Lorraine Slacks. Founding Visionary, 1994.
Lorraine Slacks, Founding Visionary
Lorraine Slacks stands among the most influential educators and civic leaders in Northeast Louisiana history. A pioneering force in the desegregation of the Monroe City School System, Slacks modeled what it meant to lead with integrity, courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to bridge divides.
Born in Texas and later relocating to Monroe, Louisiana, in 1953 with her husband Jesse Charles Slacks, Lorraine began a long and distinguished career in public education. As a French teacher at Carroll High School during the 1970s, she became known not only for academic excellence but also for fostering groundbreaking social change.
On one occasion, she organized a student trip to New Orleans that included both Black and white students—an act of bravery at a time when such integration was rare and controversial. When the group was refused service at a gas station en route, Slacks transformed the experience into a moment of powerful education. “Our kids became extremely close because of that,” she later reflected, using the incident to teach students about resilience and the necessity of rising above hatred and ignorance.
Her commitment to inclusive education extended far beyond the classroom. Slacks served as president of the Louisiana Association of Educators, mentored local leaders, and advised political figures across the state, including four-term Governor Edwin Edwards. She also acted as a whip for President Jimmy Carter during the 1980 Democratic National Convention.
Her intellect was matched by global perspective: she studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, and remained a devoted advocate for literacy and cultural enrichment throughout her life, including her leadership with the Friends of the Ouachita Public Library.
Her leadership, alongside fellow trailblazer Nancy Johnson, helped secure the Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum’s permanent home in Monroe’s historic Chennault Park, where it continues to preserve and celebrate African-American culture, art, and history in the Delta region.
Known for her sharp mind, principled leadership, and deep belief in justice, Lorraine Slacks exemplified the very values she taught: tolerance, inclusion, and the pursuit of excellence. Her legacy endures not only in the institutions she built, but in the generations she inspired.
African-American Heritage Museum, Chennault Park.
The Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum
The museum was founded to research, collect, preserve, and present the visual art, historical documents, and cultural artifacts that reflect the lives, legacies, and ongoing contributions of African Americans in the region. It serves as a vital institution in the cultural landscape of Northeast Louisiana, illuminating the rich tapestry of Black life—from the enduring struggles of the past to the creative and civic achievements of the present.
Established through the visionary leadership of Mrs. Nancy Johnson, the museum received its official charter on February 3, 1994. Under the inaugural directorship of Mrs. Lorraine Slacks, the museum opened its doors to the public on March 12, 1994. It was Mrs. Slacks’ extraordinary determination and community advocacy that secured the museum’s presence in its current location in the historically significant Chennault Park. Her efforts laid the foundation for a cultural institution that has since welcomed visitors from across the United States.
Today, her son, Mr. Ross Slacks, carries forward her legacy as Executive Director. Under his guidance, the museum continues to expand its mission: to preserve, interpret, and promote African-American history and culture, with a particular focus on the Delta region of Northeast Louisiana.
The museum supports emerging and established Black artists, hosts exhibitions that bridge history and contemporary life, and maintains a growing permanent collection of paintings, photographs, mixed-media works, and ephemera.
As a cornerstone of cultural education in the region, the museum serves local schools, universities, and civic groups through guided tours, workshops, and public programs. It has become a trusted resource for students and scholars researching the American Civil Rights Movement, local African-American leadership, and the creative output of Black communities in the South.
Whether exploring the role of African Americans in shaping the Delta’s heritage or showcasing the power of contemporary Black art, the Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum remains a beacon of cultural preservation and artistic excellence.