In celebration of Black History month, the Southern University Alumni Federation Home Chapter and the Southern University Alumni Federation hosted a reception to honor African-American state and city leaders. The reception was held Feb. 3 at the Southern University and A&M College - Stadium Field House.

Taylor Porter Partner and Executive Committee Member Preston Castille is the National President of the SU Alumni Federation, which helped host the event. The event was organized by SU Alumni Chapter President Cortny Jarrell and Ms. Michelle McCalope.   Dr. Leon Tarver, Chairman of the SU Board of Supervisors, and President Chancellor Dr. Ray Belton provided inspiring remarks to the audience.  SU Board member Ann Smith also joined the honorees for the event.   

Honorees included Dr. Chuck Brown, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality; Dr. Shawn Wilson, Secretary of the Department of Transportation; Attorney Kimberly Robinson, Secretary of the Department of Revenue; and Ms. Ava Dejoie, Executive Director of the Workforce Commission. Other JBE Cabinet honorees included Erin Monroe Wesley, Special Counsel to the Governor; Johnny Anderson, Deputy Chief of Staff; Desiree’ Honore’ Thomas, Assistant Commissioner of Administration; and Kim Farris LaCour, Director of Constituent Services.