Shreveport’s Journey Towards Equality: A Look Back at Cedric Glover’s Historic Mayoral Election
SHREVEPORT, La. – Over the past 70 years, our beloved Shreveport has seen a whirlwind of milestones—be it in aviation, healthcare, or politics. One of those defining moments took place in 2006 when the city elected Cedric Glover as its first Black mayor, a move that not only broke racial barriers but also shifted the landscape of local governance.
The Road to the Mayoral Race
The 1990 mayoral race set the stage for this monumental episode in Shreveport’s history, pitting various candidates against each other for a chance to be either the first female or the first Black mayor. History would smile upon Hazel Beard, who became the city’s first Republican mayor since the Reconstruction era of the 1870s. However, the dream of electing the city’s first Black leader remained unfulfilled until Glover’s victory 16 years later. In Glover’s own words, “That legacy goes all the way back to at least the early 1970s.”
It was a long and winding road, with heroes like the late state Rep. Willie Singleton and civil rights advocate Dr. C.O. Simpkins attempting to breach the political walls before Glover’s rise. While each of these trailblazers left an indelible mark, they fell short at that historic finish line.
Reality of Expectations
Before stepping into the political arena, Glover sought advice from another pivotal figure, the former mayor of Jackson, Mississippi. During their conversation, he was warned about the burden of expectations: “You’re going to be caught right in between both sets of expectations.” With a firm handshake and grounded advice, Glover learned what was at stake. He absorbed the wisdom and decided to become a change-maker nonetheless.
Glover’s Ascent in Politics
Glover jumped into politics in 1990, where he became the youngest ever elected to the City Council and served for eight years. His tenure saw him authoring key policies and ordinances that shaped the city. He later spent a decade as a state representative, where he managed to garner substantial funds for critical developments, like the iconic Independence Stadium.
It was in the year 2003 that Glover felt the sparks of potential ignited within him, largely influenced by Governor Kathleen Blanco’s groundbreaking election. Inspired and emboldened, Glover took the plunge to run for mayor.
Victory Shakes the Foundations
Fast forward to November 6, 2006, a date that would forever resonate in the annals of Shreveport’s history. After more than 15 years of dedication to public service, Glover’s dream bore fruit. “My anticipation was that we would win by 500 votes or so. We ended up winning by 5,000!” Glover recalled, excitement still echoing in his voice.
A Legacy of Change
Electing a Black mayor in a majority-white city was no small feat, especially in a region historically laden with issues of race and inequality. Glover eloquently remarked, “When you come from a place like Shreveport… our greatest contribution has been as free and cheap labor.” His win represented far more than just an election; it was a resounding message to the community that their voices mattered and that change was possible.
Today, Cedric Glover continues to impact the city as the executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, carrying forward the torch of leadership. During his time as mayor, he proudly commemorated the decline in crime rates, attributing it to the diligent work put forth by his administration—single-digit rates being recorded as the lowest ever for Shreveport.
The story of Cedric Glover is essential to understanding Shreveport’s political evolution. His journey from a young council member to making history reminds us that every effort counts, and change, though slow, is within our grasp.
