With an aim of environmental stewardship and community spirit, residents, local organizations, and elected officials joined together for a large-scale tree-planting event to enhance green spaces and promote sustainability recently.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Psi Omega Chapter of Grambling in collaboration with Lincoln Preparatory School, State Rep. Rashid Young, Grambling Mayor Alvin Bradley, Jr., Lincoln Parish police jurors Greg Williams and Karen Ludley, Lincoln Parish School Board members Danielle Williams and David Ferguson, Greater Grambling Chamber of Commerce, and Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Louisiana Delta Chapter made the event a joint effort.
Volunteers of all ages gathered to plant a tree transforming the space into a budding symbol of ecological resilience and community pride.
“This event is more than just planting a tree” said Augustine Moore Chair of Enhance Our Environment Initiative of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. “It’s about growing connections—with our environment, our neighbors, and the future of our city.”
The initiative is part of a larger campaign to combat urban heat, improve air quality, and increase biodiversity. Many attendees said they felt empowered knowing their actions could have long-term environmental impact.
“As part of that initiative, we are to plant two trees. We were having a little trouble finding a place, so I contacted Coach Greg Williams, and he got us a spot at Lincoln Prep.” Moore said the goal was to help make the landscape greener. Dr. Crystal Washington, Lincoln Prep executive director, welcomed the idea. “We’re excited,” Dr. Washington said. “There are learning opportunities for students because we already have a community garden. Plus, contributing to the environment is so important. And we are always excited when different community partners want to come in and assist with things like this.”
Jeffrey Sims, president of the Greater Grambling Chamber of Commerce, said “Next year, when we do this, I hope it will be closer to Arbor Day and become a tradition. We are trying to support everything in the surrounding area. This is an awesome place, and it represents us. We want to be sure we keep the best part of that representation out front.”
Moore indicated that this is only the beginning of the project. While future plans include planting more trees, she said there will also be more student involvement and additional connections throughout the community.
“When communities come together, the roots of change grow deeper,” she said.
The event concluded with refreshments, music, and a brief ceremony thanking the partners and volunteers who made the day possible.
