Shreveport Celebrates Courtland Milloy’s 100th Birthday
SHREVEPORT, La. – What a special day it is in Shreveport! The community is not only celebrating its beloved television station’s 70 years on air, but it’s also rallying around a cherished local legend who is marking his 100th birthday. Yes, that’s right! Courtland Milloy, who has had a profound influence on education and journalism, is reaching this incredible milestone surrounded by friends, family, and admirers of his remarkable life.
A Journey of Love and Education
Back in 1949, Milloy, who was a reporter for the Chicago Defender, didn’t just find a new job when he moved to Shreveport; he found love. His girlfriend, Blanche Hurley, was recruited from Tuskegee University to work at the newly established Booker T. Washington High School, the first senior high school for black students in Caddo Parish.
In a sweet twist of fate, as Blanche reached out to him with a life-changing proposition, Courtland remembers her saying, “Would you be willing to leave Chicago and come to Shreveport and accept the position as teacher of graphic arts?” To which he jokingly responded, “Well, is that the only way that we would be able to get married?” How could he say no? Thus began a story of love and commitment – they tied the knot on the same day Blanche arrived in town!
Pioneering Education
Milloy and Blanche became founding members of Booker T. Washington High School when it opened in 1950. With a mere 78 faculty members, their work quickly gained attention across the entire state. Courtland proudly states, “It was the talk of the whole state.” The school offered a plethora of academic courses that were previously unavailable to black students in the region, including classes as varied as Spanish.
Education was a lifelong passion for Milloy, who understood that many northwestern Louisiana students had been yearning for a high school diploma. As he put it, “Central High Colored School only went to ninth grade. They could not earn enough credits to attend colleges like Grambling or Southern.” He realized just how important this opportunity was for those students who had long awaited a chance to earn their diplomas and pursue higher education.
A Passion for Photography
But he wasn’t just an educator; Milloy also had an eye for photography. He shared, “You know, you try to capture what you see.” His photographic journey included capturing significant moments in the lives of others, from debutants to brides. One powerful memory includes a photo he took of a young Rev. Harry Blake after he was beaten by police, showcasing his commitment to documenting social issues.
Milloy went on to establish Milloy’s Photo-Graphics, Inc. in 1965, turning a run-down building into a thriving business. Despite the transition from metal to modern printing processes, he adapted and grew in his craft. Even now, he chuckled as he acknowledged, “I wouldn’t know how to use your camera.” It seems that while technology has changed, the passion remains evergreen.
A Legacy and Celebration
Today, Courtland Milloy stands as the only surviving original faculty member from Booker T. Washington High School, a testament to an incredible lifetime of work. His wife, Blanche, passed in 2014, but the love and influence they shared still reverberate through the community. Just recently, a section of Milam Street was dedicated in his honor, and even more excitingly, a whole day has been designated to celebrate Milloy.
As friends and fraternity brothers from Kappa Alpha Psi gathered to sing a heartfelt birthday song, it became crystal clear that this day was dedicated to a man who has given so much back to his community. “We came at the right time,” Milloy reflected on his journey. His past experiences have shaped a vibrant community and a legacy of love, learning, and connection. Cheers to Courtland Milloy on his 100th birthday! Here’s to many more memories!
