PEOPLE

If you ever wondered who were the movers and shakers, both past and present, of African American culture in Baton Rouge, then you’ve come to the right place! This section provides a listing of artists, musicians, and civic leaders who have enriched the social fabric of our area along with brief biographies of each person.

In addition, the biographies include links to the Library’s online catalog, allowing patrons to access any print and audio/visual resources pertaining to the lives of these notable individuals.

Donnie Ray Albert 

Edward Barnes

Emerson Bell

Lorri A. Burgess 

Joe Delpit

Mary Mason Gordon

John Michael Guidry

Eula Mae Hatter

Frank Hayden

Clarence Ruben Hayes Sr. and Oliver Paul Hayes

Isabel Morgan Herson

Melvin L. "Kip" Holden 

Louis Joseph James

Harrison Duncan Lawless

Eva Legard

James Moore (Slim Harpo)

Mary Dickerson Morrison

Reverend William R. Morrison

Huel D. Perkins, Ph. D.  

Freddie Pitcher, Jr.

Coach Eddie G. Robinson 

Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes

Coach Carl Stewart

Gardner Calvin Taylor

Ernest J. "Tabby" Thomas 

Judge Trudy White

Win Wilford

Robert "Pete" Williams

Gus Young, Jr. 

Have additional questions regarding people and places?

Just ask a librarian!