By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
An evening dedicated to leadership, scholarship and community service left a lasting impression on those who attended the Ringgold Branch NAACP Annual Lloyd Thompson Scholarship and Awards Banquet on May 2 at the Ringgold School Complex Cafeteria.
Under the leadership of Alonza Alford, president of Ringgold Branch NAACP No. 6075-B, the banquet celebrated individuals who have devoted themselves to uplifting others while recognizing the importance of investing in future generations through scholarships and community engagement.
The highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote address delivered by Melba Walker-Baker of Haughton, a respected community advocate whose decades of service have impacted countless lives throughout northwest Louisiana.
Described as “a voice that makes a difference,” Walker-Baker’s legacy reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, civic involvement and service. She serves as a member of the Bossier City/Parish NAACP and as a Democratic State Central Committee representative, continually championing equity, inclusion and community advancement.
A trailblazer in public service, Walker-Baker made history as the first Black woman elected alderwoman in the town of Haughton, serving from 2013 to 2016. She is also the founder of A Community Promise Inc., an organization dedicated to uplifting communities through outreach, empowerment and service.
Over the years, her work has earned numerous honors, including recognition for achievements in diversity and community leadership. Yet beyond her public accomplishments, those closest to her say her greatest pride is her family. She has been married to her husband, Lorenza Baker Sr., for 63 years and is a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose example continues to inspire future generations.
As the evening concluded, attendees departed encouraged by the stories shared and the example set by leaders who continue to serve their communities with humility, courage and conviction.
The Ringgold Branch NAACP Annual Lloyd Thompson Scholarship and Awards Banquet proved to be more than a ceremony — it was a celebration of legacy, an investment in tomorrow’s leaders and a testament to the power of service in creating meaningful change.
The evening served as a reminder that leadership is measured not merely by words, but by lives touched and communities transformed.