The Network Coalition and Congressman Troy Carter join to honor excellent leadership, advocacy

The 29th annual reception celebrated the leadership and service of nine honorees during this year's Bayou Classic weekend in New Orleans. (DrumRoll)

From the newly renovated Jung Hotel on New Orleans’ Canal Street, The Network Coalition hosted its 29th annual awards reception on Nov. 25. Annually, the coalition honors state leaders, activists, and young influencers who are impacting the lives of Louisiana citizens.

Held on the Friday before the famed Bayou Classic, the reception is title sponsored by Acadian Companies and VCI International. After receiving an unexpected recognition of the William Bill Oliver Legacy Award, Congressman Troy Carter joined organizers in presenting achievement awards to this year’s ten honorees.

Honored were: Senator Regina A. Barrow, Louisiana Municipal Association president Jennifer Vidrine, artist/SUNO museum director Ted Ellis, Congressman Troy Carter, La. District Attorney Association president Bridget Divaut, civil rights attorney Ron Hanley, radio journalist Tony Brown, Black Voters Matters organizers Omari Ho-Sang and Keturah Butler, and State Rep. Jason Hughes.

Jennifer Vidrine, the first Black president of the Louisiana Municipal Association, celebrates the Network Coalition’s recognition of her work as Ville Platte mayor. Photo by Yusef Davis

The Network Coalition also recognized:

• Alexandria Hookfin of Tangipahoa, who at the age of 13, organized a successful relief campaign to deliver 500 cases of water to residents in Jackson, Mississippi. The eighth grader exceeded her goal and collected 1,000 cases to help the city at the start of its water crisis.

• Taylor Sims, the reigning Miss ArkLaTex and Miss Soul Food. She is also a brand ambassador for Seek Jesus clothing brand.

• Alice Thomas Tisdale, publisher-emerita of The Jackson Advocate. She became publisher of the 84-year-old paper in 2007, after her husband Charles Tisdale passed away. Their daughter, DeAnna Tisdale Johnson, took over as publisher in March 2020, continuing the legacy of being Mississippi’s statewide newspaper of record in the Black community.

• Tyrin Truong, Bogalusa's youngest mayor-elect in history. The 23-year-old was elected mayor on Nov. 8 after earning 58% of the vote, beating the two-term incumbent Wendy Perrette. He currently works in policy at the Urban League of Louisiana, a nonprofit in New Orleans. He’ll transition to Bogalusa City Hall at the beginning of the year when he is sworn in.