Visit Shreveport-Bossier: inaugural MLK choir competition generated community impact, organizers say
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Summary
Visit Shreveport-Bossier told the Caddo Parish Commission the inaugural 'MLK Voices of the Dream' choir competition generated about $93,000 in estimated local economic impact, drew choirs from Texas and Mississippi, and produced community and youth benefits organizers said they plan to expand in 2027.
Stacy Brown, representing Visit Shreveport-Bossier, told the Caddo Parish Commission that the inaugural "MLK Voices of the Dream" regional choir competition brought participants and visitors to the area and produced an estimated $93,000 in local economic impact. The presentation, given during the administration report, emphasized both tourism benefits and community outcomes.
"We just wanted to come today and, first of all, say thank you," Brown told commissioners, describing the event as a first-year effort the organization intends to grow. She said Visit Shreveport-Bossier and a steering committee organized the competition, which drew choirs from Texas, Mississippi and several Louisiana groups within a roughly 200–300 mile outreach radius. Brown said Visit Shreveport-Bossier provided the majority of event funding and that the organization plans to expand sponsorship outreach for 2027.
Karen Barnes, a steering-committee representative introduced by Brown, and consultant Joe Mayne Battles were credited with supporting planning and recruitment. Woodland High School choir director Zach Burton described the experience for his students as transformational, saying visits from other collegiate ensembles helped students imagine pathways to higher education and raised their aspirations.
"That 10, 15 minutes of them coming by the school, it gave my children so much hope," Burton said, describing how visits from other directors inspired students.
Commissioners praised the competition for producing community cohesion and youth opportunity in addition to immediate spending at hotels and restaurants. The commission asked that the full competition video be made available to commissioners and the public; Brown said that can be done. Organizers said they have begun accepting applications for the 2027 competition and expect a larger event.
The presentation followed an administration update that also included juvenile-system counts and a reminder about an intergovernmental meeting scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20.