reality and the society was officially founded as a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of African American history and heritage in central Louisiana. From Natchitoches to Alexandria, the rich culture of the 'Crossroads', as CENLA is often called, would not exist without the contributions of African descended people.

Natchitoches, Louisiana, 1940.

Lee Street in Alexandria, LA, 1941.

Empowerment-We take pride in our ancestry, and take ownership of the cultural and historical narratives of our community. We believe we are all stewards of our history and heritage.

Kindness and respect-Every living being deserves compassion and kindness. We value the differences among all humans, and treat everyone with respect, even in the face of conflict.

Community and collaboration-We strive to positively contribute to the communities we are part of and remain committed to allowing community voices to guide our work. We value local and non-local partnerships, and promote collaboration based on mutual respect and trust.

Equity-Within the fields of historic and heritage preservation, it is our goal to fight structural forces that have been harmful to some groups, while benefiting others. We strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity and resources to preserve and promote their heritage, regardless of their background. We recognize that historic preservation can foster equitable community benefits and represent diverse narratives.